iGAMINGHOUSE
Breaking
Poker

Over a Thousand Players Qualified for the Sunday Million 20th Anniversary Final at PokerStars

PokerStars announces that 1,123 players are already qualified for the grand final of the Sunday Million 20th Anniversary, taking place on September 6 with $5 million guaranteed.

By Sofía CarrascoPublished Aug 26, 20264 min read
Editorial image of a virtual poker table with tournament graphics and chips highlighting the Sunday Million 20th Anniversary

Key Takeaways

  • 1,123 players are already qualified for the final of the Sunday Million 20th Anniversary at PokerStars.
  • The event will distribute a guaranteed prize pool of $5 million and keeps qualification open until September 6.
  • 35% of the qualifiers achieved their seat for less than the main buy-in of $109.
  • Notable professionals and PokerStars ambassadors such as Marle Spragg and Ben Spragg are among the qualifiers.

PokerStars has confirmed that 1,123 players have qualified for the Sunday Million 20th Anniversary final, which will take place on September 6. The qualification process remains open, with new seats available daily through Daily Heats and multiple affordable access options, in an event that will distribute $5 million guaranteed.

Key Figures: Participation and Access to the Sunday Million 20th Anniversary

The online poker room PokerStars has specified that 1,123 users have secured their spot in the final of this iconic tournament. Participants have mainly accessed through Daily Heats (Phase 1), highlighting that 390 of them did it for less than the standard buy-in of $109. The qualifying traffic remains active until September 6, providing new opportunities daily.

The current offering from PokerStars includes:

  • Satellites from $0.55
  • Special edition Spin & Go from $0.75
  • Distribution of $800,000 in tickets via its Ticket Machine

This system allows both recreational and regular players to access the decisive phases without the need for a larger investment.

Notable Players Among the Qualified

Recently qualified players include Dimitar “KuuL” Danchev, Mats “flerrehuve” Ullerang, Steven “SvZff” van Zadelhoff, Leonard 'Grozzorg' Maue, and Joshua “3betwizkid” Boulton. The list also includes PokerStars ambassador Ben Spragg, Gilles ‘TaxationisTheft’ Simon, Dalton ‘daltonhb’ Hobold, and Robin Ylitalo.

“When you think about online poker, you think about The Sunday Million. Almost everyone remembers their best run and where they were when it happened. It’s an event with a lot of history that remains accessible to almost any player through its various qualifying routes. There’s something special about competing in the same tournament that has meant so much over the years, as if you are part of something bigger.” — Marle Spragg, PokerStars Ambassador

The massive international participation guarantees a diverse and competitive final table, thanks to PokerStars' strategy to broaden access pathways for the entire community.

Structure and Prizes of the Tournament: Sunday Million 20th Anniversary

The Sunday Million 20th Anniversary is played in phases over 10 weeks, culminating in a final with a guaranteed prize pool of $5 million. PokerStars keeps both Daily Heats qualifiers and satellites and Spin & Go open, allowing entry until the last moment. This tournament design has proven effective in gathering both top professionals and casual players.

The room estimates that the use of the Ticket Machine, combined with low-cost satellites, has boosted the number of qualifiers entering for less than the main buy-in. Thanks to this policy, a 35% of seats have been achieved for less than $109.

Accessibility and Presence of PokerStars Ambassadors

PokerStars emphasized that the Sunday Million has remained a global benchmark for accessibility for the community. Among its qualifiers is Ambassador Marle Spragg, who highlighted the historical and social value of the event. The participation of other ambassadors like Ben Spragg reflects the integration of recognized figures, a common occurrence in major online poker.

The organization expects that the final on September 6 will not only consolidate the historical status of the Sunday Million but also set a record for prizes distributed and diversity of nationalities represented at the final table.

Outlook for Operators and the Online Poker Ecosystem

The Sunday Million 20th Anniversary sets a precedent for the industry in terms of challenges related to player acquisition and retention through various economical access routes. PokerStars reinforces the use of promotions like the Ticket Machine and special Spin & Go to attract global audiences, solidifying its position in the calendar of events as one of the milestones in the sector.

The phased structure and guaranteed prize act as traffic drivers, with a direct impact on liquidity and retention metrics, relevant for industry operators and affiliates. The adaptability of the format seems to anticipate its incorporation into future editions and other iconic events on the international stage.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the final of the Sunday Million 20th Anniversary?

The final will be on September 6. PokerStars confirmed that the qualification process remains open until that day, allowing new entries until the last moment.

How many players have qualified and how did they secure their seat?

To date, 1,123 players are qualified. 390 of them accessed through Daily Heats for less than the standard buy-in of $109, thanks to satellites and special promotions.

What is the guaranteed prize pool of the Sunday Million 20th Anniversary?

PokerStars guarantees $5 million in prizes for the final. This figure keeps the event among the top global online poker tournaments.

Who are some of the outstanding players in the final?

Recent qualifiers include Dimitar “KuuL” Danchev, Mats “flerrehuve” Ullerang, and Ambassador Marle Spragg, alongside other recognized names from the professional circuit and brand ambassadors.

Tags

pokerstarssunday-milliononline-tournamentsonline-pokerevents

About the author

Sofía Carrasco

Sofía Carrasco

Poker Correspondent

Sofía Carrasco covers live and online poker — tournament series from the WSOP and EPT to the daily room grind, promotions, and the industry moves behind them. The reports keep every score, pot, and player name exactly as the record shows, and follow the story past the final hand: who qualified, what the structure rewarded, and how the field is shifting. For player moves, software, and regulation across the poker economy, Sofía Carrasco is the first read.

More from Sofía Carrasco

Related Articles

Gamble Responsibly

NCPGMalta Gaming AuthorityGambleAwareGLIGamCareeCOGRA18+

iGamingHouse is intended for users who are 18 years or older (or the legal age in your jurisdiction). Ensure online gambling is legal in your region before participating. Seek help from professional resources if you feel you have a gambling problem. Terms and conditions apply. All rights reserved © 2026.