For 15 years, Joe Stapleton has been one of the most recognizable voices in poker.
Now, he’s bringing that energy exclusively to WSOP.
Welcome to the biggest stage in poker @instastapes 👏 👏
Swipe for one of our favorite moments from 2017!
Given the state of the world, it feels selfish to try to make any particular day about myself, but it’s never really stopped me before, so I’m afraid I’ve got some bittersweet news to deliver: EPT Monte Carlo 2026 will be my last event with PokerStars.
Unfortunately, this news won’t help any of you clickbait hacks as we are parting on good terms, mutually and amicably. Nothing to see here except for some recent exciting personal life changes that make being on the road less appealing than it used to be.
It’s important you all know PokerStars has my eternal gratitude.
15 years ago, they took a chance putting a snarky kid from a podcast onto actual television. And when that show was sunk by Black Friday, they had the absolute cheek to put me on European television. (“Cheek”is English English for cojones (“cojones” is Spanish for…ok, you get it)).
Anyway, that gamble paid off for all of us. But especially for me.
I have achieved far more in life than I could have ever imagined, and it would not have been possible without the faith and support of the super talented people I’ve had the pleasure of working with all these years.
No person is self-made and many, many people at PokerStars believed in me and stuck their necks out for me along the way. However, I would without a doubt have flamed out long ago if it weren’t for the specific encouragement and tutelage of Francine Watson and James Hartigan. They are extremely talented people who elevate every project they are involved in. There are many, many more people who fit that description, but those two have been most responsible for what great programming you’ve seen and heard over the past 20 years.
Not only has our time together allowed me to somehow pay my bills, I did it having more fun than anyone should ever have at work. But most importantly, my time with PokerStars allowed me to see the world – something more valuable than anything else I’ve ever done and maybe ever will do. It will not be forgotten.
Thank you, PokerStars. And fare thee well.
AND MOST IMPORTANTLY:
Don’t forget Spin n Go's are still available to get you started on PowerPath for as little as $0.50!
I’m terrible at Instagram and I’m terrible at goodbyes, but I did want to send a little love to some of the people who made me feel really special along the way. Thank you. Smell ya later, friends. ❤️
♦️POKERFLOPS NEWS♠️
End of an era in the PokerStars booth.
Joe “Stapes” Stapleton says EPT Monte Carlo 2026 will be his final event with PokerStars after 15 years. No scandal, no messy breakup, just one of poker’s best voices choosing real life over the road.
Full story at PokerFlops.org.
Finishing in 5th place in Event #95 is everyone’s favorite baby, @instastapes .
After losing a chunk of his stack at the final table with pocket aces, Stapleton found himself all-in with A♥︎K♣︎ against @seankeithart 's A♣︎5♥︎. Keith pulled ahead with a five on the flop, and Stapes couldn’t catch up on the turn or river.
Thanks, as always, for supporting the CSOP, Joe, and we will see you soon!
🎥 @nextstreetmedia
