PokerStars has confirmed that it’s going to not be working its flagship Championship of On-line Poker (COOP) sequence within the US on-line poker market this fall. As a substitute, the operator says the competition will return in 2026 “greater and higher.”
The announcement marks a transparent break from custom.
Usually, in North America, the operator unveils its COOP sequence for the US and Ontario on the identical time, with each festivals working in tandem. That has been the custom for a few years, twice yearly, one within the spring and one within the fall.
This yr is completely different. Solely Ontario gamers will get their COOP competition, whereas US gamers will probably be left ready. Will probably be the primary time since PokerStars entered the regulated US market in 2016 that the autumn COOP won’t run.
“We all know many gamers have been trying ahead to this yr’s PokerStars (North American) Championship of On-line Poker (COOP),” a PokerStars spokesperson instructed pokerfuse. “COOP has develop into one among our hottest annual occasions, and we love seeing the fervour and competitors it brings to our neighborhood. Sadly, we gained’t be capable of host COOP this yr.”
The operator defined that “current modifications within the on-line gaming panorama imply that our platform requires some upgrades earlier than we will ship the truthful, aggressive, and thrilling COOP expertise that our gamers deserve.”
Whereas stressing that it is a “pause, not a cease,” PokerStars assured gamers that preparations are already underway to convey COOP again subsequent yr “greater and higher,” with the aim of “extra gamers, extra competitors, and extra pleasure than ever earlier than.”
The spokesperson additional went on to say that they may proceed to supply their common video games and promotions throughout Pennsylvania, Michigan and New Jersey.
A Curious Pause
This marks the second setback for PokerStars US gamers this yr. Again in April, when Pennsylvania formally joined the multi-state on-line poker compact, the expectation was that PokerStars would transfer shortly to merge its PA on-line poker operation with the present Michigan–New Jersey community. WSOP and BetMGM wasted no time in making the change. Even BetRivers Poker ultimately adopted.
However PokerStars? They held again.
That, coupled with the absence of the autumn COOP, is uncommon. If the issue was purely operational — whether or not scheduling, staffing, or liquidity-related — PokerStars might have opted for a smaller version of COOP within the US. As a substitute, the operator has determined to pause the sequence altogether.
So why would PokerStars pull the plug on its most prestigious US competition and promise a much bigger relaunch in 2026?
Platform Upgrades
The operator cites “platform upgrades” as the explanation for skipping COOP this yr. That might level to 2 issues and in actuality, it’s possible a mixture of each.
The primary rationalization is simple: PokerStars could also be holding off till Pennsylvania gamers will be merged with these in Michigan and New Jersey. A unified three-state community would imply greater prize swimming pools and a much more aggressive sequence, becoming the “truthful, aggressive, and thrilling” expertise PokerStars referenced in its assertion.
We’ve seen different operators take the identical strategy. WSOP On-line delayed unveiling its bracelet schedule earlier this summer season till the Pennsylvania merger was dwell. BetMGM Poker did the identical final yr, ready for its NJ–MI community to be related earlier than launching its On-line Championships.
PokerStars seems to be doing one thing related, however what precisely these “platform upgrades” contain, and why they’re taking so lengthy, is much less clear. That brings us to the opposite chance.
A Potential FanDuel Connection
The second principle, one we’ve speculated on typically, is that PokerStars’ US operations are being lined up for integration with its sister model FanDuel. This wouldn’t come out of nowhere.
Guardian firm Flutter has hinted at this transfer earlier than, and mixing the 2 might streamline licensing and unlock entry to extra states like West Virginia and Nevada, each a part of the US multi-state on-line poker compact and the place FanDuel has a license. All of a sudden, the participant pool might develop considerably. That, in flip, might justify the promise of a much bigger, higher sequence in 2026.
If that’s the case, the “upgrades” may not solely be about merging Pennsylvania, but additionally getting ready PokerStars’ platform for a deeper FanDuel tie-in.
FanDuel already dominates the US sports activities betting market, whereas PokerStars has struggled to achieve comparable traction in poker and on line casino. Folding PokerStars into FanDuel might streamline licensing, advertising, and buyer acquisition in a single swoop.
Not a Goodbye
PokerStars has made it clear that it is a “pause, not a cease.” The promise of a return “greater and higher than ever” in 2026 suggests a relaunch moderately than a wind-down. It factors to one thing within the works — one thing that requires persistence earlier than being unveiled.
For now, PokerStars US gamers should dwell with out a fall COOP for the primary time. It’s a disappointment, particularly for many who view the sequence as a fall custom. However the greater story could also be what’s taking place behind the scenes. Whether or not it’s FanDuel integration or one other strategic shift, PokerStars is clearly holding its playing cards near the chest and setting the stage for a a lot bigger transfer.
What we do know is that COOP is confirmed for a 2026 return. If 2026 does convey the relaunch they’re promising, the wait may show worthwhile.
