Last year’s PokerNews Daily DeepStacks and PokerNews Deepstack Challenge delivered accessible buy-ins, packed fields, and prize pools that punch well above their weight. Across 84 events held over four weeks in May and June 2024, the series drew nearly 32,000 entries and awarded more than $6.9 million in prize money.

Designed with the everyday player in mind, the series proved that you don’t need to break the bank to play for meaningful prizes. With buy-ins of $200, $250, and $400, the DeepStacks created opportunities for players of all levels to chase trophies, climb leaderboards, and earn some serious cash.

Highlights from 2024

The biggest single payday came on June 3, when Jesse Gardner topped a 1,030-entry $250 NLH event for $29,557. That same day, Russell Brooks took home $22,644 after winning the $400 tournament.

Other major results included:

• Adel Jo – $29,183 in a 1,014-player $250 NLH (June 4)
• Silma Macalou – $29,339 in a 1,019-player $250 NLH (June 21)
• Matan Barkat – $28,880 in a 998-player $250 NLH (June 22)
• Raed Abualfilat – $27,118 in a 913-player $250 NLH (June 17)
• Furkan Beg – $27,357 in a 928-player $250 NLH (June 19)
• Chenbo Zhou – $26,491 in an 888-player $400 NLH (June 20)

Even at the lower end of the buy-in range, big scores were possible. Crystal Galyon won $18,365 in a $200 event that drew 737 players—the largest top prize in that tier.

Players Who Stood Out

A handful of players grabbed headlines by winning multiple events. Raymond Chiu scored back-to-back victories in $400 events on May 31 and June 1, banking over $30,000 in the span of 48 hours. Duy Ho also made a splash, winning a $200 and a $250 event on consecutive days (June 7–8).

Familiar names like Srikanth Alajangi,Georgios Skarparis, and Kenny Hsiung also found success, each capturing a $250 title and adding to the series’ competitive depth.

Why It Matters

The PokerNews Daily DeepStacks have built their following by offering a format that works. The structures are solid, the buy-ins are reasonable, and the prize pools consistently deliver. For many players, it’s the ideal place to put in volume or make a first run at live tournament success.

What’s Next: PNDC 2025

Looking ahead to this year’s edition, the 2025 PNDC is expanding in more ways than one. The Daily DeepStacks leaderboard competition—a highlight for grinders chasing added value—will now award 50 seats instead of 40, giving even more players a chance to earn their way into marquee PNDC events.

The race will also stretch an extra week, giving players more time to build momentum and climb the standings.

Whether you’re chasing leaderboard points, hunting for a trophy, or just looking for a well-run daily tournament with meaningful upside, the 2025 Daily DeepStacks are poised to deliver another month of standout poker.