PokerStars NAPT makes return after 12 years

The PokerStars North American Poker Tour returned with a bang over nine days of exciting poker action held at Resorts World Las Vegas.

Players from across the world got to experience the PokerStars Live experience. From professionals to recreational, from satellite winners to Power Path qualifiers the NAPT was there for everyone.

“We said we were going to make this return spectacular, and I don’t think we disappointed!” Steve Preiss, Vice President for PokerStars North America. “Resorts World Las Vegas was a stunning venue for the return of this iconic series, and we hope that our players enjoyed every minute of it.

“But the NAPT doesn’t stop here. We can’t wait for 2024 and to build on the success of this event.”

Famous faces also made an appearance, including actor and comedian Michael Ian Black, actress Arden Cho and actress Jennifer Tilly. They, along with poker legend Phil Hellmuth and PokerStars Ambassador Lex Veldhuis, were joined by special qualifiers Nikki Limo and Lily Newhouse on the return of The Big Game.

It was also the first PokerStars event for the newest PokerStars Ambassadors, with Next Gen Poker – made up of Jack, Rosey and Frankie – joining fellow ambassador Maria Konnikova at the event.

In addition to cashing in the NAPT Main Event, Konnikova was part of a special Women in Poker panel alongside Jennifer Shahade, author and poker player Alex O’Brien, and Poker Power president Erin Lydon. During the panel, the participants took an in-depth and honest look at what can be done to increase the number of women playing poker, and how sites such as PokerStars can make a difference.

Meanwhile, the NAPT Main Event was won by Sami Bechahed, who topped a 1,095-player field – the largest NAPT Main Event ever held on US soil. Bechahed, who hails from France but resides in California, is a former poker dealer who walked away with $268,945 after defeating a talented final table that included big poker names such as David Coleman, Sergio Aido and Nick Schulman.

There were also victories for Jesse Lonis in the $10,300 NAPT Super High Roller ($174,550), Samuel Laskowitz in the $5,300 NAPT High Roller ($180,850) and popular American Kyna England who won the $360 NAPT Ladies Event ($7,520).

The excitement from Las Vegas doesn’t stop here, however, with the excitement taking to the streets with a weekend of incredible racing action alongside partners Oracle Red Bull Racing. Red Spade Pass winners will be in for the time of their lives, with some unique money-can’t-buy experiences on offer. Be sure to check out PokerStars social media channels to see what they get up to.