Spin & Go go live!

PokerStars will host the Spin & Go World Championship, the first live event of one of the most popular formats in online poker. The event, which will take place at EPT Prague, could open up a new dimension in the world of poker tournaments by giving the fast-paced format of Spin & Go and the best of the game the chance to go live.

Spin & Go has changed the online poker world for over a decade. Its fast-paced gameplay and random, even huge, payouts have made it a favourite among recreational players. Initially, it was met with a mixed reception from professionals, many of whom found it difficult to turn a profit due to the high variance of the format. Over time, however, Spin & Go has become popular with professional players.

Despite its success, the format has so far been confined to the online space, unlike traditional tournaments and cash games, which are popular in the live environment. But PokerStars sees an opportunity to change that. 

The first Spin & Go World Championship will occur in December as part of EPT Prague. The total prize pool for the tournament is expected to be €100,000, and of course, one of the most exciting elements of the format, the random prize draw, will remain. 60% of the prize pool will be distributed in traditional payouts, while the remaining 40% will be drawn randomly.

The exact conditions for participation are not yet fully clear, but players will likely be able to qualify via a rake race rather than a direct buy-in.

Introducing live Spin & Go tournaments can open up new opportunities for fans of the format who have previously only been able to play online. PokerStars will meet the needs of a significant number of people in the poker community who have not had the opportunity to participate in live events. 

The fast-paced and dynamic format is expected to attract not only players but also spectators, with random prizes and fast-paced play providing a constant source of excitement.