POKERSTARS ANNOUNCES DAVID LAPPIN AS WINNER OF POKERSTARS LIVE LEAGUE AMBASSADORSHIP

One of the industry’s most respected figures joins PokerStars roster of Ambassadors

Irish poker pro, writer, commentator, and one the most respected voices in the poker community, David Lappin, has been named as PokerStars newest ambassador, after competing in the inaugural PokerStars Live League and being selected as the winner of the year-long ambassadorship.

Lappin’s appointment marks the culmination of the season-long 2025 PokerStars Live League, which saw players compete in European PokerStars live events to accumulate points across three different leaderboard tiers, High, Medium, and Low, according to the event buy-in. All European Poker Tour (EPT) and PokerStars Opens, including the PokerStars sponsored Irish Poker Open, were eligible for points in the leaderboards, with the top 30 finishers (the top 10 in each tier) having the opportunity to audition to become a PokerStars Ambassador.

PLAYER-LED REPRESENTATION

David’s new role as a PokerStars Ambassador will be rooted in community engagement, reflecting PokerStars’ commitment to player-led representation. David will compete in PokerStars flagship events, including EPT Main Events and PokerStars Open stops, while serving as an engaging and accessible voice for the community. His role will focus not only on competing, but on listening, engaging and helping strengthen the live event experience for players at every level, as well as showcasing the online to live routes available at PokerStars.

“First and foremost, I’m incredibly grateful to the Live League and the pathway it has given to become a PokerStars Ambassador,” David said. “To go from competing in the League to representing PokerStars is a huge honour. I’ve always believed ambassadors should represent players, not just a brand. I want to be available, to listen, to answer questions and to help where I can. Live events matter deeply to the community, and if I can contribute to improving that experience then I’ll consider that part of the job done.

“I’m also hugely excited to be back on the road playing in EPTs and at PokerStars Opens. Those stops are the heartbeat of live poker in Europe and beyond, and I’ll continue doing what I’ve always done, promoting satellites and online ways that give players the chance to turn an online seat into an amazing live experience.”

A panel of PokerStars judges selected David as the winner of the ambassador citing his longstanding commitment to PokerStars live events, his respected industry voice, and his alignment with PokerStars values.

“David has been a constant presence on the live circuit for many years. He understands what makes PokerStars events special because he has experienced them first-hand across multiple stops, and he brings a perspective that truly reflects the player community,” said Cédric Billot, Associate Director of Live Events Operations at PokerStars. “He combines deep roots in the live poker scene with a respected voice that players listen to and that balance of experience, authenticity, and his alignment with our values makes him a natural fit for representing PokerStars. We’re delighted to welcome him to the team.”

2026 POKERSTARS LIVE LEAGUE

PokerStars Open Campione kicked off the 2026 PokerStars Live League giving players another chance to earn points throughout the year and win thousands in PokerStars LIVE buy-ins. A total of €157,500 in PokerStars LIVE credit will be awarded across the top three finishers in each leaderboard (High, Medium, and Low). In addition, new for the 2026 league, the top 30 finishers in each tier will be eligible to play in a special live freeroll featuring a €100,000 prizepool at the first EPT of 2027, giving more rewards to a greater number of PokerStars most loyal players.

With EPT Paris well underway, it is the second stop on the 2026 calendar for players to pick up valuable points. Players can follow league updates and track their own, and their rivals’, progress through the PokerStars Live app which will provide live updates and results across the three tiers.

For more information about the PokerStars Live League head to the PokerStars website.