PokerStars Announces the Return of 'The Big Game'

In its original format, a qualifier known as the Loose Cannon was financially backed to compete in a high-stakes cash game against some of the world's best players. Each session consisted of 150 hands, and if the Loose Cannon managed to survive, they could keep any profits earned during the game. Some of the most iconic and widely-watched poker hands of all time occurred on 'The Big Game', and now it's making a comeback with a modern twist in 2023.

On November 5th at NAPT Las Vegas, PokerStars will host exclusive satellites, offering players a chance to qualify for 'The Big Game on Tour' for free.

During these shootout tournaments, 20 winners will progress to the casting stage on November 6th and 7th, where they'll audition for a spot in the game. This selection process will be overseen by a panel of judges, including the show's hosts, James Hartigan and Joe Stapleton. The judges will ultimately decide which two players will be awarded an invitation and staked $50,000 to participate in 'The Big Game on Tour'.

While the specific line-up for 'The Big Game on Tour' is yet to be confirmed, there will be two No-Limit Hold’em cash game tables on November 8th and 9th, featuring both familiar faces and some of today's most prominent poker players.

The game will be recorded and transformed into a series of 10 episodes set to air in 2024.

Steve Preiss, VP at PokerStars North America, stated: "The Big Game was one of the most beloved poker programs of all time. As we continue our focus on creating the best poker content, re-imagining and re-launching The Big Game was a no-brainer. The Big Game on Tour will bring a level of play that hardcore fans expect from poker content. But we also will capture the journey from start to finish of our Loose Cannons in a way that hopefully reaches new audiences as well."