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Lex Veldhuis Leaves PokerStars & Returns to the Felt
- Lex Veldhuis leaves PokerStars after 17 years.
- He's now playing on GGPoker, legally from the Netherlands.
- Veldhuis remains a free agent, indicating no immediate sponsorship plans.
Lex, former Pokerstars Ambassador, now a free agent.
The poker world has kicked off 2026 with a major shake-up: Lex Veldhuis, one of the most popular and longest-serving ambassadors in the game, has officially parted ways with PokerStars.
Here is a breakdown of the situation, including the latest details on his return to the virtual felt.
The "New Chapter" Begins
On January 3, 2026, Veldhuis confirmed during his return to Twitch that his 17-year tenure with the "Red Spade" had come to an end. While he declined to air specific grievances, he described the split as a necessary move to turn the page on a difficult year.
"2025 is in the rear-view mirror," Veldhuis told his chat. "That's where I want to keep it... I felt like it was time for a new chapter, a new beginning."
This confirms speculation that had been building during his noticeable absence from the poker streaming streets for much of 2025, a year in which he largely streamed variety content like Zelda and League of Legends rather than his usual high-stakes MTT grinds.
Where is Lex Playing Now?
Immediately following the announcement, Veldhuis jumped back into action but not on the software his viewers have been used to for nearly two decades.
- Platform: He is now grinding on GGPoker.
- Location: He is playing from his home in the Netherlands.
- Sponsorship Status: None. An automated message in his chat currently reads: "Lex is currently playing from Netherlands and can only grind GGPoker, he is not a sponsored pro for anyone."
This creates an interesting dynamic regarding his location. Previously, Veldhuis had to commute to Belgium to play on PokerStars due to Dutch regulations. His switch to GGPoker allows him to play legally from his home in the Netherlands, likely a massive quality-of-life improvement that contributed to the switch.
Instant Success & Rumors
Veldhuis wasted no time proving he hasn't lost a step. In his very first session back, he took down a $108 Bounty Hunters Special on GGPoker for roughly $2,541.
What's next?
Naturally, the community is already speculating that GGPoker, known for aggressively signing top talent will be his next home.
However, Veldhuis shut down ideas of an immediate signing. "The worst thing you can do after a long relationship is immediately enter another one," he joked, signaling he intends to remain a "free agent" for the time being.
However, Veldhuis shut down ideas of an immediate signing. "The worst thing you can do after a long relationship is immediately enter another one," he joked, signaling he intends to remain a "free agent" for the time being.
GGPoker Still Doing Their Thing
Regardless of speculations, GGPoker is up for another crazy month in January with giveaways that has a $20 million GTD.
Besides the upcoming Winter Series with millions of dollars in various guarantees, the brand is also launching their brand new Loyalty Program called Ocean Rewards at the end of the month suggesting cashback up to 80%!
Sign up using the GGPoker Bonus Code HEAVEN to get the maximum bonus up to $600.
Besides the upcoming Winter Series with millions of dollars in various guarantees, the brand is also launching their brand new Loyalty Program called Ocean Rewards at the end of the month suggesting cashback up to 80%!
Sign up using the GGPoker Bonus Code HEAVEN to get the maximum bonus up to $600.
Lex Beef With Moneymaker?
With the announcement made by Lex on X, one of the comments was made by Chris Moneymaker himself acknowledging that he also lasted for about 17 years as an ambassador at Pokerstars before he moved on to ACR Poker.
That comment did not sit well with the dutchmen who made an odd remark. What is that about?
That comment did not sit well with the dutchmen who made an odd remark. What is that about?
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