Every year the Vegas Motel hosts the ND Texas Hold’em Championship. This year will be their 14th year hosting the tournament and Wendy Rupert, manager of the Vegas Motel, said they are very excited to be holding it again.

This year’s competition will begin Friday with a Free Roll day where around 400 contestants can play to be in the top 10, gaining a spot in the flights that will occur the next two days. This free roll will start with registration at 4:30 p.m. at the motel and the playing will begin at 6 p.m.

The two days, Saturday and Sunday, contestants will be able to compete to gain a spot in the Championship Day on Monday. Registration will open at 8 a.m and the first flight will start at 10 a.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. on Sunday. The second will start at 3 p.m on Saturday and 4 p.m. on Sunday.

Each flight will accept 450 players. If you win the first day, you don’t have to play again until Jan. 1 at the Championships. If you prepay for both qualifying round days but win the first day, you won’t be able to get a refund, but you can either try to sell your seat to another contestant or play the next day and keep the highest chip amount from one of the days.

On Championship Day, registration will begin at 10 a.m. with the playing starting at 11 a.m.

According to the registration form, there will be an estimated first prize pay-out of $30,000. Prizes will be paid out to around 100 top players.

“Last years winner, Jon Warden from Fischer, Minn., won around $30,000,” Rupert said.

The tournament attracts both locals and those from all around with a large variety of states sending representatives as well as three provinces from Canada. Rupert said the event is a huge thing for not only the motel but the community as well.

“It always brings a big crowd which means a big community and economical impact. Those who play always seem to bring their families with too,” Rupert said.

One year, Becki Hansen of Lisbon, became one of six female players to finish in the tournament’s top ten. Her husband is also very involved and the tournament is a dual event for them.

The tournament started with only 387 players, but Rupert said they’ve grown drastically with their largest year having 1,716 players involved. The average is around 1,200 players a year.

If you are interested in playing in the competition, there are a few important rules. You must be 21 years of age and you must pay the $100 registration. You are able to register early, but unless you pay as well, you don’t have a guaranteed spot. Contestants can pay with check, money order, or cash. If you register early for the second flight of the day, at 3 p.m. Saturday and 4 p.m. Sunday.

The registration form is online at www.thevegasmotel.com/pokertournament.php.