Joe Stapleton
PokerStars wouldn’t be the same without Stapes. As far as poker commentators are concerned, he’s one of the best. As far as funny poker commentators are concerned, he’s top of the bill.
When there are lulls in the action, he injects his irreverent humor into the comms box, filling in the blanks with his entertaining style. So much so that his voice is now synonymous with major PokerStars Live events, such as the European Poker Tour (EPT). Not bad for a guy who self-identifies as having little interest in playing the professional game.
Of course, Stapes doesn’t have to be a shark at the table to know what he’s talking about. After picking up the game in 2004, he has over two decades of experience to draw on when the cards start flying, as well as a handful of impressive cashes. In 2021, Hollywood even came calling when director Paul Schrader hired him as a “poker consultant” for his film The Card Counter.
It isn’t only on the award-winning PokerStars live streams where you’ll hear his instantly recognizable tone, as Stapes offers his comedic one-liners on a number of other poker shows. From The Big Game on Tour to the Poker in the Ears podcast (also award-winning, by the way) and always accompanied by his longtime partner in crime, James Hartigan.
Outside of poker, you’ll find Stapes performing at comedy clubs around the US, including the world-famous The Comedy Store in Los Angeles. He even helped setup a comedy night at the 2019 PokerStars Caribbean Adventure (PCA), where he performed alongside his hero – the late, great Norm Macdonald.
From the silver screen to TV producer, published author and comedian, Stapes has done it all. To us, our players and our fans, though, he’ll always be known for bringing his quick witted, edgy take to the tables.