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PCA Update: Aliaksandr Shylko Grabs PokerStars PSPC Title, Isaac Haxton Wins Second High Roller

After months of awarding Platinum Passes and plenty of hype, the PSPC concluded Friday with Aliaksandr Shylko taking the title.

After months of awarding Platinum Passes and building plenty of hype, the PokerStars No Limit Hold’em Players Championship (PSPC) came to a close on Friday with Belarus’s Aliaksandr Shylko taking the title for $3.1 million.

The victory came after five days of tournament action that highlighted the PokerStars Caribbean Adventure. The trip to the tropics turned out to be a major win for Shylko, who had just $423,369 in live tournament winnings before the huge cash.

“It was an amazing experience,” Shylko said afterward. “I had a lot of fun, I met a lot of good people, and winning such a big tournament, it’s amazing.”

In other news, Isaac Haxton proved to be one of the biggest winners of the series as well with a second high roller win. Here’s a look at the final days of action from the Bahamas.

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Shylko scores big in PokerStars PSPC

When action resumed on Friday, Shylko (pictured in lead image courtesy PokerStars/Danny Maxwell) sat second in chips and faced experienced players in chip leader Nacho Barbero and Pedro Marques in fourth.

Berbero found some early success, dispatching short-stacked Niclas Thumm early. Shylko managed his chip stack well, however, and also found the right card at a critical time. Rivering a straight with A♥10♥ against Philipe Pizzari’s A♣ K♥ proved to be a huge hand. Shylko hit a miracle card on the river and took the chip lead. 

After coming into the final table as chip leader, Berbero ultimately exited in fourth place. He noted that he had a bad run of cards and was frustrated despite pocketing $1.6 million.

“I couldn’t recover,” he said. “There are not many better opportunities to win $4 million. I’m happy for the result, but it’s a bit disappointing.”

Reaching a deal

In the end, the top three players agreed to a deal. Each player was guaranteed at least $2.5 million. They left $300,000 on the table to play for as well as the title or PSPC champion.

Shylko ended up heads up against Germany’s Max Menzel, who had entered the final table fifth in chips and made a huge jump overall. Heads-up play lasted just a single hand.

Menzel managed to hit a straight, but Shylko hit a full house. Shyklo becomes the second PSPC winner after Ramon Colillas won the first event in 2019.

Menzel earned his spot in the PSPC via Platinum Pass and certainly made it count. Niclas Thumm found a Platinum Pass route to the final table as well and made it pay off to the tune of seven figures.

In the end, the tournament produced a field of 1,014 entries for a $24.8 million prize pool. That included 418 Platinum Pass winners. Here’s a look at the final table payouts.

2023 PokerStars Players Championship

  1. Aliaksandr Shylko (Belarus) – $3,121,838
  2. Max Menzel (Germany) – $2,859,990
  3. Philipe Pizzari (Brazil) – $2,524,871
  4. Nacho Barbero (Argentina) – $1,551,300
  5. Pedro Marques (Portugal) – $1,251,500
  6. Niclas Thumm (Germany) – $1,001,200

Isaac Haxton chalks up another win

After winning the $100,000 PCA Super High Roller to start the series, Isaac Haxton bookended his run in the series with another big win on the final day of action. He took down the $100,000 NLHE event on Friday for $1.6 million.

In total, Haxton chalke up more than $3.1 million in winnings across the entire series, which also included a third-place finish. The performance also follows winning the final event in the PokerGO Cup in January for $598,000. It’s certainly been a nice few weeks for the high-stakes grinder from New York.

After the most recent win, Haxton now has more than $33.6 million in live tournament winnings. The event brought in 46 entries for a $4.5 million prize pool.

Germany’s Fedor Holz finished runner-up for $1 million. That came after a deep run in the PSPC, where he took 21st for $123,600.

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Ognyan Dimov grabs high roller title; other winners

In the $25,000 PCA High Roller, former European Poker Tour champion Ognyan Dimov found the top spot for $990,655. The tournament brought in 187 entries for a $4.4 million prize pool.

This is now the largest tournament score of the Bulgarian’s poker career and now has more than $4 million in live tournament winnings.

Ognyan Dimov celebrates his win in the PCA High Roller. (photo courtesy PokerStars/Manuel Kovsca)

In the $10,150 Six-Handed Unlimited Re-Entry, Switzerland’s Alexandre Vuilleumier found the winner’s circle for $237,700. The $3,100 NLHE Unlimited Re-Entry also produced a nice payout for the champion. Germany’s Maximilian Silz took the title for $101,430.

Brazil’s Kelvin Kerber scored the trophy and $110,910 in the $2,200 Deep Stack Single Re-Entry. After 70 events, the PCA came to a close on Friday. With so many Platinum Passes given out, the tournament brought together an interesting mix of recreational players and pros.

The sun, sand, and poker were hard to beat. Many players may already be asking if the PCA will return for 2024? Is PokerStars planning a third PSPC and more Platinum Passes up for grabs? Those answers remain to be seen, but stay tuned to PokerScout for details as more information is announced.

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

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PCA Update: Final Numbers in With PokerStars Championship Winner Grabbing $4.1 Million

The PokerStars Caribbean Adventure (PCA) rolled on Wednesday with final numbers coming in for the PokerStars Players Championship.

The PokerStars Caribbean Adventure (PCA) rolled on Wednesday with final numbers coming in for the PokerStars No Limit Hold’em Players Championship (PSPC) in the Bahamas.

Tournament organizers announced that the winner would walk away with $4.1 million. Tuesday’s action ended with Krasimir Yankov (pictured in lead image courtesy PokerStars/Joe Giron) as chip leader and 255 players remaining.

Plenty of big names also remain in the field including Jeremy Ausmus, Jonathan Jaffe, Tommy Nguyen, Daniel Dvoress, Chris Moorman, Tony Tran, Sam Grafton, Sean Winter, and Arlie Shaban.

Here’s a quick look at some of the action from the Bahamas on Day 2 and 3.

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PokerStars announces final PSPC numbers

This year’s PSPC winner will once again walk away with life-changing money. Tournament officials announced Tuesday that the event brought in 1,014 entries for a $24.8 million prize pool. That includes more than 400 Platinum Pass winners. 

The top 175 places will be paid with the champion walking away with $4.1 million. That’s a drop of $1 million from the 2019 total, but an impressive figure nonetheless.

The runner-up scores $2.5 million with all players in the top six places bagging at least $1 million. A min-cash is worth $35,100.

Yankov, of Bulgaria, has $2.2 million in live tournament winnings. He recently finished 11th in the World Poker Tour World Championship for $338,500.

By mid-afternoon on Wednesday, Brazil’s Philipe Pizzari moved into the chip lead but several players, including Yankov, hovered around the 1-million chip mark. Ausmus stayed among the top 10 as well. Jaffe also continued riding a nice wave among the chip leaders.

PokerStars Platinum Pass winners shine among Day 3 chip leaders

Along with big-name pros still in the field, several Platinum Pass winners also continued a march toward reaching the money on Wednesday. Spain’s Omar Del Pino was one of those still alive and sat among the top five on Wednesday afternoon.

He won his pass via the Platinum Grind competition. He’s also one of only seven players to win  a pass in 2019 and also for this year’s event. The first came after winning the PSF Marbella Main Event for €179,000 along with the prestigious prize. An even deeper run could certainly make for quite a story for this Spanish grinder.

Omar del Pino battling in the PSPC. He was one of several Platinum Pass winners still in the event on Day 3. (Photo courtesy PokerStars/Eloy Cabacas)

Another Platinum Pass winner sat in the top 10. France’s Renato Minicuci won his spot in the field via a PokerStars Spin & Go freeroll promotion.

Minicuri has $66,357 in live tournament winnings and would make for quite a story as well if he can keep the mojo going. His biggest finish came in 2019, when he finished runner-up in a €330 event in a European Poker Tour Monte Carlo for $19,143.

The 43-year-old began playing poker in 2014 after some co-workers asked him to play in a tournament. He’s now got a chance to really make that freeroll win pay off with a 100% return on investment.

Bad beat sends German star packing

The final hand of the night at the secondary feature table saw Germany’s Christian Rudolph suffer a bad beat and hit the exit door. This hasn’t been the only bad beat of the series obviously, but stood out as a top pro hit the rail.

Rudolph has more than $5.4 million in live tournament winnings including wins on numerous tours. He also has numerous major wins in the online poker realm as well.

That included winning the World Series of Poker Online Main Event in 2020 for $1.8 million.

Rudolph has already scored a third-place finish in the $1,100 PCA No Limit Hold’em event for $38,950. But on Tuesday his tournament life came to a close in the PSPC after his A♥K♥ was bested by Sam Grafton’s A♣J♥.

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PCA Update: Chris Moorman, Tony Tran Lead PSPC; PCA Main Event & More Winners

Chris Moorman and Tony Tran led the field after the first day of action in the PokerStars No Limit Players Championship in the Bahamas.

After months of hype, promotion, and hundreds of Platinum Passes awarded, the PokerStars No Limit Hold’em Players Championship kicked off on Monday in the Bahamas as part of the PokerStars Caribbean Adventure (PCA).

The event drew 1,003 players on Day 1, including more than 400 Platinum Pass winners. Players can still register on Day 2 as well, so the player pool should swell even more.

When the action concluded Monday, Chris Moorman and Tony Tran ended as chip leaders, both with 356,000 chips.

“I feel awesome, cool and relaxed,” Tran told USPoker . “I’ve never cashed in a $25,000 event, but I’ve only played in two other $25,000 events prior to this one.”

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Tran, Moorman lead the field in PSPC

The PSPC has been months in the making, actually longer when considering a COVID break. What originally had been planned for Barcelona, ​​Spain , in 2021, was eventually moved back to the Bahamas . That included the revival of the PCA.

So far, players seem pleased with the tropical poker vibes and return to the PSPC action. PokerScout is at the event and speaking with players throughout the week.

Like Tran, Moorman (pictured in lead image courtesy PokerStars/Manuel Kovsca) was pleased with his run through the tournament. At one point he’d been down to only three 5,000 chips but was able to find a big bag by the time the day’s action concluded.

“Rolled back the years and bagged the chip lead for Day 1 of the PSPC,” he noted on Twitter.

Some of the other players returning for Day 2 include Josh Arieh, Martin Zamani, Canadian PokerStars ambassador and streamer Arlie Shaban, three-time WPT champion Eric Afriat, Dario Sammartino, Sean Winter, Fedor Holz, Jeremy Ausmus.

Ramon Colillas, winner of the 2019 PSPC, also is back for the second day of action. He described Day 1 as a bit difficult but was looking to rebound.

Michel Dattani takes down  PCA Main Event

The PSPS obviously wasn’t the only major event of the series. The $10,000 PCA Main Event played out over the last week with Portugal’s Michel Dattani taking the title for $1.3 million. 

The event saw 889 entries from 58 countries, producing a prize pool of $8.6million. This became Dattani’s first major tournament win and he now has total live tournament winnings of $2.4 million.

“I’ve played 40 main events and I’ve never passed Day 3,” he said, “So it’s hard to believe I’m here right now.”

Fellow Portuguese player Pedro Neves finished runner-up for $1.2 million after the two players reached a deal. Getting to the title didn’t come without some struggles and six long days of action.

“The competition was tough,” he said afterward. “My opponents were very good. But I think I played well and the cards helped a lot. We need to run good to win these kinds of things!”

Here’s a look at the final table payouts.

2023 PokerStars Caribbean Adventure Main Event

  1. Michel Dattani, Portugal – $1,316,963
  2. Pedro Neves, Portugal – $1,183,037
  3. Artur Martirosian, Russia – $677,400
  4. Alexandre Raymond, Canada – $519,600
  5. Christoph Csik, United States – $399,800
  6. Jamil Wakil, Canada – $307,500

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A look at some other event winners

The winners keep coming at the PCA including several major recent events. That included the $10,200 PSPC Warm Up, with American Jesse Lonis scoring the victory for $367,400. The event produced a field of 162 entries for a $1.6 million prize pool.

In the $10,200 Mystery Bounty, Canada’s Andrew Chen secured a nice title and $144,800. This marked his third cash of the series.

In the $1,100 No Limit Hold’em Freezeout, Germany’s Christian Dressler found the win for $46,880. Argentina’s Nicolas Betbese Pueta took the title in the $1,100 DeepStack for $74,980.

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Final Two Platinum Passes Dished Out Via PokerStars Podcast Contest; PSPC Starts Next Week 

Alex Irwin and Asif Warris became the final PokerStars Platinum Pass winners last week after answering a podcast trivia question correctly.

It must have been quite a phone call last week for Northern Ireland’s Alex Irwin and the United Kingdom’s Asif Warris. Simply answering the phone and giving a correct answer to a trivia question earned the pair a PokerStars Platinum Pass.

The prizes came via the Poker in the Ears podcast hosts James Hartigan and Joe Stapleton. The two called listeners to determine who would win the final two Platinum Passes for the PokerStars Players Championship (PSPC). The event is set for Jan. 30 – Feb. 3 at the Baha Mar Resort in the Bahamas.

The PSPC kicks off next week as part of the PokerStars Caribbean Adventure (PCA). Warris may have spoken for many winners when he learned he’d won.

“Oh my God, I love it,” he said. “I can’t believe this.”

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Winning a PokerStars Platinum Pass via podcast

To have a shot at the Platinum Pass, players simply had to listen to a recent episode and register on the Stars Discord channel. Hartigan and Stapleton then randomly called those who registered.

Show listeners who answered a trivia question correctly won the pass. Irwin was the first lucky winner after correctly answering his PSPC quiz question. He was asked the number of players making the money in the first PSPC.

Irwin answered 181 entrants of the 1,039-player field cashed in the first edition of PSPC in 2019. That scored him a $25,000 buy-in and tournament package to the Bahamas next week.

Warris, known in the poker community as “The Poker Tourist,” was the next caller. He was asked the name of the other Platinum Pass winner that joined Ramon Colillas at the final table at the first PSPC. His correct answer of Mark Rivera rewarded Warris with a Platinum Pass.

Right place at the right time

Simply being by the phone paid off in a big way for these two winners. The first caller didn’t pick up for Hartigan and Stapleton. Irwin was then the second person called and claimed his Platinum Pass. That actually turned out to be his second pass after winning one for the first event in 2019.

The third person gave a wrong answer and Warris became the fourth player. The win also brought his second pass after also winning one in 2019. He knew the answer as soon as Hartigan read the choices and pumped his fists in celebration.

Warris has won numerous tournament packages and events at PokerStars, Stapleton noted.

“You are something special Asif,” the podcast host said. “Random draws and you just seem to connect.”

Irwin was equally enthusiastic about his win, celebrating on camera with some fist pumps and yelling.

He repeatedly said: “I can’t believe it.” He later added: “I’m speechless, I can’t wait to see you and shake your hand.”

Last of the Platinum Passes awarded

The two winners secured the last Platinum Passes up for grabs. In total, more than 400 players and poker fans secured the sought-after prizes. Stars values each pass at $30,000 and includes:

  • $25,000 tournament buy-in
  • Six nights of hotel accommodations for the winner and a guest in a five-star hotel
  • Airfare and airport transfers
  • $1,900 in expense money
  • Platinum Pass Winner experiences during the event

PokerScout will be on site next week throughout the PSPC. Stay tuned here for event updates, feature stories, and player interviews.

★★★ 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 PUNCH BOWL: Negreanu’s Rap, Spraggy’s Downswing, Platinum Pass, & Bad Beat Jackpot

Poker Punch Bowl offers a look at the interesting, weird, fortuitous, and strange from the world of poker.

Welcome to the Poker Punch Bowl, offering a look at the interesting, weird, fortuitous, and strange from the world of poker. This inaugural column offers a look at some poker rap lyrics via artificial intelligence and Daniel Negreanu.

With the PokerStars Players Championship, another well-known online poker player also scored a Platinum Pass over the weekend. A Stars poker streamer also gave some insight on how tournament life can go bad.

All that as well as a huge bad beat jackpot that had several players thankful they chose to jump in the online poker action. Here’s some interesting news in the Poker Punch Bowl.

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Daniel Negreanu impressed with AI poker rap

The new ChatGPT tool has been in the news quite a bit recently. Users are astounded by the capabilities of the app and how thorough the results can be. The artificial intelligence (AI) can produce written works, solve problems, hold a conversation, and more.

“We’ve trained a model called ChatGPT which interacts in a conversational way,” research and deployment company OpenAI notes about the app. “The dialogue format makes it possible for ChatGPT to answer followup questions, admit its mistakes, challenge incorrect premises, and reject inappropriate requests.”

Many have hailed the technology as revolutionary. Investors are eager to get on board and there are even rumors of a possible $10 billion investment from Microsoft.

Apparently there’s also some interest from poker players as well. Maybe some players are interested in how the technology could be used in a man-versus-technology matchup? Or what about as a training tool or to offer some hand analysis?

Those may be interesting considerations, but Daniel Negreanu recently had a more pressing concern. Could the chat app create some unique poker rhymes? The six-time World Series of Poker bracelet winner was impressed with the results.

 

Facing the reality of a downswing

Ben “Spraggy”Spragg has almost $200,000 in live tournament winnings and much more online. The PokerStars ambassador  is known for his streaming and as well as being quite a soccer/football fan.

And despite a long career at the poker tables, Spragg recently took a look at that dreaded poker reality – the downswing. The new year apparently brought a tough run of cards for the Twitch streamer and YouTuber.

Dealing with a downswing is something most players can commiserate with. Even the best players experience some time in the red, no matter how well they might be playing.

“In the modern game, everyone knows the percentages and the correct plays,” 1999 WSOP Main Event champion once Dan Harrington noted. “What marks out the top players is how they handle themselves when they are losing.”

Spragg eventually bounced back, notching a 17th-place finish in the Irish Poker Open for $4,213. He also scored a nice online finish as well.

Vanessa Kade scores Platinum Pass

The PokerStars Players Championship (PSPC) is right around the corner. The $25,000 event runs from Jan. 30 – Feb. 3 and the site continued dishing out Platinum Passes in January.

Canadian poker pro Vanessa Kade was one of the latest, receiving a pass out of the blue over the weekend. She was thrilled with her good fortune.

“I was just settling in to play my Sunday game and logged into Stars, and this is the first thing I see,” she said in a video posted on her Twitter account. “Thanks so much PokerStars.

“You guys have already given me three incredible life-changing experiences with the opportunity to win the Sunday Million, a trip to Barcelona, and an amazing trip to Brazil to see F1 (Formula One) and meet so many incredible people. I will happily join you in the Bahamas for yet another adventure, thank you so much.”

Kade has more than $1.1 million in live tournament winnings and plenty of major scores online. As she noted, the biggest of those may be winning the 15th anniversary of the Sunday Million in 2021 for $1.5 million.

“This is the best month of my life and it’s not even close,” she said after the win. “This is the best day of my life.”

No doubt Kade is now hoping for an even bigger run in the Bahamas.

GGPoker has players heading to Brazil

Brazil has become a key online poker market in recent years. Poker sites continue reaching out to players in the land of samba and sun, and GGPoker recently made an additional foray into the country.

The company has added its name to Brazil’s largest live poker series, rebranded the Kings Series of Poker by GGPoker. GG hasn’t embraced live poker as much as competitors so far, but continues partnering with other tournament series.

The first stop on the Kings tour is set for Feb. 8-14 in Rio de Janeiro. GG is already offering online qualifiers for a chance at a nice South American getaway.

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An awesome Omaha bad beat jackpot

Speaking of GGPoker, the site partnered with the World Series of Poker in 2022 for an exclusive site for players in Ontario, Canada. WSOP.ca features championship ring and bracelet events throughout the year as well as plenty of other action.

The site was also recently home to a massive bad beat jackpot payout in an Omaha cash game. The hand saw a player named “Bafaym” flop a royal flush.

Another player named “timmy turnem” held pocket Queens and hit a set on the flop. The fourth Queen in the deck hit on the river and triggered the $130,673 payout.

The winner of the hand scored $27,515 with the “loser” collecting an extra $84,853. The three other players at the table collected $6,788. No doubt these cash game players were definitely saying “good game” at GG on this occasion.

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Listen Up: One Final Platinum Pass Up for Grabs Via PokerStars Podcast Competition

The PSPC kicks off Jan. 29 in the Bahamas and PokerStars has announced that one final Platinum Pass is up for grabs via a podcast contest.

The PokerStars Players Championship (PSPC) kicks off Jan. 29 in the Bahamas and the company announced Thursday that one final Platinum Pass is up for grabs.

One of poker’s biggest prizes will be awarded via James Hartigan and Joe Stapleton on the Poker in the Ears podcast. The Platinum Pass has become some of the biggest prizes in poker.

The PSPC is part of the upcoming PokerStars Caribbean Adventure (PCA), which takes place at the Baha Mar resort from Jan. 22 – Feb. 3.

“All players have to do is listen to the latest , which has gone live today, to find out the full details on how to win,” Stars noted in announcing the contest.

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How to win the final PokerStars Platinum Pass

The competition for the final Platinum Pass is now open through Jan. 16. The prize is available for listeners in Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States (excluding the states of Florida, New York, and Washington).

For a chance to win, players must sign up for a free account on the PokerStars Discord channel. Next, head to the #podcast-discussion Poker in the Ears channel and post “I’m in” to enter. Entrants will receive a survey link to complete on Jan. 16.

The PSPC kicks off Jan. 29 in the Bahamas and PokerStars has announced that one final Platinum Pass is up for grabs via a podcast contest.

Entrants should then look for an email. Only the first 50 responses will advance to the next stage of the competition. On Jan. 18, one entrant will randomly receive a call from Hartigan and Stapleton. Here are a few more things to remember:

  • If the player doesn’t pick up, Hartigan and Stapleton will keep calling contestants randomly until someone answers.
  • The entrant will need to answer a trivia question picking from one of three categories: the PCA, PSPC, and the Bahamas. If a player gives a wrong answer, Hartigan and Stapleton move on until they receive a correct answer.
  • The first person to answer correctly will win the Platinum Pass.

Here’s the complete podcast to check out how to win.

 

What comes with a PokerStars Platinum Pass?

For months PokerStars has handed out Platinum Passes via live tournaments, online events, and other promotions and social media contests. The passes are highly sought after among poker fans and players.

The PSPC last ran in 2020 with Spain’s Roman Colillas coming out on top for $5.1 million. He also earned his entry via Platinum Pass. The tournament brings together a wide range of poker pros and recreational players vying for a piece of the massive prize pool.

This year’s event is set for Jan. 30 – Feb. 3 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 tournament should be one of the biggest events on the 2023 poker calendar. PokerScout will be on site covering the tournament. Stay tuned here as the event approaches for more information, player profiles, and updates from the Bahamas.

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

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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.

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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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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.

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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.

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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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On the Platinum Path: Platinum Passes Up for Grabs at PokerStars Live Events in France, Spain

More opportunities are on the way for players in France and Spain to secure a Platinum Pass in two PokerStars Live events.

PokerStars continues dishing out Platinum Passes to players around the world. More opportunities are on the way for players in France and Spain to secure one of the biggest prizes in poker.

Two additional passes are now on the line in upcoming events in Southern Europe. Players can take a shot at scoring a trip to the Caribbean at the France Poker Series Aix-en-Provence and Road to PSPC Madrid.

A Platinum Pass guarantees a player an all-expenses paid trip to the PokerStars Players Championship (PSPC) in the Bahamas in January. Each pass is valued at $30,000.

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Winning a PokerStars Platinum Pass at FPS Aix-en-Provence

Some major poker tournament action is coming to the Provence region of southeast France. The FPS Aix-en-Provence series runs 10 days from Nov. 18-27 at the new Pasino Grand Casino.

In announcing the new event, Stars noted the property was “a casino inspired by those in Las Vegas and described as an avant-garde complex.”

The tournament stop wraps up the FPS season as the last stop of PokerStars’ stand-alone regional tours. The series includes a €440 Mystery Bounty event on Nov. 22-23 with a Platinum Pass up for grabs. The tournament highlight will see one player pick out a mystery bounty envelope containing the $30,000 prize.

Those unsuccessful in winning the pass can still look forward to a major tournament with a win. The €1,100 FPS Main Event offers plenty of prestige for the champion.

Texapoker’s CEO and founder, and PokerStars event partner, Apo Chantzis, described adding a Platinum Pass to the tournament mix as a “dream come true.”

This also isn’t the only way to win a Platinum Pass in France. A Road to PSPC is set for Nov. 7-13 at Club Circus Paris.

Road to PSPC heads to Madrid

Players in Spain also have an upcoming opportunity to win a Platinum Pass. The €400 Road to PSPC Madrid runs from Nov. 30 – Dec. 4 at Casino Gran Madrid Torrelodones. The event is one of the last stops on the Road to PSPC schedule.

With lower buy-ins than traditional live tournaments, players can play for less in Madrid. Satellites are now available online from just €0.50 on the Spanish PokerStars platform and French poker client. Direct qualifiers are also available at €50.

What comes with a Platinum Pass?

Platinum Passes are some of the most sought-after prizes in poker. Each pass comes with a $25,000 buy-in to the PSPC and also includes: 

  • Six nights’ hotel accommodations for winner and a guest in a five-star hotel
  • Airfare and transfers
  • $1,900 in spending money
  • Exclusive Platinum Pass winner experiences during the event

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