The Sunday Million 20th Anniversary Reaches Final Stages with Astedt Among Finalists
Prominent professional Niklas Astedt advances among the last 49 contenders in PokerStars' historic Sunday Million edition with $5 million guaranteed and millions in prizes at stake.
Key Takeaways
- The Sunday Million 20th Anniversary features 49 finalists competing for a first prize of $176,310, alongside bounties.
- Niklas Astedt, a leading figure in online poker, is among the favorites with the sixth largest stack and a bounty of $6,700.
- The tournament uses a progressive bounty structure that increases prizes with each elimination.
- The final takes place on Monday, September 7, with participants from over five European countries.
- The Sunday Million will return to its regular format of $1 million guaranteed in the next edition.
The Sunday Million 20th Anniversary from PokerStars enters its final phase on Monday, September 7, with 49 players competing for a first-place prize of $176,310, in addition to progressive bounties for eliminations. The table is led by 'RageReaperf', previous champion of the Spring Championship Of Online Poker (SCOOP) from Finland, who has amassed 28.3 million chips. Niklas Astedt, a leading Swedish player and one of the highest earners in online poker history, sits in sixth place with 19.6 million chips, remaining a serious contender for the win.
The Sunday Million $5M GTD: Format, Structure, and Prizes
The special commemorative edition of the Sunday Million, held after weeks of $109 Phase 1 tournaments, finally gathered 1,763 participants for Phase 2 on Sunday, September 6. The tournaments began at the end of June and the progressive elimination system reduced the field to the last 49 after an intense day.
The payout structure combines a traditional prize pool with elimination bounties. The guaranteed prize pool of $5 million is divided into two parts: the regular payout for placement and the progressive bounties. The first player eliminated in the final on Monday will receive $924, but the champion will take home $176,310, both amounts excluding accumulated bounties. The final table prizes, excluding bounties, are as follows:
- 1st: $176,310
- 2nd: $176,310
- 3rd: $109,853
- 4th: $68,980
- 5th: $44,028
- 6th: $25,833
- 7th: $16,711
- 8th: $10,834
- 9th: $6,802
How Do Progressive Bounties Work?
The system rewards direct eliminations: 50% of a player's bounty is automatically given to the player who eliminates them; the other 50% increases the eliminator's own bounty. Therefore, the real difference between the first and second places can largely depend on the bounties. Before the conclusion, the largest bounty belongs to the Ukrainian ‘234241234214432’ ($8,400), while Astedt has accumulated $6,700, the fourth largest bounty.
Niklas Astedt: Journey and Achievements in Global Poker
Niklas Astedt from Sweden is currently recognized as the highest earner in online poker history, with nearly $50 million in accumulated winnings. He has repeatedly dominated the Spring Championship Of Online Poker (SCOOP) and the World Championship of Online Poker (WCOOP), and in 2024, he reached the final table of the Main Event of the World Series of Poker (WSOP), securing third place for $3 million in Las Vegas. In his live career, Astedt has amassed nearly $10 million in winnings.
In 2026, he added new notable performances: winning the Super High Roller of the European Poker Tour (EPT) in Paris (€625,000), finishing as a finalist in the Super High Roller of WSOP Europe (€245,000), and ending second in the Super High Roller of EPT Barcelona (€522,000). Astedt's versatility and results make him a prominent figure in both live and online tournaments.
"Astedt from Sweden is considered the highest historical winner in online poker," according to records and cashes at international sites.
Expectations for the Final Day and Upcoming Events
Action will resume on Monday at 21:05 CEST, with blinds at 175,000/350,000 and an ante of 45,000. The conclusion features previous champions, regulars of the international circuit, and aspirants from various nationalities; Finland, Ukraine, and Sweden are represented among the top stacks. Tournament news and real-time results can be followed here.
The Sunday Million will return to its regular format and guaranteed prize pool of $1 million after this special edition. PokerStars has already announced the qualification schedule and phases for those wishing to seek a seat in the next edition.
Outlook for Online Poker and the Impact of the Sunday Million
With a progressive format and a record guaranteed prize pool, the 20th Anniversary edition of the Sunday Million sets a precedent in the international calendar. The high participation, prizes, and diversity of nationalities reinforce PokerStars as a central player in the sector, while players like Astedt add prestige and competitive interest. The progression of the tournament, structure, and prize distribution will serve as a model for upcoming major online and live events.
Operators, affiliates, and sponsors maintain their focus on the conclusion and the adoption of innovative formats that enhance global participation in the poker ecosystem.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the final of the Sunday Million 20th Anniversary?
The final of the Sunday Million 20th Anniversary will take place on Monday, September 7, starting at 21:05 CEST, gathering the top 49 after weeks of qualification.
What prizes are distributed at the final table besides bounties?
The first and second place will each receive $176,310, with $109,853 for third place and decreasing amounts down to $6,802 for ninth place, before adding progressive bounties.
Who leads the final table and what is Niklas Astedt's stack?
'RageReaperf', SCOOP champion from Finland, leads with 28.3 million chips, while Astedt is in sixth place with 19.6 million.
How does the bounty system work in the tournament?
When a player eliminates another, they receive 50% of the bounty in cash, and the remainder is added to their own bounty, increasing the amount they will receive if they are eliminated later.
What recent achievements stand out for Niklas Astedt in 2026?
Astedt won the Super High Roller of EPT Paris (€625,000), was a finalist in WSOP Europe (€245,000), and finished second in the EPT Barcelona (€522,000), adding live success to his online achievements.
Tags
About the author
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
