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$15M on the Line as PokerStars’ Bounty Builder Series Returns for High-Stakes Action

The thrill of the hunt is back, and this time, the prize pool is bigger than ever. PokerStars’ Bounty Builder Series is set to kick off on February 2, running for two weeks of intense Progressive Knockout (PKO) tournaments with a staggering $15 million guaranteed. With 169 events on the schedule and buy-ins ranging from $5.50 to $2,500, there’s a seat at the table for every type of player—whether you’re a seasoned pro or a small-stakes grinder hoping for a breakthrough.

Two Million-Dollar Main Events Promise High-Pressure Showdowns

The series culminates on February 16 with two massive $1 million guaranteed Main Events.

  • $109 Main Event – The ultimate test of endurance and skill, drawing thousands of players gunning for bounties and a life-changing score.
  • $2,500 High Roller Main Event – A high-stakes battle for elite grinders who thrive in deep-structured tournaments.

Both events are expected to shatter their guarantees, attracting some of the best poker minds and a field filled with bounty-hunting opportunists. Winning a title here doesn’t just mean cashing out—it’s about dominating the competition and taking every knockout along the way.

Tournaments to Watch

Aside from the Main Events, several marquee tournaments stand out in the schedule:

  • $109 Sunday Million ($1M GTD) – February 2
  • $55 Mini Bounty Builder High Roller ($250K GTD) – February 2
  • $215 Mystery Sunday Million ($1M GTD) – February 9

These events offer diverse structures, buy-ins, and formats, ensuring that every type of poker player finds their sweet spot.

PokerStars Bounty Builder Series 2025

Understanding Progressive Knockout (PKO) Tournaments

PKO tournaments differ from traditional bounty formats in a major way—each time you eliminate an opponent, half of their bounty goes straight into your pocket, while the other half is added to your own bounty. This means the deeper you go, the bigger a target you become.

For those unfamiliar with the format, here’s how PKO tournaments work:

Knockout Type Bounty Distribution Strategy Impact
Early Game Knockouts Small payouts, minor bounty increases Focus on survival over aggressive hunting
Mid-Stage Knockouts Moderate rewards, growing bounties Selective aggression pays off
Late-Stage Knockouts Massive bounties up for grabs Bigger stacks dictate the action

By the time the final table is reached, bounties can often exceed the first-place prize, creating a dynamic, risk-heavy endgame where decisions become even more crucial.

How to Maximize Your Winnings in Bounty Builder Events

Winning a PKO tournament is about more than just good cards—it’s about strategy. Here are five tips to help you crush the competition:

  • Survival first, bounties later – Don’t chase knockouts too early. The biggest rewards come in the late stages.
  • Know when to apply pressure – If you have a big stack, force your opponents into tough decisions by leveraging your bounty potential.
  • Don’t overvalue weak bounties – Chasing small bounties at the cost of your stack can backfire. Pick your spots wisely.
  • Exploit bounty dynamics – If you have a short stack and a big bounty, expect more calls when you shove. Adjust your range accordingly.
  • Late-stage adjustments matter – When bounties outweigh chip prizes, targeting opponents becomes a delicate game of risk vs. reward.

Past Champions and Their Big Wins

The last edition of the Bounty Builder Series (October 2023) saw some incredible performances. The $109 Main Event featured a massive 12,490-player field, resulting in a $1,249,000 prize pool. The final table ended in a three-way deal, with Vietnam’s “flowerloveeee” taking the crown and $90,021 in winnings.

In the $1,050 Main Event, Argentina’s “Mr.LuckyMan88” walked away with a cool $154,369, besting a 1,232-player field. The tournament had a $1,250,000 prize pool, proving once again that the rewards for deep runs in these events can be staggering.

Full Bounty Builder Series Schedule

For those looking to plan their grind, here’s a snapshot of the opening-day schedule:

Date Start Time (ET) Buy-In Event Name Prize Pool Guarantee
Feb 2 09:30 $55 Warm-Up $125K GTD
Feb 2 10:30 $215 Kick-Off $125K GTD
Feb 2 11:30 $11 NLHE $100K GTD
Feb 2 12:30 $55 Mini Bounty Builder HR $250K GTD
Feb 2 12:30 $530 Bounty Builder High Roller $150K GTD

With over 160 events across two weeks, there’s plenty of action to keep players engaged and bankrolls growing.

Where to Find More Poker Action

For players who can’t get enough of the tournament grind, PokerStars’ regular tournament schedule offers even more opportunities. The PokerNews Online Tournament Calendar provides a real-time look at all available events, making it easy to track ongoing games, upcoming tournaments, and late registration opportunities.

PokerStars remains one of the top destinations for online poker, and with $15 million guaranteed in this series alone, it’s clear why players keep coming back for more.

Get ready, because when the cards are in the air on February 2, the bounties will start flying—and only the sharpest bounty hunters will survive.

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