Poker fans hoping to attend the second installment of the PokerStars Players Championship (PSPC) will have to wait a bit longer. PokerStars has officially postponed the highly anticipated live event due to ongoing concerns surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic.
Live Poker Still on Hold
Originally slated for August 2020 as part of the European Poker Tour (EPT) Barcelona, the PSPC was set to be one of the biggest poker festivals of the year. EPT Barcelona has long been one of the most popular stops on the circuit, and excitement for the PSPC’s return was high. However, with the continued uncertainty surrounding large international gatherings and travel restrictions, PokerStars made the decision to delay the event rather than continue holding out hope.
While the PSPC and EPT Barcelona won’t take place this year, neither event has been canceled permanently. PokerStars is planning to reschedule both for sometime in 2021, although exact dates have yet to be announced.
A Silver Lining: More Platinum Passes
In a move to keep spirits high and the excitement alive, PokerStars has announced that it will issue an additional 80 Platinum Passes, bringing the total to 400 passes distributed. Each pass includes a full tournament buy-in, travel, and accommodation expenses—an incredible value for lucky winners.
These Platinum Passes will continue to be awarded through online satellites, special promotions, and community-focused initiatives, ensuring more players get a shot at poker glory when the PSPC finally returns.
A Look Back—and Ahead
The inaugural PSPC took place in January 2019 at the Atlantis Resort in the Bahamas, a part of the effort to reinvigorate the PokerStars Caribbean Adventure (PCA). However, after receiving feedback from players regarding the location and accessibility, PokerStars shifted gears. The move to Barcelona aimed to position the PSPC in a more accessible and globally appealing destination, even if that meant extending the time between editions to 19 months.
With the event now delayed again, PokerStars remains optimistic that when the PSPC finally returns, it will do so in spectacular fashion—offering players a world-class poker experience in a world that is once again open for live events.
