Longtime poker broadcaster Joe Stapleton wasn’t a free agent for long. Shortly after wrapping up his final broadcast from the European Poker Tour Monte Carlo after 15 years as a commentator for PokerStars, the man known to many as ‘Stapes’ was revealed to be the newest addition to the World Series of Poker team.
The WSOP revealed the signing on social media on Wednesday, May 13. Stapleton did his final sign-off from Monaco on Sunday, May 10, after the conclusion of the EPT Monte Carlo main event.
Stapleton, who also has extensive experience as a standup comedian and podcast host, took to the internet to comment on his short stint on the proverbial waiver wire. True to form, his first re-posting of the release by the WSOP said, “Jesus Christ my retirement lasted a day.” He later followed that up with a more earnest message regarding the news.
Now I’m seeing this post in the clear light of day, I want to recognize what an honor it is and how excited I am to be a part of this world class brand and team.
We’re going to have a lot of fun on poker’s biggest stage and hopefully make it even bigger. https://t.co/hP8iOfW9PG
— Joe “Legacy Blue” Stapleton (@Stapes) May 14, 2026
Stapleton Joins Platt And More (Yet To Be Announced) Fresh Faces
Stapleton joins former PokerGO staple Jeff Platt as part of the WSOP’s expanding broadcast crew. “Pumped to work with somebody who is going to add so much to our team,” said Platt of the addition.
“I don’t know exactly what’s expected of me yet,” said Stapleton of his exact role in the upcoming WSOP coverage in an interview with Poker.Org. “I’ve heard it is going to be great.”
Apparently, Stapleton and Platt aren’t expected to be the only new names associated with the coverage of the battle for the bracelets this summer in Las Vegas.
“I do know a little bit about some of the people that are being hired, behind the scenes,” continued Stapleton. “I’m not sure what’s my news to share and what isn’t. I gotta keep quiet about that for now, but I’m excited about it.”
Beyond the personnel changes, the scope of the production is also expanding. Daily coverage is planned for the 2026 WSOP, as well as a renewed partnership between the brand and ESPN. Stapleton is expected to be part of that daily coverage.
2026 will also see the return of the delayed format for the WSOP main event, as used during the November Nine era (2008-16). This time around, though, the break in play will last just a few weeks rather than several months. The main event final table will be set on July 13. The remaining nine players will return on Aug. 3 to kick off a three-day battle for the championship bracelet.
Photo credit: Rational Intellectual Holdings Ltd. / Danny Maxwell.
