The PokerStars New Year Series has wrapped up its trio of Main Events, and each delivered headline-making performances and hefty payouts. The biggest spotlight belonged to the $5,200 No-Limit Hold’em Main Event, where Brazilian standout Gabriel “gtavares10” Tavares emerged victorious, pocketing $122,130 for his efforts.
A field of 106 entries pushed the prize pool to $530,000, comfortably surpassing its guarantee. Thirteen players reached the money, with payouts climbing from a $11,236 min-cash to $16,062 once the final table was set.
Austria’s “Sxmon” bowed out in ninth for $16,062, followed by “Bimbostix” ($19,205) and Belarusian pro “AcidValue” ($25,014). Poker icon Ole “wizowizo” Schemion saw his run end in sixth, banking $32,580. Denmark’s “starswins :)” finished fifth for $42,436, while Argentina’s “Qee…:)AA” collected $55,272 in fourth—adding to an already impressive series that also included a third-place finish in the $1,050 PKO Main Event.
The tournament moved to heads-up play after Samuel “€urop€an” Vousden exited in third place for $71,991. That set up a duel between Finland’s “1Kronos” and Tavares. Despite a sizable pay jump on the line, no deal was made. Tavares ultimately sealed the win, leaving his Finnish opponent with $93,767 and claiming the full $122,130 top prize.
Lauber Dominates the $1,050 PKO Main Event
The $1,050 No-Limit Hold’em PKO Main Event drew 659 entries, generating a $659,000 prize pool and easily clearing its $500,000 guarantee. Numerous well-known grinders cashed, including Peter “Belabacsi” Traply and “AcidValue,” who followed up a deep run in the $5,200 event with another strong showing here.
As the clock crept toward 1:00 a.m. GMT on January 20, Patrick “JaegsPL” Lauber of the United Kingdom outlasted Finland’s “Stonedream” in heads-up play. Lauber’s victory was worth $113,307 in combined prize money and bounties, while the runner-up walked away with $56,372.
Mystery Bounty Chaos in the $109 Main Event
The $109 New Year Series Main Event used a mystery bounty format, producing some eye-catching results that went far beyond finishing positions. UK player “StueyMcCluv” struck gold by opening two $25,000 mystery bounties, while Brazil’s “wdias21” became the event’s biggest overall winner after pulling the $100,000 jackpot bounty—despite finishing in 840th place.
At the final table, “Tanque Kosoves” added $25,000 in bounties to finish with $31,246, one of the largest payouts among the finalists. Still, the title itself went to Greece, with “nickiou7kos” claiming the championship and $58,236 in total winnings.
Series Nears Its Conclusion
With only a handful of PokerStars New Year Series events remaining, all action wraps up on January 20. Remaining tournaments feature buy-ins ranging from $2.20 to $1,050, including the $60,000 guaranteed Super Tuesday, ensuring plenty of opportunities for players to close out the series with a bang.
