For gambling operators, the coronavirus outbreak has caused a shutdown of live events. In the poker community, players are logging online in record numbers in order to play cash games and tournament events. Without casinos in operation, players have no physical poker table to visit in order to play the game they love. For online poker giant PokerStars, they often provide access to live events along with their online schedule. This week, we have learned that the online poker operator has decided to postpone a few more events, setting them up for 2021.
PSPC and EPT Events Postponed
The PokerStars Players No Limit Hold’em Championships (PSPC) has been postponed until next year due to the global pandemic. The event was supposed to take place at Casino Barcelona in Spain this August. It is unclear if the event will take place at the same location next year and what date and time the event will be set for.
After announcing the PSPC postponement, PokerStars revealed that the EPT Barcelona 2020 will also take place next year. This event was set for August 2020 as well. In a press release, PokerStars stated they were disappointed, and they sympathize with players who will have to put their PSPC dreams aside until next year.
However, PokerStars promised that they will make the event even more special next year and include extra activities and surprises in the run-up. What this will actually entail remains to be seen.
Additional Canceled Events
Even more poke events have been canceled due to the virus outbreak. The Road to PSPC events of course, because the PSPC is not taking place until next year. Such events were scheduled to take place in Spain and France. The Manilla Super Series in the Philippines has also been cancelled.
Much deliberation was taken in considering to postpone the events. PokerStars had to take into account travel restrictions as well as where the events would be held and if players and staff members would be safe.
Giving Away More Platinum Passes
On a positive note, the change in the PSPC schedule means PokerStars will be giving away more Platinum Passes. Originally, the online poker brand was going to provide 320 passes. Valued at $30,000 each, the passes have massive value and are a great way for players to be able to compete in this huge event.
Now, PokerStars has announced they will be giving away 400 passes. This will bring the full total of Platinum Passes that PokerStars is given away has a value of $12 million.
Rumors are swirling about PokerStars and if they might run some type of online PSPC event later this year. Several other online poker operators have done something similar, providing access to live events in online format. While PokerStars has not announced such an option, it could be a possibility. We will have to stay tuned to see what the online poker brand will be doing next.
