The rivalry between PokerStars and GGPoker has defined the online poker landscape for years. Once the undisputed king, PokerStars built its legacy on innovation, massive tournament series, and a loyal player base. Poker Online But in 2025, GGPoker has surged ahead, reshaping the ecosystem with aggressive growth, global reach, and record-breaking events. So, which platform truly wins in 2025? The answer depends on what players value most—legacy or momentum, tradition or transformation.
PokerStars remains a household name, especially among long-time players. Its flagship series, the Spring Championship of Online Poker (SCOOP), has been a staple of the online tournament calendar since 2009. In 2025, SCOOP awarded $70.6 million across 380 events, surpassing its $60 million guarantee by 17%. While impressive, this figure marked a decline from previous years, signaling a shift in player attention and platform dominance.
GGPoker, on the other hand, has taken the online poker world by storm. Its 2025 World Festival (GGWF) shattered expectations, paying out $324.7 million across 1,419 tournaments. With over 5.6 million entries, GGWF became the second-largest online poker series in history, trailing only its own 2024 edition2. The $10.58 million prize pool for the $1,500 GG World Championship and the $11.2 million generated by the $10,300 GGMillion$ Super Main Event showcased GGPoker’s ability to attract both casual players and high rollers.
One of GGPoker’s key advantages is its global accessibility. The platform has expanded aggressively into markets like Asia and Eastern Europe, offering localized skins and accepting players from countries traditionally underserved by PokerStars. This strategy has revived a global online poker market reminiscent of the pre-Black Friday era, bringing in a wave of recreational players and boosting liquidity across all stakes.
Promotions are another area where GGPoker shines. While direct rakeback is no longer standard, the site offers rake races, leaderboards, and private deals that reward volume and consistency. Its tiered leaderboard system during GGWF distributed millions in additional prizes, incentivizing grinders across all buy-in levels2. PokerStars, by contrast, has scaled back its high-end offerings and relies more on legacy branding than aggressive incentives.
From a software standpoint, both platforms offer sleek, modern clients. PokerStars is known for its stability and customization, while GGPoker integrates smart HUDs, staking features, and built-in analytics. GGPoker’s interface is designed to appeal to both mobile and desktop users, with intuitive navigation and real-time data that enhance decision-making.
Traffic is another metric where GGPoker has pulled ahead. According to PokerScout rankings, GGPoker now holds the top spot globally, surpassing PokerStars in both cash game volume and tournament entries. While PokerStars still commands loyalty, especially in regulated markets like Ontario and New Jersey, GGPoker’s liquidity advantage makes it the go-to platform for players seeking action at all hours.
Security and trust remain strong on both platforms. Each is licensed by reputable authorities and uses SSL encryption to protect user data. Both sites have robust anti-collusion measures and RNG certifications, ensuring fair play. However, GGPoker’s blockchain-backed hand histories and transparent leaderboard systems offer an extra layer of accountability that appeals to tech-savvy users.
So, who wins in 2025? If the metric is growth, innovation, and prize pools, GGPoker is the clear leader. Its ability to attract a global audience, host massive events, and reward players with creative promotions has redefined what online poker can be. PokerStars, while still a titan, appears to be in a phase of consolidation—focusing on regulated markets and maintaining its legacy rather than pushing boundaries.
That said, PokerStars still offers a polished experience, a deep tournament history, and a loyal community. For players who value consistency, brand recognition, and a more traditional poker environment, it remains a top-tier choice.
Ultimately, the winner depends on your perspective. GGPoker is the platform of the future—dynamic, expansive, and player-focused. PokerStars is the platform of the past—refined, reliable, and steeped in history. In 2025, the crown may rest with GGPoker, but the game is far from over. Both sites continue to evolve, and for players, that means more options, better features, and a richer poker experience than ever before.
