EPT Prague: Joe Stapleton’s Year in Review

December 10, 2025

Features

by Howard Swains

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3 Minute Read

Joe Stapleton is best known in the poker world as a lead commentator on pretty much all of PokerStars’ broadcast output–or, in his own words, “when you go into a bar and see poker on TV, I’m one of the voices that’s on mute”.

But for all the self-deprecation, Stapes is now one of the most recognisable faces in poker thanks to his long-standing gig with PokerStars, where he has voiced the EPT streams, TV shows and podcasts for more than a decade, alongside his friend and fellow PokerStars Ambassador James Hartigan.

More than that, he is also a standup comedian, the author of a graphic novel, and a valuable advisor to the movie industry on how to brush up their poker scenes.

As 2025 draws to a close, we asked Stapleton to look back on his year and pick out some highlights, as well as to share some tittle tattle from the commentary booth, comedy clubs and beyond.

WHAT WAS YOUR POKER HIGHLIGHT OF 2025?

Even though I’m not much of a poker player, I did manage to wiggle my way onto No Gamble No Future back in March and managed to win around $18,000 playing the biggest stakes of my life. I’d like to say the true highlight was playing with Phil Hellmuth, Jennifer Tilly, and Nick Wright, but it was definitely the money. Phil Hellmuth kinda lost it on me a little bit too, which some say you can’t really put a price on, but I can: $18,000.

HOW ABOUT YOUR NON-POKER HIGHLIGHT – HOW WAS YOUR 2025 IN GENERAL?

My 2025 was a bit of a roller coaster since I lived completely on the road (translation: homeless) from March until….still. However, thanks to poker and the poker community and the worldwide reach it’s given me, I was able to not only do standup, but to headline standup comedy shows on three different continents this year. Yes, it cost me way more than I made and I’m no more famous or successful than I was in 2024, but it sure does boost my ego to be able to say that.

A picture that genuinely needs no caption

WAS THERE ANYTHING THAT HAPPENED THIS YEAR YOU WISH NOW YOU’D DONE DIFFERENTLY?

There were a couple of grammatical errors in tweets I really regret. I also regret not spending more time kissing Maria Konnikova’s butt now that she’s got that new Netflix show. Stupid.

WHAT ARE YOUR PERSONAL EXPECTATIONS/HOPES FOR 2026?

I think most people are going to be shocked when they hear what I have planned for 2026, though I’m not comfortable sharing those plans just yet.

WHAT ABOUT POKER IN 2026 — WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO?

It would be great to play on some more cash game streams. I wish I had time to play more tournaments. I think my hit rate is actually pretty good considering how few I actually get to play. How do I apply to be a Loose Cannon?

YOU HAVE AN INFINITE BUDGET. DESCRIBE YOUR PERFECT POKER SHOW

I already work on a perfect poker TV show, but I’ve always wanted to do a cash game show backstage at the Comedy Store in Los Angeles. Just a rotating group of comedians who play before and after they go on stage, talk about how it went, try out new material, etc. I think it would be pretty fun.

Some comedians hanging out backstage (admittedly not at the Comedy Store)

TELL US SOME GOSSIP THAT MOST POKER FANS WON’T KNOW

This is a really dangerous question to ask, but ok: a well known and very popular poker player is [CUT]. Then there’s all the ones whose affairs I know about. Then there’s the ones who I know who only harass women. Then of course there’s all the ones who are deeply, deeply in debt. Hmm…I feel like this question has a pretty narrow scope of what you’re looking for and can also print. Nope, turns out I don’t know any poker gossip.