PokerStars Live Returns to the U.S.: The North American Poker Tour (NAPT) Las Vegas Stop
The excitement is palpable as PokerStars Live makes its grand return to the U.S. from November 1-10, 2023, with the second installment of the North American Poker Tour (NAPT) at the luxurious Resorts World Casino in Las Vegas. This year promises to be even bigger and better than the last, with a diverse range of tournament buy-ins catering to players of all levels, from $250 to a staggering $25,000.
The Main Event: Bigger and Better
At the heart of this thrilling series is the highly anticipated $5,300 Main Event, boasting a jaw-dropping $3 million guaranteed prize pool. This is a significant leap from last year’s $1,650 entry fee, which is expected to attract an even larger field of competitors. The stakes are high, and players will be vying for a chance to claim a piece of the lucrative prize pool, making this a must-attend event for serious poker enthusiasts.
Marquee Events to Look Forward To
In addition to the Main Event, the NAPT will feature several marquee tournaments that are sure to draw attention:
- $550 Mystery Bounty (Nov. 1-4): A unique twist on traditional bounty tournaments, where players can win additional prizes for eliminating opponents.
- $25,000 Super High Roller (Nov. 4-6): For those looking to test their skills against the best in the game, this high-stakes event is not to be missed.
- $10,300 High Roller (Nov. 8-10): Another opportunity for high rollers to showcase their talents and compete for substantial rewards.
- $550 PokerStars NAPT Cup (Nov. 8-10): A more accessible event that still promises exciting gameplay and competitive spirit.
Reflecting on the 2023 PokerStars NAPT
The 2023 series marked a significant revival of the PokerStars NAPT, which had been dormant since 2011 due to regulatory challenges in the U.S. poker landscape. The brand’s return has been warmly welcomed, filling a vital spot in the November poker calendar.
Last year, the spotlight shone on Sami Bechahed, a former poker dealer from Costa Mesa, California, who triumphed in the Main Event. He outlasted a formidable field of 1,095 players to secure a remarkable $268,945, marking the second-largest win of his career. Bechahed described the victory as a "highlight" of his professional journey, especially given the caliber of players he faced at the final table.
“I will be attending this year, despite the fact that I now live in Paris. I still had to book my flight to Vegas and come defend my title!” Bechahed shared, emphasizing the allure of the event and the community it fosters.
His winnings came at a pivotal moment, as his wife was expecting their first child. “The extra cash helped in welcoming the baby boy into the world a month later,” he noted, highlighting the personal significance of his victory.
Online Qualifiers: Expanding Access to Players
The landscape of online poker in the U.S. has evolved into a state-by-state approach, allowing PokerStars to operate a shared liquidity platform in Michigan and New Jersey, alongside a ringed-in platform in Pennsylvania. This setup has enabled the company to offer online qualifiers, broadening the player pool and making the tournament accessible to a diverse range of participants.
Leon Wheeler, director of poker operations at Resorts World, expressed enthusiasm about the influx of players through online qualifiers. “I think this year we will have about 100 online qualifications,” he stated. “I’m very excited to be hosting them, players that wouldn’t normally get a chance to play an event of this buy-in range – nice to see.”
Special Events and Celebrity Appearances
Beyond the tournament action, PokerStars has lined up an array of special events to enhance the overall experience. One highlight includes the filming of The Big Game, a cash game featuring NFL superstar Rob Gronkowski and sports media personality Nick Wright. This adds a layer of entertainment that goes beyond traditional poker tournaments.
Additionally, the festival will host co-branded events, such as an $1,100 tournament with the RunGood Poker Series, which comes with a $400,000 guarantee—one of the largest of the festival. The Cardplayer Lifestyle Mixed Game Festival IX will also take place, featuring three tournaments and cash game action, catering to a variety of poker preferences.
A Social Experience Beyond the Tables
As with most PokerStars Live series, players can expect a vibrant social scene beyond the poker tables. Activities planned include a visit to the Sphere, a players’ party, go-karting, karaoke, and excursions to the Strat Tower. These events ensure that whether players win or lose, they will have plenty of opportunities to enjoy the camaraderie and excitement that Las Vegas has to offer.
With so much on the horizon, the 2023 PokerStars NAPT at Resorts World Casino promises to be an unforgettable experience for poker players and fans alike. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a newcomer to the game, this series is set to deliver thrilling action, substantial prizes, and a vibrant community atmosphere.