Roughrider Poker Tour Returns to Deadwood for SDSPC Flagship Event
Authored by transwinfreight.com, Apr 03, 2026
The Roughrider Poker Tour heads back to Deadwood, South Dakota, from April 16 to 19, 2026, for the South Dakota State Poker Championship's centerpiece buy-in gathering at the Silverado Franklin Historic Hotel & Gaming Complex. This marks the third year of a growing alliance between the tour and the venue, following two outings that drew record entry numbers. Organizers anticipate another strong showing, fueled by recent successes elsewhere.
Event Structure and Timeline
The $1,140 buy-in centerpiece offers three starting sessions to accommodate entrants. Day 1A begins Thursday, April 16 at 3:00 p.m., Day 1B follows Friday, April 17 at the same time, and Day 1C runs Saturday, April 18. Each session starts participants with 30,000 chips, and levels advance every 20 minutes. Remaining entrants combine Sunday, April 19 at 11:00 a.m. for the conclusion.
| Date | Session | Start Time |
|---|---|---|
| April 16, 2026 | Day 1A | 3:00 p.m. |
| April 17, 2026 | Day 1B | 3:00 p.m. |
| April 18, 2026 | Day 1C | 3:00 p.m. |
| April 19, 2026 | Day 2 | 11:00 a.m. |
Momentum from North Dakota Record
The tour enters this stop after its $250 North Dakota State event at Casino North Dakota, which set a state record with 1,655 entries. Preston Dean took first place, earning $49,300 plus a $10,700 WSOP Main Event package by beating Steve Kelly in the last hand with a full house. That gathering's scale underscores rising interest in regional poker circuits.
- 1st: Preston Dean (United States) - $49,300 + $10,700 WSOP package
- 2nd: Steve Kelly (United States) - $30,000
- 3rd: Kim Rasmussen (United States) - $23,000
- 4th: Kamden Keleher (United States) - $17,000
- 5th: Shane Koenig (United States) - $13,000
- 6th: Jamie Meidinger (United States) - $10,000
- 7th: Mitch Hogue (United States) - $7,700
- 8th: Kyle Shipman (United States) - $6,200
- 9th: Riley Vareberg (United States) - $4,300
Deadwood's Enduring Draw
Deadwood anchors this event with its legacy as a Wild West gambling hub, where saloons once fueled gold rush fortunes. The Silverado Franklin blends that heritage with modern facilities, drawing crowds to its poker rooms year after year. As regional tours expand, such venues sustain poker culture by merging history with accessible competition, positioning the SDSPC as a spring highlight. PokerNews plans full live coverage.