PokerStars Expands Team and Plans China Entry with Tencent Deal

PokerStars has added two new members to their team: eight-time Olympic champion Usain Bolt and professional poker player and streamer Jeff Gross. Bolt, known for his speed on the track, has joined the team and will participate in his last major competition from August 4 to 13 in London. After this, he will retire from his athletic career. Gross, on the other hand, is a well-known professional and streamer in the poker community.

In addition to expanding their team, PokerStars has also signed a significant deal with Tencent, one of China's largest internet providers. The 10-year partnership aims to develop poker in China, with plans to host bracelet tournaments and WSOP Circuit events. The first WSOP China series is scheduled for December, although details on buy-ins are still unclear due to China's restrictions on gambling.

This partnership not only brings PokerStars into the Chinese market but also gives Tencent the rights to sell WSOP merchandise in Asia. The collaboration is a strategic move for both companies, leveraging Tencent's extensive user base and PokerStars' expertise in the poker world.