MISSION – A record $786,870 was paid out to players in the eight-day Fall Poker Roundup that ended Saturday at Wildhorse Resort & Casino.

The high-point winner for the event was Aaron Jensen of Riverside, Calif., picking up $1,000 in addition to his poker winnings. Jensen won the second biggest purse awarded on Saturday, $46,112, to put him over the top with total winnings of more than $76,000.

Saturday’s biggest payout, $66,024, was won by Ryan Larson of Spokane.

Larsen’s game of choice is Hold ‘Em No Limit. He came in sixth Nov. 5 and won first place Nov. 8 in addition to his second place Saturday.

The trip and free entry to a major Caribbean poker tournament on St. Maarten’s Island went to the second place points earner, Craig DiSalvo of Montpelier, Vt. The guidelines for that prize required the trip be awarded to a player who had participated in all eight days of the tournament.

“A lot of the players didn’t participate in one day of the tournament or the other, depending on their favorite games,” said Charles Denight, publicity manager for Wildhorse.

The poker tournaments, held every spring and fall at the casino, are increasing in popularity, Denight said. He speculated that the prize money would top the $1 million mark in the near future.

“Only two and a half years ago … the total payout was $102,400,” said Denight, and last year’s fall tournament paid out less than half of this year’s event.

The Roundup is the largest poker tournament outside of Los Angeles and Las Vegas, according to tournament director Roland Waters. Waters said it’s a favorite among the world’s top players.

“Unlike many poker tournaments, where all of the prize money comes from the players, Wildhorse adds money to the pots, “Waters said. “That and the low ($10 )entry fees and low buy-ins ($150 average) have attracted a large following.”

World Poker Tour women’s division winner Clonie Gowen said the Wildhorse tournament is a “working man’s tournament,” because of its affordability. Gowen placed in the top 20 of two of the daily tournaments. Other player celebrities from the poker world included Vince Burgio and Tom McEvoy, who have both written about tournament poker.

Saturday had the biggest payout, $230,000 to 36 winners.

Regional winners in the tournament include Luan Bui of Walla Walla, $30,000, Lucio Dominguez of Hermiston, $12,292, Chuck Cannon of Pendleton, $1,195, Ken Ellison of John Day, $963, Frank Ransom of Pendleton, $635, Brian Eubanks of Pendleton, $543 and Ruben Ornelas of Hermiston, $305.

The Spring Poker Round-Up is scheduled for March 30 through April 9 at Wildhorse, off Interstate 84 at exit 216.