Updated on 22 Feb 26 by
Barry carter
Poker Expert

PokerStars introduce Bubble Rush tournaments

Get to the money quickly then slow things down in this new MTT format available now.

poker bubble
Get the bubble blues over with early

We all know the frustration of playing a long tournament only to bust out just before the money. We also all know how having a big stack in the deep stages of a tournament is the best feeling ever. 

PokerStars have just released a new format which is designed to accommodate these two experiences - Bubble Rush tournaments. 

Basically the blinds go up incredibly fast at the start (Think hyper turbo speed) with the intention of getting everyone to the money within the first hour. After the bubble bursts the event slows down to regular speed so you can enjoy playing deep poker on your way to the final table, safe in the knowledge you have already guaranteed a payday. 

Clearly it is a format which suits both recreational players and professionals alike, both of whom don't particularly want to play all night and the miss the money, and all of whom would prefer to play deep when the decisions really make a difference. 

Over 20 tournaments a day are running right now in the PokerStars lobby with buy-ins from $0.55 to $109. There are also Bubble Rush Challenges in the PokerStars client this week. 

What do you think of this format? Share your views in the comments below.

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Poker Expert

Barry Carter is the editor of PokerStrategy.com and the co-author of The Mental Game of Poker 1 & 2, Poker Satellite Strategy, PKO Poker Strategy, Endgame Poker Strategy, GTO Poker Simplified, Mystery Bounty Poker Strategy and Beyond GTO. In 2025, he won the Global Poker Awards for Best Book and Twitter Personality of the Year.