Two Kings Rise in the Royal Court National Championship

The Royal Court Championship delivered everything it promised and more, standing as one of the most competitive and memorable tournaments in Free Poker Network history.

A massive field of 333 players filled the room, creating a battle worthy of the crown. From the opening hands to the final showdown, the event featured deep stacks, relentless pressure, and a final table stacked with experience. Familiar faces returned to the spotlight, while new players made their mark, reinforcing the continued growth of the FPN family.

When the final chips fell, two champions emerged. Glenn Schaefers of South Dakota and Steve Belland of Minnesota each captured a Royal Court Main Event Package valued at $12,000. Belland added an extra $400 in bounties to his victory, while Schaefers topped the bounty list among the champions with $700, making their wins even sweeter.

The Royal Court Championship also featured $10,000 in Mystery Bounties, keeping the energy high throughout the event and rewarding players well beyond the final table. Big hits were spread across the field, proving that every elimination mattered and every player had something to fight for.

The King’s Guard honor was claimed by Joe Manno of Illinois, who entered the championship with the largest stack at 80K, earning the $500 King’s Guard cash bonus and setting the pace for the field.

Live reporting for the Royal Court Championship Main Event was provided by Poker News, with feature table action available on YouTube, along with player interviews and behind-the-scenes moments that captured the spirit of the event.

Royal Court Main Event Payouts (Top 27)
Glenn Schaefers – $12,000
Steve Belland – $12,000
Larry Sundberg – $2,500
Wendy Adamczyk D’Andrea – $1,200
Sam Romero – $800
Aaron Miller – $800
Joel Smith – $800
Bonnie Bona – $800
Suzzanne Barsaloux – $800
Garth Courtney – $600
Todd Schwartz – $600
Keith Kinney – $600
Merih Haile – $600
Nick Machart – $600
Oliver Frusa – $600
Dale Schuman – $600
Vince Holloway – $600
Carol Dole – $600
Chad Rohloff – $400
Loretta Henschel – $400
Kirby Morgenstern – $400
Scott Meyr – $400
Harry Burns – $400
Christopher Urban – $400
Michael Sheldon – $400
Ethan Erdmann – $400
Derek Lindfors – $400

Royal Court Championship – Bounty Winners

$1,500 Bounty
Brian Spencer

$1,000 Bounty
Troy Atkinson

$500 Bounties
Marcia Dawson
Ken Dobilaiuskas
Dale Schuman
Joel Smith
Glenn Schaefers

$100 Bounties
Evan Schlosser
Alicia Jones
TJ Schiltz
Martin Puig
Margaret Gude
Jordon Meinkie
Lennard Dawson St
Susan Hauglid
Brad Erfle
Jonathan Mitchell
Hethe Berg
Luciano Ciaranca
Douglas Behrens
Michael Wiedenfeld
Shane Santos
Bryon Dahle (2x)
Melissa Friday
Owen Zimpel
Bill Madison (2x)
Andy Lagarde (2x)
Michael Mejia
Steve Belland (4x)
Kory Skoog (2x)
Leroy Haman
Kirby Morgenstern (2x)
Darren Wiese
Ethan Erdmann
Harry Burns
Loretta Henschel
Chad Rohloff (2x)
Glenn Schaefers (2x)
Vince Holloway
Scott Meyr (2x)
Keith Kinney
Garth Courtney
Suzzanne Barsaloux

Mystery Gift Bag Winners

Rigoberto Benevides
Mary Troftgruben
Elizabeth Walker
Brian Spencer
Curt Timperley
Kirby Morgenstern
Joel Smith
Glenn Schaefers