In a move that signals a bold expansion into North America’s evolving gaming landscape, PokerStars has announced its first-ever live tournament series on U.S. soil. Set to unfold at Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia from April 21 to April 27, the PokerStars Open marks a pivotal moment for the iconic online poker brand. Featuring a week-long schedule of high-stakes action, accessible online qualifiers, and a $500,000 guaranteed Main Event, this debut has stirred both excitement and strategic momentum in the competitive poker community.

A Landmark Debut for PokerStars in the U.S. Market

For the first time in its global history, PokerStars is bringing its live tournament infrastructure to the United States. The debut installment of the PokerStars Open will be hosted in Philadelphia, a city chosen for both its rich sporting culture and strategic relevance to the northeast corridor’s gaming ecosystem.

This expansion underscores a broader ambition: to merge PokerStars' digital prowess with a growing appetite for in-person competition. As legal gaming jurisdictions multiply across the U.S., the move reflects a calculated step toward integrating online communities with live tournament experiences.

Accessible Online Satellites Fuel Regional Participation

To ensure broad accessibility and strong turnout, PokerStars has launched online satellite qualifiers across four key jurisdictions: Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Michigan, and Ontario. These satellites, which began March 26, offer buy-ins starting at just Rs. 830 (approximately $10), creating a seamless bridge from virtual tables to the live felt.

This hybrid approach is expected to foster intense competition and regional diversity, giving both recreational players and emerging talent the opportunity to compete on a high-profile stage—an ethos that reflects PokerStars’ longstanding commitment to democratizing access to professional-grade poker.

Philadelphia’s Live! Casino Set to Host

The Live! Casino & Hotel in South Philadelphia’s Stadium District will serve as the tournament’s venue. With a modern poker room and seasoned staff, the facility is well-equipped to accommodate players across multiple events and skill levels.

Anne Tran, Director of Poker at the venue, emphasized the team's readiness to deliver a world-class experience. The partnership between the casino and PokerStars is expected to elevate the series to one of the premier poker events in the region, blending cutting-edge hospitality with competitive integrity.

A Robust Event Schedule with Notable Prize Pools

The PokerStars Open will feature a diverse lineup of events designed to appeal to a range of bankrolls and playing styles:

Main Event: The marquee tournament, running April 23–27, carries a Rs. 91,600 ($1,100) buy-in and a guaranteed prize pool of Rs. 4.16 crore ($500,000).

High Roller: A Rs. 1.83 lakh ($2,200) buy-in high-stakes event on April 22–23.

PokerStars Cup: A Rs. 33,300 ($400) buy-in event on April 27, offering a guaranteed prize pool of Rs. 33.3 lakh ($40,000).

Women’s Event: A dedicated Rs. 24,750 ($300) tournament on April 24 with a Rs. 8.3 lakh ($10,000) prize pool.

NHL Bounty Event: Also set at Rs. 24,750 ($300), the April 23 event introduces a dynamic format where players can earn bounties by eliminating PokerStars Team Pros, though no guaranteed prize pool is attached.

Each event is structured to offer strategic variety, from deep-stack play to bounty formats, ensuring players can test different facets of their game.

Strategic Implications for Online Poker’s Future in the U.S.

Beyond the live tournament, PokerStars’ momentum reflects broader regulatory developments. The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) recently confirmed the state’s intention to join the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA) in April 2025. This move will enable shared liquidity with other regulated states—such as Michigan and New Jersey—transforming the online poker landscape through larger prize pools and more robust competition.

PokerStars stands to benefit significantly from this transition, positioning itself at the forefront of cross-border online poker connectivity. The Philadelphia event may well be a precursor to deeper integration between live and digital poker ecosystems.

A Strategic City with Cultural and Competitive Significance

Steve Priess, VP of PokerStars North America, emphasized the choice of Philadelphia as both symbolic and strategic. The city’s storied relationship with competition—from its blue-collar ethos to its championship pedigree—makes it an ideal location to launch a new chapter for PokerStars.

With a venue capable of handling marquee events and a regional base of players eager for live competition, Philadelphia represents not just a destination, but a proving ground for PokerStars’ ability to thrive in the American market.

Bottomline: A Turning Point for Live Poker in North America

The launch of the PokerStars Open in Philadelphia marks more than just a tournament—it’s a clear signal of intent from one of the most influential brands in poker. By blending online accessibility with in-person prestige, PokerStars is helping to reshape the competitive landscape of U.S. poker, creating pathways for new talent and fostering a stronger sense of community among players.

As the industry evolves, all eyes will be on Philadelphia in April—not only to see who captures the title but to witness how a global powerhouse redefines its identity on American soil.