Satellite tourneys make great stepping stones to some of the biggest poker events
The 2024 Poker Masters, hosted by PokerStars NAPT at the PokerGO Studio in Las Vegas, has kicked off on a high note as two satellite qualifiers went head-to-head in the first event, a $5,100 No-Limit Hold’em tournament. Spencer Champlin and Jessica Vierling, both of whom earned their entry through a $560 buy-in satellite at Aria, found themselves battling for the title on Wednesday.
Champlin emerged victorious, claiming the first-place prize of $160,475, while Vierling, a German-born poker pro living in Las Vegas, took home $98,250 for her second-place finish. This marks another impressive showing for Vierling, who earlier this year won the World Series of Poker Circuit (WSOPC) Main Event at Commerce Casino, earning $328,273. Her deep run at the Poker Masters adds to an already successful year, with nearly $540,000 in tournament winnings in 2024, pushing her lifetime live tournament earnings to over $1.2 million.
Champlin’s victory pushed his lifetime tournament earnings past $3 million, adding to an already impressive career resume. He outlasted a field of 131 entrants, including seasoned pros like Dylan Linde, who finished third, earning $72,050, and Dan Shak, who took fourth place with $52,400. Other notable finishes included Zachary Grech in fifth place with $39,300 and Nicholas Seward, rounding out the final table with $32,750 for his sixth-place finish.
The Poker Masters features eight events, with buy-ins ranging from $5,100 to $25,200. The series continues and defending champion Stephen Chidwick will aim to retain his coveted Purple Jacket. The second event, a $10,100 No-Limit Hold’em, is already underway, promising more action and high-stakes battles.
