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Lex Veldhuis Joins GGPoker as Streaming Ambassador After 17 Years at PokerStars
- Lex Veldhuis has signed with GGPoker as Global Streaming Ambassador.
- He was attracted by GGPoker’s software, tournament selection and innovation.
- His role includes streaming, supporting content creators and hosting exclusive events.
One of poker's biggest free agents is officially off the market. Lex Veldhuis has signed with GGPoker as its new Global Streaming Ambassador, ending months of speculation about where the Dutch poker superstar would land following his departure from PokerStars.
The original announcement on 3 November 2026, brings in one of the industry's most influential content creators into GGTeam, where he joins the likes of Daniel Negreanu and 2025 WSOP Main Event champion Michael Mizrachi.
For GGPoker, this partnership is just the next step of their ongoing efforts to dominate both online poker and the content surrounding it. For Veldhuis, it's the beginning of a new chapter after spending 17 years representing one of GGPoker's biggest competitors.
From PokerStars Legend to GGPoker Ambassador
Veldhuis' relationship with PokerStars began in 2009, making him one of the longest serving sponsored professionals in the history of online poker.
During that period, the former StarCraft player established himself as one of the most recognisable personalities in poker, combining an aggressive playing style with an ability to entertain and educate thousands of viewers through his Twitch broadcasts.
However, the partnership eventually became increasingly complicated by regulatory restrictions in the Netherlands, where PokerStars was no longer available to local players.
When Veldhuis announced his departure on 3 January 2026, he quickly returned to streaming online poker, this time on GGPoker.
His comeback could hardly have started better. During his first session, Veldhuis won the $108 Bounty Hunters Special for $2,541, immediately demonstrating that his enthusiasm for tournament poker remained intact.
He initially insisted there was no urgency to sign another sponsorship contract, preferring the freedom to explore opportunities after nearly two decades under the PokerStars banner.
What Happened With CoinPoker?
Before the GGPoker agreement was announced, CoinPoker was another intriguing name in discussions about Veldhuis' future.
The Dutch streamer had openly expressed an interest in exploring other poker platforms after leaving PokerStars, specifically mentioning CoinPoker as one of the operators he could finally try without the restrictions of his previous sponsorship.
According to sources within CoinPoker, there was, however, a potential regulatory complication.
CoinPoker operates under an Anjouan gaming licence rather than a Dutch licence issued by the Kansspelautoriteit. GGPoker, meanwhile, has been licensed in the Netherlands since 2021 and announced a further five year licensing period in September 2026.
That distinction would have been particularly relevant while Veldhuis was living and streaming from the Netherlands, where the legal status of an operator can influence commercial partnerships and promotional activity.
Although Veldhuis subsequently relocated with his family to Costa Rica, the regulatory differences illustrate the challenges facing poker personalities considering sponsorship arrangements with internationally operating platforms.
The GGPoker agreement nevertheless highlights how regulatory positioning, player access and commercial opportunities can influence the increasingly competitive market for poker ambassadors.
Lex Veldhuis: GGPoker Has Reignited My Passion for Poker
n the official announcement, Veldhuis explained that playing on GGPoker during 2026 had helped rekindle his enthusiasm for online tournaments.
He highlighted the platform's software, tournament selection and the company's willingness to innovate as important factors behind his decision.
Veldhuis said:
GGPoker is the biggest poker site in the world, and it really feels like the natural fit for me and my community.
According to the Dutch professional, the discussions with GGPoker's management strengthened his interest in joining the company, particularly because of its ambitions for developing poker content.
Daniel Negreanu also welcomed the signing, describing Veldhuis as "an absolute titan in the poker streaming world."
The Canadian poker legend praised his work ethic, passion for the game and ability to connect with an audience, qualities that have helped make Veldhuis one of the most successful poker broadcasters on Twitch.
What Will Lex Veldhuis Do at GGPoker?
The new partnership involves considerably more than simply wearing a GGPoker patch during tournaments.
As Global Streaming Ambassador, Veldhuis will help develop the platform's relationship with content creators and promote tools designed specifically for poker broadcasting.
His responsibilities will include:
- Regular GGPoker tournament streams on Twitch.
- Promoting GGPoker's dedicated Streamer Mode and creator programme.
- Supporting and encouraging other poker content creators.
- Hosting exclusive tournaments for his community.
- Participating in specially developed promotions and community activities.
A Strong Year at the Tables
Veldhuis' return to online poker has not only generated renewed interest in his streams. It has also produced some noteworthy tournament results.
In June, he collected approximately $68,000 after winning GGPoker's $5,250 Bounty Hunters Main Event. He then enjoyed a productive WSOP Online campaign in September, including a fifth place finish in the $1,500 Super Turbo Bounty Pot Limit Omaha event.
That result was worth $41,465 including bounties and represented his first WSOP final table appearance since 2009.
The Dutch professional has also spoken positively about his family's relocation to Costa Rica, which provides a different lifestyle and greater flexibility when accessing international online poker tournaments.
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