Joe Stapleton Announces Departure From PokerStars After 15 Years

mrinal-gujare
By Mrinal Gujare
01 May 2026
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Mrinal Gujare 01 May 2026
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  • Joe Stapleton leaves PokerStars after 15 years.
  • Final commentary set for EPT Monte Carlo 2026.
  • Key figure in poker broadcasting history.
Joe Stapleton
Image Credit: Rachel Kay Winter/Pokernews
Joe Stapleton has announced his departure from PokerStars after a 15 year tenure. Following a move to Europe after Black Friday, Stapleton became a broadcasting legend. His final appearance as an official commentator will occur at EPT Monte Carlo 2026.

The landscape of televised poker is set for a significant transition as Joe Stapleton, a cornerstone of the industry's broadcast history, concludes his long standing tenure with PokerStars. 

After 15 years of service, Stapleton has officially announced the end of his collaboration with the brand. This departure marks the conclusion of one of the most recognized partnerships in sports broadcasting history.

Stapleton’s journey with the operator began under humble circumstances. Reflecting on his start, he noted that the company took a chance on him when he was a young personality transitionining from a podcast to professional television. 

His career trajectory was fundamentally altered by the events of Black Friday, which effectively halted poker productions within the United States.

In response to those industry shifts, PokerStars moved Stapleton to Europe, a decision that proved pivotal for both his career and the brand's international coverage. This move allowed him to develop into a prominent figure in the global poker circuit.



In his departing statement, Stapleton expressed a sense of deep gratitude and humility regarding his professional achievements. He acknowledged that his career surpassed his own early expectations, evolving from a podcast host into what many consider a legend of the microphone.

Fans and colleagues will have one final opportunity to hear Stapleton in his official capacity. The upcoming European Poker Tour (EPT) Monte Carlo 2026 is scheduled to be his last event as an official commentator for PokerStars. While his departure signals the end of an era, his influence remains a significant chapter in the story of televised poker.

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