PokerStars Open Málaga Main Event Nears Participation Record with 1,513 Entries
The PokerStars Open Málaga Main Event is approaching a participation record after 1,513 players registered across its first four flights, according to the tournament organizers. The event’s prize pool now stands at €1.452.480, surpassing the guaranteed €1 million and falling just 123 entries short of the 1,636 participants from the 2025 edition.
How Many Players Have Entered So Far?
The first four flights—Día 1A, Día 1B, Día 1C, and Día 1D Turbo—generated 478, 104, 765, and 166 entries, respectively. A total of 501 players advanced to Day 2, with registration open during the first two levels of the day. The tournament’s organizers confirmed the figures, stating the event remains on track to break the 2025 participation record.
Who Are the Top Performers in Each Flight?
The Día 1C flight, the most competitive of the initial rounds, saw 765 entries, with Kosovo’s Kasumi Agim leading the pack with 324,200 chips. Spain’s Luis Casaseca ranked fifth with 272,400 chips, while Italian players dominated the top 10. In the Día 1D Turbo, Spanish player Rubén Velasco secured the chip lead with 343,400 chips, setting him up as the favorite for Day 2.
What’s the Prize Pool and How Does It Compare to Previous Years?
The current prize pool of €1.452.480 exceeds the guaranteed €1 million, with organizers noting the figure could grow as registration remains open. This surpasses the €1.2 million prize pool from the 2024 edition, though the 2025 record of 1,636 entries remains the target. A spokesperson for PokerStars stated the event’s strong start reflects its growing popularity among European poker players.
Who Are the Notable Spanish Players Advancing?
Spain’s Luis Casaseca (272,400 chips) and Rubén Velasco (343,400 chips) were the standout performers in their respective flights. Other Spanish players advancing included Emilio Navarro, Adrián Chabbi, and Ivan González, who finished eighth in the Día 1D Turbo with 103,000 chips. The Spanish contingent faced competition from international players, including Norwegian Andreas Bartolozzi Barril and Swiss Serge Badel.
What Happens Next in the Tournament?
The 501 players who advanced to Day 2 will compete in the next phase, with the chip leaders poised to capitalize on their early momentum. The seat draw for Day 2 is available via the official PokerStars Open Málaga website, and the tournament is expected to conclude with a final table featuring both local and international talent. Organizers have not yet announced the exact schedule for Day 2, but play is set to begin shortly after the initial registration window closes.