James Hartigan Celebrates 20 Years of Poker Commentary with PokerStars

James Hartigan's journey with PokerStars began in May 2005, when he started his first poker commentary gig for the World Cup of Poker. Little did he know that this side hustle would turn into a full-time career spanning two decades. Hartigan has been the voice of the European Poker Tour since 2006, bringing the thrill of PokerStars’ flagship tour to millions of fans worldwide.

Hartigan’s return to the WSOP in 2025 marked his first commentary stint since 2010. This unexpected opportunity felt like unfinished business, as he had previously commentated six final tables, including the November Nine won by Jonathan Duhamel. The biggest challenge? Covering mixed games like PLO and the $50K Poker Players Championship, which required some prep to ensure he sounded knowledgeable.

For over 15 years, Hartigan has shared the booth with Joe Stapleton, forming one of poker broadcasting’s most beloved double acts. Their partnership, which began in 2010 on the NAPT, has become a cornerstone of PokerStars broadcasts. Hartigan believes that the chemistry between them is crucial for long-term success, emphasizing that genuine friendship is key to a successful double act.