PokerStars Gets Back To No.1 On Global Cash Game Rankings

PokerStars has successfully regained the top spot on the global cash game rankings. Latest figures from GameIntel show the online poker giant is back to number 1, after recording 5,224 concurrent players, while its closest rival GGPoker‘s average seven-day cash game traffic dropped to 5,108.

On June 20, PokerStars officially dipped to second in global cash game traffic for the first time in 15 years after being dethroned by GGPoker.

During that period, PokerStars’ seven-day moving average for concurrent cash game players sat at just 4,981. It trailed behind GGPoker which recorded an average of 5,000 concurrent cash game seats.

While it was just a small difference, it was considered a major industry shaker and an important milestone for GGPoker.

PokerStars stayed in second place for a few more weeks, but on July 21, one month after losing the cash game crown to GGPoker, it finally managed to reclaim the dominant position following a surge in traffic which could be mainly brought about by its new rewards system.

PokerStars recently announced that it’s trialing a new loyalty program that shifts back to volume-based rewards. Under the new system, players could receive up to 65% cashback, a major improvement from the existing program wherein rewards are capped at just 30%.

The new rewards scheme is on trial phase until September 30, with 20% of PokerStars’ global customer base randomly selected to take part. If the trial is successful, the operator will then proceed with a global rollout. The announcement of the new loyalty program, which aims to enhance PokerStars’ customer generosity, has been followed by an increase in cash game traffic.

Competition Continues

PokerStars’ return to the number 1 spot is proof that the site’s ongoing efforts to fend off competition are successful.

GGPoker only launched in 2014, mainly catering to Asian players. But through consistent innovation, launching massive tournaments, and securing key partnerships, it was able to expand globally and has now become one of the biggest online poker sites in the world, posing a threat to PokerStars’ global dominance.

Many predicted that GGPoker would at some point topple PokerStars off the top spot and it did happen. But PokerStars is leaving no stone unturned in terms of reclaiming its status. It came up with new major promotions and bigger tournaments. Its new rewards system could be the greatest contributing factor for its return to the top spot. With this latest change in rankings, we expect GGPoker to also step up its game as the race for online poker dominance continues.