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Tournament Trail: A Preview of International Poker Series Scheduled for This Winter

PokerScout previews international live poker series running over the next few months from the PSPC to WSOP Circuit and more.

For poker players looking to travel this winter, many tournaments are on the horizon this winter. Major series like the World Series of Poker, European Poker Tour, 888poker Live, and the Grosvenor UK Poker Tour are showcasing hot events throughout the colder months.

Big player pools and large guarantees await at many of these tournament stops. The PokerStars Players Championship also kicks off in January and promises to be one of the biggest events of the year. 

PokerScout takes a look at some of the international live poker series running over the next few months.

WSOP International Circuit

The World Series of Poker hosts multiple international circuit stops in early 2023. All events feature championship rings up for grabs.

Each winner is also granted a spot in the $1 million Tournament of Champions freeroll, set for this summer in Las Vegas. The announced 2023 stops on the schedule include:

  • Jan. 4-24  – King’s Resort (Rozvadov, Czech Republic)
  • Jan. 11-23 – Deerfoot Inn & Casino (Calgary, Canada)
  • Jan. 14-22 – Es Saadi Gardens Resort (Marrakech, Morocco)
  • Feb. 3-13 – Casino Plaza (Dakar, Senegal)
  • Mar. 22- Apr. 3 – Casino Royale (St. Maarten)

WSOP Circuit schedule in Czech Republic

King’s Resort in Rozvadov, Czech Republic, will be the first international WSOP Circuit stop of 2023. The series offers multiple events and highlights include the €1,700 Main Event with a €1 million guarantee.

With 160 poker tables, King’s is the largest poker room in Europe and one of the biggest in the world. Players have a nice mix of options to pick from including No Limit Hold’em and Pot Limit Omaha. Besides the Main Event. A few standout tournaments include:

  • €250 Mini Main (Event 1, Jan. 4-8) – €500,000 guaranteed
  • €550 Monster Stack (Event 6, Jan. 12-15) – €500,000 guaranteed
  • €440 Pot Limit Omaha (Event 8, Jan. 16) – €50,000 guaranteed
  • €1,100 Bounty Hunter (Event 12, Jan. 22) – €100,000 guaranteed

PokerStars Caribbean Adventure is back

The major poker action once again returns to the Bahamas this year with the PokerStars Caribbean Adventure (PCA) at the Baha Mar resort from Jan. 22 – Feb. 3.

The Road to the PSPC (PokerStars Players Championship) is wrapping up and players are headed to the Caribbean for this massive event.

Platinum Pass winners won seats into the $25,000 buy-in tournament, scheduled for Jan. 30. A Platinum Pass includes a tournament and travel package worth more than $30,000. Some other events at the PCA festival include:

  • $100,000 Super High Roller – Jan. 22
  • $30,000 Mystery Bounty  – Jan. 26
  • $25,000 PLO High Roller – Jan. 27
  • $10,000 NLHE Warm Up – Jan. 28

PokerStars offers even more beyond the PCA

After the PCA is over, PokerStars international events start right back up. Players can expect big fields in tournaments around the world.

Here’s a look at confirmed events in the coming months:

  • Feb. 15-26 – European Poker Tour (Paris, France)
  • Mar. 2-6 – Latin American Poker Tour (Rio De Janeiro, Brazil)
  • Mar. 29 to Apr. 4 – Brazilian Series of Poker (São Paulo, Brazil)
  • Apr. 26- May 6 – EPT (Monte Carlo)

Stars offers online qualifiers for many live events in the coming months. Players have a chance to win tournament packages at a bargain price.

888poker winter events approaching

Live tournament players also have a couple of events to look forward to from 888poker. The company recently released a full slate of events for 2023 with action planned all around the world. 

Players looking for some winter action can check out two upcoming events. That includes the Madrid stop from Jan. 13-23 and 888poker Live London from Feb. 9-13.

Online players have the opportunity to win a seat into the action throughout the year. 888 Live Passports are up for grabs for players completing a certain set of challenges.

888 awards exclusive packages to the live event of a player’s choice. More details on qualifying will be released in the coming weeks.

WPT plans for 2023

The World Poker Tour also has a few international tournaments planned for the winter months as well. From Jan. 22 – Feb. 5, the tour is hosting WPT Prime series in Paris, France at Club Circus casino.

Players kicking off the new year chasing player of the year points will find a mix of tournaments. The €1,100 main event starts on Jan. 31 and highlights the series.

WPT Prime then heads to Amsterdam with the main event running March 29 – Apr. 1. More events are in store for international players later in the year as well.

Grosvenor UK Poker Tour

In the United Kingdom, the Grosvenor UK Poker Tour (GUKPT) has a full schedule set for 2023. The tour has more major events planned out the entire year and some of those winter tournaments include: 

  • Jan. 12-22 – London, The Vic (£1,250 Main Event)
  • Feb. 2-12 – Manchester, Bury New Road  (£1,250 Main Event)
  • Feb. 25 to March 5 – UK Poker Open – Coventry (£1,500 Main Event)
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PokerStars Founder Isai Scheinberg Named as Recipient of WPT Honors

The World Poker Tour is honoring PokerStars founder Isai Scheinberg as one of the latest recipients of the WPT Honors Award.

When Isai Scheinberg launched PokerStars in 2001, online poker was in its infancy. Early platforms often suffered from outages, poor software, and other user unfriendly issues.

Scheinberg set out to change that. When the site went live, players found a much-improved software experience. That helped pave the way for the company to become one of the biggest online poker operators in the world.

The World Poker Tour recently announced that Scheinberg would be recognized as part of the tour’s WPT Honors, along with commentator Vince Van Patten.

“These two men have both made transformational contributions to the poker community, Isai as a pioneer with his incredible ingenuity and boldness, and Vince with his love and dedication to expanding the game of poker,” WPT CEO Adam Pliska said in a news release. “Both honorees are truly deserving of the award.”

Recognizing an industry titan

When it comes to the world of online poker, not many people have meant more to the industry than Scheinberg. Stars was a key player in the poker boom era and helped increase interest in poker worldwide. The company’s efforts helped grow the game all around the world.

“I am very honored,” Shceinberg, 74, said of the award. “The World Poker Tour is a very important poker company which made major contributions to the game. The first TV advertising PokerStars did was on WPT programming on the Travel Channel. It had a major impact that led to millions of players joining us.”

Born in Lithuania before immigrating to Israel, the former programmer later moved to Toronto and worked for IBM Canada. His site resonated with players and the WPT noted that many “still consider Scheinberg to be the standard bearer for how online players should be treated.”

The WPT Honors Award launched in 2017 as the highest achievement from the company. The award is granted every year, honoring members of the poker industry who have made exceptional contributions to the WPT and the poker community as a whole.

WPT Honors recognizes those who distinguish themselves through “excellence and dedication beyond expectations.” These are the previous WPT Honors recipients:

  • 2017 – Bruno Fitoussi, Linda Johnson, Mike Sexton
  • 2018 – Lyle Berman, Steve Lipscomb
  • 2019 – Deb Giardina, Matt Savage
PokerStars founder Isai Scheinberg (right) with his son Mark.

Schainberg was an online poker pioneer

The poker boom of the 2000s was a heady time for the industry. Live tournaments saw massive fields as televised poker helped the game gain even more fans and players.

When Chris Moneymaker won the 2003 World Series of Poker Main Event, he’d won his seat via an $86 online qualifier at PokerStars. That helped launch the poker boom of the 2000s with PokerStars right at the forefront.

The site offered online tournaments and cash games for players around the world. Scheinberg was a poker player himself and understood the game.

The gifted computer programmer helped fine-tune software that was user friendly. The site also offered a fair game and played similarly to what a player might find at a live poker game.

“It was the tournaments that made PokerStars a hit with players,” Forbes noted of the company founder. “For a small amount of money – often less than $25 – players could buy into a single-elimination tournament and have a chance at winning a huge payday without the fear of incurring big losses.”

Rescuing Full Tilt players, selling the company

When the US government cracked down on online poker in 2011, Scheinberg and PokerStars agreed to purchase Full Tilt Poker. That company faced economic insolvency and without the deal, millions of dollars in player funds would have been lost.

Stars eventually agreed to a $731 million settlement with federal prosecutors and shifted to catering to players outside the US. 

Ironically, the company later entered back into the American market in the states of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Michigan.

Scheinberg and his family sold PokerStars in 2014 for $4.9 billion. In 2019, Paddy Power Betfair (now known as Flutter Entertainment) acquired the company, creating the largest online gaming company in the world.

The Stars founder now spends much of his time working in philanthropy and spending time with his family.

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Former Canadian Police Employee Grabs Platinum Pass in PokerStars EPT Women’s Bootcamp Event  

Canada’s Roxanne Johnson scored a Platinum Pass recently as part of the PokerStars x Poker Power Bootcamp Showdown at the EPT Prague series.

Following a four-week poker bootcamp, seven women from around the globe took part in the PokerStars x Poker Power Bootcamp Showdown on Dec. 12 at the European Poker Tour (EPT) Prague series.

Canada’s Roxanne Johnson came out on top and scored a Platinum Pass for the PokerStars Players Championship (PSPC) in late January. The prize is valued at $30,000 and Johnson was thrilled to be among the players heading to the Caribbean for the PSPC.

“I can’t believe that just happened, it’s so surreal but I am so excited to be heading to PSPC in the Bahamas,” said Johnson, who lives in Kelowna, British Columbia. “It’s been an amazing journey so far with all the support, from the teams at PokerStars and Poker Power to meeting all the other women in Prague. Can’t wait for the next chapter at the PSPC!”

PokerStars continues reaching out to women

A former court liaison officer with the Canadian Mounted Police, Johnson (pictured in lead image with PokerStars ambassador Jen Shahade) is the latest winner from the PokerStars and Poker Power partnership. The latter works at furthering the game of poker among women. 

PokerStars teamed up with Poker Power earlier in the year to help women build their confidence and skills in the game. The two groups also hoped to create more opportunities for female players.

The partnership is part of PokerStars’ efforts to the growth of the game and supporting women in poker.  This includes encouraging more women to sit down and have fun at the tables.

The plan also emphasizes ensuring a comfortable environment for all players, both live or online. The boot camp saw novice women players learn gameplay skills that translate to real world success including:

  • negotiation
  • strategic decision-making
  • capital allocation

PokerStars ambassadors Jen Shahade, GJ Reggie, and Lali Tournier also participated and offered support. Tars officials were pleased at how the event turned out.

“We are thrilled to celebrate Roxanne as our first PokerStars and Poker Power Showdown champion, and can’t wait to see how she gets on in the Bahamas at what is set to be an unforgettable experience,” director of partnerships, public relations, and consumer engagement Rebecca McAdam Willetts said in a news release.

“We are committed to supporting women in the game and want to ensure that anyone has a chance at a seat at the table, and more importantly, a voice. The bootcamp and subsequent tournament at EPT Prague was an important element in our long-term plan to see more women learn, take part, have fun, and above all feel safe and comfortable.”

Winner’s journey

Johnson loves poker’s intricacies and the thrill that can come when playing. She was inspired to participate in the boot camp by the opportunity to play at a live event.

In heads-up play in Prague, she battled  Romanian journalist Catalina Teodorescu for the Platinum Pass. In the final hand, Johnson flopped a pair of Kings with Teodorescu holding  Queen-Jack suited. 

The win now sees Johnson joining recent female Platinum Pass winners Giada Fang, of Italy, and Rishya Iyer, from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Each week of the boot camp focused on developing players’ confidence and competence. Johnson seems to have learned quite a bit of that in finishing off the EPT event with a victory.

“Poker Power applauds Roxanne’s success and is thrilled to be a part of her exciting journey to the PSPC in the Bahamas,” Poker Power managing director and general manager Erin Lydon said. “The dedication of our instructors coupled with the hard work and courage of the boot camp participants created an inspiring learning environment.”

The PSPC is set for Jan. 30 – Feb. 3 at the Baha Mar Resort in Nassau, Bahamas. Each Platinum Pass includes:

  • $25,000 buy-in to the  PSPC
  • six nights hotel accommodation for the winner and a guest in a five-star hotel
  • airport transfers and flights
  • $1,900 expense money
  • Platinum Pass winner experiences during the event

* Lead image courtesy Danny Maxwell/PokerStars

★★★ Ready to get in the action at PokerStars? Click here for a complete site review with exclusive PokerScout bonus offers. ★★★

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POKER PODIUM: November Online Poker Winners Include Luis Faria for Massive $1.2 Million Payday 

November brought about plenty of major winners in the international online poker scene including Luis Faria with a seven-figure score.

The month of November brought about plenty of major winners in the international online poker scene. That was highlighted by Portugal’s Luis Faria coming out on top in the WCOOP Take 2 Main Event for a seven-figure score.

Other action also saw players cash in for major victories at a tiny price point. That included a six-figure win for only $6 at GGPoker. An 888poker winner also turned a free entry into a major championship. Here’s a look at some players who shined in November.

PokerStars

The World Championship of Poker (WCOOP) Take 2 played out in November and saw some big names rise to the top. The mini-series featured $28 million guaranteed and several main events.

The $10,300 Main Event highlighted the series with Luis Faria coming out on top for $1.3 million. The event brought in 760 entries for a $7.6 million prize pool.

The massive score came after winning a $530 PKO Sunday Warm-Up earlier in the series for $83,854. Along with his massive online winnings, Faria also has $811,000 in live tournament cashes.

Benny “RunGodlike” Glaser proved to be another nice winner in the series, taking two titles in Take 2 for a total of four during the entire WCOOP series. During Take 2, Glaser scored $19,107 for winning Event 14-H: HORSE and also grabbed a title in Event 04-L: No Limit Omaha Hi/Lo for $2,334.

PokerStars ambassador Parker “Tonkaaaa” Talbott also grabbed a trophy, winning Event 02-H: $1,050 Eight-Game for $21,092. It was almost a Take 2 double for the Canadian poker pro as well.  He finished runner-up in Event 05-H: $1,050 Turbo for $30,970.

Some other Stars ambassadors also found nice runs in the series. Spanish pro and the winner of the first PokerStars Player Championship, Ramon Colilas, scored runner-up in Event 01-H for $26,846. Mason “Pye_Face” Pye also found a second place in Event 02-M: $109 Eight-Game for $4,980.

The United Kingdom’s Sam Grafton is no stranger to online poker success and that continued in Take 2. He just missed out on winning the $530 Main Event, finishing runner-up for $44,258. Argentina’s Ramiro “ramastar88” Petrone took that title for $62,088.

Grafton also finished in third place in a $5,000 Titans side event for $94,343. He also has more than $12 million in live tournament winnings.

GGPoker

A nice story emerged from GG in November. The site’s $11 Flip & Go Millionaire offered players of all bankrolls a chance at a nice payday and topped the $1 million guarantee.

In the end, 22-year-old German university student Niclas G. came out on top for $54,929.

“It still feels incredible to have won such a big tournament with over $1 million guaranteed,” he told PokerScout after the win. “Many players wait for these spots their entire life, and it really took me a while to realize what I had achieved.”

Interestingly, Niclas missed out on much of the early stages of the tournament.

“I was actually on the road for the first one or two hours of the tournament, and was sitting out like a third of the hands since I wasn’t able to be on the phone the whole time,” he says. “Nevertheless, I managed to build a stack and continued playing at home until the end.”

GG also recently launched Bet & Go tournaments to correspond with World Cup events. Players can notch some nice wins in these football-style tournaments. One player celebrated grabbing a $10,000 SuperMillion$ seat after an Argentina win. It looked to be a nice feeling to score a win on the tournament felt and on the pitch.

One player on the site also saw quite an interesting hand play out with a majority of the table starting with pocket pairs.

888poker

It was a busy month in November at 888poker with plenty of winners in the site’s Knockout Games Mystery Bounty series. One of the biggest of those was Germany’s “quvai” in the $250 Main Event. 

Quavi scored a free entry into the $250 Main Event for free via 888pokerTV ticket giveaway. He then turned that into winning the title and scoring a total of $40,613 – a 100% return on investment.


888’s own StreamTeam member Jordan Banfield also produced a nice result in the event. He took fourth place for $17,327. The tournament saw 1,924 entries and featured a $500,000 prize pool with a $50,000 top bounty. The UK’s “youler” was the lucky winner of that prize, taking home a total of $52,050.

In the $2,100 Super High Roller PKO saw 57 players for a $114,000 prize pool. “Matas.C” scored the title for a total payout of $35,656.

Overall, players from Brazil notched the most wins in the series with five titles. Lithuanians players finished second with three. Ukraine, Chile, Latvia, the United Kingdom, Germany, Canada, and Ukraine all had two titles.

In other recent action, the 888poker continued the site’s 20th-anniversary celebration in November with the CNP888poker LIVE Madrid series in Spain at the Casino Gran Madrid Torrelodones.

Abel Gongora celebrates his 888poker Live Madrid win. (photo courtesy 888poker)

The €1,100 Main Event highlighted the action and brought in 374 entries for €349,241 prize pool. Spain’s Abel Gongora reached the final table with  a sizable chip lead and parlayed that into a win.

He scored €70,000 for his efforts and now has more than $100,000 in live tournament winnings. Bernat Carreras, also of Spain, finished runner-up for €50,000.

PartyPoker

One of the biggest recent winners at PartyPoker may be Sebastien Proulx. The Canadian player took down the MILLIONS Online KO Winter Edition Main Event for $123,602 after qualifying via a $6 satellite.

Proulx advanced up three qualifying steps before taking his seat into the Main Event. It was quite a run to winning six figures for the price of a hamburger and fries.

In other action, the $1,050 Grand recently saw Jans Arends, of Austria, come out on top for $22,397. The event produced 120 players for a $118,700 prize pool. Beyond his online winnings, Arends also has $522,144 in live tournament winnings.

Earlier in November, Brazil’s Rodrigo Seiji also grabbed a Grand title for $23,495. He topped a field of 103 final phase players that created a $104,055 prize pool. Seiji also has more than $900,000 in live tournament winnings.

Next up at the site is the PartyPoker Players Championship Winter Edition, running Dec. 25 – Jan. 17. The festival features a $530 Main Event with $500,000 guaranteed. Online qualifiers are already underway and for a complete preview, click here.

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PokerStars Adds BSOP Bahamas to PCA Schedule; Announces Platinum Pass Online Qualifiers

With the PokerStars Caribbean Adventure approaching in January, the site continues ramping up the action for players heading to the Bahamas. These series is planned for Jan. 22 – Feb. 3 with a wide variety of tournaments and events.

While much of the focus on the series may be on the $10,300 Main Event and $25,000 PokerStars Players Championship, the company announced a unique twist with the Brazilian Series of Poker (BSOP) serving as a part of the festivities.

The $1,100 BSOP Bahamas Main Event is set for Jan. 22 and runs for three with unlimited re-entries. Players can also qualify via online satellites running Dec. 4 – Jan. 15.

Grabbing a PokerStars BSOP Bahamas seat

Those looking for some poker fun in the Caribbean now have a shot to grab a BSOP Bahamas tournament package. Satellites and direct qualifiers are now underway, running on Wednesdays and Sundays.

The events feature a $162 buy-in with prizes worth $3.000 up for grabs. Tournament packages include the $1,100 buy-in and $1,900 toward travel expenses.

Sub-satellites are also available, starting at just $2.20, with a total of 21 packages guaranteed.

Online qualifiers continue for Platinum Passes

Beyond the BSOP addition, plenty of attention continues focusing on the PSPC in the Bahamas. Online poker players have a chance at even more qualifying opportunities for a Platinum Pass beginning this weekend.

The PSPC runs from Jan. 30 – Feb. 3 at the Baha Mar Resort in Nassau, Bahamas. A pass includes a complete tournament and travel package. Players winning a Platinum Pass earn:

  • Buy-in to the $25,000 PSPC
  • Six nights hotel accommodations for winner and a guest in a five-star hotel
  • Airport transfers
  • $1,900 in expense money
  • Platinum Pass winner experiences during the event

The online qualifiers guarantee one tournament package for every $30,000 in the prize pool. PSPC satellites run on the following dates:

  • Dec. 4
  • Dec. 11
  • Jan. 8
  • Jan. 15

For those already planning their trip to the Bahamas, here’s a look at the entire schedule.

PokerStars Caribbean Adventure & PSPC 2023

DateEventTourbamentBuy-inStarting chips
Jan. 22#3 (day 1)BSOP Bahamas Main Event - Unlimited Re-Entry$1,10030,000
Jan. 22#2PCA Main Event Qualifier - 'Win Your Seat @ 100,000 chips' - SEAT ONLY - Unlimited Re-Entry$1,11010,000
Jan. 22#1 (day 1)PCA Super High Roller - Unlimited Re-Entry Day 1$100,000250,000
Jan. 22#4NL Hold'em - Unlimited Re-Entry$33030,000
Jan. 22#5PCA Main Event Qualifier - 'Win Your Seat @ 100,000 chips' - SEAT ONLY - Unlimited Re-Entry$1,11010,000
Jan. 23#6 (1/A)PCA Main Event Flight A - Single Re-Entry Per Flight$10,30030,000
Jan. 23#7PCA Main Event Qualifier - 'Win Your Seat @ 100,000 chips' - SEAT ONLY - Unlimited Re-Entry$1,11010,000
Jan. 23#1 (day 2)PCA Super High Roller - Unlimited Re-Entry Day 2$100,000250,000
Jan. 23#8 (day 1)Seniors (50 Years or Older) - Three Entries Maximum Day 1$55030,000
Jan. 23#3 (day 2)BSOP Bahamas Main Event - Unlimited Re-Entry$1,10030,000
Jan. 23#9 (day 1)NL Hold'em - Single Re-Entry Day 1$55030,000
Jan. 23#10PCA Main Event Qualifier - 'Win Your Seat @ 100,000 chips' - SEAT ONLY - Unlimited Re-Entry$1,11010,000
Jan. 23#11Knockout ($10,000 Bounty) - Freezeout$20,00030,000
Jan. 24#12PCA Main Event Last Chance Qualifier - 'Win Your Seat @ 100,000 chips' - SEAT ONLY - Unlimited Re-Entry$1,11010,000
Jan. 24#13PL Omaha - Three Entries Maximum$1,10050,000
Jan. 24#6 (1/B)PCA Main Event Flight B - Single Re-Entry Per Flight$10,30030,000
Jan. 24#3 (Final)BSOP Bahamas Main Event - Unlimited Re-Entry$1,10030,000
Jan. 24#146 Handed - Unlimited Re-Entry$50,000100,000
Jan. 24#1 (Final)PCA Super High Roller - Unlimited Re-Entry Final$100,000250,000
Jan. 24#8 (Final)Seniors (50 Years or Older) - Three Entries Maximum Final$55030,000
Jan. 24#9 (Final)NL Hold'em - Single Re-Entry Final$55030,000
Jan. 24#15Hyper Turbo Knockout ($1,000 Bounty) - Freezeout$2,10020,000
Jan. 25#6 (day 2)PCA Main Event Day 2$10,30030,000
Jan. 25#16Qualifier to #17 Deep Stack - 'Win Your Seat @ 100,000 chips' - SEAT ONLY - Unlimited Re-Entry$25010,000
Jan. 25#17 (day 1)Deep Stack - Single Re-Entry Day 1$2,20050,000
Jan. 25#18Step Qualifier to #46 - 'Win Your Seat @ 100,000 chips' - SEAT ONLY - Unlimited Re-Entry$30010,000
Jan. 25#19 (day 1)7 Handed - Unlimited Re-Entry Day 1$50,000150,000
Jan. 25#20Hyper Turbo Knockout ($500 Bounty) - Freezeout$1,05020,000
Jan. 26#21Qualifier to #23 PCA Mystery Bounty - 'Win Your Seat @ 100,000 chips' - SEAT ONLY - Unlimited Re-Entry$34010,000
Jan. 26#6 (day 3)PCA Main Event Day 3$10,30030,000
Jan. 26#17 (Final)Deep Stack - Single Re-Entry$2,20050,000
Jan. 26#228-Game - Three Entries Maximum$55050,000
Jan. 26#19 (Final)7 Handed - Unlimited Re-Entry Final$50,000150,000
Jan. 26#23 (day 1)PCA Mystery Bounty ($1,000 Mystery Bounty) - Unlimited Re-Entry$3,00030,000
Jan. 26#24Step Qualifier to #46 - 'Win Your Seat @ 100,000 chips' - SEAT ONLY - Unlimited Re-Entry$30010,000
Jan. 26#25 (day 1)8 Handed - Unlimited Re-Entry Day 1$50,000150,000
Jan. 26#26NL Hold'em - Unlimited Re-Entry$33030,000
Jan. 27#200Crazy Pineapple Flip - Qualify to Step 1A ($300)$301
Jan. 27#6 (day 4)PCA Main Event Day 4$10,30030,000
Jan. 27#23 (day 2)PCA Mystery Bounty ($1,000 Mystery Bounty) - Unlimited Re-Entry$3,00030,000
Jan. 27#27PLO Hi/Lo - Three Entries Maximum$55050,000
Jan. 27#28Step Qualifier to #46 - 'Win Your Seat @ 100,000 chips' - SEAT ONLY - Unlimited Re-Entry$30010,000
Jan. 27#25 (Final)8 Handed - Unlimited Re-Entry Final$50,000150,000
Jan. 27#201Crazy Pineapple Flip - Qualify to Step 1B ($600)$601
Jan. 27#29 (day 1)Deep Stack - Single Re-Entry Day 1$1,10050,000
Jan. 27#30Step Qualifier to #46 - 'Win Your Seat @ 50,000 chips' - SEAT ONLY - Freezeout$60010,000
Jan. 27#31 (day 1)8 Handed - Unlimited Re-Entry Day 1$25,000150,000
Jan. 27#32Step 2 - Qualify to PSPC Main Event with 100,000 chips - SEAT ONLY - Unlimited Re-Entry$2,70010,000
Jan. 28#202Crazy Pineapple Flip - Qualify to Step 1A ($300)$301
Jan. 28#23 (Final)PCA Mystery Bounty ($1,000 Mystery Bounty) - Unlimited Re-Entry$3,00030,000
Jan. 28#6 (day 5)PCA Main Event Day 5$10,30030,000
Jan. 28#29 (Final)Deep Stack - Single Re-Entry$1,10050,000
Jan. 28#33 (day 1)PCA Pot Limit Omaha High Roller - Single Re-Entry Day 1$25,00050,000
Jan. 28#34Step Qualifier to #46 - 'Win Your Seat @ 100,000 chips' - SEAT ONLY - Unlimited Re-Entry$30010,000
Jan. 28#31 (Final)8 Handed - Unlimited Re-Entry Final$25,000150,000
Jan. 28#203Crazy Pineapple Flip - Qualify to Step 1B ($600)$601
Jan. 28#36 (day 1)H-O-R-S-E - Three Entries Maximum Day 1$1,10050,000
Jan. 28#35 (day 1)NL Hold'em - Freezeout Day 1$1,10030,000
Jan. 28#38 (day 1)PSPC Warm Up! - Unlimited Re-Entry Day 1$10,20060,000
Jan. 28#37Step Qualifier to #46 - 'Win Your Seat @ 50,000 chips' - SEAT ONLY - Freezeout$60010,000
Jan. 28#39Step 2 - Qualify to PSPC Main Event with 100,000 chips - SEAT ONLY - Unlimited Re-Entry$2,70010,000
Jan. 29#204Crazy Pineapple Flip - Qualify to Step 1A ($300)$301
Jan. 29#40Women's - Three Entries Maximum$33030,000
Jan. 29#6 (Final)PCA Main Event Final Day$10,30030,000
Jan. 29#38 (Final)PSPC Warm Up! - Unlimited Re-Entry Final$10,20060,000
Jan. 29#36 (Final)H-O-R-S-E - Three Entries Maximum Final$1,10050,000
Jan. 29#35 (Final)NL Hold'em - Freezeout Final$1,10030,000
Jan. 29#41Step Qualifier to #46 - 'Win Your Seat @ 100,000 chips' - SEAT ONLY - Unlimited Re-Entry$30010,000
Jan. 29#33 (Final)PCA Pot Limit Omaha High Roller - Single Re-Entry Final$25,00050,000
Jan. 29#205Crazy Pineapple Flip - Qualify to Step 1B ($600)$601
Jan. 29#42Mystery Bounty ($5,000 Mystery Bounty) - Single Re-Entry$10,200100,000
Jan. 29#44NL Hold'em - Unlimited Re-Entry$33030,000
Jan. 29#45Knockout ($10,000 Bounty) - Freezeout$20,00030,000
Jan. 29#46Qualifier to PSPC Main Event - Platinum Pass Added - Freezeout$2,70010,000
Jan. 30#47Qualifier to PSPC Main Event - 'Win Your Seat @ 100,000 chips' - SEAT ONLY - Unlimited Re-Entry$2,70010,000
Jan. 30#48 (day 1)PokerStars Players No Limit Hold’em Championship - Freezeout Day 1$25,00060,000
Jan. 30#49Hyper Turbo Knockout ($1,000 Bounty) - Freezeout$2,10020,000
Jan. 31#50Qualifier to #51 Deep Stack - 'Win Your Seat @ 100,000 chips' - SEAT ONLY - Unlimited Re-Entry$37010,000
Jan. 31#48 (day 2)PokerStars Players No Limit Hold’em Championship - Freezeout Day 2$25,00060,000
Jan. 31#51 (day 1)Deep Stack - Single Re-Entry Day 1$3,30050,000
Jan. 31#52NL Hold'em - Unlimited Re-Entry$33030,000
Jan. 31#53 (day 1)Super High Roller $250,000 - Unlimited Re-Entry Day 1$250,000250,000
Jan. 31#54Qualifier to #59 PCA High Roller - 'Win Your Seat @ 100,000 chips' - SEAT ONLY - Unlimited Re-Entry$2,70010,000
Feb. 1#58H-O-R-S-E - Three Entries Maximum$55050,000
Feb. 1#56 (1/A)Mystery Bounty Flight A ($250 Mystery Bounty) - Unlimited Re-Entry$55030,000
Feb. 1#55Qualifier to #56 Mystery Bounty - 'Win Your Seat @ 50,000 chips' - SEAT ONLY - Freezeout$12510,000
Feb. 1#57Qualifier to #60 Deep Stack - 'Win Your Seat @ 100,000 chips' - SEAT ONLY - Unlimited Re-Entry$25010,000
Feb. 1#48 (day 3)PokerStars Players No Limit Hold’em Championship - Freezeout Day 3$25,00060,000
Feb. 1#51 (Final)Deep Stack - Single Re-Entry$3,30050,000
Feb. 1#60 (day 1)Deep Stack - Single Re-Entry Day 1$2,20050,000
Feb. 1#59 (day 1)PCA High Roller - Single Re-Entry Day 1$25,00050,000
Feb. 1#53 (day 2)Super High Roller $250,000 - Unlimited Re-Entry Day 2$250,000250,000
Feb. 1#56 (1/B)Mystery Bounty Flight B ($250 Mystery Bounty) - Unlimited Re-Entry$55030,000
Feb. 1#61Hyper Turbo Knockout ($500 Bounty) - Freezeout$1,05020,000
Feb. 2#63PL Omaha - Three Entries Maximum$33050,000
Feb. 2#62Qualifier to #56 Mystery Bounty - 'Win Your Seat @ 50,000 chips' - SEAT ONLY - Freezeout$12510,000
Feb. 2#60 (Final)Deep Stack - Single Re-Entry$2,20050,000
Feb. 2#56 (1/C)Mystery Bounty Flight C ($250 Mystery Bounty) - Unlimited Re-Entry$55030,000
Feb. 2#48 (day 4)PokerStars Players No Limit Hold’em Championship - Freezeout Day 4$25,00060,000
Feb. 2#53 (Final)Super High Roller $250,000 - Unlimited Re-Entry Final$250,000250,000
Feb. 2#64 (day 1)NL Hold'em - Freezeout Day 1$1,10030,000
Feb. 2#59 (day 2)PCA High Roller - Single Re-Entry Day 2$25,00050,000
Feb. 2#56 (1/D)Mystery Bounty Flight D ($250 Mystery Bounty) - Unlimited Re-Entry$55030,000
Feb. 2#66 (day 1)7 Handed - Unlimited Re-Entry Day 1$100,000150,000
Feb. 2#65Hyper Turbo - Freezeout$55020,000
Feb. 3#67NL Hold'em - Unlimited Re-Entry$33030,000
Feb. 3#64 (Final)NL Hold'em - Freezeout Final$1,10030,000
Feb. 3#56 (Final)Mystery Bounty ($250 Mystery Bounty) - Unlimited Re-Entry$55030,000
Feb. 3#66 (Final)7 Handed - Unlimited Re-Entry Final$100,000150,000
Feb. 3#59 (Final)PCA High Roller - Single Re-Entry Final$25,00050,000
Feb. 3#48 (Final)PokerStars Players No Limit Hold’em Championship - Freezeout Final$25,00060,000
Feb. 3#68NL Hold'em - Unlimited Re-Entry$3,10050,000
Feb. 3#696 Handed - Unlimited Re-Entry$10,15050,000
Feb. 3#70Last Chance Super Hyper Turbo - Freezeout$1,05050,000

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New EPT Schedule Includes Stop in Paris; Online Qualifiers Are Now Underway at PokerStars

The PokerStars EPT action returns in February with five major series planned across the continent including a new festival in Paris.

The European Poker Tour action returns in February with five major series planned across the continent, PokerStars announced on Thursday. The schedule includes the return of some popular locations as well as two new stops on the tour for 2023.

One of the new festivals on the tour includes heading to Paris, France, to kick off the season. The EPT also makes an appearance in Cyprus as well.

“We’re incredibly excited to announce our schedule for the European Poker Tour 2023,”Stars head of global live event operations Cedric Billot said in a news release. “The schedule includes our players’ firm favorites, the first time in the glamorous French capital, and another exciting new addition to the tour.

“Cyprus is the perfect location to add to our schedule and we look forward to bringing all that an EPT has to offer to this new location. We will continue to improve player experience both for online qualifications and at our live events.”

More details on the new PokerStars EPT season

After a return to the live felt last year, the 2023 EPT season kicks off in February with EPT Paris at the Hyatt Regency Paris Etoile. PokerStars is partnering with Le Club Barrière Paris for the series from Feb. 15-26.

The next stop brings the glitz and glamor of Monte Carlo in Monaco. The stop is set for April 26 – May 6 at the Monte-Carlo Casino.

More action continues later into 2023 at some of Europe’s most historic destinations. EPT Barcelona in Spain is planned for Aug. 21 – Sept. 3 at Casino Barcelona.

Next up is another new location for the tour. The Merit Royal Diamond Hotel, Casino and Spa hosts the EPT Cyprus from Oct. 11-22.

“PokerStars is excited to announce this brand-new location on the EPT and look forward to bringing the biggest prize pools and most prestigious titles to the Mediterranean,” the company noted in a news release.

Cyprus is followed by EPT Prague to close out the year from Dec. 6-17. This has been a longtime festival on the schedule and is back again for 2023.

Qualifying online

As in past events, players have an opportunity to grab a seat in EPT events via online qualifiers. Satellites for EPT Paris went live on Dec. 1, giving players a chance to win a complete tournament package.

Each package includes a €5,300 buy-in for the Paris Main Event and eight nights’ accommodations. More online qualifiers will launch as other events get closer. Here’s a look at the complete EPT schedule.

  • Paris – Feb. 15-26
  • Monte Carlo – April 26 – May 6
  • Barcelona – Aug. 21 – Sept. 3
  • Cyprus – Oct. 11-22
  • Prague – Dec. 6-17

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Platinum Passes Continue Flying, PokerStars Announces More Ways to Win at Low Price Points

As the PokerStars Players Championship (PSPC) approaches in January, the site continues dishing out Platinum Passes to players around the world.

The company announced some opportunities on Monday that should appeal to online poker players with lower bankrolls. That includes the chance for players in an extremely low buy-in event as well as a freeroll, offering some nice return on investment.

What comes with a PokerStars Platinum Pass?

A Platinum Pass is valued at $30,000 and has become one of the most coveted prizes in poker. The PSPC is set for Jan. 30 – Feb. 3 at the Baha Mar Resort in Nassau, Bahamas, and a pass includes a complete tournament and travel package.

The tournament should attract a large field of poker pros and recreational players alike. A Platinum Pass includes:

  • Buy-in to the $25,000 PSPC
  • Six nights hotel accommodations for winner and a guest in a five-star hotel
  • Airport transfers
  • $1,900 in expense money
  • Platinum Pass winner experiences during the event

PokerStars Brazilian Series of Poker Millions After Party awarding Platinum Pass

Players attending the Brazilian Series of Poker (BSOP) in Sao Paulo this week have one last chance to secure a Platinum Pass.

Following the series, PokerStars will host the BSOP Millions After Party on Dec. 4. The series includes a $1.10 buy-in tournament with a huge prize pool.

Throughout the week, PokerStars will distribute hundreds of entries to the online event. The tournament is meant for players of all bankrolls and features a Platinum Pass on the line for the winner.

“This thrilling tournament offers many players the chance to win big with a very low buy-in,” PokerStars noted in announcing the event. “With PSPC just around the corner, this is a chance to win one of few remaining Platinum Passes to the Bahamas in January 2023, so be sure to get involved.”

Players have a shot at poker’s ultimate prize for about the price of a soda.

‘Poker Night With Gotaga’ also features platinum

The BSOP After Party isn’t the only way to win a pass. PokerStars streamer Gotaga will host a poker night event on Dec. 2, all streamed live from his studio in Paris.

Guests include Twitch streamers Domingo, Xari, and Gotaga’s brother Ronan. France’s top streamer has also invited some special guests including French rapper Rim’K and Youtuber JOYCA.

The head-to-head tournament also includes an online viewers freeroll running alongside the action. The tournament features Platinum Pass on the line as well as a €20,000 prize pool. 

Players looking to enter the tournament will need to check out Gotaga’s Poker Night. Look for a password via the chat.

Stars will also drop Chests into accounts throughout the stream. Details will also be communicated via the social channels of guests.

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PokerStars Unveils new Chest & Ladders, Freeroll Options to Win Platinum Passes, Cash Prizes

With two months until the PokerStars Players Championship in the Bahamas, the site has announced even Platinum Pass opportunities.

With just over two months until the PokerStars Players Championship (PSPC) gets underway in the Bahamas, the online poker site has announced even more opportunities to win a Platinum Pass on Monday.

PokerStars is offering even more opportunities for players to earn a seat into the $25,000 buy-in event and a complete travel package.

Through Dec. 11, players can look for a special edition of Chests & Ladders. The promotion offers online poker players the chance to win one of the biggest prizes in the game.

How to win a PokerStars Platinum Pass

Those looking to cash in for some big prizes have a few options at PokerStars. Some of the  Chests & Ladders rewards offered include seven Platinum Passes for the PSPC, which is set for Jan. 30 – Feb. 3 at the Baha Mar Resort in Nassau.

Players on the .COM platform have a chance to win a share of over $500,000 in rewards. That includes four Platinum Passes up for grabs, valued at $30,000 each. Each pass includes:

  • $25,000 PSPC buy-in
  • six nights hotel accommodations for each winner and a guest in a five-star hotel
  • flights and airport transfers
  • $1,900 in spending money
  • unique Platinum Pass winner experiences during the event

Players in France and Spain are also in luck, with €150,000 in rewards available as well as three Platinum Passes. As part of the promotion, players will find a number of PSPC Chests. Each contains an instant reward, which could be a Platinum Pass.

Upon completing the game board, an additional PSPC Chest is dropped. This holds an even bigger instant reward, which also provides a second opportunity for a pass.

More details on  Chests & Ladders promotion 

To get involved, players must be a PokerStars Rewards member. Competitors must opt in to the promotion via the “Challenges” window in their accounts.

Players can then take part in real money games to complete progress bars. Eventually players will see a Chest dropped, containing a dice roll for Chests & Ladders. Here’s a look at the next steps in the process:

  • Progress along the number of squares that is shown on the dice.
  • Land on a ladder enabling a player to climb upwards, making it to the end of the board faster.
  • Land on a PSPC Chest to receive an instant personalized reward. This is based on a player’s activity and could include cash, tournament tickets, or free spins. Platinum Passes are also in the mix here as well.
  • Make it to square 49 or beyond to receive a final PSPC Chest. This contains bigger rewards and another chance to win a pass. Two are available on the international .COM platform and one for the France/Spain platform.

Even more chances for a Platinum Pass 

All players who don’t win Platinum Pass through the above options still have a chance. These users are entered into the Chests & Ladders Platinum Pass Edition Freeroll.

One final prize is on the line. Any of those Platinum Passes not previously awarded will also become available as well.

The freeroll is set for Dec. 13 with at least $80,000 in guaranteed prices for .COM players. Players in France and Spain will find €50,000 up for grabs. Plenty of action and free cash await players in the coming weeks at PokerStars.

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