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Mitch Schock, a professional poker personality, has received national recognition with his 29th place finish in the 2006 WSOP. Mitch bested over 8000 other poker hopefuls to win $329,000.00. “Mitch Schock has an electric personality that was captured by the ESPN cameras” stated Midwest Poker Player magazine, when Mitch was the feature of their June 2007 cover story. Mitch a Bismarck, ND native is also the owner and founder of the Dakota Poker Tour and Partner of the Free Poker Network.  As professional Poker Player, Mitch, has expanded his talents and horizons to include private tutoring and training for poker hopefuls, hosting poker schools and seminars, and serving as tournament director and emcee across the region.  Mitch has worked with the ND Texas Hold’em Championship Tournament since its inception, serving as emcee for each of the four years.

Wendy Rupert, is the creator and co-founder the ND Texas Hold’em Championship Tournament.  Having over 25 years of marketing and management experience, the creation of the tournament was a natural evolution and blending of experiences when she became the General Manager of The Vegas Motel in February 2004.  The name of the motel and the current interest in Texas Hold’em poker lead to a perfect fit with the creation of the tournament.  

Stacy Norton, joined the founding of the tournament team in August of 2004 when her business, Sevens Bar and Restaurant set up residence in The Vegas Motel.  Stacy’s 20 years of event planning, service management and creative artistic flare rounded out the talents for a winning team.  Stacy and Wendy were both selected as Business Women of the year in 2005, in the annual Women of Distinction recognition held by the local YWCA.

Chad McNally, a Minot native is the Executive Director of the MSU Beaver Boosters and MSU Alumni Association. As Director for the charitable gaming sponsor for the tournament, he is foundational for the establishment and promotion of the tournament scholarship fund that is the direct beneficiary of the tournament proceeds. The scholarship was established to award funding to MSU Marketing Students to help promote MSU and local and regional events in the Minot area such as the ND Texas Hold’em Championship, North Dakota State Fair, The Norsk Hostfest, and the KMOT Ag Expo. Chad joined the tournament team in 2006 when MSU Alumni partnered with the Vegas Motel and Sevens Bar and Restaurant by sponsoring their charitable gaming. Chad has served on the Board of Directors of the Booster Club for two years