The ND Texas Hold’em Championship is happening Dec. 27-29 at a new host location, Sleep Inn & Suites. Co-founders Wendy Rupert and Stacy Norton have brought the tournament back to Minot after five years. Historically, the event has brought in more than 1,800 entries during the tournament week, according to Visit Minot, the local convention and visitors bureau.

“We are deeply humbled by the overwhelming response to have this tournament in the Magic City once again,” Rupert said.

The tournament began in 2004 as a marquee event for the Minot community.

“Many of the champions have been from North Dakota over the years, with two international champions from Canada. Competitors have traveled from 39 states and 11 countries to compete,” Rupert said.

Visit Minot reports the projected economic impact for the three-day tournament is close to $2 million, bringing new faces and revenue to Minot during the holiday gap between Christmas and New Year’s Eve.

Mitch Schock, World Series of Poker bracelet winner, will be the professional poker consultant for the tournament, with licensing from Aggie Foundation for charitable gaming. For more information on how to enter the tournament, visit www.facebook.com/NDTexasHoldemChampionship, email office@sleepinnminot.com or call Rupert at 837-3100.