Many will agree that PokerStars has been away from Las Vegas for far too long, but if there is one thing the operator knows how to do, it is to make an epic comeback. This November, the world’s gambling capital has been entirely taken over by PokerStars.
First is the ongoing North American Poker Tour (NAPT) festival at the Resorts World. After 12 long years, PokerStars has brought back its popular tournament series, and it has been a complete success. The Main Event has comfortably shattered its $1.5 million guarantee, while side events have also been going strong.
The operator also took this opportunity to announce the return of the popular The Big Game show, hosting freeroll satellites and auditions, picking two loose cannons to feature on the revamped Big Game on Tour.
However, poker is not the only thing that PokerStars is focusing on, as after the NAPT, Formula 1 is coming to town, and thanks to the partnership with the Oracle Red Bull Racing team, several fans will get to enjoy the unique experience of watching the races from the best seats.
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Epic Return of the North American Poker Tour
Following a 12-year hiatus, the NAPT is back in Las Vegas, and there is no lack of enthusiasm surrounding it. Players have flocked to the Resorts World to compete in the PokerStars-branded series, and we have seen many big names take their place at the tables.
The Main Event attracted 1095 entries, surpassing the initial promise of $1.5 million and bringing the total prize pool to $1,675,350. The eventual winner will be taking home just shy of $270,000.
Taking advantage of the hype built around the event, PokerStars also announced the return of The Big Game, allowing players to join freeroll satellites at the Resorts World. These satellites resulted in 20 winners, two of whom have been selected by the panel of judges to receive a $50,000 stake and test their skills against some of the game’s best.
Lily Newhouse and Nikki Limo are the two loose cannons who are probably battling it out on the green felt as this article is written. However, we will have to wait for 2024 to find out what happens and if one or both ladies can walk away with the profit.
And talking about ladies in poker, PokerStars also continued its efforts to bring more women to the felt, hosting a panel discussion and beginners tutorial in the main tournament room of the Resorts World on November 5. Those in attendance had the opportunity to hear from the likes of Maria Konnikova and Jennifer Shahade and even win an entry into the NAPT Women’s Event.
Picking Up Speed with Oracle Red Bull Racing
While the NAPT is the talk of the town at the moment, there is more excitement to come in Las Vegas, and PokerStars will be in the middle of it all.
Formula 1 is back in Las Vegas after nearly 40 years, and the partnership between PokerStars and Oracle Red Bull Racing will allow quite a few fans access to what stands to be a truly spectacular event, especially for true fans of the sport.
Fifty lucky players won Vegas Gold Passes, and these players received packages worth over $20k, allowing them not only to join the NAPT action but also to stay after the event, watch all races, and enjoy a full-scale Oracle Red Bull Racing fan experience.
PokerStars awarded a further nine Red Spade Passes, promising an unforgettable experience to lucky winners, who will also get the full fan package powered by the ORBR team.
Finally, those in Las Vegas will get more shots at race tickets, as PokerStars will host $200 charity tournaments on November 16, 17, and 18. Half the money raised will go directly to the Wings for Life charity, while participants can win two Hospitality ticket packages to that evening’s race.
With everything happening during the first half of November, it is clear that PokerStars’ return to Las Vegas will leave a mark, and this is only the beginning, as the company has big plans for the live US poker scene.
