Joe Stapleton Ends 15-Year PokerStars Stint: What's Next?

Joe Stapleton, a prominent figure in the poker world, has announced his departure from PokerStars after 15 years. The news came on Friday, with Stapleton's final broadcast scheduled for the upcoming European Poker Tour event in Monte Carlo. Stapleton, who is also a standup comedian and podcast host, said the decision to leave was mutual and amicable, citing recent personal life changes as a significant factor.

Stapleton's impact on the game is undeniable. He has been a key figure in the European Poker Tour (EPT) and has contributed to the coverage of other major events. Some of his notable duties included lending his voice to the PokerStars “Big Game” cash game show, which airs on Fox Sports 1 in the US. Along with commentary partner James Hartigan, Stapleton also co-hosted the “Poker in the Ears” podcast for several years. In 2024, the 43-year-old released a poker-themed comic book and served as a poker consultant on the 2021 film, “The Card Counter,” helping to add more realism to the story.

Stapleton's departure leaves a void that PokerStars has yet to fill, as no replacement has been announced. Additionally, PokerStars parent company Flutter Entertainment has faced challenges, including job cuts and a loss of market share to GGPoker. In 2023, PokerStars relaunched the North American Poker Tour in the US, but the status of the 2026 series is uncertain following the closure of the poker room at Resorts World Las Vegas in March. Furthermore, PokerStars announced that the US PokerStars platform would now be part of FanDuel, adding the Pennsylvania player pool to the combined New Jersey/Michigan pool.