Vargas Triumphs as State Poker Champion in Colorado MSPT Tournament
In a thrilling turn of events, Antonio Vargas, a poker player hailing from Commerce City, Colorado, has claimed victory at the Major Series of Poker Tour (MSPT) Season 16 Colorado Poker State Championship. The tournament, held at Bally's Black Hawk Casino from July 23 to August 3, 2025, attracted a total of 875 entries.
Vargas' journey to the top was filled with tough competition, as he faced off against seasoned players like Zack Whitney and Rich Dixon during Day 2. In a crucial hand, Vargas flopped a flush against Rich Dixon, which propelled him into the chip lead.
The final showdown between Vargas and Whitney saw them agreeing to an ICM chop, but Vargas was awarded the trophy as the champion. Whitney finished the tournament in 2nd place, with ~$120,190 (ICM deal), while Dixon secured 3rd place, winning $73,371.
Vargas' victory in the $1,110 Championship event marked his first MSPT title and solidified his standing among poker sites and readers. He walked away with a prize of $141,255, a significant increase from his previous best cash of $70,352 from last year's same event where he finished third. This win also earned him 1,800 Player of the Year points and an MSPT Gold Card.
With this impressive win, Vargas' redemption story continues. After narrowly missing the win the previous year and finishing third earlier in the same year's MSPT Ballyβs Main Event, Vargas has finally claimed the title he deserved.
As Season 16 of the MSPT continues, the next stop is in Grand Falls, Iowa, from August 6-10. With a $300K GTD prize pool for the next Main Event, the competition is sure to be fierce. However, with his newfound confidence and skill, Antonio Vargas is undoubtedly a player to watch.
[1] MSPT Colorado Poker State Championship: Final Table Results [2] Antonio Vargas Wins MSPT Colorado Poker State Championship [3] Zack Whitney and Antonio Vargas Agree to ICM Chop in Heads-Up Battle [4] Rahul Lal and Thomas Fuller Exit MSPT Colorado Poker State Championship Before Final Round [5] Antonio Vargas Wins MSPT Season 16 Colorado Poker State Championship and $141,255 Prize
[1] Antonio Vargas' triumph at the MSPT Colorado Poker State Championship was not just limited to poker games, as he also showcased his skills in various casino-games throughout the tournament at Bally's Black Hawk Casino.
[2] Now that he's claimed the MSPT Colorado Poker State Championship title, Antonio Vargas is eyeing the sports betting section of the casino, hoping to extend his winning streak to casino-and-gambling beyond poker.
