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PokerStars on FanDuel to Sponsor Maryland State Poker Championship

The upcoming Maryland State Poker Championship will be sponsored by PokerStars exclusively on FanDuel, featuring over $1 million in guarantees across 16 trophy events.

News Published 23 June 2026 4 min read Ethan Reed

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PokerStars, now exclusively available on FanDuel, has been named the title sponsor for the upcoming Maryland State Poker Championship. The series is set to take place from August 26 to September 7 at Live! Casino & Hotel Maryland, promising a significant poker festival with 16 trophy events and over $1 million in guaranteed prize pools.

This sponsorship marks a key collaboration, bringing together a prominent online poker operator with a major live poker event in Maryland. The partnership underscores PokerStars’ commitment to expanding its reach and offering live poker experiences to its player base.

Main Event Details

The centerpiece of the championship is the $1,700 buy-in Maryland State Poker Championship Main Event, scheduled from September 3 to September 7. This event comes with a substantial guaranteed prize pool of $500,000, attracting serious players from across the region.

Beyond the Main Event, the series schedule includes other significant tournaments designed to cater to a range of players. A $250,000 guaranteed Opening Event will kick off the festivities, while a $100,000 Mini Main Event offers a more accessible option for those seeking a major title. Additionally, a Women’s Event with a $10,000 guarantee is scheduled, aiming to encourage participation from female players. PokerStars ambassadors, such as chess professional Jen Shahade, are expected to be present.

A European Poker Tour Prize

Adding to the excitement, one participant will have the chance to win a Player’s Choice European Poker Tour (EPT) package. Valued at €10,000, this prize includes hotel accommodations and a €5,300 EPT Main Event buy-in to an EPT festival of their choice, offering a potentially life-changing opportunity.

Statements from Event Organizers

Aaron Dugan, PokerStars General Manager, expressed enthusiasm for the sponsorship: “PokerStars has always been committed to delivering world-class poker experiences and, following on from PokerStars launch on FanDuel in April, we’re excited to bring that commitment and welcome players to the Maryland State Poker Championship.”

Christopher Angelo, Director of Poker for Live! Casino & Hotel Maryland, echoed this sentiment: “We are very excited to welcome PokerStars exclusively on FanDuel as the title sponsor of the 2026 Maryland State Poker Championship. With our premier poker room as the backdrop, this prestigious annual event continues to draw many of the world’s top players and solidify its place as a marquee tournament series on the poker calendar.”

Historical Context

PokerStars has a history of involvement with the Maryland State Poker Championship. In 2024, the $2,200 Main Event attracted 245 players, with Ben Gazzola ultimately winning $110,578 after defeating PokerStars Team Pro Parker Talbot. The final table of that event also featured notable players like Xiaoqiong Liu, Nicholas Verderamo, and Isiah Ditoto.

The full schedule for the 2026 Maryland State Poker Championship is expected to be released in the coming weeks. More information can be found on pokerstarslive.com/maryland-state-poker-championship.

This news is relevant to PlayVideoPoker readers as it highlights a significant live poker event in the United States and the growing integration of online poker platforms with live tournaments. The sponsorship by PokerStars on FanDuel underscores the evolving landscape of poker, offering players opportunities to compete in major live events through online qualifiers and partnerships. This development provides valuable information for players interested in participating in or following major poker tournaments.

Source: PokerNews – https://www.pokernews.com/news/2026/06/pokerstars-fanduel-maryland-state-poker-championship-51600.htm