Sometimes, all it takes is a little encouragement from a friend to spark something special. That was exactly the case for Zilong Zhang, who turned a last-minute decision into a career-highlight victory at the inaugural MSPT Golden State Poker Championship at Sycuan Casino in San Diego.
Season 17 of the Major Series of Poker: The Tour (MSPT) rolled on with the $1,110 Main Event, drawing 265 entries across three starting flights. Thirty players returned on Sunday to chase the title, and after a brisk final day, Zhang emerged as the champion following a three-way ICM deal, earning $54,334, 900 Player of the Year points, and a $3,500 seat to November’s MSPT Championship Rock ‘N’ Roll Poker Open.
“It feels really great,” Zhang said after the win. “Starting 2026 with a victory is always good. I’m really glad my friend Nan Chen talked me into coming here. He won a side event, and now I won the Main Event — I couldn’t be happier.”
Final Table Highlights
Zhang navigated a tough final table that featured several accomplished players, ultimately outlasting John Terrill and Robert Fortuno, who finished second and third respectively as part of the ICM agreement.
Television writer and producer Matt Salsberg, a former WPT Player of the Year, made yet another deep run at Sycuan — his sixth final table appearance there in three years. His run ended in fifth place when his top pair with a weak kicker couldn’t overcome Fortuno’s superior pair, good for a $17,415 payday.
Other notable players who cashed included Mary Anne Madruga, Scott Downey, Michael Starek, and Nan Chen, the same friend who convinced Zhang to enter the tournament in the first place.
A Strong Showing Across the Series
The Sycuan stop featured 19 Gold Card events, showcasing deep fields and repeat performers. Local standout Scott Aulds was one of the biggest winners of the series, taking down the $400 Mini Main Event for $23,334 — his third Gold Card — before adding a fourth by winning a $200 Nightly NLH event. That accomplishment moved him into a tie for second place on the all-time Gold Card list.
Nan Chen also made his mark by winning the $300 Black Chip Bounty NLH, further underscoring the strength of the local player pool.
Looking Ahead on the MSPT
With the Golden State Poker Championship in the books, the MSPT schedule continues at a rapid pace. The tour moves next to Bally’s Black Hawk Casino in Colorado, followed by marquee stops including the $1,000,000 guaranteed Diamond Poker Championship at Talking Stick Resort and Poker Bowl X at the Venetian Las Vegas.
For Zilong Zhang, however, this stop will be remembered for more than just the trophy and payday. What began as a friendly suggestion turned into a defining moment — proof that sometimes the best poker decisions happen before you ever sit down at the table.
