Two-Time Former National Champion Joel Smith from MN Wins Weekly Nat'l Qualifier

Joel Smith (mnwhitetiger) from Henning, MN outlasted 151 players in Sunday's Royal Court Weekly Nat'l Qualifier on February 23, 2025. Joel plays at The Dougout Bar & Grill, Billy's Corner Bar & Grill, and The Salty Pickle, in Minnesota.

With the win, Joel earns a seat in the Royal Court Nat'l Championship Main Event PLUS a $200 Travel Rebate! Congrats!

Here are the rest of the top 9 players who each advance to the Royal Court MONTHLY Nat'l Qualifier on Sunday, March 23, 2025, at 12 PM CST.

2nd: Michael Tessone (candyandcorn) Joliet IL
3rd: Albert Buhr (al1956) Lincoln NE
4th: Aubrey Hronek (BigMama402) Omaha NE
5th: Kristin Hanzlik (Krazyk1983) Omaha NE
6th: Thomas Murphy (Tom3983) Rochester MN
7th: Shaun Kugler (Kugler2) Fergus Falls MN
8th: Jonathan Gamboni (John_G) St. Francis MN
9th: Ryan McLean (red333black) Minooka IL

How to Qualify: The top three players from EVERY regular-season game win a free entry to the Weekly Nat'l Qualifier. Players receive an automatic internal notification to their profile/account on freepokernetwork.com when the host finalizes/locks the tournament results. The notification contains a ticket/code for entry.

Note: Your host must enter your verified player account in tournaments to receive all benefits, and your FPN account should be created by you. If the host creates your account, it is likely not verified, and you are missing out on FPN notifications and prizes. For any player account issues, please submit a Support Ticket, and we'll help resolve your account.

Royal Court Promotion Details: Royal Court
FPN YouTube Channel: Free Poker Network (Help us get to 1,000 subscribers!)