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The Royal Court Grows Stronger as Qualifier #3 is officially complete

By Dana Castaneda | Jan 08, 2026 9:35 PM

A massive field of 135 players entered the arena, each battling for position and prestige in one of the most important qualifiers of the week. When the final hands were dealt, 34 players earned another 20K starting stack into the Royal Court National Championship, taking place Friday, January 9 at 10:00 AM.

The stakes are fitting for royalty. Players will compete for a $12,000 grand prize, alongside an additional $10,000 in Mystery Bounties, making every elimination as valuable as every chip won.

The race for the King’s Guard bonus is heating up as stacks continue to grow. The chip leader heading into the Royal Court National Championship will earn an extra $500 in cash. Currently, Joe Manno (IL) sits atop the leaderboard with 80K in chips. Close behind, each holding 60K, are Christopher Nelson (ND), Jacob Karnowski (NV), Luvern Hanson (SD), Randall Leblanc (NV), and Suzzanne Barsaloux (IL). Also in striking distance are Charlie Woods (NE), Keith Kinney (NJ), Nikki Smith (MN), and Thomas Weseloh (MN), all eyeing the throne with only the High Roller Qualifier remaining.

Once crowned, the King’s Guard will reset for the Clash of Kings & Queens National Championship, setting the stage for a brand-new battle for supremacy.

Beyond the felt, the celebration continued with the 1:00 PM cash drawing, where Tom Schumacher from South Dakota claimed $200. Cash drawings will continue daily at 1:00 PM and 7:00 PM, along with random FPN merchandise giveaways. Players can enter by placing receipts from qualifying events into the drawing drum located at the front of the room.

The court is nearly assembled. One qualifier remains. The crown awaits.

Joe Manno (MN)
Scott Goodman (MN)
Ronald Miller (KY)
Stanley Keller (ND)
Justin Page (MN)
Glenn Schaefers (SD)
Brian Spencer (KY)
Barbara Hein (MN)
Darren Wiese (MN)
Steven Belland (MN)
David Hanson (SD)
Paul Rossmeier (TX)
Nels Peterson (MN)
Jordan Sleen (MN)
Bruce Hogy (MN)
Kenneth Jarosz (FL)
Bradley Henkin (IL)
David Litvak (NV)
Amanda Gibbs
Thomas Weswloh (MN)
Nikki SMith (MN)
Chad Rohloff (MN)
Stony Keith (IN)
Charles Woods (NE)
Douglas Behrens(FL)
Elishea Popp
John Goodell
Keith Kinney (NJ)
Spyros Apessos (NJ)
Xeng Lor (KY)
Stephen Skinner
Fritz Haywood (NV)
Roger Trumbull (NE)
Joseph Gaube (NE)

The Free Poker Network is committed to providing all players with a fun, fair, and welcoming poker experience. All participants must follow this Code of Conduct to maintain the league's integrity and ensure a positive environment.

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