PokerStars 25th Anniversary Series 2026: Schedule, Main Events, and How to Qualify

PokerStars is commemorating its 25th anniversary with an extraordinary online poker festival, the Anniversary Series, running from May 10 to June 3, 2026. This landmark series boasts over $50 million in guaranteed prize pools across 461 tournaments, making it one of the most ambitious events in the platform's history. (pokernews.com)

Main Events: $6 Million in Guarantees
Series Highlights and Special Features
Accessibility: From $0.50 to High Stakes
Full Schedule and Tournament Formats
Conclusion

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The Anniversary Series not only celebrates a quarter-century of PokerStars' influence in the online poker world but also marks the 15th anniversary of the Sunday Storm, a beloved low-stakes tournament that has attracted countless players over the years. (pokernews.com)

Main Events: $6 Million in Guarantees

The highlight of the Anniversary Series is the trio of Main Events scheduled for May 24, 2026. These tournaments cater to a wide range of players, offering substantial guarantees at varying buy-in levels:

Main Event – Low: $109 buy-in with a $1.5 million guarantee.
Main Event – Medium: $1,050 buy-in with a $2.5 million guarantee.
Main Event – High: $5,200 buy-in with a $2 million guarantee.

This structure ensures that players of all bankrolls have the opportunity to compete for significant prizes. (pokernews.com)

Series Highlights and Special Features

Beyond the Main Events, the Anniversary Series is packed with notable tournaments and promotions designed to enhance the player experience:

Sunday Storm 15th Anniversary: Kicking off the series on May 10, this special $11 Progressive Knockout (PKO) event features a $500,000 guarantee, celebrating 15 years of the iconic Sunday Storm. (pokernews.com)
Lucky Dips: PokerStars is giving away over $650,000 in "Lucky Dip" tickets throughout the series. Players earn entries by participating in Anniversary Series events, with daily prizes awarded to top-ranked participants. (pokerstars.uk)
Leaderboards: A total of $100,000 in cash prizes will be distributed across Low, Medium, and High tiers, culminating in an overall Player of the Series title. This adds an extra layer of competition and reward for consistent performers. (pokernews.com)
Second Chance Events: For those who miss out on the initial Main Events, PKO "Second Chance" Main Events are scheduled for May 31, offering additional opportunities to compete for substantial prizes. (pokernews.com)

Accessibility: From $0.50 to High Stakes

In line with PokerStars' commitment to making poker accessible to all, the Anniversary Series offers multiple pathways for players to participate, regardless of their bankroll:

Satellites: Direct qualifiers start as low as $0.55, allowing players to win their way into higher buy-in events. (pokernews.com)
Power Path: Players can enter via the Power Path for just $0.50, providing an affordable route to the series' larger tournaments. (pokernews.com)
Revamped Bronze Pass: Starting April 27, a new $530 Bronze Pass offers 25% added value and is redeemable for Anniversary Series ticket bundles, enhancing the value for players looking to participate in multiple events. (pokernews.com)

Full Schedule and Tournament Formats

The Anniversary Series encompasses a diverse range of tournaments, ensuring that players can find events that suit their preferences and schedules. The series includes various formats such as No-Limit Hold'em, Pot-Limit Omaha, HORSE, 8-Game, Stud, Razz, and 5-Card Draw. Additionally, players can look forward to Mystery Bounty and PKO events, as well as turbo, hyper-turbo, heads-up, and deep stack variants. (pokertube.com)

For a detailed schedule of all 461 tournaments, players can visit the official PokerStars Anniversary Series page. (pokerstars.com)

Conclusion

The PokerStars 25th Anniversary Series is a monumental celebration of the platform's legacy and its dedication to the poker community. With over $50 million in guaranteed prize pools, a wide array of tournaments, and numerous opportunities for players of all levels to participate, this series is set to be a highlight of the 2026 online poker calendar. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a recreational player, the Anniversary Series offers an exciting and rewarding experience that honors 25 years of poker excellence.