The electrifying, fast-paced action of Spin & Go, one of online poker’s most popular formats, is set for a celebrated return to the live arena. Following a successful inaugural event in Prague last December, PokerStars has announced that the second edition of the Spin & Go Championship Live will take place from August 30-31, 2025, during the prestigious EPT Barcelona festival. An exclusive field of 81 online qualifiers will compete for a share of a €275,000 prize pool, with the champion slated to receive €100,000.
Format Breakdown: A Live Three-Handed Survival Gauntlet
The event’s main feature is its live adaptation of the fast-paced, three-handed format popular in the online Spin & Go games.
The competition unfolds in three rounds. In Round 1, the 81 qualifiers are split into 27 three-handed tables. At each table, players will compete in multiple Spin & Go matches until one player achieves four wins to advance. The 27 advancing players will repeat the process in Round 2, narrowing the field to nine. These nine winners will then play down on three separate tables to determine the three-handed final table.
The Path to Barcelona: Qualification Details
There is no direct buy-in for this championship; all 81 seats must be won through online qualifiers on PokerStars. A total of 20 full packages, which include travel and accommodation expenses, will be awarded across three qualification periods.
- Qualification Periods:
- Phase 1: June 23 to July 7 (6 packages awarded)
- Phase 2: July 7 to July 21
- Phase 3: July 21 to August 4
- How to Qualify:
- Leaderboards: Players can earn random points by playing Spin & Go tournaments of any stake. The top two players on the overall leaderboard at the end of each qualification period will win a package directly.
- Exclusive Freerolls: Players who finish between 3rd and 1,002nd on the leaderboards will gain entry into an exclusive freeroll, where an additional 4 or 6 packages will be awarded, depending on the qualification period.
Conclusion and Analysis
In summary, the second edition of the Spin & Go Championship Live features an increased prize pool and a unique format with an accessible qualification path. This event signals a continuing trend of integrating fast-paced online poker experiences with the prestige of a major live tournament festival. For players who specialize in short-handed, fast-format games, it provides a distinct opportunity to showcase their skills on a major live stage.
