PokerStars History

2012: Zoom Poker and the PCA

2012 began in now-traditional PokerStars fashion, with the ninth iteration of the PokerStars Carribbean Adventure.

The PCA saw Victor Blom win the Super High Roller tournament and $1.25million in a star-studded field of poker royalty.

He wasn’t the biggest tournament winner of the series, however – that honour went to John Dibella, a 43-year old day trader from New York.  Dibella won the 2012 Main Event title, and $1,775,000.

John Dibella after his victory at the 2012 PCA Main Event

"I'm overwhelmed. It feels so surreal, and I can't believe it's happening," he said. "I'm sure it will hit me tomorrow."

Asked about how this compared to his normal work life, Dibella said, "I made more doing this, but I'm not going to call myself a professional."

Not only were there big prizes for the eventual winners, the battle on the felt led to many wonderful highlights during the PCA. Here’s a selection of special hands captured by our TV crews:

PStv Top 5: PCA 2012

PokerStars added the Turbo Championship of Online Poker (TCOOP) to its annual schedule of championship events. TCOOP events all have turbo structures, delivering plenty of action to literally thousands of players.

The inaugural TCOOP Main Event had a $700 buy-in and was won by ‘Betudontbet’ from Mexico. He dominated the final table, and won the heads-up battle against ‘ImDaNuts’ in just one hand - ‘Betudontbet’ moved all-in with As 5h, and ‘ImDaNuts’ called with Ks 7d.

Zoom Poker Launches

In February, PokerStars continued to innovate with new game options by launching Zoom poker. Zoom poker is the fast-paced ring game and tournament format where your opponents change every hand. This is because you play against a pool of players, instead of fixed opponents on one table. It’s the fastest poker game experience anywhere online, and you can try it at PokerStars now.

DaWarsaw: Team PokerStars Online in Poland

Team PokerStars Online member Grzegorz ‘DaWarsaw’ Mikielewicz has been playing at PokerStars since 2004. After becoming one of the greatest online players from his home country of Poland, he snagged a coveted spot on Team PokerStars Online.

He's a competitive guy at his core. If he's not playing poker or coaching it, he's playing or coaching soccer. If he's not doing that, he's probably bowling or playing basketball. Give the man a chance to compete, and he'll do it.

PokerStars players come from all over the world, and here is the story of one man’s journey to compete at PokerStars.

VIP Club Live Begins

PokerStars is about more than just poker - it offers an opportunity for players to meet and celebrate the game of poker in person. The VIP Club Live is an important part of that, and helps to recognise the efforts made by our PokerStars VIPs.