Since its inception in 2015, 888poker LIVE has earned a reputation for hosting some of the most anticipated live poker tournaments around the world. Known for creating memorable experiences and attracting both professionals and enthusiasts, the series has been hosted all around the world and continues to draw players every year. Let’s take a look at 888poker LIVE’s history, important cities, standout participants, and the events that make this series exceptional.
A Brief History and Overview of 888poker
Launched in 2002, 888poker has become one of the industry’s most recognized poker brands. The room continues to attract a substantial player base, particularly at lower stakes. Here’s why 888poker remains popular:
- New Player Rewards: First-time registrants receive $8 in free tickets and a deposit match of up to $1,000 (location dependent).
- Daily Freerolls: Freerolls run every day, providing accessible ways for new players to grow their bankroll.
- Weaker Player Pool: Low-stakes and mid-stakes games typically feature softer competition.
The site unfortunately presents multiple challenges as well like:
- Limited Game Selection: 888poker mainly offers cash games, fast-fold poker, spins, and multi-table tournaments (MTTs).
- Challenging Conditions for Pros: Restricted withdrawal options and low traffic on high-stakes have deterred certain professional players.
- Withdrawal and Account Concerns: Players have reported occasional issues with withdrawals and unexplained account restrictions.
Main Stops and Highlights of 888poker LIVE Festivals
The first 888poker LIVE event took place in 2015 in Stratford, England. It featured three tournaments with low buy-ins and a prize pool that, while modest, attracted considerable interest. British player Terry Jordon emerged victorious in the Main Event, winning $21,905. Since then, the series has grown, adding more events and higher prize pools each year. Today, WSOP bracelet holders, including Ole Schemion, have joined the ranks of 888poker LIVE champions.
The tournament format evolved in recent years, transitioning from having many tournaments throughout the year to prioritizing fewer but more significant stops. This shift began in 2019, with a focus on larger prize pools and higher-stakes events, including high roller tournaments with buy-ins reaching $2,000. The series now consists of just five stops in 2024: Madrid, Bucharest, Barcelona, Manchester, and Coventry.
888poker LIVE on Twitch
888poker extends its LIVE tournament experience to the digital realm through its Twitch stream. The official "888pokerTV" channel broadcasts select 888poker LIVE events, giving viewers a front-row seat to the action.
Fans can watch top players compete in major tournaments, enjoy commentary from poker experts, and even participate in exclusive promotions. This stream brings the excitement of 888poker LIVE festivals to a global audience, showcasing the series' highlights and best poker moments that everyone loves to see.
Top Players of 888poker LIVE
As of 2024, Germany’s Ole Schemion leads the series in winnings, with his largest prize of over $260,000 coming from the 2018 WPT European Championship.
Other notable top earners include:
- Gary Miller: $244,336
- Bhavin Khatri: $195,682
- Luigi Shehadeh: $195,295
- Mikael Mrakesh: $178,660
Highlights of the 888poker LIVE Event in Madrid
In January 2024, 888poker LIVE held an exciting event at Casino Gran Madrid. The festival featured an extensive schedule with buy-ins ranging from €50 to €1,888. The event drew attention from both local and international players, with notable appearances from 888poker ambassadors.
The Main Event attracted 435 players, generating a prize pool of a whopping €333,905. After intense competition over multiple days, Manuel Ledesma from Spain emerged victorious in heads-up play after accepting a deal, taking home €58,000 and a coveted WSOP Main Event seat.
The festival was particularly notable for its strong showing of Spanish poker talent, with several local players making deep runs across multiple events. The venue's central location in Madrid and the January timing helped attract a diverse field of players from across Europe.
Major Online Tournaments for Poker Players
For players who prefer the comfort of online play, 888poker and other major rooms regularly host series with large guarantees. Here are some of the most popular series in 2024:
- 888poker Millions Superstorm Series: With over 100 events and a total prize pool of $12 million, this 888poker-exclusive series offers a range of buy-ins to suit players at all levels. Key events include a $1 million guaranteed Main Event and weekly freerolls for ticket prizes.
- PokerStars SCOOP (Spring Championship of Online Poker): Known for its massive prize pools and a wide range of formats, SCOOP offers $85 million in guarantees across Holdem, Omaha, and mixed games. This series is popular with grinders, offering multiple events daily and a buy-in structure with three tiers for accessibility.
- PartyPoker MILLIONS Online: Bringing the excitement of live MILLIONS events to the online arena, PartyPoker’s series includes several high-stakes events, with the Main Event boasting a $5 million guarantee. Players can qualify through an extensive satellite system, making it accessible for all bankrolls.
- WSOP Online on GGPoker: Featuring official WSOP bracelet events, this series offers one of the largest prize pools, with $65 million in guarantees across events in Texas Holdem, Omaha, and Short Deck. For newer players, GGPoker provides exclusive freerolls with cash prizes and bracelet entries.
To stay updated on new promotions, tournament series, leaderboards, and freerolls, check GipsyTeam’s promotion section. Updated daily, it’s the best source for current poker deals.
