When the Sunday Milion launched on PokerStars in 2006, it immediately became an unmissable weekly tournament for any online players with dreams of building a big reputation, and a big bankroll.
The $1 million guaranteed prizepool made sure the tournament grabbed your attention, and gave it that catchy name that it still bears to this day.
20 years on, the name is not the only thing that endures.
It’s still one of the biggest weekly tournaments available, still has that seven-figure pot of gold to be won, and is still a place for elite play, huge fields and life-changing prize money. When the online grinders say ‘Never miss a Sunday’, this tournament is a big part of the reason why.
This weekend, though, PokerStars is kicking it up a notch — or five. The 20th anniversary edition is 5x-ing the regular prizepool with $5 million guaranteed.
And that’s not the only change: this one is a phased tournament, with Phase 1 tourneys running daily since late June. Phase 2 — aka ‘the Finals’, where all the Phase 1 survivors come together to duke it out — begins this Sunday, and if you’re able to play on the site’s global platform there’s still time to lock up your seat.
Entry costs $109, but don’t delay — there are just days to go.
With this $5M GTD event coming up quickly, we asked three experienced Sunday Million players — Marle Spragg, her husband Ben ‘Spraggy’ Spragg, and Sebastian Huber — why they’re looking forward to it.
Each has already secured their seat for Sunday. Head to PokerStars now to join them — multiple Phase 1 tourneys, including super hyper-turbos, are running each day.
What makes the Sunday Million stand out from other tournaments?
Marle Spragg: When you think of online poker you think of the Sunday Million. Most players remember their deepest run and where they were when it happened.
It’s a magical event with an incredible history, but also very accessible to almost any poker player, with lots of ways to qualify to play.
There’s something really cool about playing the same tournament that’s meant so much to poker for so many years, like you’re part of something bigger.
Sebastian Huber: The buy-in of $109 is perfect for everybody, you get such a huge prizepool and the name and legacy of it makes it perfect.
Spraggy: There are certain tournaments every poker player dreams of winning and the Sunday Million is right near the top of that list.
You only have to look at the names who've won it or the number of players whose lives have changed because of one Sunday. I’m chasing that title for sure.
What do you enjoy the most about the Sunday Million experience?
Spraggy: It's the shared experience with my community. Every Sunday, players all over the world are playing the same tournament and sweating the same dream.
It doesn't really matter if you've played one Sunday Million or a hundred, that feeling never really gets old.
Sebastian Huber: When you realise you are going really deep. In that moment you know every chip matters. Hopefully I can soon get to a final table, that has to be even more exciting.
Marle Spragg: Every Sunday Million feels like a new chapter. The dream is alive and anything can happen. It’s a special feeling.
I also love that it brings so many players together. There's a real sense of community around it, with so many players following along, streaming their run, or railing friends. Even though it’s played online, everyone is sharing the same experience.
Do you have a favourite memory or moment from playing it over the years?
Sebastian Huber: I grew up with the Sunday Million as the most prestigious and biggest tournament on the online poker felt. A tournament everyone wants to win.
Unfortunately for me I’ve had no super deep runs or final tables over the years. I am still working on it.
Marle Spragg: I remember the first time I played The Sunday Million in 2020. I had a deep run (56th I believe). It’s one of my favourite moments on stream.
I’ve already qualified for this year’s Finals, and more importantly, I got there before Spraggy. The dream is still alive and hopefully we can top that 2020 result.
Spraggy: I've spent so many Sundays chasing a Sunday Million title over the years and streamed more of them than I can remember.
Streaming deep runs is unlike anything else. Thousands of people are sweating every all-in with you, celebrating the highs and feeling the lows in real time, which is pretty insane. I've been lucky enough to share some incredible Sunday Million moments with my community over the years and those moments are some of my favourite memories.
What advice would you give players regarding the phased format?
Sebastian Huber: It is very important not to rush yourself if you don't make Phase 2. It's not easy and you will have enough chances [to try again]. Besides that, you can always win money without going into Phase 2.
Make sure you keep your bankroll safe. You can qualify into the Phase 1s very cheaply every day. Have fun and see you in Phase 2.
Spraggy: The phased format gives everyone more chances to build a stack without having to do it all in one session. My advice would be to take your spots, be patient and remember that surviving with chips is just as important as accumulating them.
If you can bring a healthy stack through to the Finals, you've given yourself a genuine shot at one of the biggest titles in online poker.
Marle Spragg: Anniversary editions always bring a different energy, with huge fields and stories people will remember for years.
The phased format is cool because you have a lot of opportunities to build a stack (I think Spraggy took 23 opportunities, but who’s counting?).
Phase 1 tournaments are running regularly at PokerStars with buy-ins of $109. Phase 2 begins Sunday (naturally), at 9:05pm CEST.
At the time of writing, 1,324 players are qualified for Phase 2.
