Jasper May Claims RGPS Passport Southern Indiana Main Event Title After Inspiring Stroke Recovery Story

Last Updated on May 5, 2026 by Bala Kumar

Introduction

The RunGood Poker Series (RGPS) Passport Southern Indiana Main Event delivered an emotional and action-packed finish in Elizabeth, Indiana, where local player Jasper May secured the championship title along with a $47,787 top prize after four days of competitive poker action.

Held at Caesars Southern Indiana, the $800 buy-in Main Event attracted 321 entries, generating a prize pool of $224,700, comfortably surpassing its guarantee. Despite strong competition and a busy poker calendar overlapping with Kentucky Derby weekend, the event maintained steady turnout and high-energy gameplay throughout.

For poker fans following tournament circuits and online poker strategy platforms such as PokerClubGames, this victory stands out not just for the prize money—but for the powerful comeback story behind it.

Final Table Results – RGPS Southern Indiana Main Event

Place	Player		Country	Prize
1	Jasper May		United States	$47,787
2	Shon Smith		United States	$31,858
3	Andrew Huberty		United States	$23,290
4	Ryan Stone		United States	$17,263
5	Craig Carman		United States	$12,975
6	Kevin Johnson		United States	$9,890
7	Caio Sobral		Brazil	$7,648
8	Michael Scarborough		United States	$6,001
9	Ian Gillespie		United States	$4,779

The final table lasted nearly ten hours, with momentum swinging multiple times before May ultimately defeated Shon Smith in heads-up play to secure the ring.

Emotional Victory for Jasper May

Following his win, May expressed how meaningful the moment was—especially because it came at his home casino with familiar faces supporting him.

He described the experience as a long-awaited return to form, emphasizing how difficult it had been to consistently compete in live poker events in recent years. The atmosphere at the venue turned electric when the final hand concluded, marking a memorable local victory.

Unlike many professional circuit winners, May’s story carried a deeply personal tone, making this result more than just a tournament score—it was a milestone of resilience.

Overcoming Health Challenges: A Remarkable Comeback

One of the most powerful elements of this event was May’s journey back to competitive poker after suffering a stroke approximately four years ago.

He shared that recovery was not immediate and required rebuilding both physical and mental endurance before returning to serious tournament play. Even during the final table, he acknowledged making minor mistakes under pressure, but credited his persistence and experience for helping him recover and close out the win.

His story resonated strongly with the poker community, where long-term discipline, patience, and mental strength often define success as much as technical skill.

From Roofing to Nursing to Poker Tables

Beyond poker, May’s background is unusually diverse. Before becoming a regular on the poker circuit, he spent years working in physically demanding roofing jobs before transitioning into healthcare.

He later built a long career as a registered nurse, primarily working in high-intensity environments such as ICU and emergency care. According to him, these professions helped shape his mindset—especially when it comes to staying calm under pressure.

Many players at the table were surprised by his calm demeanor and ability to read situations effectively, unaware of his professional background. His career journey highlights how discipline from real-world high-pressure environments can translate effectively into tournament poker performance.

Heads-Up Battle and Final Moments

The final duel between Jasper May and Shon Smith was relatively short compared to earlier stages of the tournament, but it carried high tension with every hand.

May maintained steady aggression while avoiding unnecessary risks, gradually building his stack advantage. Once he gained control of the match, the pace shifted in his favor, eventually leading to the decisive hand that secured the championship ring.

The final moment triggered celebration across the poker room, with spectators and fellow players acknowledging the emotional significance of the win.

RGPS Tour Momentum and Growing Popularity

The RunGood Poker Series (RGPS) continues to grow as one of the most consistent mid-stakes tournament circuits in the United States. Known for accessible buy-ins and strong regional turnout, RGPS events often attract a mix of recreational players and experienced grinders.

The Southern Indiana stop once again demonstrated:

• Strong local participation
• Competitive but balanced fields
• Consistent prize pool growth
• High engagement from recreational players

These elements make RGPS a key stepping stone for players looking to transition into larger national or international events.

Key Poker Takeaways from the Event

This tournament also offers valuable insights for players studying online poker tournament strategy, especially those following content platforms like PokerClubGames:

1. Patience Wins Long Events

Deep-run tournaments require long-term discipline rather than short-term aggression.

2. Experience Outside Poker Matters

May’s background in healthcare and manual labor shows how real-world stress management translates into poker success.

3. Emotional Control is Critical

Despite mistakes, staying composed helped him recover during key moments.

4. Position and Timing Decide Final Tables

Controlled aggression in late stages played a major role in his victory.

Conclusion

Jasper May’s victory at the RGPS Passport Southern Indiana Main Event is more than just another tournament win, it is a story of resilience, patience, and personal transformation.

From overcoming a serious health setback to returning to competitive poker and capturing a major title, May’s journey reflects the unpredictable and human side of poker tournaments.

As RGPS continues expanding its footprint, stories like this highlight why live poker remains one of the most compelling competitive formats in the world, where strategy meets endurance, and every player has a chance at redemption.

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