Craig Ashley’s Strong WPT Prime Run Ends with Another Impressive Cash

Craig Ashley made an incredible run in the WPT Prime Lodge Championship in Austin, Texas, officially bagging for Day 2 and battling his way deep into the money.

This was the very tournament Craig earned his seat into after winning a $5,000 WPT package during the Desert Dash for Cash National Championship. He turned that prize into another impressive performance on one of poker’s biggest stages.

From a massive field of 1,648 players, only 173 made it to Day 2, each guaranteed at least $1,940, with eyes on the top prize of $225,020. Craig entered the day below the average stack, but with grit and patience, he scored two early double-ups and positioned himself for a strong run.

The field started Day 2 with 208 players, and as eliminations piled up, Craig stayed in the fight, navigating a challenging field filled with pros and qualifiers alike. After a long and focused day on the felt, Craig’s tournament came to an end when his pocket queens ran into pocket aces, sending him to the rail in 65th place for $5,900.

Reflecting on his performance, Craig shared:
“Hey, everyone. This has been a great trip, and I'm really happy with the run I had in the WPT Prime tournament. Especially since I was below an average stack for the entire Day 2 (and most of Day 1 as well), it was a grind, but a fun grind, and making some cash always makes it more fun. I'm out here for two more days and will probably play a little cash and maybe a low-stakes tournament for fun.”

Craig also expressed his appreciation for the Free Poker Network community:
“I want to give my thanks to FPN. It's a great place to play and learn the game, and it has a lot of great people. Also need to give a shoutout to Dana Castaneda and my FPN buddy Mike Mejia, both gave me cheers and encouragement through the whole tournament. Plus all my peeps back home at The Office Bar and Grill and at McBride's. And lastly, to my wonderful wife, Angela Ashley, who has always supported me playing and has put up with me for 26 years of thick and thin.”

This run adds to an already stellar year for Craig, who also earned a $10,000 Main Event seat from the Step In The Ring National Championship.

Another deep run, another cash, and another great showing from one of FPN’s finest. Congratulations again, Craig, we’re proud to have you representing the Free Poker Network.