PokerStars Makes a Triumphant Return to Las Vegas with Marchington Seizing Main Event Glory
Las Vegas became the nexus of international poker excitement as the PokerStars North American Poker Tour (NAPT) made its highly-anticipated comeback at Resorts World Casino. Players flocked from across the globe for this celebrated event, driven by an action-packed schedule, expanded buy-ins, and the allure of major titles.
PokerStars brings the NAPT back to Las Vegas; Nick Marchington celebrates Main Event title
Nicholas Marchington Dominates on the Road to NAPT Main Event Victory
The 2024 edition of the NAPT Main Event ramped up from its 2023 relaunch, boasting a $5,300 buy-in that attracted a field of 895 hopefuls. Emerging above a distinguished crowd, 26-year-old Londoner Nicholas Marchington clinched the top prize of $765,200 after a display of steady leadership and skillful play.
Throughout the final table, Marchington maintained his commanding chip lead. Even with six contenders remaining, he held over a third of the chips, setting himself up for an extraordinary run. Staying out in front from start to finish, Marchington described the tournament as some of the “most fun” he’s ever had at the poker table, calling his sustained lead “a dream.”
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The final showdown against American Joel Micka was intense yet brief, lasting just one hand. Both players held straights, but Marchington’s straight was higher, bringing him a swift and memorable victory. Despite a strong prior finish that included a seventh-place for $1.5 million at the 2019 World Series of Poker Main Event, this win marks another milestone, bringing his live poker earnings to $3.3 million.
Top Champions of the 2024 NAPT Las Vegas Main Event
| Position | Player | Country | Payout |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nicholas Marchington | UK | $765,200 |
| 2 | Joel Micka | USA | $478,450 |
| 3 | Jeff Madsen | USA | $341,750 |
| 4 | Marco Johnson | USA | $262,900 |
| 5 | Curt Kohlberg | USA | $202,250 |
| 6 | Masato Yokosawa | Japan | $155,550 |
| 7 | Brock Wilson | USA | $119,650 |
| 8 | Matt Affleck | USA | $92,000 |
PokerStars Revitalizes Live Poker Presence Across the United States
PokerStars’ return to the American tournament scene signals the brand’s continued expansion in the industry after the NAPT’s hiatus in 2011. Since U.S. regulations have gradually shifted, the company has rebuilt its presence, offering shared platforms in states like Michigan and New Jersey, as well as localized play in Pennsylvania and Ontario, Canada.
The Las Vegas stop of the NAPT delivered not just competitive tournaments but also exclusive live events. A special highlight was PokerStars’ “Big Game,” giving amateur players, or “loose cannons,” an opportunity to test their skills—and their bankrolls—against seasoned professionals and well-known personalities.
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One of the standout attractions during the series was the participation of Rob Gronkowski, former NFL star. These games will be broadcast on Fox Sports, bringing the excitement of high-stakes poker to a national audience.
Situated strategically between the WSOP’s end in summer and the World Poker Tour World Championship (plus WSOP Paradise in December), the NAPT’s November placement offered professionals and fans a premier desktop and in-person poker experience. While no immediate announcements have been made regarding future tournaments, PokerStars officials and players both anticipate further expansions on home soil.
Celebrating Notable Victories from the NAPT Festival
Image Credit: Pokerstars
While Nicholas Marchington’s headline Main Event win captured the most attention, other stars rose to prominence. Stephen Song was a standout in the $25,000 High Roller, capturing $439,400 after overcoming a field dense with elite talent—an impressive follow-up to his European Poker Tour Barcelona victory. Song described winning against such formidable competition as especially rewarding, having dominated the closing stages with more than half the chips in play.
Other high-stakes tournaments included the $10,300 High Roller, won by Sam Soverel for $385,750. Several other skilled professionals—including Will Failla, Ryan Hughes, Richard Bai, Diego Sanchez, and David Prociak—secured wins across different events on the packed festival schedule.
Sami Bechahed, defending champion from the 2023 $1,650 Main Event, maintained his momentum by claiming the $550 Mixed Games: CardPlayer Lifestyle Eight-Game tournament along with a 37th-place finish in this year’s Main Event.
PokerStars and the Future of Live Poker Events
The overwhelmingly positive reception of the 2024 NAPT Las Vegas leg signals a bright future for live poker in America. With PokerStars’ increasing integration into both online and live circuits, U.S. players can look forward to more robust, widely-accessible tournaments in years to come. According to industry insiders, the American poker landscape appears ripe for further innovation and blockbuster festivals under the PokerStars banner.
Title Image Credit: Pokerstars
