Get Ready for PokerStars’ Thrilling Upcoming Stars Season: Schedule and What to Expect
As the leaves turn to shades of gold and crimson, the online poker scene gears up for one of its most anticipated events of the year. PokerStars is preparing to launch its new Stars Season, a multi-Day celebration brimming with exciting tournaments, big prize pools, and plenty of opportunities to win. With the stage set, let’s explore what players can expect from this extraordinary event kicking off on October 27.
What is Stars Season?
Stars Season is an initiative by PokerStars designed to captivate both loyal players and newcomers alike. It features a dynamic mix of tournaments, each with its own unique flair, exciting side events, and a range of buy-ins catering to various bankrolls. This year, the event comprises 30 episodes, culminating in a spectacular finale with a whopping $1.25 million guaranteed on December 1.
Kickoff Highlights: October 27
Mark your calendars for October 27, the day that Stars Season officially begins, and prepare for an action-packed series of events. At 3:05 p.m. GMT, the show will launch with Episode 01 featuring a trio of Progressive Knockout (PKO) tournaments named The Terminator, hosted by the charismatic Team PokerStars member Lex "L.Veldhuis" Veldhuis. Each tournament will carry different buy-ins of $11, $55, and $215, offering guaranteed prize pools of $40,000, $100,000, and $100,000, respectively.
Special Bounty on Lex Veldhuis
A unique twist to this inaugural event is the special bounty on Veldhuis himself. Players who manage to knock him out will not only receive a considerable boost to their prize money but also gain entry to an exclusive All-In Shootout featuring a $2,500 New Year Series Silver Pass, along with a $109 ticket for the Finale.
A Star-Studded Line-Up
In addition to Lex, several other PokerStars ambassadors will host events during the opening week. Notably:
- Parker "tonkaaaa" Talbot will oversee three Super Tuesday tournaments at 6:02 p.m. GMT on October 29.
- Laurie "LaliTournier" Tournier will host the $11 edition of the Fenomeno at 8:02 p.m. GMT on October 30.
- Brazilian pro Rafael "GM_VALTER" Moraes anchors the $109 buy-in Fenomeno, also on October 30.
Stars Season Schedule at a Glance
Here’s a quick overview of key events leading up to October 31:
| Date | Time (GMT) | Event | Buy-in | Guarantee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sun 27 Oct | 3:05 p.m. | Episode 01-L: The Terminator – L. Veldhuis | $11 | $40,000 |
| 3:05 p.m. | Episode 01-M: The Terminator – L. Veldhuis | $55 | $100,000 | |
| 3:05 p.m. | Episode 01-H: The Terminator – L. Veldhuis | $215 | $100,000 | |
| 5:05 p.m. | Episode 02: Season Kickoff Sunday Million | $109 | $1,000,000 | |
| 6:00 p.m. | Episode 03: Sunday Storm | $11 | $100,000 | |
| Tue 29 Oct | 6:02 p.m. | Episode 04-L: Super Tuesday – tonkaaaa | $11 | $25,000 |
| 9:02 p.m. | Episode 05-L: Daily Cooldown | $11 | $20,000 | |
| Wed 30 Oct | 8:02 p.m. | Episode 06-L: Fenomeno – LaliTournier | $11 | $20,000 |
| Thu 31 Oct | 6:02 p.m. | Episode 07-L: Thursday Thrill | $11 | $30,000 |
The Season Kickoff: Sunday Million
One of the standout events is the Season Kickoff Sunday Million, which starts on October 27 at 5:05 p.m. GMT. This $109 buy-in tournament boasts a staggering $1 million guaranteed prize pool. It’s a two-day tournament where players can earn $25 for each opponent eliminated, with progressive bounties increasing throughout the rounds, making every knockout significantly more rewarding.
The anticipation surrounding this event is rooted in its history; during the last Sunday Million in March, a massive prize pool of $1,064,600 was contested with 10,646 entries. Expect fierce competition and exceptional payout structures akin to that event.
Secure Your Spot: Mega Satellites
For those looking to participate but on a tighter budget, PokerStars is offering several affordable Mega Satellites to the Sunday Million. These satellites cost $11, and guarantee a staggering 450 Sunday Million entries across four events from October 23-26. Participants can even qualify via freerolls or $1.10 feeder satellites, allowing players to secure their seats without heavy investment.
Never Miss a PokerStars Tournament Again
For avid poker players eager to keep track of the upcoming tournaments, the PokerNews Online Tournament Calendar is an invaluable tool. This free resource enables players to filter by buy-in, game type, and other criteria, streamlining the tournament-finding process. Plus, don’t forget to grab a PokerStars sign-up bonus to enhance your online poker experience.
Conclusion
As PokerStars gears up for another thrilling Stars Season, the excitement is palpable. With a vast range of events, exceptional prize pools, and a star-studded cast of hosts, it’s an extraordinary chance for players at any level to engage with the vibrant world of online poker. Get ready for a season filled with action, strategy, and immense potential—mark October 27 on your calendars and prepare to shuffle up and deal!
