PokerStars Remains Top After Sunday Million Success

April 17th, 2019 | by Jason Reynolds

PokerStars has fallen short of breaking another record but it’s 13^th anniversary Sunday Million will still be considered a success.

The 13th anniversary Sunday Million has reaffirmed PokerStars’ status as a top tournament destination. (Image: PokerStars)

After announcing the celebratory MTT on March 14, the online operator put together a comprehensive satellite system. Aiming to break the Sunday Million record set back in 2011, PokerStars ran qualifiers starting at $0.90.

From added value, players could also take part in $5 Spin & Go tournaments. As well as tickets to the Sunday Million, one in every 10 million games featured a $1 million prizepool.

Players Celebrate Sunday Million Milestone

Those efforts paid off as the 13^th anniversary Sunday Million attracted 45,929 entries and 15,413 on April 14. Although the turnout couldn’t top 2011’s 62,116 entries, the 61,342 total was the second largest of all time.

With interest in the weekly tournament still strong, the final prizepool topped $12,268,400. However, by the time just five players remained, a deal was struck.

Not wanting to miss out on a $500,000+ payday, the quintet of survivors carved up the $1 million top prize.

Leading the way during the discussion was chip leader t4rz4n_21. Riding a wave of momentum that started with a pair of kings, the Greek grinder locked up $625,073.

That turned out to be the best play of the tournament as t4rz4n_21 went out in fifth a few rounds later.

Banking almost $400,000 more than they otherwise would have done, the online player was no doubt watching with a smile as wangli0402 took the win.

Coming from the middle of the pack to secure the lead, the Chinese pro clinched the title in style. Holding the advantage heads-up, he needed just three hands to crack xbambi’s aces.

With the flop showing 5♥T♣4♦, all the money went in with wangli0402 holding 7♣6♠. The 3♦ soon ended the match, leaving xbambi’s avatar to disappear in second place.

13^th Anniversary PokerStars Sunday Million Result

1 – wangli0402 – $611,944*

2 – xbambi – $550,689*

3 – idzake – $509,664*

4 – kacer148 – $520,535*

5 – t4rz4n_21 – $625,073*

6 – pantherwang2019 – $177,477

7 – sega1989 – $125,493

8 – RMarland – $88,737

9 – Z0MbiE2808 – $62,745

*Denotes a deal.

International Finale Shows Global Strength

As the rail fell silent, PokerStars’ team was able to look back on another successful event.

On top of reaffirming its position as a top tournament destination, the operator proved it still has a global reach. Although Europe remains the dominate market, two players at the final table were Chinese.

Given China’s recent move against online poker, the fact PokerStars remains popular there is significant.

Even though locals can’t ante-up from the mainland, it seems they’re still driven to play at the industry’s largest site.

In the current battle for supremacy, that fact can’t be overlooked as the book closes on another anniversary Sunday Million.