The PokerStars Players No Limit Hold'em Championship (PSPC) is an annual tournament hosted by PokerStars. Aliaksandr Shylko last night won the PSPC 2023, after a deal was made with the final 3 players. By winning the PSPC it would mean that he defeated a large field of players of around 1000+ to claim the title and the first-place prize. Winning a major tournament like the PSPC is a significant accomplishment and can establish a player as one of the top poker players in the world.

FINAL TABLE RESULTS & WINNINGS

1 Aliaksandr Shylko (Belarus) $4,053,200
2 Max Menzel (Germany) $2,542,300 Platinum Pass winner
3 Philipe Pizzari (Brazil) $1,911,200
4 Nacho Barbero (Argentina) $1,551,300
5 Pedro Marques (Portugal) $1,251,500
6 Niclas Thumm (Germany) $1,001,200 Platinum Pass winner

A total of 1,014 players, representing 63 countries took part in one of the largest $25,000 tournaments in the world, hosted at the luxurious Baha Mar Resort in the Bahamas. The $24,843,000 prize pool was paid out to the top 175 finishers. The final three players decided on an ICM chop, leaving $300,000 to play for ($200,000 for first place, $100,000 for second).

Both Platinum Pass winners were clear crowd favourites for the final table with Barbero providing the experience and the chatter around the table for the cameras.

Nacho Barbero is a professional poker player from Argentina. He has had success in both live and online tournaments, with several major tournament wins to his name. Barbero is known for his aggressive style of play and is respected as a top-level player in the poker community.

What is a Pokerstars Platinum Pass?

A PokerStars Platinum Pass is a prize package offered by PokerStars that includes a buy-in to a live poker tournament and additional benefits such as travel expenses and hotel accommodations. The Platinum Pass is often awarded as a prize in various PokerStars promotions and satellite tournaments. The value of the pass can vary, but they are typically worth tens of thousands of dollars and are highly sought after by poker players. Winning a Platinum Pass gives players an opportunity to participate in a prestigious live tournament and compete against some of the best players in the world.

HOW DO YOU WIN A POKERSTARS PLATINUM PASS?

There are several ways to win a PokerStars Platinum Pass:

Participate in online satellite tournaments: PokerStars often runs satellite tournaments that offer Platinum Passes as prizes to the winners. These tournaments can be found in the PokerStars client under the "Live Events" tab.
Play in live events: PokerStars also awards Platinum Passes at various live events, such as the European Poker Tour (EPT) and the Latin American Poker Tour (LAPT).
Participate in promotions: PokerStars runs occasional promotions that offer Platinum Passes as prizes. These promotions can include challenges, contests, or other types of events.
Play at the highest levels on PokerStars: Some of the most valuable Platinum Passes are awarded to players who reach certain milestones on the site, such as achieving a high volume of hands played or reaching the top of the leaderboards.

It is important to check the PokerStars website regularly for updates on how to win a Platinum Pass, as the availability and methods for winning a pass can change over time.

WHAT TO DO IN NASSAU?

Nassau, the capital city of the Bahamas, is a popular tourist destination known for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant culture. Here are some things to do in Nassau:

Visit Cable Beach: This famous stretch of sand is a popular spot for sunbathing, swimming, and snorkeling.
Explore Nassau's Historic Sites: The city is home to several historic sites, including Fort Charlotte, Fort Fincastle, and the Pirates of Nassau Museum.
Shop at the Straw Market: The Nassau Straw Market is a great place to pick up souvenirs, including handmade baskets, clothing, and jewelry.
Visit the Blue Lagoon Island: This island is a great place to relax and enjoy the beach, as well as participate in activities like dolphin encounters and water sports.
Take a Food Tour: Nassau is known for its delicious local cuisine, so consider taking a food tour to sample some of the best dishes the city has to offer.
Go Snorkeling or Diving: With its clear waters and vibrant coral reefs, Nassau is a great place to go snorkeling or diving.
Visit the Queen's Staircase: This historic staircase was carved by slaves in the 1700s and offers stunning views of Nassau.
Visit the Bahamas National Trust: This organisation works to preserve the natural and cultural heritage of the Bahamas, and their headquarters in Nassau is home to a museum, library, and botanical gardens.
Get a boat trip to the Exumas, feed native iguanas, snorkel around coral reefs and the plane wreck, visit pig beach, swim with sharks and enjoy the white sand and crystal clear waters.

WHY TO POKER PLAYERS WEAR SUNGLASSES?

People wear sunglasses while playing poker for several reasons:

To hide their eyes: Sunglasses can conceal a player's eye movements and expressions, making it more difficult for opponents to read their emotions and gauge their level of confidence. This can be especially helpful in high-stakes games where players are constantly trying to outmanoeuvre one another.
To reduce glare: Sunglasses can reduce glare from bright lights and reflective surfaces, making it easier for players to see their cards and the action on the table.
To maintain privacy: Wearing sunglasses can also help players maintain their privacy by preventing others from seeing their eyes. This can be important for professional players who want to keep their identities and tactics hidden from their opponents.
To look cool: Sunglasses can also be seen as a stylish accessory, and many people wear them while playing poker simply to look cool or make a statement.

It is important to note that not all casinos and poker rooms allow sunglasses, and some may have specific rules regarding their use. It is always a good idea to check with the casino staff before wearing sunglasses while playing poker.

If you have been following my PSPC journey on Instagram and have whetted your appetite for poker, then playing Pokerstars Home Games is a great way to better your skills whilst playing with friends.

WHAT IS POKERSTARS HOME GAMES?

PokerStars Home Games is a feature offered by the PokerStars online poker platform that allows players to create their own private poker clubs and play against friends and family. With Home Games, players can set up a customized poker club with their own rules and preferences, invite friends to join, and play games together in a private, secure environment.

Home Games can be played for play money or real money, and players can participate in a wide range of games and tournaments, including Texas Hold'em, Omaha, Stud, and more. Players can also choose from a variety of tournament structures, including freezeouts, rebuys, and knockouts, and customise the size and format of their games to suit their needs.

PokerStars Home Games is a great way for players to get together and enjoy the game of poker in a fun, relaxed environment, and it can also help build and strengthen social bonds between players. Whether you're looking to play a friendly game with friends and family or host a more competitive tournament, PokerStars Home Games can be a great option.