In the world of poker, legends are born, and tales of remarkable skill and cunning play are whispered among enthusiasts and professionals alike. Among these legends, one name shines brighter than most — Doyle Brunson, often referred to as the “Godfather of Poker.”
On May 14, 2023, the poker community mourned the loss of this iconic figure, who is considered one of the all-time greatest poker players and ambassadors for the game.
To commemorate the life and contributions of the “Godfather of Poker,” PokerStars North America has decided to pay tribute in a manner befitting his legendary status. The operator is set to host a special poker event, the Ten-Deuce Freeroll, inspired by the hand that propelled him to victory in two memorable back-to-back World Series of Poker tournaments — the Ten Deuce.
This special freeroll will fittingly take place on Monday, October 2, the day designated by a quorum of the poker world as Doyle Brunson Day.
It will be held across the North American markets, including the shared liquidity network spanning New Jersey & Michigan (PokerStars NJ & PokerStars MI), as well as in Pennsylvania (PokerStars PA) and Ontario (PokerStars Ontario). Players can win $10,200 worth of prizes in each of the three separate networks.
These $10,200 worth of prizes include casino bonuses and tickets to upcoming tournaments and events.
Participating in the Ten-Deuce freeroll is a straightforward process. Players can secure their entry tickets via the PokerStars client, where they’ll find a chest containing their freeroll ticket. Once acquired, players can register for the freeroll in the tournament lobby, eagerly awaiting their chance to compete for the prestigious prizes on offer.
But the tribute to the “Godfather of Poker” doesn’t end with the Ten-Deuce freeroll. PokerStars is taking it a step further by hosting the Godfather Championship as part of the jurisdictions’ respective Championship series.
This Championship event is not to be missed, where players can pay homage to the poker legend by showcasing their skills and strategies on the virtual felt.
The Godfather Championship event guarantees $25,000 in the shared liquidity network as well as in Pennsylvania. In Ontario, it guarantees CAD $10,200.
The event is structured as an 8-game featuring a buy-in of $200. The winner will also receive a trophy on top of the first-place prize.
- Play one hand & get $150 in bonus play funds
- Top-quality mobile app
- Best online MTT schedule
NACOOP in Full Swing
The first-ever North American Championship of Online Poker (NACOOP) is well underway across PokerStars’ North American markets, spanning New Jersey, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Ontario.
Kicked off on September 15 and running through October 2, a total of 315 tournaments are scheduled across the three separate series and a massive $7 million in combined guarantees.
The US Championship of Online Poker (USCOOP) on the shared liquidity network spanning New Jersey & Michigan guarantees $3 million while the standalone Pennsylvania Championship of Online Poker (PACOOP) promises $2 million — with both series featuring 89 tournaments.
Players in Canada’s largest province are competing for the Ontario Championship of Online Poker (ONCOOP), featuring CAD $2 million (1.5 million in USD) over 137 tournaments.
The Championship series in the US market features 19 trophy events, while the Ontario leg has 17 trophy events.
PokerStars NACOOP Series Details
| Series | Platforms | No. of Events | Total Guarantee |
|---|---|---|---|
| USCOOP | PokerStars MI/NJ | 19 | $3,000,000 GTD |
| PACOOP | PokerStars PA | 19 | $2,500,000 GTD |
| ONCOOP | PokerStars Ontario | 17 | $1,500,000 ($2M CAD) GTD |
The star highlight of the series is the Main Event, boasting $350k in the shared liquidity series, $250k in Pennsylvania, and CAD $150 in Ontario. The winner of each of the three Main Events will also receive a North American Poker Tour (NAPT) package worth $20,300.
The coveted package includes a seat in the upcoming $5300 NAPT Las Vegas High Roller taking place in November, as well as a 3-day pass for two for the Oracle Red Bull Racing Fan Experience in Las Vegas; 9 nights of hotel accommodation for two at Resorts World Las Vegas and $4000 towards flights and expenses.
