Broadcasting poker—whether on television or live streams—is a challenging task. Commentators must not only break down hands and discuss the action but also keep the audience engaged during long, often slow stretches of gameplay. They walk the fine line between educating poker-savvy viewers and entertaining casual fans, making even the most mundane moments watchable.
James Hartigan, the voice of PokerStars events, has mastered this balance. With nearly 15 years in the role, he has built a reputation as one of the best in the business, combining his broadcasting skills with a deep passion for the game. A former radio presenter from Carshalton, England, Hartigan transitioned from a career in entertainment reporting to poker commentary, where he now thrives as a PokerStars ambassador.
From College Poker Games to Broadcasting Stardom
Hartigan’s poker journey began in college, playing seven-card stud before transitioning to Texas hold’em after being inspired by the UK’s Late Night Poker series in the late 1990s. His passion for the game grew alongside his broadcasting career, which included stints as a film critic for BBC Radio and an entertainment reporter.
In 2004, he was invited to play a European Poker Tour event as a journalist—a dream gig that ignited his poker broadcasting career. “This was the height of the poker boom,” Hartigan recalls. “Movies, TV shows—it was everywhere.” His familiarity with poker, coupled with his broadcasting expertise, earned him a screen test and eventually a job as a commentator for PokerStars.
What started as a part-time gig soon became a full-time career as Hartigan began hosting EPT live streams, PokerStars Championship events, and shows like The Big Game.
The Art of Poker Commentary
Hartigan, now paired with comedic co-host Joe Stapleton, brings a unique blend of analysis and humor to the booth. Together, they host Poker in the Ears, which won the Global Poker Award for Best Podcast in 2022. Their job is as much about entertaining viewers as it is about explaining poker strategy.
“Televised poker needs to prioritize entertainment to reach a broader audience,” Hartigan says. “We’re not just catering to hardcore poker fans; we’re speaking to people who might not know the difference between a three-bet and a flush draw.”
While analyzing gameplay remains a cornerstone of their commentary, Hartigan emphasizes the importance of storytelling. Whether it’s spotlighting amateur players in events like The Big Game or highlighting the journeys of poker pros, he believes in making poker accessible and engaging for everyone.
Memorable Moments
Over the years, Hartigan has been part of numerous iconic poker moments. Among his favorites is Victoria Coren Mitchell’s historic victory at EPT London in 2006, where she became the first woman to win an EPT title. “To be there when Vicky won, and again when she became the first two-time winner, was incredible,” he recalls.
Another standout memory is his first commentary gig with Joe Stapleton, who initially thought he was filling in temporarily. “Joe didn’t realize it was a screen test,” Hartigan laughs. “But we clicked immediately, and now we’ve been working together for over a decade.”
A Passion for the Game
Though his career keeps him in the booth, Hartigan has recently found time to play more poker, even competing in the World Series of Poker Main Event last summer. “Instead of buying a Porsche for my midlife crisis, I bought into the Main Event,” he jokes.
Still, he prefers the stability of commentary to the ups and downs of playing professionally. “I don’t have the temperament for the variance,” he admits. “When I have a bad day at work, I still get paid—unlike at the poker table.”
For Hartigan, poker remains a beloved hobby and a fulfilling career. “I love what I do,” he says. “It’s a mix of the game I enjoy, storytelling, and entertaining people. I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”
Source: https://www.cardplayer.com/poker-ne...rtigan-on-making-poker-accessible-to-everyone
James Hartigan, the voice of PokerStars events, has mastered this balance. With nearly 15 years in the role, he has built a reputation as one of the best in the business, combining his broadcasting skills with a deep passion for the game. A former radio presenter from Carshalton, England, Hartigan transitioned from a career in entertainment reporting to poker commentary, where he now thrives as a PokerStars ambassador.
From College Poker Games to Broadcasting Stardom
Hartigan’s poker journey began in college, playing seven-card stud before transitioning to Texas hold’em after being inspired by the UK’s Late Night Poker series in the late 1990s. His passion for the game grew alongside his broadcasting career, which included stints as a film critic for BBC Radio and an entertainment reporter.
In 2004, he was invited to play a European Poker Tour event as a journalist—a dream gig that ignited his poker broadcasting career. “This was the height of the poker boom,” Hartigan recalls. “Movies, TV shows—it was everywhere.” His familiarity with poker, coupled with his broadcasting expertise, earned him a screen test and eventually a job as a commentator for PokerStars.
What started as a part-time gig soon became a full-time career as Hartigan began hosting EPT live streams, PokerStars Championship events, and shows like The Big Game.
The Art of Poker Commentary
Hartigan, now paired with comedic co-host Joe Stapleton, brings a unique blend of analysis and humor to the booth. Together, they host Poker in the Ears, which won the Global Poker Award for Best Podcast in 2022. Their job is as much about entertaining viewers as it is about explaining poker strategy.
“Televised poker needs to prioritize entertainment to reach a broader audience,” Hartigan says. “We’re not just catering to hardcore poker fans; we’re speaking to people who might not know the difference between a three-bet and a flush draw.”
While analyzing gameplay remains a cornerstone of their commentary, Hartigan emphasizes the importance of storytelling. Whether it’s spotlighting amateur players in events like The Big Game or highlighting the journeys of poker pros, he believes in making poker accessible and engaging for everyone.
Memorable Moments
Over the years, Hartigan has been part of numerous iconic poker moments. Among his favorites is Victoria Coren Mitchell’s historic victory at EPT London in 2006, where she became the first woman to win an EPT title. “To be there when Vicky won, and again when she became the first two-time winner, was incredible,” he recalls.
Another standout memory is his first commentary gig with Joe Stapleton, who initially thought he was filling in temporarily. “Joe didn’t realize it was a screen test,” Hartigan laughs. “But we clicked immediately, and now we’ve been working together for over a decade.”
A Passion for the Game
Though his career keeps him in the booth, Hartigan has recently found time to play more poker, even competing in the World Series of Poker Main Event last summer. “Instead of buying a Porsche for my midlife crisis, I bought into the Main Event,” he jokes.
Still, he prefers the stability of commentary to the ups and downs of playing professionally. “I don’t have the temperament for the variance,” he admits. “When I have a bad day at work, I still get paid—unlike at the poker table.”
For Hartigan, poker remains a beloved hobby and a fulfilling career. “I love what I do,” he says. “It’s a mix of the game I enjoy, storytelling, and entertaining people. I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”
Source: https://www.cardplayer.com/poker-ne...rtigan-on-making-poker-accessible-to-everyone
