Pat Wilmes

Pat (Mike) Wilmes is a native of Roseville, Minnesota. Outside of poker, he worked as a high school math teacher. His early poker career included modest live tournament results before his breakout victory in 2014.

Wilmes's biggest achievement came in April 2014 at the Mid-States Poker Tour (MSPT) Canterbury Park Main Event in Shakopee, Minnesota. The tournament attracted a Minnesota state-record field of 447 entrants, and Wilmes emerged victorious after two days of play, earning $108,984 — more than four times his previous lifetime live tournament winnings.

The defining hand occurred in Level 22 (8,000/16,000/2,000) with three players seeing a flop of 7♦Q♥5♥. Ken Pates checked, Todd Lyfoung bet 80,000, and Wilmes raised to 250,000 on the button. Pates then re-raised to 500,000, and Wilmes moved all in for 621,000 with 8♥6♥ (a combo draw). Pates called with 7♥7♣ for middle set. The turn was 2♠, and the river fell 9♣, giving Wilmes a straight to win the massive pot and seize the chip lead.

Wilmes entered the final table as the chip leader and controlled the action. He eliminated Dennis Stevermer in ninth place and later took out Jim Lawrence in fourth to set up a heads-up battle against Mike Lang. After a short duel, Wilmes secured the title. The final table payouts included:

• 1st: Mike Wilmes – $108,984
• 2nd: Mike Lang – $60,547
• 3rd: Harry Behling – $41,085
• 4th: Jim Lawrence – $28,111
• 5th: Ken Pates – $21,624
• 6th: Jerome Getz – $15,137
• 7th: Jason Smith – $12,974
• 8th: Tony Lazar – $10,812
• 9th: Dennis Stevermer – $9,298
• 10th: Brian Soja – $7,352

Wilmes demonstrated an aggressive, drawing-oriented style in his MSPT win. He was willing to commit his stack on strong combo draws, as shown by his all-in with an open-ended straight flush draw against a set. He also displayed patience, protecting his stack at the final table and avoiding unnecessary confrontations until picking favorable spots.

Wilmes's victory at the 2014 MSPT Canterbury Park remains his career highlight. His total live tournament earnings stand at $113,638 according to MSPT records. Though not a household name, his win against a record field and his background as a math teacher make him a notable figure in the Midwest poker scene.