PokerStars has announced plans to kick of 2026 in a big way with the return of its New Year Series.
From January 1-20, the New Year Series will guarantee a whopping $18M in guaranteed prize pools across a range of low, medium, and high buy-in tournaments. With event buy-ins starting as low as $2.20 and up to $5,200, the New Year Series offers players of all bankroll levels a chance to start the year with a bang.
The New Year Series schedule features a slate of events that culminates in three Main Events on January 18 – as well as player favorites like the Sunday Million, Mystery Bounties, and Progressive Knockouts.
You can qualify for certain events through satellites starting as low as $1.10 and through Power Path which will award special New Year Series Power Pass Packages.
New Year Series schedule highlights
While the New Year Series schedule has no shortage of worthwhile events, there are three days in particular that present cant-miss action.
January 4
- $109 Sunday Million, $1M GTD
- $22 Mystery Bounty Special, $350K GTD
January 11
- $75 Sunday Special (PKO), $400K GTD
January 18
- $109 Main Event Low (Mystery Bounty), $1M GTD
- $1,050 Main Event Medium (PKO), $500K GTD
- $5,200 Main Event High, $500K GTD
“We’re excited to start 2026 with a series built around accessibility, big guarantees, and formats our players love,” said Steve Clarricoats, Director of Online Poker Experience at PokerStars. “From Mystery Bounties to the $1M Sunday Million and a full range of Main Events, the New Year Series is the perfect way to kick off the year with high-value tournaments and plenty of ways to qualify.”
PokerStars Ambassador Benjamin 'Spraggy' Spragg added: “The New Year Series has become one of the most fun periods on the online poker calendar. Whether you’re firing a few low buy-ins during the holiday break or jumping into the deeper Main Events, it’s a great way to start the year. I can’t wait to dive in.”
