Poker isn’t always edge-of-your-seat action. Sure, there are nail-biting bluffs and thrilling river reveals, but let’s face it: watching players fold hand after hand can test anyone’s patience. Enter commentators like James Hartigan, who transform the slow grind of tournament poker into an engaging spectacle.
With almost 15 years of experience, Hartigan is not only a PokerStars ambassador but a cornerstone of televised poker, blending knowledge, humour, and charm to keep audiences glued to the screen.
From Radio Waves to Card Tables
Growing up in Carshalton, England, Hartigan honed his broadcasting skills at Canterbury Christ Church University, earning degrees in radio, film, television, and English literature. After stints as a film critic and news anchor, he found poker calling.
“I played seven card stud in college and loved Late Night Poker on TV,” Hartigan recalls. That iconic show, with its early use of hole-card cameras, lit a spark in him. By 2004, he was playing European Poker Tour (EPT) events under the guise of journalism.
Luck struck when PokerStars needed a voice for its growing slate of TV shows. Hartigan fit the bill: a professional broadcaster who knew poker’s intricacies. He soon transitioned from morning radio to jet-setting poker gigs.
“It started part-time, but as poker boomed, it became my full-time job,” he says. Nearly two decades later, Hartigan is still at it, commentating on everything from EPT to the North American Poker Tour (NAPT).
The Hartigan-Stapleton Duo
Fans of PokerStars’ streams know Hartigan isn’t flying solo. He’s paired with Joe Stapleton, a comedian whose wit and banter complement Hartigan’s polished delivery. Their chemistry has made them a fan favourite, on-air and on their award-winning podcast, Poker in the Ears.
But their partnership almost didn’t happen. Stapleton’s audition for the NAPT was a happy accident.
“Joe thought he was just filling in as a guest commentator,” Hartigan laughs. “I liked his energy, and the next event, we were paired up. That was over a decade ago, and we’ve been working together ever since.”
Together, they’ve crafted a style that balances strategy with entertainment, ensuring seasoned players and casual viewers both stay hooked.
Bringing Poker to the Masses
Hartigan believes poker’s appeal lies in its versatility. Whether it’s a high-stakes showdown or a friendly home game, there’s something for everyone.
But tailoring broadcasts to diverse audiences is tricky. A live-streamed EPT final table demands technical analysis for poker-savvy fans, while shows like The Big Game aim for broader appeal.
“The loose cannon concept—an amateur taking on pros—is relatable and exciting,” Hartigan explains. “It’s like a game show, making poker accessible to those who might not know a three-bet from a flop.”
This entertainment-first approach, he says, is key to growing the game’s popularity. “You need to make people laugh and have fun. That’s what keeps them coming back.”
Milestones and Memories
In a career spanning nearly 15 years, Hartigan has witnessed some unforgettable moments. Topping his list? Victoria Coren Mitchell’s EPT London win in 2006, where she became the first woman to clinch an EPT title. Her second win in 2014 cemented her legacy—and provided more historic moments for Hartigan to call.
Another standout memory is his first live stream with Stapleton at Mohegan Sun in Connecticut. “It was the start of something special,” he says.
More recently, Hartigan has embraced playing poker alongside his commentary duties. “I’ve played more in the last year than in the past 12,” he says, recounting his “midlife crisis” buy-in to the World Series of Poker Main Event. “Instead of a Porsche, I bought a seat at the WSOP!”
The Challenges of Professional Poker
Though he loves the game, Hartigan has no illusions about the grind of professional poker.
“There’s so much work involved,” he says. “People think it’s glamorous, but it’s hours of study, analysing hands, and dealing with losing streaks. It’s not for me.”
Instead, he’s happy to keep poker as a hobby. “I like knowing I’ll get paid even if I have a bad day. For me, poker is entertainment—a game I love but wouldn’t want to rely on.”
A Career with No Regrets
Looking back, Hartigan has no second thoughts about trading radio for poker. “Some days I miss the old gigs, but then I think, ‘Why?’ This is so much better,” he says.
From EPT final tables to poker podcasts, Hartigan has carved out a unique space in the industry. His goal remains the same: make poker enjoyable for everyone, whether they’re seasoned pros or newcomers tuning in for the first time.
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