Dara O’Kearney and David Lappin Land New Poker Sponsorships After WPT Global Exit

samantha-doyle
By Samantha Doyle
03 Mar 2026
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Samantha Doyle 03 Mar 2026
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  • Dara O'Kearney signs with Paddy Power Poker, enhancing his role in the poker community.
  • David Lappin joins Team PokerStars Pro, drawn by their dedication to integrity.
  • Their podcast, The Chip Race, secures dual sponsorships from PokerStars and Paddy Power.
Dara O'Kearney and David Lappin
In the poker world, "stability" is usually a word reserved for a solid bankroll or a steady hand on a bluff. But for Dara O'Kearney and David Lappin, the start of 2026 has been a high-speed masterclass in pivoting.

After their highly publicized and principled "Great Irish Exit" from WPT Global in January, sparked by a disagreement over the signing of controversial figure Ren Lin, poker’s favorite podcasting duo briefly became the most eligible bachelors in the industry.

As of March 2026, the dust has settled, and the "Chip Race" gents have landed in some very prestigious (and familiar) clover.

Dara O'Kearney: The Legend Returns to His Roots

In a move that feels like a cinematic homecoming, Dara O'Kearney has officially signed with Paddy Power Poker.

Dara O'Kearney
Dara O'Kearney

  • The Fit: It’s a match made in Irish heaven. Dara, a man who has written more poker strategy books than most people have read, brings a layer of "street cred" and strategic depth to a brand known for its irreverent humor and deep ties to the Irish community.
  • The Mission: Dara has already hinted at "exciting plans" for the upcoming Irish Open (kicking off late March 2026), where he’ll be wearing the green patch. For Dara, it’s about representing a "great Irish success story" while continuing to be the voice of reason for the thinking player.

David Lappin: The "Red Spade" of Authenticity

While Dara stayed green, David Lappin went red, officially joining the ranks of Team PokerStars Pro.

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David Lappin

  • How it happened: In a refreshing "earn your stripes" twist, David actually won his way into the conversation by crushing the PokerStars Live League in 2025. After finishing in the top ten, he navigated a rigorous audition process that proved he wasn't just a great voice on a mic, but a dedicated grinder on the felt.
  • The Integrity Angle: Lappin hasn't been shy about why Stars was the right fit. He cited their commitment to game integrity and player security as the "huge" deciding factor, a clear nod to the values that led him to leave his previous post.

What About The Chip Race?

Fans of their award-winning podcast can breathe a sigh of relief. Rather than splitting the show like a messy divorce, the duo has brokered a rare dual-sponsorship.

The Chip Race

Starting with the March 3, 2026 episode, The Chip Race is now co-sponsored by both PokerStars and Paddy Power. It’s a unique arrangement that allows the pair to keep their chemistry alive while representing two of the biggest heavyweights in the game.

  • The Vibe: Expect plenty of friendly banter about whose sponsor is better, but the same high-level strategy and deep-dive interviews (starting with guests like Maria Konnikova) that made them three-time Global Poker Award winners.

It turns out that in poker, sometimes the best move isn't to call or fold, but to change the game entirely.
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