After 15 years working for PokerStars as one of the most well-known commentators on the EPT, Joe Stapleton is returning to the WSOP and creating a buzz.
He will be joining the broadcast team at the WSOP in Las Vegas this summer.
He confirmed the news shortly after he left EPT Monte Carlo, ending weeks of speculation about what he was to do after.
So while his fans were still suffering from an emotional goodbye to PokerStars, the announcement that Stapleton would join Jeff Platt was soon to follow.
For poker fans, it appears one era ended when he left the PokerStars roster and another began with the announcement of his return to the WSOP, with Blat as his partner.
For 15 years, Joe Stapleton has been one of the most recognizable voices in poker.
— WSOP - World Series of Poker (@WSOP) May 13, 2026
Now, he’s bringing that energy exclusively to WSOP.
Welcome to the biggest stage in poker @Stapes 👏 👏 pic.twitter.com/LHHutBM93E
Joe Stapleton Leaves PokerStars After 15 Years
After years of being a popular face in poker thanks to his long association with European Poker Tour commentator James Hartigan, Stapleton has begun a new chapter at the World Series of Poker (WSOP).
The two provided viewers with exceptional insight into strategy and tactics while also providing an entertaining element through humour and natural chemistry.
Stapleton's move to the WSOP came after announcing he would leave the EPT and Pokerstars at an emotional farewell ceremony during EPT Monte Carlo.
His decision to depart was allegedly made for personal reasons, and the primary reason for this decision was his desire to travel less internationally after he recently proposed to his fiancée, Shelley.
Responses to Stapleton's departure were widespread across the Twitch community, with many Reddit users posting their thoughts.
Many referred to it as the "end of an era", while others praised the humour and entertaining style he has brought to broadcasts over the years.
While many viewers may have been surprised by Stapleton's decision to leave PokerStars, the primary reason for the move now appears clearer.
He will be travelling to work in the United States at the WSOP instead of covering EPT events across Europe.
The reduced international travel likely played a major role in his decision.
WSOP Strengthens Its Broadcast Team
Many fans see the addition of Stapleton to the WSOP broadcast line-up as a win.
Many poker fans linked WSOP commentary to the popular duo of Lon McEachern and Norman Chad over the years.
During the early 2000s, their entertaining style shaped the image of poker television at the height of its boom.
With Stapleton's addition, WSOP appears to be building a new generation of poker commentators.
As one of the main faces contributing to poker coverage in the last few years, Stapleton will add another element of entertainment and personality that will help bring many casual fans to poker streams and on television.
It has also been reported that the WSOP is expanding its media presence, as the summer schedule will feature 100 bracelet events in Las Vegas.
At a time when poker coverage has once again reached a level of mainstream acceptance, Stapleton's experience in both live streaming and television productions will be an asset to the WSOP.
ESPN Deal Signals Big Changes for WSOP Coverage
Earlier this year, the WSOP announced a new multi-year contract with ESPN, meaning that for the first time since 2006, the Main Event will return to air in primetime in 2026 according to wsop.com.
The new deal will feature more than 100 hours of poker programming and a live three-day finale of the Main Event, making this return to ESPN likely one of the largest poker moments in broadcasting history.
ESPN played a major role in helping poker become an international and mainstream form of entertainment during the famous poker boom.
This was especially true when Chris Moneymaker won the Main Event in 2003.
Now, the WSOP appears to be actively working on re-establishing this momentum in the mainstream.
In addition to the return of ESPN, the WSOP has increased the amount of livestream coverage and events scheduled, according to WSOP, including free daily streams throughout the 2026 series.
Thus, Stapleton's joining of the WSOP/ESPN broadcast team during these progressive changes has led many fans to feel that the WSOP is making a concerted effort to update the traditional entertainment model of poker.
Poker Fans React to the Surprise Move
When word got out online about Stapleton's role in the WSOP, the poker community responded quickly.
@PokerCapone:
Congrats Joe!!! Great addition WSOP 👏
— Collin Capone (@PokerCapone) May 14, 2026
@AFeldmanESPN:
The legend. Congrats @Stapes
— Andrew Feldman (@AFeldmanESPN) May 14, 2026
@BJNemeth:
Congratulation to @Stapes and the @WSOP for pulling off the rare win-win-win situation! 🥳
— BJ Nemeth (@BJNemeth) May 14, 2026
(WSOP, Joe Stapleton, and audience.)
@_PsychoAlienCat:
"For 15 years, Joe Stapleton has been one of the most annoying motherfuckers in poker."
— PsychoCatFromOuterSpace (@_PsychoAlienCat) May 14, 2026
Fixed.
And he also pays for jokes. He said him and Doug do it and it's fine. I personally don't think allowing other people to believe you wrote other people's jokes is fine.
