For the first time since entering the regulated U.S. market in 2016, PokerStars has announced that it will not be hosting its prestigious Championship of Online Poker (COOP) series this fall. The decision to skip the event has raised eyebrows in the poker community, especially given the event’s longstanding popularity and significance in the poker calendar.
A Surprising Move in a Landmark Year
PokerStars is known for its two COOP series per year, traditionally one in the spring and the other in the fall, catering to poker enthusiasts across the United States and Canada. This marks the first time the operator has chosen not to run the fall edition of the COOP, an event that has been a staple in the poker community for years.
“We know many players have been looking forward to this year’s PokerStars (North American) Championship of Online Poker (COOP),” a PokerStars spokesperson explained in a statement. “COOP has become one of our most popular annual events, and we love seeing the passion and competition it brings to our community. Unfortunately, we won’t be able to host COOP this year.”
While the statement acknowledges the disappointment of many players, PokerStars assured users that it remains committed to the series and values the engagement it fosters within the poker community.
Platform Upgrades: What’s Behind the Decision?
The official reason for the 2025 fall COOP cancellation is the need for “platform upgrades.” According to PokerStars, the “recent changes in the online gaming landscape” have necessitated some technical improvements to ensure that they can continue to provide a fair, competitive, and exciting COOP experience for their players.
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This announcement hints at potential back-end platform changes that may be crucial to enhancing the overall experience for players in the U.S. market. The upgrades could be tied to PokerStars’ ongoing merger plans in Pennsylvania, a key state in the regulated online poker industry. Sources suggest that these upgrades might also be connected to the possible integration with FanDuel, an operator with a growing presence in the online gaming space.
“Our goal is to ensure that the platform remains in top shape to meet the expectations of our players,” the spokesperson continued, further indicating that these upgrades are meant to position the operator for future growth and success in the highly competitive U.S. market.
The Changing Landscape of Online Poker in the US
The cancellation of the Fall COOP in the U.S. reflects the evolving landscape of online poker in the country. The U.S. market has become more fragmented, with states moving toward their own regulatory frameworks and cross-state partnerships. As PokerStars and other operators face these changes, they are likely evaluating their strategies for market expansion and consolidation.
The news also follows the announcement of several state-based poker network partnerships, such as the New Jersey-Pennsylvania interstate compact and ongoing discussions around broader partnerships with other states. These developments could significantly affect PokerStars’ future plans in the region and its ability to run events like COOP on a consistent basis.
The Importance of COOP and PokerStars’ Commitment to Innovation
The Championship of Online Poker (COOP) is one of the most anticipated events for online poker players worldwide. Traditionally, PokerStars hosts the event twice a year, offering players an opportunity to compete for substantial prize pools and earn significant recognition in the poker world. The decision to skip this fall’s event is not taken lightly, as it affects the community’s engagement and the broader poker ecosystem.
However, PokerStars has promised that its commitment to hosting major events remains strong, despite this temporary pause. As the global leader in online poker, the company has consistently demonstrated its ability to adapt and evolve its offerings, ensuring that its community of players remains at the heart of every innovation.
“We know how important COOP is to the PokerStars community,” the spokesperson added. “We’re working hard to bring you an even better experience moving forward. We’re confident that these platform upgrades will result in a much-improved poker environment in the future.”
What’s Next for PokerStars in the US?
While the Fall 2025 COOP is off the table, PokerStars players in the U.S. can still look forward to other exciting poker events, as well as the launch of future upgrades that could provide enhanced features and opportunities. The platform’s commitment to growth, including the potential integration with FanDuel, suggests that the poker operator is laying the groundwork for a more streamlined and integrated experience across various platforms and markets.
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Conclusion
PokerStars’ decision to skip the Fall COOP for the U.S. market is an unexpected but understandable move, given the platform upgrades and changes underway. While disappointing for poker fans, this delay could prove beneficial in the long term, as it ensures that PokerStars remains at the forefront of online poker innovation. As the online poker landscape in the U.S. continues to evolve, players can expect to see exciting new features and events once the upgrades are completed.