2025 WSOP PokerNews DeepStack Challenge
The 2025 World Series of Poker is right around the corner, and once again, PokerNews is giving low-stakes grinders a big shot at bracelet glory. The PokerNews DeepStack Challenge is back bigger and better than ever before, with even more chances to win a seat into one of the most accessible championship events on the WSOP schedule.
What is the PokerNews DeepStack Challenge?
Running from May 27 to June 30, the PokerNews DeepStack Challenge is a WSOP leaderboard promotion that rewards consistency and volume in the Daily Deepstack tournaments. Players who participate in the $200, $250, or $400 buy-in Daily Deepstacks will earn leaderboard points. Each week, the top 10 players will win a free seat into the Event #78 $600 PokerNews DeepStack Championship (PNDC), set for July 1-4 at the Horseshoe and Paris Las Vegas.
That’s 50 total seats up for grabs over five weeks, and yes, you can win more than one ticket!
Why You Should Play
The PNDC is one of the best value tournaments of the summer. Last year’s inaugural event drew 5,110 entries, with Hector Berry taking home $282,876 after defeating Luke Varrasso heads-up. With a four-day structure and deep stacks, it gives players the room they need to play real poker.
By performing well in the daily events, you not only score leaderboard points but also earn a chance to play for a WSOP bracelet.
Weekly Leaderboard Prizes
Each week from May 27 to June 30, the top 10 leaderboard performers from the PokerNews Deepstack Challenge will be awarded seats into the PNDC bracelet event. Here’s the full breakdown:
| Dates | Week | Prize |
|---|---|---|
| May 27 – June 2 | 1 | 10 Seats to PokerNews DeepStack Championship |
| June 3 – 9 | 2 | 10 Seats to PokerNews DeepStack Championship |
| June 10 – 16 | 3 | 10 Seats to PokerNews DeepStack Championship |
| June 17 – 23 | 4 | 10 Seats to PokerNews DeepStack Championship |
| June 24 – 30 | 5 | 10 Seats to PokerNews DeepStack Championship |
Leaderboard points will be calculated using the same system as the WSOP Player of the Year race, with deeper finishes resulting in more points.
Want to see how many points it took players to bag themselves a ticket last year? Check out the previous year's leaderboards here.
Track Your Progress
Once live, the official tracking page will update players in real time on their ranking position.
Last Year's Numbers Tell the Story
In 2024, the PokerNews Daily Deepstack tournaments were a massive success:
- 84 events held across four weeks
- 31,973 entries and $6.9M+ in prize pools
- Over $1.26M awarded to 1st-place finishers
- Multiple events broke the 1,000-entry mark
Players of all levels joined the fun, including well-known names like Olga Iermolcheva, James Hartigan, and WSOP Main Event final tablist Pierre Neuville. Even members of the WSOP Hall of Fame were spotted in the field.
PokerNews DeepStack Challenge FAQs
What is the PokerNews Deepstack Challenge?
The PokerNews Deepstack Challenge is the leaderboard promotion where players can win a seat to the PokerNews DeepStack Championship bracelet event.
What is the buy-in for the PokerNews DeepStack Championship?
$600 – one of the lowest bracelet buy-ins at the WSOP, designed to give everyday players a real shot at a major title.
When does the PokerNews Deepstack Challenge run?
It runs for five weeks, from May 27 to June 30.
When is PokerNews Deepstack Championship?
July 1-4, 2025. It’s Event #78 on the WSOP schedule.
Where do the WSOP PokerNews Daily Deepstack take place.
The event takes place at the WSOP’s Horseshoe venue. Head up the escalator by the Horseshoe poker room and you can't miss it.
How do I play the PokerNews Deepstack Championship?
Register at the WSOP registration desks—or win a seat through the PokerNews DeepStack Challenge leaderboard. You can also skip the lines by registering using the WSOP+ app.
How does the leaderboard work?
The leaderboard uses the same points formula as the WSOP Player of the Year standings. The top ten daily deepstack players will win a seat each week for five weeks.
Can I win more than one seat?
Yes! If you win multiple seats, your extra entries can be used for additional entries into the PokerNews Deepstack Championship.