Under the dim lights of the Grand Falls Casino in Larchwood, Iowa, the tension in the room was thick enough to cut with a knife. Among hundreds of hopefuls chasing poker glory, one woman sat calmly, calculating every move, her stack among the shortest at the final table. That woman was Angela Jordison — and what followed was nothing short of a masterclass in strategic resilience. When the dust settled on March 23, 2025, Jordison had not only outplayed the field of 513 entrants but walked away with her second MSPT (Mid-States Poker Tour) Main Event title and a $95,381 payday.
From Underdog to Champion: A Poker Comeback Story
Angela’s journey to the top wasn’t smooth sailing. Entering the final table low on chips, the odds were stacked against her — literally. But rather than folding under pressure, she leaned into the adversity. Jordison revealed afterward that she had been focusing her recent study on ICM (Independent Chip Model) situations and short stack play. That preparation turned out to be the edge she needed. Her calm, calculated approach transformed what could have been a routine bust-out into a storybook comeback.
“Coming in short, that’s really something I’ve been working on. These short stack spots and understanding the ICM dynamics made a huge difference,” Jordison shared after the win. And that preparation clearly paid off.
Final Table Results: The Numbers Behind the Narrative
Let’s take a closer look at the MSPT Grand Falls Casino Main Event final table payouts:
- Angela Jordison – $95,381
- TJ Murphy – $76,736
- Aaron Knudson – $47,197
- Steve Fundermann – $35,687
- Kevin Berthelsen – $26,757
- Jason Sell – $20,308
- Jason Peterson – $15,843
- DJ Buckley – $12,370
- Paul Cross – $9,393
The field was stacked with seasoned pros and local legends, making the win even more impressive. The highlight hand of the final table was a blind-vs-blind battle between Jordison and TJ Murphy. Jordison held ace-eight of diamonds, flopping a nut flush draw, while Murphy had ace-nine. Although the flush didn’t come, Jordison’s aggressive play forced Murphy to make tough decisions and defined her strategy throughout the tournament.
A Closer Look at Jordison’s Legacy in the MSPT
With this second title, Angela Jordison takes a huge leap toward achieving something only a select few poker players can claim — induction into the MSPT Hall of Fame. Under the tour’s new requirements, players must hold at least two MSPT titles, record 25 Main Event cashes, and accumulate $500,000 in MSPT earnings.
Following her recent victory, Jordison now has:
- 2 MSPT titles
- 17 Main Event cashes
- $463,714 in MSPT earnings
That puts her within striking distance of the coveted Hall of Fame mark — an incredible achievement for any professional poker player, especially one who continues to evolve and sharpen her game.
Why This Win Matters
Jordison’s story is one of persistence, study, and execution — values that resonate deeply within the poker community. In a game where variance can make or break even the best players, Angela’s consistent performance over the years proves that preparation and mental toughness can tilt the odds back in your favor.
It’s also a refreshing reminder that women in poker continue to make massive strides, not just showing up but dominating. Jordison is quickly becoming a household name among MSPT fans, and her performance at Grand Falls has solidified her status as one of the top talents on the circuit.
What’s Next for Angela Jordison?
With her second MSPT title under her belt and the Hall of Fame within reach, all eyes will be on Jordison as she continues her 2025 poker season. Whether it’s another MSPT stop, a WSOP bracelet hunt, or a deep run in another major tour, one thing is certain: Angela Jordison is a force to be reckoned with.
For players looking to up their own game, there’s a lot to learn from her journey — especially about handling pressure, short stack strategy, and the mental game. She’s not just winning tournaments; she’s showing the blueprint for how to do it with class and preparation.
BetterPokerNews is your trusted source for the most inspiring stories and breaking updates in the world of poker. Whether it’s high-stakes action, underdog victories, or deep strategy analysis, we bring the felt to your screen. Stay connected with BPN for exclusive interviews, tournament results, and expert breakdowns that elevate your poker game and keep you ahead of the curve.