PokerStars returned to the United States with its first live event of 2025 that took place in Philadelphia in April 2025.

The PokerStars Open Philadelphia ran April 21 — 27 at the Live! Casino & Hotel and was the first festival of the newly-launched PokerStars Open series to take place in North America.

The festival was highlighted by the $500k guaranteed Main Event, but there are quite a few other tournaments on the docket with very affordable buy-ins and attractive prize pools.

PokerStars Open Philadelphia 2025 Key Facts
🏛️ Venue Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia
📅 Dates April 21 – 27
🤑 Main Event Guarantee $500,000
💰 Buy-ins $300 – $2,200
💪Other Highlight Events $400 PokerStars Cup ($40k GTD), $300 Women’s Event ($10k GTD), $2,200 High Roller
💳Minimum Age to Play 21+

The PokerStars Open festival in Philadelphia comprised of 12 events, with buy-ins ranging from $300 to $2,200. The $1,100 Main Event features a guarantee of $500,000 and starts on April 23. The event had four starting flights.

Beyond the Main, the PokerStars Open 2025 in Philly had several more notable events, including:

  • $400 PokerStars Open Cup – $40,000 GTD
  • $300 Women’s Event – $10,000 GTD
  • $2,200 PokerStars Open High Roller

There was also the $300 Ambassador Bounty on the roster. While this tournament didn’t come with an explicit guarantee, there was plenty of added value up for grabs, as players claimed cash bounties every time they eliminate one of PokerStars’ ambassadors.

Like other PokerStars Open events around the globe, the one in Philadelphia has been designed to fit every bankroll and to allow all players to get involved and experience the thrill of major live events without breaking the bank.

PokerStars Philly Live Full Schedule 4d1b67

Date Event Buy-in Guarantee
Apr 21 #1 Kickoff Bounty NLH $400 N/A
Apr 21 #2 Main Event Qualifier $160 N/A
Apr 22 #3 Qualifier to High Roller $300 N/A
Apr 22 – 23 #4 PokerStars Open High Roller $2,200 N/A
Apr 23 #5 Main Event Qualifier $160 N/A
Apr 23 – 27 #6 PokerStars Open Main Event $1,100 $500,000
Apr 23 #7 Ambassador Bounty ($100 Bounties) $300 N/A
Apr 23 #8 Main Event Qualifier $160 N/A
Apr 24 #9 Women’s Event $300 $10,000
Apr 24 #10 Main Event Qualifier $160 N/A
Apr 25 #11 Pot Limit Omaha $300 N/A
Apr 27 #12 PokerStars Cup $400 $40,000

It is worth mentioning that 4% of the prize pool in every tournament is withheld by PokerStars to cover the operating costs of the festival (staff, dealers, etc.).

PokerStars Open Philadelphia Satellites 5n2k3c

Online satellites were available across all regulated PokerStars sites in North America (Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Ontario), with buy-ins starting as low as $10. You can find all available qualifiers inside a special section dubbed “Philadelphia Open”.

There were different types of satellites leading to the Main Event Qualifiers listed in the PokerStars client lobby.

There were also live satellites available at the Live! Casino & Hotel once the festival gets underway. These will start from the very first day (April 21), featuring a buy-in of $160 and unlimited reentries.

There were four $160 satellites listed on the official PokerStars Open Philadelphia schedule, running at 18:15 local time every day from April 21 — 24.

PokerStars Philadelphia Venue 2xwa

The 2025 PokerStars Philadelphia took place at the Live! Casino & Hotel, situated at the center of South Philadelphia’s Stadium District. The venue features a standing poker room with 30 tables, regularly spreading Hold’em, Omaha, and Mixed Games across a range of stakes.

With an experienced team on hand, the casino played host to the first PokerStars-powered live event in North America, and players can look forward to an experience of the highest order.

PokerStars has made it its mission to bring the excitement of big live tournaments to all players through its Open series, offering affordable buy-ins while maintaining the highest level of organization that the company is known for.

Finding the right partners is a key element in this process, and Philadelphia’s Live! Casino & Hotel certainly fits the bill. The venue is gearing up to welcome poker fans from all over the US and beyond and provide them with an experience they’ll for years to come.

PokerStars Open Philly FAQ 3u112g

Can I qualify online to PokerStars Open Philadelphia? 6t28w

The series is now over for 2025.

When does PokerStars Open Philadelphia run? 1wp4m

The PokerStars Open ran April 21 to 27 in Philadelphia and is the first time a series has run under this branding in the United States.

Where does the PokerStars Open Philadelphia take place? 484s3j

It will take place at the Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia which is situated in Pennsylvania.

What are the expected buy-ins at the event? 2ny60

Buyins started at $300 and go all the way up to $2,200 for high roller events.

Will there be a ladies event at the PokerStars Open Philly? 4wt1a

Yes! A $300 buy-in ladies event with $10K guarantee ran, but the series has now concluded for 2025.

Please play responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, visit the National Council of Problem Gambling.