PokerStars sponsors biggest ever tournament in Russia

(PRESS RELEASE) -- The biggest poker event Russia has ever seen, PokerStars Championship Sochi, will take place from 20-31 May 2017 at the Sochi Casino and Resort, PokerStars, an Amaya Inc. brand, announced today.

The PokerStars sponsored event will bring dozens of exciting poker tournaments to Russia's premier holiday resort from 20-31 May, including a guaranteed PokerStars Championship Main Event worth RUB 150,000,000 (approx. $2,600,000), the largest guaranteed prize pool ever featured in a Russian poker tournament.

The glamorous location, which played host to the 2014 Winter Olympics, is also famous for its beaches, lively nightlife, beautiful mountainous coastline and, of course, excellent skiing during the winter season, making it a favorite destination among Russian holidaymakers. The latest addition to the PokerStars Championship schedule will be one of the most exciting stops of the PokerStars Championship's maiden season.

Big names head to Russia
Russian super high roller and newly appointed Team PokerStars Pro Igor Kurganov said, "I'm excited to see PokerStars' first ever sponsored live event in Russia and will be competing in the events, of course. I am interested to see the area after the massive investments it has received for the 2014 Winter Olympics. Sochi itself is a summer/beach destination but I hope to make it out to the gorgeous and very close mountain region of Krasnaya Polyana, too!"

Team PokerStars Pros also expected to attend include Liv Boeree, Bertrand "ElkY" Grospellier and Chris Moneymaker, who all have their eyes fixed on the glory of becoming Sochi's champion.

11 poker-fueled days
PokerStars Championship Sochi also features must-play events, such as the RUB 66,000 (approx. $1,160) PokerStars National Championship.
Highlights of the 11-day extravaganza include:

• No Limit Hold'em: 20-22 May, RUB 618,000 (approx. $10,860)
• PokerStars National Championship: 20-25 May, RUB 66,000 (approx. $1,160)
• PokerStars Cup: 20-25 May, RUB 19,800 (approx. $350)
• PokerStars Championship Super High Roller: 23-25 May, RUB 3,000,000 (approx. $52,700)
• PokerStars National High Roller: 24-25 May, RUB 132,000 (approx. $2,320)
• PokerStars Championship Main Event: 25-31 May, RUB 318,000 (approx. $5,590) – RUB 150,000,000 Guarantee
• No Limit Hold'em Single Day: 26 May, RUB 1,530,000 (approx. $26,880)
• PokerStars Championship PLO High Roller: 27-28 May, RUB 618,000 (approx. $10,860)
• PokerStars Championship High Roller: 29-31 May, RUB 618,000 (approx. $10,860)
• PokerStars Open: 29-31 May, RUB 13,200 (approx. $230)

Please note: All event buy-ins listed above are subject to change due to fluctuations in currency exchange and are designed in Russian rubles at a rate of 60/1. All rake and staff deductions are the same percentage as standard PokerStars-sponsored events.

"Sochi is a premier location for hosting world-class events, and we are looking forward to bringing PokerStars Championship Sochi to this exciting location," said PokerStars Director of Live Events Edgar Stuchly.

"With its vast array of five-star hotels, outdoor activities and 300 sunny days a year, alongside a brand new casino, Sochi is fast becoming a prime vacation spot and gaming destination, all in one."

Online route to live poker in Sochi
PokerStars Championship Sochi Main Event packages are up for grabs in exclusive $8 buy-in Spin & Go tournaments now running on PokerStars. Players can also qualify for PokerStars Championship Main Event and PokerStars National Championship through special satellites from today on PokerStars.com.

The event, organized by Sochi Casino and Resort, promises to be a fantastic opportunity to play big money live poker with all the excitement that a PokerStars Championship brings, including full TV and webcast coverage, a host of celebrities and Team PokerStars Pros in attendance and much more to entertain players and visitors. In addition to a packed schedule of events with 70+ tables in total, there will be cash games running 24 hours a day.

There will also be an exclusive Sochi Hotel discount promotion running where players who respond can enjoy a 50% discount on standard accommodations at the Marriott Hotel during the PokerStars Championship Sochi Main Event.

For more information, please visit the PokerStars website.