PokerStars Live League: The Ultimate Player Guide
The PokerStars Live League is back for 2026, offering over €250,000 in prizes and giving players across all buy-in levels a fair shot at winning a share of the rich prize pool.
Last updated: February 8, 2026
After a successful debut in 2025, the PokerStars Live League has returned for 2026 with a generous prize pool of €250,000 and three different leaderboards for three different buy-in ranges. This gives all players in live poker events powered by PokerStars a chance to boost their bankrolls with some extra cash.
The 2026 PokerStars Live League comprises all European Poker Tour events as well as all PokerStars Open tournaments. Players generate points for participation and their results in qualifying tournaments.
In addition to tournament buy-in prizes, €100,000 of this year’s prize pool will be distributed via a special freeroll that will feature the top 30 finishers from each of the three leaderboards.
| PokerStars Live League | |
|---|---|
| 😎 What is it? | A year-long competition comprising all PokerStars Live events |
| ✈️ Eligible Events | All EPT & PokerStars Open tournaments |
| 🪙 Stakes | Three leaderboards for low, medium, and high stakes |
| 🎁 Total Prize Pool | €250,000 |
How The PokerStars Live League Works
The PokerStars Live League rewards consistent performance across PokerStars Live events. Players automatically earn leaderboard points by competing in eligible tournaments throughout the season, with rankings determined by buy‑in level and finish position.
The League is divided into three leaderboards — High, Medium, and Low — so players of all bankrolls can participate on equal footing. Each tier tracks points separately, allowing everyone from seasoned professionals to enthusiastic recreational players to compete for prizes within their own category.
- Low – all tournaments with a buy-in under €/£/$1,200
- Medium – tournaments featuring a buy-in of €/£/$1,000 – €/£/$5,500
- High – all events with a buy-in of €/£/$4,900+
As you can see, there are some overlaps between the buy-in tiers, which means that some tournaments will count for two leaderboards. For example, the recently finished PokerStars Open Main Event in Campione will award points toward low and medium leaderboards.
At the conclusion of the season, the top performers on every leaderboard receive tournament buy‑ins and entry packages to future PokerStars Live events, including EPT and PokerStars Open stops. Additionally, the top 30 finishers from each of the three leaderboards will get to play in a €100,000 freeroll taking place at the start of 2027.
PokerStars Live League 2026 Prizes
| High | Medium | Low | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Winner | €50,000 PokerStars LIVE credit | €25,000 PokerStars LIVE credit | €15,000 PokerStars LIVE credit |
| Runner-Up | €25,000 PokerStars LIVE credit | €12,500 PokerStars LIVE credit | €7,500 PokerStars LIVE credit |
| Third-Place | €12,500 PokerStars LIVE credit | €6,250 PokerStars LIVE credit | €3,750 PokerStars LIVE credit |
| 1 – 30 | A seat in the €100k Freeroll | A seat in the €100k Freeroll | A seat in the €100k Freeroll |
The €100,000 freeroll will take place during the first stop of the 2027 European Poker Tour, gathering the 90 top performers from all three leagues.
PokerStars Live League Points System
Points are earned automatically at any qualifying PokerStars Live event. Players earn points based on the buy-in amount, a total number of entries, and, of course, their finishing position.
For players who finish in the money, the total number of points is calculated using a slightly-tweaked formula for Global Poker Index points rankings.
One important change for the 2026 PokerStars Live League is that players who manage to make a final table and/or win a tournament can expect to receive more points.
Additionally, certain tournaments that fall in the in-between buy-in category will count toward two leaderboards (low and medium or medium and high), making them must-play for those who are serious about chasing the top spots.
Players can use the PokerStars Live app to track their and their opponents’ progress throughout the season.
PokerStars Live League 2025 Results
After a thrilling 2025 season that culminated at the first-ever PokerStars Open Cannes, three players have been crowned champions in the 2025 PokerStars Live League.
Italy’s Enrico Camosci topped the High Leaderboard, Spain’s Gerard Rubiralta Cortes claimed the Medium Leaderboard, and Iceland’s Steinn Thanh Du Karlsson captured the Low Leaderboard title after a nail‑biting finish decided in the final events at Cannes. The winners, along with second‑ and third‑place finishers in each tier, earned a package of EPT and PokerStars Open entries for 2026 worth over €100,000.
In addition, the top 10 players overall now advance to an exclusive audition for a one‑year Team PokerStars Pro ambassador contract, valued at €100,000, with the winner to be announced at EPT Paris, February 18 – March 1, 2026.
Picking the Ambassador: “A Dream for Many, Many Players”
When it comes to interviewing the top ten finishers across each leaderboard race, PokerStars will have its work cut out. But if you want to know how to impress the judges, here’s what customer engagement manager for live events, Willie Elliot, shared with Pokerfuse.
“When selecting ambassadors, we look for players who truly love the game and embody authenticity and credibility. They should be excellent communicators, social media savvy, and passionate about poker’s integrity,” Elliot said during the PokerStars Open Campione event.
“Professionalism, teamwork, and a deep belief in our brand are essential. Our ambassadors are not just representatives — they are creative, adaptive, and deeply connected to the poker community. They act as the voice, eyes, and ears of the players, gathering feedback and ensuring we continue to evolve alongside the game.”
The Ambassador role is designed to recognize remarkable player achievements in an intensely competitive environment. The prize — which covers buy‑ins and travel to major PokerStars events, along with five‑star accommodation and expenses — represents a once‑in‑a‑lifetime opportunity for many aspiring professionals.
PokerStars Live App
The PokerStars Live App is an essential companion for players attending PokerStars Live events. It allows you to follow all tournaments in real time, check results, and stay informed wherever you play.
Through the app, players can view their progress in the PokerStars Live League and instantly see how many points they would earn for a specific finish. League standings update automatically after every event, showing exactly where you rank among competitors.
Players are encouraged to download the app before attending any live event. It provides the complete tournament schedule, details on venues and tables, and quick access to completed event information — all in one place.
The PokerStars Live App is free to download and requires no login. Search for “PokerStars Live” in the Apple App Store or Google Play, tap Install, and you’re ready to go.
PokerStars Live App Highlights
- Full event schedule with live updates
- Real-time tournament clock and chip counts
- Payouts, prize pools, and structure information
- Player and leaderboard standings displayed in-app
PokerStars Live League FAQ
What events qualify for the PokerStars Live League leaderboard race?
All major PokerStars Live series — including PokerStars Open, EPT, and selected regional tours — award points toward the PokerStars Live League. Eligible events are announced each season on the official PokerStars Live website.
What is the prize pool for the PokerStars Live League in 2026?
PokerStars will award over €250,000 in prizes to the top finishers across the three leagues. €100,000 of the prize pool will be distributed via a special freeroll that will see the top 30 finishers from each league take their seats.
Does the leaderboard race for the PokerStars Live League run across all buy-in levels?
Yes. The League features three leaderboard tiers — High, Medium, and Low — allowing players of every bankroll level to compete for prizes and recognition.
Is there an online element to the PokerStars Live League leaderboard race?
No. Points are awarded only for participation in in-person PokerStars Live events. Online results do not count toward League standings.
How many tour stops contribute to the PokerStars Live League?
The number of qualifying events varies each season based on the PokerStars Live schedule. Players can earn points at any eligible live stop listed on the official schedule.
How does the PokerStars Live League work?
The leaderboard tracks results from PokerStars Live tournaments throughout the season. Players earn points based on event finish, buy-in level, and field size.
How is the leaderboard race points system determined?
The PokerStars Live League uses a slightly adjusted Global Poker Index (GPI) formula to calculate points, which are awarded according to finishing position, buy-in amount, and total field size.