PokerStars Personalities Recognized at Global Poker Awards in Las Vegas

Over the weekend, PokerStars ambassadors Jennifer Shahade and James Hartigan were honored with awards for Best Media Content: Written and Best Broadcaster, respectively, at the fourth annual Global Poker Index (GPI) Awards.

Shahade received recognition for her piece in the Wall Street Journal titled “How Becoming a Poker Pro Helped Me Accept a Personal Tragedy,” which explored the taboo topic of secondary infertility and how poker taught her to appreciate the uncertainty of life. Expressing her gratitude for the recognition, Shahade commented, “Not Getting Unlucky is the Best Form of Luck is something I wish to everyone reading this.”

As an advocate for women in poker, Shahade has been vocal about her efforts to make the game more inclusive. She thanked PokerStars for supporting her mission, saying, “One of the coolest things about winning a GPA is the fantastic company I’m in with such eloquent and deserving winners.” This marks Shahade’s second GPA win after receiving an award in 2020 for her podcast, the GRID, which is now sponsored by PokerStars.

Hartigan, one half of PokerStars’ iconic commentary duo, was recognized for Best Broadcaster, his first solo GPA win. In his acceptance speech, he credited his partner Joe Stapleton for campaigning on his behalf and bringing their work to the attention of the US poker industry. Hartigan previously won a GPA for Best Podcast in 2022 for Poker in the Ears, which he co-hosts with Stapleton.

Several other PokerStars representatives were nominated for awards, including Alejandro Lococo for GPI Breakout Player, Benjamin Spragg and Lex Veldhuis for Best Streamer, Toby Stone for Best Tournament Director, and PokerStars Live EPT Barcelona Main Event for Best Event. Francine Watson, PokerStars’ Associate Director of Branded Content, also attended the ceremony.