The clock is ticking for poker enthusiasts hoping to secure their spot in the $1 million guaranteed 888poker XL Winter Series Mystery Bounty Main Event. With only four Day 1 flights remaining, the race is on to claim a share of the seven-figure prize pool.
The flagship event, with its $888 buy-in, has already attracted 748 entries. To meet the lofty $1 million guarantee, at least 431 more participants need to join the action. Each Day 1 presents a final chance for players to chase the life-changing payouts awaiting the most skilled—and lucky—on Day 2.
What You Need to Know About the Main Event
The structure of the Mystery Bounty Main Event promises an engaging experience. Players start with 10,000 chips, and blinds begin at 20/40 with a 5-chip ante. The action unfolds over 15-minute blind levels, with late registration available for 240 minutes.
Each Day 1 ends when players complete 19 levels or only 15% of the field remains, ensuring that the stakes get higher with every passing level. Those who qualify for Day 2 return to the virtual felt at 9:00 p.m. GMT on January 27, where the excitement truly begins.
Mystery Bounties Add Thrill to Day 2
Progressing to Day 2 comes with the added allure of mystery bounties. For every opponent eliminated, players receive a bounty, with eight bounties valued at $10,000, four at $15,000, and two hefty rewards of $30,000. The ultimate prize is a jackpot bounty worth a jaw-dropping $100,000—enough to send the winner into a frenzy of celebration.
Once Day 2 narrows the field to the final eight players, the competition resumes at 7:00 p.m. GMT on January 28. Viewers can watch the drama unfold live on the 888poker Twitch channel, with cards-up coverage streamed on a one-hour delay.
Current Top 10 Chip Counts
Chip leaders heading into Day 2 have a distinct edge, though nothing is guaranteed in poker. The top stacks currently belong to Armenia’s “Armeniashka,” Montenegro’s “Guess_Who,” and Ukraine’s “feerofeero.” Here’s a look at the top 10 chip counts so far:
| Rank | Player | Country | Chips | Big Blinds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Armeniashka | Armenia | 262,384 | 131 |
| 2 | Guess_Who | Montenegro | 241,473 | 121 |
| 3 | feerofeero | Ukraine | 201,367 | 101 |
| 4 | Z1GGi | Ukraine | 184,504 | 92 |
| 5 | Hxs87 | Romania | 171,575 | 86 |
| 6 | Zebest7r | Canada | 165,081 | 83 |
| 7 | CptnJec | Ukraine | 159,767 | 80 |
| 8 | hardc0reee | Canada | 157,582 | 79 |
| 9 | Donkplayer19 | Germany | 145,954 | 73 |
| 10 | pardonme13 | Ukraine | 145,189 | 73 |
Remaining Day 1 Flights
If you haven’t yet joined the hunt, there’s still time—but only just. Four Day 1 flights remain, giving players multiple chances to enter.
- Friday, January 24: 7:00 p.m. GMT
- Sunday, January 26: 10:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., and 4:00 p.m. GMT
Each flight represents a final opportunity to seize a seat at the Main Event and fight for a piece of poker glory.
Highlight Performances and Upcoming Schedule
The XL Winter Series has already produced memorable moments. Notable winners include “djjazz222,” who pocketed $11,010 in the $150,000 Weekend Mystery Starter, and “Zebest7r,” who claimed the $1,050 Super High Roller for $13,680.
Here’s a look at some of the remaining events in the XL Winter Series schedule:
| Date | Time (GMT) | Tournament Name | Buy-in | Guarantee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 24 Jan | 4:00 p.m. | Daily Gems – Mystery Bounty Mini | $11 | $12,000 |
| 24 Jan | 6:00 p.m. | Daily Gems – Mystery Bounty Mid | $22 | $10,000 |
| 24 Jan | 6:00 p.m. | Daily Gems – Mystery Bounty | $55 | $15,000 |
| 24 Jan | 7:00 p.m. | Daily Gems – Big Shot Special | $109 | $12,000 |
| 24 Jan | 5:00 p.m. | PKO Rumble 109 | $109 | $5,000 |
With just days left, the XL Winter Series promises to deliver thrilling finishes and huge payouts for those brave enough to go all-in. Will you be one of the next champions to etch your name into 888poker history?
