1,123 Players Qualify for PokerStars Sunday Million 20th Anniversary Finals
PokerStars confirms 1,123 qualifiers for the Sunday Million 20th Anniversary finals, with buy-ins as low as $0.55 and a $5 million prize pool guaranteed.
Key Takeaways
- PokerStars confirms 1,123 players have qualified for the Sunday Million 20th Anniversary finals.
- 390 qualifiers secured their final seats for less than the $109 buy-in through satellite routes.
- The final will be held on September 6, with qualification paths open until then.
- The 10-week event guarantees a $5 million prize pool for finalists.
- Notable players and PokerStars ambassadors are confirmed among the qualifiers.
PokerStars has confirmed that 1,123 players have now qualified for the Sunday Million 20th Anniversary finals, which will be held on September 6. Qualifiers have advanced via ongoing Daily Heats and a range of buy-in options, ensuring open access to the phased event's final stage. Daily Heats continue to run until the final, so the field is expected to expand.
Paths to Sunday Million 20th Anniversary Qualification
The Sunday Million 20th Anniversary is a 10-week phased tournament on PokerStars, providing multiple qualification paths. Of the current 1,123 finalists, 390 secured their seats for less than the standard $109 buy-in, assisted by phase one satellites and a wide array of microstakes options. PokerStars highlighted several entry routes still available:
- Daily Heats (Phase 1) are open through September 6
- Satellite tournaments starting from $0.55
- Special edition Spin & Go tournaments with buy-ins as low as $0.75
- The Ticket Machine promotion, distributing $800,000 worth of entry tickets
The company reported that Daily Heats remain in operation up to the final day, offering late-stage entrants a path into the finals. This broad qualification structure underscores PokerStars’ approach to accessibility and tournament scale.
Notable Qualifiers and Names in the Line-Up
Among the 1,123 current finalists, PokerStars named several prominent players already confirmed for the September 6 showdown. The list includes former Main Event champion Dimitar “KuuL” Danchev, Mats “flerrehuve” Ullerang, Steven “SvZff” van Zadelhoff, Leonard 'Grozzorg' Maue, and Joshua “3betwizkid” Boulton.
Additional qualifiers named by PokerStars include Ambassador Ben Spragg, Gilles ‘TaxationisTheft’ Simon, Dalton ‘daltonhb’ Hobold, and Robin Ylitalo. PokerStars Ambassador Marle Spragg is also among those who have advanced. In a statement, Marle Spragg said:
“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.” — PokerStars Ambassador Marle Spragg
Participation by multiple ambassadors and major online MTT regulars indicates a deep and competitive field for the finals.
$5 Million Guaranteed Prize Pool and Tournament Structure
PokerStars has stated that the Sunday Million 20th Anniversary finals will feature a $5 million guaranteed prize pool. The tournament is structured as a 10-week phased event, allowing ongoing qualifiers via Daily Heats, satellites, and promotions such as Ticket Machine. The phased format spreads qualifying opportunities across an extended window, with each Daily Heat advancing players toward the September 6 final.
Qualified players reach the finals either through direct phase advancement, low buy-in satellites, or win-a-seat promotions—emphasising the event’s inclusive approach and international reach. The $5 million guarantee remains one of the largest single-event promises in the online poker calendar.
How to Qualify: Options Ahead of the Finals
As the finals approach, players seeking entry still have several options available on PokerStars:
- Enter Daily Heats (Phase 1) up to September 6
- Compete in satellite tournaments starting at $0.55
- Play special edition Spin & Go tournaments from $0.75
- Earn tickets through the Ticket Machine, with $800,000 in entries distributed
This range of formats offers both professional and recreational players a chance to join the milestone finals, underlining PokerStars’ dual emphasis on legacy and accessibility in major online tournament events.
Anniversary Event in Context for the Global Poker Market
The Sunday Million has been a flagship fixture for PokerStars and the online poker market for two decades. The 20th Anniversary edition’s broad qualification structure, market reach, and seven-figure guaranteed prize pool position it as a highlight in the tournament calendar. For operators, the event demonstrates effective player acquisition strategies for large-field, phased MTTs.
Tournament results, structural details, and upcoming qualifiers will be monitored closely in the run-up to September 6. For more on market-level developments in poker and online gaming, see industry news or regulatory commentary at regulation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many players have qualified for the Sunday Million 20th Anniversary finals?
A total of 1,123 players have qualified for the finals as of August 26, according to PokerStars, with more spots still available through ongoing Daily Heats.
What is the buy-in for the Sunday Million 20th Anniversary?
While the standard direct buy-in is $109, at least 390 players qualified for less via satellites, some of which start at $0.55, demonstrating the tournament's accessible entry points.
When will the Sunday Million 20th Anniversary finals take place?
The finals are scheduled for September 6, and Daily Heats, satellites, and promotions continue to run up until that date to allow more players to qualify.
Who are some of the notable players in the finals line-up?
Prominent qualifiers include Dimitar “KuuL” Danchev, PokerStars Ambassador Ben Spragg, Gilles ‘TaxationisTheft’ Simon, and Marle Spragg, among others.
What is the guaranteed prize pool for this event?
PokerStars guarantees a $5 million prize pool for the Sunday Million 20th Anniversary, making it one of the largest online poker events in 2026.
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About the author
Daniel Reyes
Poker Correspondent
Daniel Reyes covers live and online poker — tournament series from the WSOP and EPT down to the daily online grind, room news, promotions, and the industry moves behind them. The reports keep every score, prize pool, and player name exactly as the record shows, and follow the story past the final hand: who qualified, what the payout structure rewarded, and how the field is shifting. For roster changes, software updates, and regulatory knocks on the poker economy, Daniel Reyes is the desk's first read.
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