Amy Batson Won Mississippi State Poker Championship

The inaugural event at Horseshoe Tunica Casino concluded after a final table chip deal.

Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Casino

Screen-print poster illustration of clay gaming discs and a brass trophy buckle, representing the Mississippi poker championship victory.
Amy Batson claimed the title at the inaugural Mississippi State Poker Championship in Tunica after a final-table chip deal settled the prize pool. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Amy Batson claimed the title at the inaugural Mississippi State Poker Championship Main Event held at the Horseshoe Tunica Casino. The victory was secured after the final seven players opted for an ICM chip chop to distribute the prize pool.

Why it matters

The tournament marked a new state-level poker circuit milestone in Mississippi. By utilizing an ICM chip chop, the players minimized financial variance at the final table while still determining an official champion through a final flip.

The inaugural $400 Main Event saw seven players agree to an ICM chip chop. Michael Holland secured the largest individual payout of $17,570 from the prize pool.

The players

Amy Batson

She is the winner of the inaugural Mississippi State Poker Championship Main Event.

Michael Holland

He was a finalist in the tournament who received the largest payout of $17,570.

Horseshoe Tunica Casino

It is the gaming facility located in Mississippi that hosted the inaugural championship tournament.

The details

The tournament was determined when the final seven participants agreed to redistribute the remaining prize pool using the Independent Chip Model. Following the financial settlement, the competitors participated in a final flip to officially designate Amy Batson as the winner of the belt buckle trophy.

Timeline

  1. The Mississippi State Poker Championship concluded in September 2026.

Industry Dynamics

This inaugural Mississippi State Poker Championship establishes a new regional competitive structure for poker players in the South. It reflects the broader trend of regional casinos hosting state-specific branded events to increase local tournament participation.

The use of an ICM chop allowed finalists to guarantee specific financial returns rather than risking the entire prize pool on final hands. Future participants at Horseshoe Tunica can expect similar structured buy-in events for upcoming state-level tournaments.

The takeaway

The event highlights how professional tournament players frequently use ICM deals to manage risk before playing for the title. Players interested in future championships should familiarize themselves with chip-chopping mechanics to understand how prize money is distributed.

Further reading

For more information on regional gaming events, visit Mississippi Casino.

Source note: This article includes information reported by Pokernews.

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