PokerStars’ most popular online format is back on the big live stage. After testing the waters with a trial event in Barcelona last year and then running the first-ever official Spin & Go World Championship at EPT Prague in December 2024, the operator has now given Spins their biggest spotlight yet at PokerStars EPT Barcelona 2025.
High‑stakes star Jason Koon will be among those in the field. For the American pro, best known for his dominance in super high rollers, this represents a chance to break from his usual schedule.
“Stars asked me if I wanted to do it, and it sounded fun and different,” Koon told Pokerfuse at the festival. “Most of the time in the high rollers I’m playing guys I’ve known for 10 years, so this will be fun — some new faces.”
From Online Jackpot SNGs to Live Championships
Spin & Gos are one of PokerStars’ trademark innovations: three‑handed, fast‑paced Sit & Gos with randomized prize pools. They have been a cornerstone of the online ecosystem for over a decade, appealing to both casual and serious players thanks to their speed and the chance to hit big multipliers.
PokerStars first introduced them in the live environment with a small showcase in Barcelona in 2024, before launching the format’s first proper championship at Prague, where dozens of players qualified online through dedicated Spin & Go qualifiers.
This month, Barcelona provides the next step — a full Spin & Go LIVE Championship embedded in one of the largest poker festivals in the world the PokerStars EPT Barcelona 2025.
Koon on the Format
“It’s a format I don’t play very often,” Koon admitted. “I modeled it out and studied maybe two hours, but I’m no specialist. I used to be a heads‑up sit & go player for like five or six years, so I’ll be confident there. But these guys have studied every little stack distribution in their 25bb games — it’ll be fun to battle the specialists.”
Koon also sees Spins as a bridge between online and live worlds. “There are a lot of people who may not feel comfortable jumping straight into a full live tournament,” he said. “But they’ve played tens of thousands of Spins online. Bringing that same game live could get them to show up. And because Spins are really fast, anybody can come in and run deep. That makes it fun.”
He added that the live production itself looked impressive. “I’ve seen the set — it’s really cool and colorful. It kind of feels like you’re in the movie Tron. I’m looking forward to giving it a go.”
Why Spins Matter
For PokerStars, the move is a strategic one. Spin & Gos remain one of the most important products for driving acquisition and engagement, and bringing them into the live sphere deepens the connection between the operator’s massive online base and its global live tour.
EPT Barcelona has historically been PokerStars’ biggest festival, and this year is no exception. By integrating its most successful online format, Stars is offering something familiar to online regulars while also providing a fresh draw for live audiences.
“Of course there’s a skill element,” Koon said. “But it’s one of those things where anybody can come in and run deep. That makes it a great tournament.”
