Latest News
PokerStars Players Championship Makes History as Richest and Biggest-ever $25,000 Poker Tournament
Ground-breaking PokerStars event generates record-breaking $26,455,500 prize pool including life–changing $5.1 million top prize
PokerStars, the flagship poker brand of The Stars Group, has shattered live poker records as 1,039 players entered to compete in the PokerStars Players No Limit Hold’em Championship (PSPC), generating the largest-ever prize pool for a $25,000 buy-in poker tournament. The PSPC will award more than $26,455,500 to 181 players, including $5.1 million for the winner, who will be crowned when the tournament concludes later this week. The final table alone will produce a total of six millionaires.
“Passion and interest in poker is alive and well in 2019, and this tournament highlights the global excitement for the game,” said Eric Hollreiser, PokerStars Director of Poker Marketing. “Tens of thousands of players participated in a year of unique promotions leading up to the event and that enthusiasm delivered one of the most exciting events in poker history.”
Players descended upon the Atlantis Resort & Casino on January 6 and 7 and were registering up to the very last minute to participate in the historic event. The massive field is comprised of diverse players from all over the world and a spectrum of experience from some of the game’s best professionals to novices who won entry through one of the dozens of low buy-in and free-to-play competitions and giveaways PokerStars held in 2018. Over the past 13 months, PokerStars awarded 320 Platinum Pass packages, each worth $30,000, covering the player’s buy-in, travel and accommodation.
“This tournament has been in the works for over a year and it’s been super exciting to follow the journey of the many Platinum Pass winners,” said Daniel Negreanu, PokerStars Ambassador. “I had a chance to meet many of them, and their excitement for this event is truly what poker is all about. The turnout was simply unbelievable! Over 1,000 players in a $25k buy-in. PokerStars did a fantastic job making this event happen, and the players themselves had input into everything from the blind structures to the payouts. It’s truly been the No-Limit Holdem Players Championship.”
The tournament broke records without counting the 320 Platinum Pass winners, smashing the previous attendance record for a $25,000 buy-in event, which was 639 entries, and the previous highest prize pool of $15,495,000.
The PSPC has brought together a mix of players who would not normally be found seated alongside each other in an event of this level of buy-in. Highly regarded players from online and live poker communities around the world took their seats alongside some of the finest and most familiar names in the game such as Patrick Antonius, Phil Hellmuthand Erik Seidel, not to mention PokerStars Ambassadors Chris Moneymaker, Daniel Negreanu, Jason Somerville, Randy Lew, Jennifer Shahade and Lex Veldhuis, as well as Twitch streamers, poker vloggers, and an abundance of recreational, and even new, players.
Adding some extra sparkle to the first event of its kind are some faces (and voices) well known outside of the poker tables such as the voice of the UFC Octagon Bruce Buffer, who kicked off the tournament by announcing ‘Shuffle Up and Deal’, former NBA star and ESPN analyst Paul Pierce, pro skateboarder Tony Hawk, and comedian, actor and writer Norm Macdonald. Golf pro Sergio Garcia also joined the event, although was among the casualties in day 1.
Many colourful, and often emotional, stories have arisen along the way, including those of Jacki Burkhart, Oliver Biles, and Nikhil Segel who all won their ticket to the Bahamas via the Platinum Pass Adventure. Shaun Lennon from Ireland and Dominique Lamy from France were also nominated to represent their country by their fellow countrymen.
Entry to the tournament is now closed. To keep up to date with all live reports from the PSPC visit the PokerStars Blog or watch the live stream daily from 12:30 ET at PokerStars.TV.
For further information, please contact [email protected]
About PokerStars
PokerStars operates the world’s most popular online poker sites, serving the global poker community. Since it launched in 2001, PokerStars has become the first choice of players all over the world, with more daily tournaments than anywhere else and with the best online security. More than 182 billion hands have been dealt on PokerStars, which is more than any other site.
The Stars Group owns or licenses gaming and related consumer businesses and brands, including PokerStars, PokerStars Casino, BetStars, Full Tilt, Sky Bet, Sky Vegas, Sky Casino, Sky Bingo, Sky Poker and BetEasy as well as live poker tour and event brands, including the PokerStars Players No Limit Hold’em Championship, European Poker Tour, PokerStars Caribbean Adventure, Latin American Poker Tour, Asia Pacific Poker Tour, PokerStars Festival and PokerStars MEGASTACK. The Stars Group is one of the world’s most licensed online gaming operators with its subsidiaries collectively holding licenses or approvals in 21 jurisdictions throughout the world, including in Europe, Australia, and the Americas.
Play Responsibly! For more information on responsible gaming please visit our website at http://www.pokerstars.com/about/responsible-gaming/
Latest News
Set Sail for Festive Fun in Play’n GO’s Boat Bonanza Christmas!
It’s time to don your Santa hat and take to the icy seas in Boat Bonanza Christmas! This holiday twist on the beloved Boat Bonanza series invites players to brave the frosty waters to reel in some seasonal catches. But, be warned – the ocean is just as unpredictable as ever, even with a layer of festive cheer!
The latest release brings a jolly makeover to the hit sea slot series. Following the sun-soaked fishing trips in Boat Bonanza Colossal Catch and the Australian adventure of Boat Bonanza Down Under, this holiday-themed instalment transforms the high seas into a winter wonderland. Players can look forward to unique festive surprises, including bauble-bedecked marine life and a Swordfish dressed in seasonal cheer.
Players will spin across the 5×4 reels, lining up symbols beneath two holiday-themed fishing boats that sit atop the reels, casting their nets for a chance to scoop up Instant Win fish. The game’s special features, including the Mega Catch Feature and the Free Spins round, come with festive twists to keep players engaged. The exclusive Swordfish symbol is wrapped in holiday colours and delivers big multipliers, adding to the excitement of the sea slots experience!
Fans of Boat Bonanza and other popular sea-themed slots like Mega Don Feeding Frenzy and Sea Hunter will feel right at home, with added holiday magic throughout. The game’s visuals also embrace the season, with snow-topped reels, sparkling buoys, and a beautifully frosty coastline, creating an ideal winter-themed experience for players seeking festive entertainment.
George Olekszy, Head of Game Retention at Play’n GO said: “We wanted to bring some holiday cheer to our beloved Boat Bonanza series, and Boat Bonanza Christmas does exactly that. It’s the same gameplay our players know and love, enhanced with festive touches to keep things engaging. We can’t wait to see players reel in some big holiday hauls this season!”
Boat Bonanza Christmas adds festive charm to the Play’n GO portfolio, giving fans a cheerful time as they chase wintry waves.
Industry Awards
Scatters Club Streamers Awards 2025: The World’s Only Online Awards for Streamers Returns with New Nominations Open!
Gear up, gaming fam! Scatters Club Awards, the first-ever online awards exclusively for gambling streamers, is back for its second year with nominations now open! This time, it’s an award for everyone — whether you’re a seasoned streamer, an enthusiastic fan, a media creator, or a valued partner in the gaming industry.
The big event will air live on February 27th, 2025, but the journey starts here. With new and revamped categories, this year’s awards shine a spotlight on community spirit, honoring every contributor to the streaming universe. With a stronger focus on fan-voted awards, the Scatters Club Awards 2025 is truly an Award FOR Everyone!
FOR streamers: it’s time to show off your personality, skills, and style
From gut-busting reactions to out-of-this-world outfits, we’ve got a category for every type of streamer. Whether you’re the life of the party, the master of cringe, or the ultimate fan favorite, we want you to take the stage. And this isn’t just about winning – it’s about bringing your unique self to the community and making your mark. Here’s a peek at some of our main categories:
- Most hilarious reaction to a win. The kind of reactions that make everyone feel the joy.
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- Most bright reaction to a lose. It’s all about rolling with the punches, showing positivity, and making even the losses fun.
- Coolest background. Flex your style with the most creative backgrounds – virtual or real!
- Craziest outfit. Wild looks, eye-popping costumes, and unforgettable streaming style.
- Best streamer collaboration. For those who know that two streamers are better than one. Double the fun, double the win!
- Community champion. For those who go above and beyond to keep their fans engaged and connected.
- Rising star. Recognizing new legends-in-the-making in the gambling streaming world.
- The best cringe. Because sometimes, it’s the awkward moments that make the best memories.
- Streamer bestie. For the most-loved streamer, chosen by the fans themselves.
- The best female streamer. Celebrating the incredible women making waves in gambling streaming.
FOR fans: back your favorite streamers and enjoy the view
Let’s face it: fans are the real MVPs. Without you, there would be no one to cheer on those epic wins (or laugh at the spectacular fails). Not only do you get to vote and send your favorite streamers straight to the top, but you can also enjoy the chance to snag some loot yourself! So, get ready to show some love, vote like crazy, and who knows? Maybe your streamer will win, and you’ll walk away with a prize too!
FOR partners: let’s build a stronger iGaming world
This one’s for our partners – you’re the foundation of the iGaming universe! It’s your chance to join forces with the most creative, innovative, and downright legendary streamers and fans. Together, we’ll keep pushing the boundaries of entertainment and create a space where engagement and pure awesomeness go hand in hand. You bring the spark, and we’ll keep the fires burning with some seriously fun vibes. Let’s make the iGaming world stronger, louder, and just a little bit more outrageous.
FOR media: get in on the most hilarious and inspiring moments
Think you’ve seen it all? Think again! The Scatters Club Awards 2025 is where streaming culture goes off the rails in the most unexpected and hilarious ways. We’re talking laughs, tears (of joy, mostly), and unforgettable moments that will make your feed the talk of the town. Covering this event is like finding a goldmine of meme-worthy content, fan interactions, and jaw-dropping reactions.
Latest News
The 2024 PUBG MOBILE Global Championship (PMGC) Grand Finals Arrive in London!
The World’s Top PUBG MOBILE Teams Compete for Glory and a $3 Million Prize Pool
The highly anticipated 2024 PUBG MOBILE Global Championship (PMGC) Grand Finals are coming to London, marking an unforgettable event in the world of esports. From December 6 to 8 at the renowned ExCeL London, 16 of the world’s premier PUBG MOBILE teams will battle for the ultimate title and their share of an extraordinary $3 million prize pool. Fans can witness the exhilarating live action, cheer on their favourite teams and engage in an unforgettable esports experience!
Event Details:
- Date: December 6-8, 2024
- Time: 11 AM – 4:45 PM daily
- Location: ExCeL London, UK
Event Highlights!
- World-Class PUBG MOBILE Competition: The PMGC Grand Finals promise intense battles as the 16 best PUBG MOBILE teams from around the globe, including a special host region invite for the UK’s own Guild Esports, go head-to-head over three action-packed days. With gameplay from 11 AM to 4:45 PM each day, fans will experience the peak of PUBG MOBILE skills and strategy up close as teams compete for glory and the grand title.
- Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson Special Appearance: In a unique and thrilling addition to the event, Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson will make a special guest appearance, leading the Ice Hammer Challenge. Fans will have the rare chance to see the star up close, with opportunities for photos and exclusive interactions. Don’t miss this chance to test your own strength and meet a true giant!
- Interactive and Immersive Booth Experiences: Dive into the world of PUBG MOBILE with the WOW and Metro Royale interactive booths. Fans will be fully immersed with five cosplayers embodying iconic characters, including the beloved Lone Survivor. Explore the event’s awe-inspiring Ice Dragon sculpture for photo ops and test your strength with the 20kg Ice Hammer Lifting Challenge—perfect for an unforgettable hands-on experience.
- Exclusive Merchandise through Stamp Collection Activity: Take part in the PMGC stamp collection activity to earn exclusive, limited-edition merchandise as a unique keepsake from this monumental event. Collect stamps as you explore the venue to claim your exclusive PMGC items, a must-have for any PUBG MOBILE fan.
Get Ready for the Ultimate Esports Experience!
The 2024 PMGC Grand Finals are set to be a landmark event, combining high-stakes competition, celebrity guest appearances, and interactive fan experiences. Don’t miss your chance to be part of history as the PUBG MOBILE Global Championship takes over London. Join us in celebrating the best in esports, meet the stars, and experience the ultimate in PUBG MOBILE entertainment!
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