Inside Manitoba’s Biggest Poker Payout Event of the Year

This weekend, Trip Aces Poker Tour rewrote the record books for Manitoba’s local poker scene by hosting one of the most player-friendly tournaments the province has ever seen — a 90% payout structure, a record breaking prize pool, and a turnout that exceeded all expectations.

With a finalized 133 players, an astonishing $72,000 total prize pool, and 20 paid positions, the event concluded with $19,080 awarded to first place — making it the largest single-payday tournament in Manitoba poker.

The atmosphere at the River Room inside Flea Whiskey’s was electric from start to finish. The room was filled with anticipation, competition, and excitement as players from across the province took their seats for a two-day event that immediately became one for the history books.

A Payout Structure That Changed the Game

Tournament director & organizers, Joe and Tyler made the bold decision to give 90% of all buy-ins back to players, a structure nearly unheard of in Manitoba poker.

“Christmas is right around the corner,” Tyler explained. “We wanted to put more money back into players’ pockets and give something extra to the people who show up and support us all year.”

Joe echoed that sentiment, emphasizing that Trip Aces was never about personal profit — but about building a poker room and community where players feel valued.

“From the beginning, this was never about the money for us. It was about creating a real place to play poker and giving players the best structure we possibly could. The players built this room with us. This was our way of giving something back.”

The River Room: A True Poker Destination

One consistent theme heard across interviews was the quality of the poker environment.

Players repeatedly pointed to the River Room itself as one of Trip Aces’ greatest strengths — fully renovated, permanent, and built specifically for poker with professional tables, TVs, space, and layout.

“It actually feels like a poker room here,” one longtime player noted. “Not just tables set up in a bar. When you sit down, you know you’re somewhere that was built for this game.”

The venue’s layout, comfort, and atmosphere played a major role in drawing players from across Manitoba — including Carman, Headingly, Selkirk, The Pas and beyond.

The Players Speak

The players themselves were quick to praise the event structure and payout:

“Ninety percent payout is insane. The more they do this, the more players will come out,” said longtime Trip Aces regular Cheynne, who travels regularly to attend their events.

Veteran player Ross, who has over two decades of experience, was equally impressed:

“Anytime players keep more money, it drives real competition. This brings serious players out — and it’s exactly what poker in Manitoba needs.”

For Sheri-Lee, attending this tournament was an easy choice:

“If I missed a game like this, I’d feel it. When something this big comes to town, you don’t skip it.”

Behind the Scenes: Precision, Pressure & Professional Dealing

With high payouts comes higher intensity — something dealers felt firsthand.

Savanna, who has been dealing poker for 18 years, shared how different high-stakes events feel behind the table:

“When there’s real money on the line, every hand matters. You can’t afford mistakes. It keeps you focused — but it’s also why we love it.”

Don, another dealer at Trip Aces, highlighted the environment:

“It’s relaxed here, even with big money at stake. It feels like home. You know the players, you know the staff — it’s a community.”

A Tournament That Gave Back

While players competed for life-changing payouts, Trip Aces also ensured its charitable partnerships remained strong.

Multiple players praised Trip Aces for supporting organizations like Compassion Connections and the North End Housing Project, emphasizing how rare it is to see poker tours actively work with charities that directly support Manitobans in need.

“They don’t just say they care — you actually see where the money goes,” A Trip Aces regular player, Wade shares with us. “And that matters.”

A New Standard for Manitoba Poker

With 133 players, $72,000 on the prize table, first place will be taking home $19,080 — this event didn’t just raise the bar.

It reset it.

More than a tournament, this weekend showcased what Manitoba poker can become when players come first, organizers lead with integrity, and the community rallies behind the game.

And if this event was any indication of what’s coming next — Manitoba’s poker scene is only getting bigger.