All good things must come to an end, and that’s the case with the PokerStars New Year Series. The final events shuffle up and deal on January 14, but before then, there are a trio of No-Limit Hold’em Main Events for you to play, Main Event with combined guaranteed prize pools tipping the scales at a whopping $3 million.
The three PokerStars New Year Series Main Events commence at precisely 5:30 p.m. GMT on January 12. They come with buy-ins of $109, $1,050, and $5,200, each boasting a seven-figure guarantee on their respective prize pools.
$109 Buy-in, $1 Million Guaranteed New Year Series Main Event
Players in the New Year Series 114-L: $109 NLHE Mystery Bounty Main Event sit down with 100,000 chips and play to a 15-minute clock for the first 13 levels. The next 24 levels span 12 minutes before the clock reverts to 15 minutes until a champion is crowned.
Day 1 of this two-day event ends 7 hours and 55 minutes after the tournament starts, and the mystery bounties come into play once the money bubble bursts. Those progressing to Day 2 need to be logged in and ready to play at 5:30 p.m. GMT on January 13. Should you bust during the first 4 hours 5 minutes while late registration is open, you can re-enter up to five times.
Best Value Satellites
Although the $109 buy-in is the cheapest of the trio of Main Events, it is still outside the constraints of many players’ bankrolls. Thankfully, PokerStars realises this and is hosting a plethora of low-cost satellites that feed into the $1 million guaranteed tournament.
One hundred seats are guaranteed for $11 on January 11 at 6:05 p.m. GMT and at 3:25 p.m. GMT on January 12. Also, on January 12, at 4:25 p.m. GMT, PokerStars guarantees at least 200x $109 tickets will be won in an $11 satellite.
Those on a tighter budget or who are the ultimate value-hunters can win their way into these $11 satellites for only $1.10!
Celebrate the Holidays in Style with the $35M Guaranteed PokerStars New Year Series
$1,050 Buy-in, $1 Million Guaranteed New Year Series Main Event
The New Year Series 114-M: $1,050 NLHE PKO Main Event is a progressive knockout (PKO) tournament, and due to its buy-in, it is likely to be frequented by a higher number of seasoned grinders.
Whether you buy in direct or win your way in via a satellite, you’ll sit down with 100,000 chips and play to a 20-minute clock throughout. Blinds start at 250/500/60a, and late registration remains open for five hours and five minutes, with Day 1 breaking once the money bubble pops. Day 2 commences at 5:30 p.m. GMT on January 13.
You’ll win at least $250 for every opponent you send to the showers. Should someone eliminate you while late registration is open, you can re-enter up to four times.
Best Value Satellites
If you’re looking to take a shot at his massive tournament but the thought of forking out $1,050 for the privilege sends shivers down your spine, check out the $55 buy-in satellite at 4:15 p.m. GMT on January 12. Despite its affordable buy-in, this satellite guarantees an incredible 50x $1,050 seats! Soon after, at 5:30 p.m. GMT, a $109 buy-in satellite has another 50 seats guaranteed to be won.
Those grinding the Power Path should know that the Gold Pass can be redeemed for $10,300 worth of online tickets, including three $1,050 tickets.
$5,200 Buy-in, $1 Million Guaranteed New Year Series Main Event
The biggest buy-in Main Event is New Year Series 114-H: $5,200 NLHE Main Event. This is a traditional tournament in which every cent of the $1 million guarantee is paid out via the regular prize pool.
The starting stack is 250,000, the blinds last 20 minutes throughout, and late registration is open for 5 hours 45 minutes. Up to three re-entries are allowed during late registration, although you’d have to be well-heeled to fire multiple bullets here.
Day 1 ends once the nine-handed final table is reached, with those final nine returning to the action at 5:30 p.m. GMT on January 13 to conclude the event.
Last year, Sweden’s Jerry “Perrymejsen” Odeen outlasted 305 opponents and scooped $290,062.
Best Value Satellites
Satellites costing $109, $215, $530, and $1,050 are available for the $5,200 Main Event. Among those satellites, you’ll find a $215 buy-in at 4:30 p.m. GMT on January 12 that has eight seats in its prize pool. At 5:40 p.m. GMT on January 12, at least ten PokerStars players will turn a $530 satellite into a $5,200 seat.
Senior Editor
