Lex Veldhuis leaves PokerStars after 17 years as poker’s top ambassador
Lex Veldhuis, one of poker’s most recognisable streamers, has left PokerStars after 17 years as an ambassador. The Dutch player, known for his long-running Twitch channel, announced the split as he looks ahead to a 'new chapter' in 2026. His departure marks the end of a partnership that began in 2009 and saw him become a household name in online poker.
Veldhuis first started playing poker in 2004, dropping out of criminology studies to turn professional. By 2009, he joined PokerStars as an ambassador, eventually logging millions of online hands and earning Supernova Elite status for three consecutive years. His streaming career took off, amassing over 300,000 followers on Twitch and cementing his place as a leading figure in the poker community.
In September 2024, he secured his first World Championship of Online Poker (WCOOP) title. However, 2025 saw a shift in focus, as he stepped away from poker streaming to explore other games like chess and League of Legends. The break lasted until early 2026, when he returned to the tables, this time playing on GGPoker. His comeback proved successful almost immediately. In one of his first sessions back, he won a $108 buy-in Bounty Hunters Special tournament, taking home $2,541.22. Despite his renewed activity, no poker platform has signed him as an ambassador since his PokerStars exit. As of January 2026, he remains a free agent, openly excited about what lies ahead.
Veldhuis now stands as one of the most high-profile free agents in poker. His return to streaming and recent tournament win suggest he remains a force in the game. With no new sponsorship yet announced, the industry will be watching to see where his next move takes him.
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