As we head into the weekend we have a look forward to, and back on, the highest stories from the PokerStars world.

Let's start with the weekend's priorities, and the fifth anniversary of the Sunday Storm, or to position it another way, the most affordable way of earnings a $100,000 payday this weekend. 

There's $1 million within the prize pool guaranteed with things kicking off at 13:30 ET this Sunday April 17. And did we mention this was all yours for an insignificant $11?

What's more there is a subtle change to celebrate the fifth year. When you bust out before late registration ends (that's 15:30 ET) you'll be able to re-enter in every single place again. 

Then there's the even better scenario of winning one of the vital 2,000 seats guaranteed in featured satellites on Sunday, costing as low as $0.11. Search "Storm" within the tournament filter to not get registered. 

For the entire details visit the Sunday Storm Fifth Anniversary homepage.

I have no idea if you've heard, but we're having a little bit social gathering in Monaco later this month. We'd adore it in case you can make it. 

We have a lot of space at our little Riviera bolt-hole referred to as the Monte Carlo Bay Resort & Casino and we're laying on 11 days of poker to fill the time between beautiful Mediterranean mornings (whether you've slept a lot), and delicate and noteworthy evenings. 

We've left directions for you here, and if you are wondering what the entertainment may be like then this would come up with some idea. 

In short we're expecting an excellent crowd of like-minded people, and about 80 alternative ways to make it a rewarding trip. 

Talking of which, take a look at the newest EPT Not Live podcast...

"After reading a couple of random tweets, and dealing their way through some suggestions for  grandparent names for Joe's mum and dad, the lads "Activate the HOLPOPE!" Neil Johnson is at the show to speak about a large change to #EPTLive in Monaco (the interview/announcement starts at across the 15-minute mark). James and Joe recap their weekend playing the UKIPT London Cup on the Hippodrome, with some fun stories and engaging hand histories, and Joe talks about his deep run in a tournament on PokerStars NJ in a real edition of 'Adventures in Online Poker'. There is a quick review of the last EPT 11 Grand Final TV show. And Zuly Bonilla from NYC competes for some "Chop Pot" goodies in a highbrow edition of 'Superfan vs Stapes'. #EPTNotLive"

Click here to hear Episode 42.

That's this month. But this week we looked to next month also, and the discharge of the news 2016 schedule. It's what May is all about. 

This year there are 55 events, each with three levels of entry (a complete of 165 tournaments), running May 8 to 22, 2016. Amid that you will find all manner of events, suiting all conceivable bankrolls. That suggests SCOOP is for you, whether you are a high rolling pro, an aspiring improver, or a recreational dreamer. 

Here are some of the highlights:

* 13 events featuring a minimum of a $1 million guaranteed prize pool.* A $1 million (Low), $2 million (Medium) and $4 million (high) guaranteed three-day Main Event, with buy ins of $100, $1,000 and $10,000 respectively.* A combined $40 million in guaranteed prize money across 165 tournaments.

As in previous years there'll be three SCOOP Leader Boards, one for every level, plus an extra Overall winner, with cash, trophies and WCOOP tickets to be won. Find the entire details at the SCOOP leader board homepage. If in case you have some other questions about this year's Championship, you will likely you're your answer at the SCOOP FAQs. 

There a poker game for everyone, irrespective of bankroll on PokerStars.Click here to get an account.

We got an excellent story out of the primary running of the Mountain Series. In case you are not accustomed to the way it worked, it ran for four days across last weekend, with tournaments named after different mountains from world wide - the upper the mountain the upper the buy-in.

Logically this meant the Series ended atop Mount Everest, where Costa Rican pro Federico "majagua69" Quevedo, a 32 year old surfing fanatic, won $350,280, the top amount ever won by a Costa Rican player online. 

We wrote up the tale at the PokerStars Blog, that you would be able to read here. And if you happen to don't read it a minimum of stop by to peer some great pictures, similar to this one:

Does poker have a non secular cousin within the sporting world? A few of us think so, and that cousin's name is golf. 

Last weekend on the Augusta National the Masters golf concluded in dramatic fashion, with one ten minute period spelling the tip of Jordan Spieth's title claims. Ten minutes, with four shots from an otherwise immaculate four days of play. 

Does that sound rather like tournament poker? Days of significant poker ruined by a nasty hand, often as a result of circumstances from your control?

Read the item and discover why as a poker player you're really only a golfer playing Amen Corner on the Masters. 

Good luck on the tables this weekend, particularly if you are within the Sunday Storm or in search of a final minute invitation to our little gathering in Monaco. As always send your comments to us on Twitter: @PokerStarsBlog. 

Stephen Bartley is a staff writer for the PokerStars Blog.

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