PokerStars Stars Season: Kickoff with a Knockout
The excitement kicked off this weekend as the PokerStars Stars Season launched with a whirlwind of activity. Players around the globe took a seat at the virtual felt to participate in the much-anticipated events, including the thrilling Terminator PKO tournaments and the flagship Season Kickoff Sunday Million PKO. With a staggering $1,867,988 already paid out in prizes, this season is shaping up to be one for the ages.
Kickoff with Big Wins
The highlight of the weekend was undoubtedly the $1 million guaranteed Season Kickoff Sunday Million PKO, which saw nearly 9,800 entrants battling for their share of the lucrative prize pool. In a spectacular display of skill and strategy, the tournament concluded with all but one of the nine finalists walking away with five-figure payouts. The eventual champion, known as animalridens, took home a whopping $83,347, solidifying their name in the poker hall of fame.
First Stars Season Sunday Million Title Goes to Thailand
As the dust settled from the exhilarating Day 2, it became clear that the first Sunday Million title of the Stars Season found its way to Thailand. The deep field of 9,756 entries included a trio of PokerStars Ambassadors, with Lex "L. Veldhuis" Veldhuis making a commendable run but ultimately finishing in 102nd place while simultaneously hosting events. Remarkably, the first finalist to exit the tournament was Romania’s marinusmacy24, who pocketed $7,230.
The final phases of the competition became increasingly intense, as the final four transformed into three when MpZancan exited for $30,352. The eventual heads-up matchup featured animalridens going against Gyan Yellov from Brazil, with both locking in significant earnings before the bounty battle commenced. Ultimately, animalridens claimed not only the main prize but also additional bounties worth $28,792, culminating in a total prize of $83,347.
Final Table Results
Here’s a snapshot of the Sunday Million PKO Final Table results:
| Rank | Player | Country | Bounties | Prize | Total Prize |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | animalridens | Thailand | $28,792 | $54,555 | $83,347 |
| 2 | Gyan Yellov | Brazil | $2,987 | $54,549 | $57,536 |
| 3 | Rb)bolov | Belarus | $10,768 | $40,270 | $51,038 |
| 4 | MpZancan | Brazil | $2,298 | $28,054 | $30,352 |
| 5 | BRP-37 | Belarus | $2,715 | $19,526 | $22,241 |
| 6 | Nooreek26 | Kazakhstan | $4,643 | $13,336 | $17,979 |
| 7 | MichailJapon | Mexico | $2,231 | $9,397 | $11,628 |
| 8 | FrittssoN4 | Sweden | $4,888 | $6,670 | $11,558 |
| 9 | marinusmacy24 | Romania | $2,483 | $4,747 | $7,230 |
Early Season Success
Before the Sunday Million spectacle, the Stars Season also featured a series of Terminator PKO events hosted by Lex Veldhuis, encompassing buy-ins of $11, $55, and $215. Each of these competitions attracted thousands of players eager to test their skills. Notably, mirodelas7 emerged victorious in the $11 Terminator, securing a prize of $6,385 after besting 7,571 competitors, while sejedno took home $18,461 in the $55 edition.
Additionally, the $215 tournament was won by a player dubbed &REW21, who accumulated a remarkable payout of $32,191 when factoring in bounties. A special mention goes to Fiktenasch, who turned an $11 investment into $10,334 in the Sunday Storm — a testimony to the thrill and unpredictability of online poker.
Upcoming Events to Watch
PokerStars doesn’t plan on slowing down with the excitement. Players can look forward to a series of thrilling Super Tuesday events on October 29, hosted by player Parker "tonkaaaa" Talbot, with a combined prize pool of over $204,399 up for grabs.
The tournament calendar remains packed, with upcoming episodes concluding October that promise enticing guarantees and thrilling poker action. Here’s what to watch for in the near future:
| Date | Time (GMT) | Episode | Guarantee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 30 | 8:02 p.m. | #06-L: $11 Fenomeno | $20,000 |
| 8:02 p.m. | #06-M: $109 Fenomeno | $40,000 | |
| Oct 31 | 6:02 p.m. | #07-L: $11 Thursday Thrill | $30,000 |
| 6:02 p.m. | #07-M: $109 Thursday Thrill | $80,000 | |
| 6:02 p.m. | #07-H: $1,050 Thursday Thrill | $100,000 |
The Future is Bright for PokerStars
Looking ahead, Super Sunday on November 3 promises to be a monumental event, featuring three thrilling tournaments with guarantees reaching up to $1 million. With satellites and more incentives for players, the atmosphere is electric, and participants are eager to snag their seats at the table.
For poker enthusiasts and aspiring players, the PokerNews Online Tournament Calendar serves as a vital tool to keep track of upcoming events — ensuring you never miss a beat. The PokerStars sign-up bonus further enhances the experience, providing even more opportunities to engage and win.
As the PokerStars Stars Season progresses, players can anticipate not just high-stakes excitement, but the unyielding camaraderie and sportsmanship that make poker a beloved pastime around the world. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting, there’s never been a better time to join in the action. Buckle up and get ready for a season filled with thrill, drama, and substantial winnings!
