PokerStars Hit by DDoS Attack, PokerOK Allows VPN Usage

PokerStars recently faced a significant disruption due to a DDoS attack on September 29th, which resulted in the cancellation of 150 tournaments. The attack caused a major disruption in the scheduled events, leading to the postponement of key tournaments. All affected players received compensation, and new dates have been set for the series tournaments. Several 'warm-up' WCOOP tournaments will take place on November 5th, with all six mains scheduled for the following day. The tournaments are already available in the lobby, with slightly increased guarantees.

PokerOK introduced several new features in October, aimed primarily at recreational players. One of the notable additions is the new bounty jackpot feature, which is available in knockout tournaments, excluding Mystery Bounty. The rules are straightforward: if you eliminate an opponent, you can win a jackpot of up to $1,000,000 in addition to the standard 1% bounty. The prize pool is formed from the knockouts of players and depends on the buy-in, with classic bounty payments reduced. Tournaments participating in the jackpot draw are marked with a special icon in the lobby.

PokerOK's mini MILLION$ tournament series for micro-limit players offers a prize pool of $5,000,000 and includes various formats like Flip&Go and Mystery Bounty. The series runs until October 17th and features a range of buy-ins from $1 to $11. The schedule includes 104 tournaments in hold'em and omaha, with the largest prizes up for grabs in multi-day tournaments. The Sunday Hundred Grand tournament, with a prize pool of $100,000, starts at 18:00 Moscow time. Additionally, PokerOK has temporarily lifted restrictions on using VPNs from certain countries, including Russia, due to provider blockades. VPN services based in Azerbaijan, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan are permitted.