PokerStars Caribbean Adventure Returns in January

Listening to feedback from loyal players has not been a strong point of PokerStars in recent years, so it comes as a bit of surprise that Stars Group executives actually lent an ear when the topic was the beloved PokerStars Caribbean Adventure.

You know, that festival that ran under the PCA banner in the Bahamas for more than a decade before a name change to PokerStars Championship Bahamas this year made for a feeling that the universe was a bit out of whack. It's been said that a rose by any another name would smell just as sweet, but not so to die-hard poker players who are big on tradition and sometimes reluctant to change.

The result from player input means that the festival will once again be called the PokerStars Caribbean Adventure in 2018.

"We're reviewing our live events and incorporating player feedback to ensure we're delivering the highest quality experience," said PokerStars honcho Eric Hollreiser, adding that players urged 'Stars to "restore the PCA name and improve the quality of that event to reflect the great heritage and unique experience that made PCA (great)."

Along with reverting back to the original name, PokerStars also reinstated the $10,300 Main Event buy-in. It was $5,300 the last two years. Players who preferred the lower buy-in will be pleased to know that a spike in online qualifiers to the 2018 PCA Main Event is in the works and that "Road to Bahamas" promos will begin following the 2017 WCOOP next month.

"We are committed to sending at least 400 players to this must-play event," Hollreiser stated, "and make qualifying for packages as exciting as we can."

Less Rake is Better

There is more good news to share that is directly related to the pocketbooks of players - to the tune of $300,000, according to PokerStars' estimates. A lower rake structure has been announced, including a $300 cap on every $10K buy-in event. Also, tourneys with less than 20-minute levels will see rake reduced by 50%.

The 2018 PCA will run from January 6-14, again at the Atlantis Resort on Paradise Island. A streamlined schedule includes over 30 events and features $25,000 and $50,000 High Rollers and a $100,000 Super High Roller.

Additional perks include a $50,000 player's freeroll, a PCA player party, a $200 swag bag, Q&A sessions with Team PokerStars Pros, and mingling with PokerStars ambassadors Usain Bolt and Kevin Hart.

It all sounds exciting and wonderful! Now if only PokerStars would listen to player feedback regarding the VIP program and rake increases in the online poker realm, it would truly be a happy ending.