PokerStars Loyalty Program Changes Spark High-Stakes Boycott

PokerStars has recently updated its loyalty program, Stars Rewards, introducing several changes that have sparked controversy among high-stake players. The updates include reduced points for tournament rake, less frequent but more valuable chests, and a new exchange feature.

In response to these changes, top high-stake players have announced a boycott of the Sunday’s Turbo Series tournament on PokerStars. The boycott includes over 250 players, among them €urop€an, bencb789, lena900, Robinho, Стив О'Двайер, Кэлвин Андерсон, Romeopro, hello_totti, biack88, and Evnomiya. The protesters have outlined several demands, including more transparent rake structures and reduced rake in certain tournament formats.

Partypoker has agreed to host an alternative tournament with a lower rake and a guaranteed prize pool of $1,000,000. The tournament has seen 206 entries, resulting in a total prize pool of $1,050,600. PokerStars, meanwhile, is offering tournament packages to the EPT Sochi event, with each package valued at $40,000 and including entry to the main tournament and additional expenses. Additionally, Partypoker has introduced a new spin format with a $50 buy-in and a maximum jackpot of $2,000,000.