X Games, the undisputed cultural home of action sports, today announced a global partnership naming Stake as the exclusive online casino and sports betting partner of the X Games League (XGL). This historic collaboration marks a significant evolution for X Games as it prepares to launch the X Games League, integrating elite competition with next-generation fan engagement and sports wagering.

As the X Games continues to push the boundaries of progression, this partnership leverages Stake’s position as the world’s leading online casino and sports betting platform to reach a digitally native, global audience. Building on the foundation laid by official data provider Alt Sports Data, fans will now have unprecedented access to live odds and betting integrations on Stake and across the X Games ecosystem.  

Key Partnership Highlights:

• Official Status: Stake becomes the Exclusive Online Casino & Sports Betting Partner for the X Games League (XGL).

• Integrated Betting Experience: Real-time odds provided by Alt Sports Data will be featured during broadcasts, offering fans a seamless way to engage with the competition.

• Athlete Collaboration: A new Athlete Ambassador Fund will support top-tier X Games athletes in creating exclusive, co-branded content for the global community.

X Games livestreamed only on KICK

All four global XGL events each year, including the upcoming Winter Games in Aspen, will be live streamed on KICK, the exclusive home of livestreaming. This coverage also includes both the Summer and Winter XGL Drafts, giving fans access to every key moment throughout the season.

Executive Perspectives:

“Partnering with Stake is a monumental step in building the next generation of X Games. We are officially open for gaming and betting, providing our fans with the adrenaline-fueled engagement they crave. This isn’t just a sponsorship; it’s a strategic alignment that strengthens our business as we scale the X Games League globally. With the data expertise of Alt Sports Data and the reach of Stake, we are ready to redefine the fan experience starting right here in Aspen,” said Cherie Cohen, Chief Revenue Officer at X Games

“We’re excited to partner with X Games to explore new ways fans can engage with extreme sports. Our shared focus on innovation and entertainment makes this a natural collaboration. By bringing Stake’s advanced gaming technology to the X Games’ global audience, we’re creating experiences that reflect the intensity and energy that define elite extreme sports competition,” says Akhil Sarin, Chief Marketing Officer at Stake.

Looking Ahead

The partnership officially kicks off at X Games Aspen (January 23-25, 2026), followed by the Summer XGL Draft in March. As the X Games League continues its global expansion, Stake and Kick.com will remain at the forefront of the broadcast and digital experience.

PokerStars has announced the full schedule for PokerStars Open Philadelphia, with an eight-day long live poker festival taking place at Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia, headlined by a $500,000 guaranteed Main Event running March 16 – 23, 2026.

Players will be able to qualify online via PokerStars, from just $10 starting January 20, with satellites offering pathways into the $1,100 Main Event and other headline tournaments. Online satellites are available to eligible players in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Michigan, and Ontario.

Following the huge success of last year’s event, which more than doubled its guarantee, PokerStars Open Philadelphia 2026 will feature seven trophy events, exclusive merchandise giveaways, and appearances from PokerStars ambassadors Joe Stapleton, Arlie Shaban and Jen Shahade.

The 2025 Main Event attracted 1,154 entries, generating a massive $1,107,840 prize pool, firmly establishing Philadelphia as a must-stop destination on the PokerStars Open calendar.

The headline $1,100 buy-in Main Event will feature four starting flights, giving players multiple opportunities to build a stack and compete for a share of one of the largest prize pools in the region this spring.

“PokerStars Open Philadelphia has quickly established itself as one of the most exciting live stops on our North American calendar,” said RJ Peterson, Senior Director of Marketing, PokerStars. “After seeing the Main Event more than double its guarantee last year, we’re proud to return to Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia with bigger momentum and multiple ways for players to qualify and compete. Philly has proven it’s a fantastic poker city, and we’re excited to bring the Open back in March.”

POKERSTARS OPEN PHILADELPHIA – KEY EVENTS

• $1,100 Main Event – March 18 – 22 – $500,000 guarantee (four starting flights)
• Women’s Event – March 20 – $10,000 guarantee
• PokerStars Cup – March 22 – $40,000 guarantee
• Seven trophy events in total across the full schedule

In addition to the core festival, PokerStars and Live! Poker sister brands in Philadelphia and Maryland are teaming up to deliver a special edition satellite event on Monday, March 23^rd at Live! Philadelphia, sending players to the Live! Poker Classic Main Event in Maryland (March 26-30). PokerStars is adding twenty seats to the $220 buy-in satellite tournament, valued at $22,000, creating a tremendous opportunity for players to qualify for the $1,100 Live! Poker Classic Main Event in Maryland from Philadelphia while strengthening the growing partnership between PokerStars and Live! Poker brands.

Anne Tran, Director of Poker Operations at Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia, said “Live! Casino and Hotel is excited to reconnect with PokerStars and create unforgettable memories with our players as this unique tournament returns to the vibrant atmosphere of the Live! Poker Room,” said Anne Tran, Director of Poker Operations at Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia. “The cards are ready, the tables are set, and the excitement is palpable. Welcome back to where the real magic happens!”

With major guarantees, a proven track record of smashing expectations, and a packed schedule both on and off the felt, PokerStars Open Philadelphia 2026 promises to be one of the standout live poker events of the spring.