Celebrate the 15th Sunday Storm anniversary with $500K gtd Phased PKO spectacular
Every Sunday for the past 15 years, thousands upon thousands have rushed home and hunkered down inside, because a storm was a-brewing. And we’re not talking about the weather.
The $11 buy-in Sunday Storm on PokerStars is a staple of every poker player’s Sunday session, from the weekend warriors to the high-stakes crushers and those who only play one online poker tournament a week.
And on Sunday, May 10, 2026, the biggest Storm of the year is heading to your living room, office, dining table, bed… wherever you choose to play your online poker.
It’s the 15th anniversary of the legendary bankroll-boosting event, and to celebrate, PokerStars is making things very interesting indeed…
WHY THIS EVENT IS HUGE – PART 1
The Sunday Storm Anniversary will have a supercharged $500,000 guaranteed in the prize pool–five times its usual $100,000 guarantee–all for just an $11 buy-in.
WHY THIS EVENT IS HUGE – PART 2
The tournament is a Phased tournament, meaning Day 1 flights are running right now and will continue daily until Phase 2 on May 10. This will ensure tens of thousands of players get the chance to play when it’s convenient for them.
You can even reach the cash Phase 1 flights! Run deep and you’ll make the money, with the top finishers making it through to Phase 2.
Make money in Phase 1, find glory in Phase 2.
Not sure how Phased tournaments work? Find out here.
How a Phase 1 lobby looks. Notice the top finishers advance, while deep runners make the money
WHY THIS EVENT IS HUGE – PART 3
The tournament will have a Progressive Knockout format, allowing players to make money long before the bubble bursts.
In a nutshell, this is a must-play event for all poker players, and with a buy-in of just $11, it’s accessible to everyone.
But you can also win your way into the tournament for next to nothing, as satellites are running now from just $0.55.
PREVIOUS SUNDAY STORM ANNIVERSARY WINNERS
2025:
Winner: Diesel Ramirez (Hungary) – $23,093 (including bounties)
Entries: 37,180
2024:
Winner: kdrAS (Brazil) – $19,357 (including bounties)
Entries: 46,679
2023:
Winner: Basigol (Brazil) – $26,050 (including bounties)
Entries: 72,658
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