The introduction of televised poker marked a turning point for the game when it first aired in 2003, allowing fans to witness how players strategize and manage their hole cards. However, it wasn’t just about placing cameras; creating an engaging broadcast required careful planning and execution. World Poker Tour Commentators enhance the experience for viewers by sharing interesting backgrounds on players alongside their keen insights. They inject excitement into the match taking place on the felt . poker on television In recent times, the popularity of poker commentators has surged as live poker streaming gains traction.
Here’s a roundup of some of the most prominent voices in poker commentary, presented without a specific order.
Bringing a professional touch to the table, McEachern’s sports broadcaster style added a degree of seriousness to the coverage during the poker boom, which helped cultivate trust among new fans of the game.
McEachern and Chad created a perfect partnership, reminiscent of Bud Abbott and Lou Costello. Together with Sexton and Van Patten, they have become synonymous with televised poker.
- Lon McEachern
- Mike Sexton
- Vince Van Patten
- Ali Nejad
- James Hartigan
- Nick Schulman
- Norman Chad
- Maria Ho
- David Tuchman
- Jeff Platt
- Gabe Kaplan
- AJ Benza
- Jamie Kerstetter
- Antonio Esfandiari
- Brent Hanks
- Joe Stapleton
- Phil Hellmuth
1 – Lon McEachern
They managed to keep the atmosphere lively while avoiding overly technical analysis. World Series of Poker ?️ Delivery: A blend of straightforward commentary enriched with moments of humor.
?️ Signatures: Known for his iconic call during Chris Moneymaker’s legendary 2003 WSOP Main Event victory.
This poker icon passed away in 2020 at the age of 73, leaving behind a legacy after 15 years as a commentator for the World Poker Tour (WPT) . For countless fans, Sexton became the voice of poker, narrating the action in some of the most luxurious casinos worldwide.
The WPT was among the pioneering shows to air poker with visible hole cards, introducing many Americans to the excitement of No-Limit Texas Hold’em.
? Tours or outlets: ESPN, WSOP
Having gained recognition as a Poker Hall of Famer , he leveraged his experience as a professional poker player into co-founding a popular online poker site.
2 – Mike Sexton
To this day, he remains one of the most recognized voices in the poker community.
?️ Signatures: “May all your cards be live, and all your pots be monsters!”
With a background in acting and professional tennis, Van Patten brings a touch of Hollywood flair to poker commentary. His charismatic looks and smooth delivery encapsulate the essence of showbiz.
In 2019, he took his involvement in poker a step further by writing and starring in the film 7 Days to Vegas.
?️ Delivery: A poker everyman
? Tours or outlets: WPT
Like his father, actor and poker player Dick Van Patten , who was one of the first commentators for the World Series of Poker in the 1990s, Van Patten has embraced his role in the poker community.
3 – Vince Van Patten
He has hosted private poker games in Los Angeles for many years, combining his enthusiasm for the game with insightful commentary. Hollywood Van Patten and Sexton made up one of the most dynamic broadcasting duos in the industry.
Nejad , a familiar face on numerous poker shows over the years, kicked off his television career after leaving college to play poker full-time. This paved the way for appearances on platforms like ESPU and HLN.
His big break in poker commentary came after he met acclaimed poker producer Mori Eskandani on a poker cruise in 2003. Nejad's in-depth understanding of the game and his charisma on-screen have enabled him to participate in popular shows such as PokerGO’s, Poker After Dark .
?️ Delivery: Effortless and laid-back—an inherent skill on television.
?️ Delivery: Excited and anticipatory
? Tours or outlets: Every season of WPT
?️ Signatures: “Bingo, bango, bongo!”
4 – Ali Nejad
? Tours or outlets: PokerGO, Poker After Dark, National Heads-Up Poker Championship, and various others.
?️ Signatures: A wealth of poker knowledge, paired with a relaxed interviewing style.
With a charming English accent, he has established himself as a prominent voice in poker commentary, anchoring live and online events across the globe.
Before transitioning to major event coverage, Hartigan built his career as a radio broadcaster while being an avid recreational poker player since the 1990s. His poker commentary career took off during the industry’s boom .
?️ Delivery: Smooth and engaging voice; exceptional in play-by-play commentary.
5 – James Hartigan
?️ Signatures: Has reported on some of the most significant moments in the European poker circuit.
Schulman offers a wealth of next-level thinking to his role in poker broadcasts and live streams. His resume includes three WSOP bracelets and a WPT title, showcasing his poker prowess.
Recently, he has shared his insights during coverage of the PokerGO broadcasts, where fans have positively responded to his distinctive approach.
? Tours or outlets: EPT, 2010 WSOP, others
?️ Signatures: Offers unique analyses that resonate with the everyday poker enthusiast.
6 – Nick Schulman
As a long-time sports columnist and humorist , he brought an interesting perspective to the WSOP when ESPN began showcasing players’ hole cards in 2003.
Chad was the comedic counterpart to Lon McEachern’s more serious demeanor, ensuring that viewers were both entertained and informed about the WSOP and Texas Hold’em. WSOP Main Event Both were nominated for the Poker Hall of Fame in 2020, recognizing their contributions to the poker scene.
?️ Delivery: Relaxed with dry wit
? Tours or outlets: ESPN, WSOP, PokerGO
?️ Signatures: “He just got wham-boozled!” He often humorously references his ex-wives and covered Chris Moneymaker’s landmark 2003 WSOP Main Event.
7 – Norman Chad
This skilled poker strategist has made a name for herself on the poker felt . Maria then decided to leverage her college education by taking on commentary roles.
After earning a degree in communications from the University of California-San Diego, she entered the poker scene post-graduation.
As a frequent competitor in televised events, she has also held roles as a commentator, anchor, and interviewer. Her polished and refined style earned her the title of Broadcaster of the Year at the 2019 Global Poker Awards.
?️ Delivery: Dry and comedic
? Tours or outlets: ESPN, WSOP
? Tours or outlets: ESPN WSOP, WPT, PokerGO.
8 – Maria Ho
Tuchman has been the familiar voice behind WSOP events that are streamed online, branching out into various other tournaments too. His journalism and sports broadcasting background lend confidence and fluidity to his commentary.
This experience equips him with a deep understanding of poker, allowing him to provide excellent insights.
?️ Delivery: A confident blend of play-by-play and analytical commentary.
?️ Delivery: Sophisticated and smooth
? Tours or outlets: WSOP, PokerGO, Live at the Bike.
?️ Signatures: Subtle and cool
9 – David Tuchman
?️ Signatures: A well-rounded insider perspective on poker.
This Texan has extensive experience as a sports broadcaster and has cemented his status as a versatile figure in poker. Interestingly, he even sang in his high school choir! He later graduated with a degree in broadcast journalism from the University of Southern California.
Platt has worked as a sports anchor and reporter at networks in Dallas and San Antonio, bringing a wealth of knowledge about poker to his commentary, particularly during play-by-play.
He has taken on various roles, including reporter, anchor, podcaster , and even as a host for poker game shows.
? Tours or outlets: PokerGO, ESPN, PokerNews podcast.
10 – Jeff Platt
?️ Signatures: Frequently referencing his Tinder experiences.
This actor and comedian was instrumental in shaping the landscape of poker commentary. Many are familiar with his role in the sitcom Welcome Back Kotter , but his journey as a poker player led him to take the microphone at the WSOP.
Kotter cleverly combined his poker-related success and comedic talents to secure commenting roles, both before and after the poker boom.
?️ Delivery: Smooth and professional
?️ Delivery: A blend of humor intertwined with in-depth knowledge.
? Tours or outlets: WSOP, GSN, and PokerGO High Stakes Poker, National Heads-Up Poker Championship.
11 – Gabe Kaplan
This former gossip columnist for the New York Daily News transitioned to hosting shows for the E! Network and VH1. In recent years, he’s taken on acting roles in films like Rocky Balboa (2006).
In addition to writing for Star magazine, Benza authored two books and produced films. For five seasons, he lent his voice to GSN’s High Stakes Poker . In 2019, he reprised his role in this beloved series.
?️ Delivery: Direct and straightforward.
?️ Signatures: Exudes the persona of a classic tough guy from old-school New York.
?️ Signatures: Plenty of humour
12 – AJ Benza
Jamie has made appearances on shows such as Poker Night in America and the Heartland Poker Tour, establishing herself as a highly sought-after analyst. She offers keen insights from the tables, with a remarkable tally of $1.5 million in winnings, both live and online.
Her on-screen abilities have garnered her analyst roles on ESPN broadcasts of the WSOP Main Event and live streams from the WPT.
Additionally, she hosts two podcasts titled LFG , alongside Chad Holloway, and Run It Once with Marle Cordero.
? Tours or outlets: High Stakes Poker
? Tours or outlets: WSOP Main Event, Poker Night in America, Heartland Poker Tour, WSOP Main Event.
13 – Jamie Kerstetter
?️ Signatures: Provides analysis that is easily relatable to the average viewer.
As one of the most recognizable figures in poker, “The Magician” adds a level of celebrity to poker broadcasts. Esfandiari forges a strong connection with typical poker enthusiasts, offering accessible insights that a diverse audience can appreciate.
With his engaging and distinctive personality, the three-time WSOP bracelet winner has shared his expertise during the coverage of the WSOP Main Event.
?️ Delivery: Personable
Poker commentators play a crucial role by offering not only background information on the players but also valuable insights throughout the game. They enhance the viewer's experience and bring excitement to the action happening on the felt . For a comprehensive overview, explore 888poker’s list of the Top 17 commentators in the industry.
Do any of the commentators among these 17 resonate with you as your personal favorites?
14 – Antonio Esfandiari
The emergence of televised poker in 2003 significantly transformed the landscape of the game, fundamentally changing how it was perceived.
For the first time, audiences could witness players’ hidden cards and their strategic decisions during gameplay. However, broadcasting this feature required more than just camera setups and the push of a button.
?️ Delivery: Friendly and approachable
Commentators serve to educate viewers about each player's history while also providing critical insights into the gameplay. They infuse color and vibrancy into the proceedings on the felt .
Recently, the demand for poker commentators has surged, coinciding with the increase in live online poker streaming.
15 – Brent Hanks
Here, in no particular ranking, we present an overview of some of the most notable voices narrating the poker action.
Bringing a polished sports broadcast style to the airwaves, McEachern infused professionalism into the poker commentary scene, adding credibility during the poker boom for the influx of new enthusiasts.
?️ Delivery: Blunt and to the point
McEachern and Chad complemented each other perfectly—much like the classic comedy duo Abbott and Costello. Alongside well-known figures like Sexton and Van Patten, the pair have become synonymous with televised poker.
They consistently managed to keep the atmosphere lively and entertaining, steering clear of overly technical analysis .
16 – Joe Stapleton
?️ Delivery: A straightforward approach intertwined with bits of humor.
?️ Signatures: The voice that narrated Chris Moneymaker’s unforgettable 2003 WSOP Main Event victory.
?️ Delivery: Gravel-throated and fun
This poker icon, who passed away in 2020 at 73, spent 15 years casting his voice over the World Poker Tour (WPT) . For countless fans, Sexton became the quintessential voice of poker, calling games from opulent casinos worldwide.
?️ Signatures: Hijinks and schtick
17 – Phil Hellmuth
The WPT was among the earliest to showcase poker with visible hole cards, making Sexton a key figure in ushering in a new era of No-Limit Texas Hold’em for American audiences.
As a Poker Hall of Famer , he successfully transitioned from professional poker player to co-founder of a popular online poker site.
Even today, he remains one of the most recognized voices in the poker realm.
?️ Signatures: “May all your cards be live, and all your pots be monsters!”
?️ Signatures: Name dropping
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Van Patten, who has experience as an actor and was once a professional tennis player, adds a touch of Hollywood flair to poker commentary. His appearance—with a polished look, tan, and smooth voice—embodies glamour.
In 2019, he not only starred but also authored a poker film entitled 7 Days to Vegas.
He follows in the footsteps of his father, the actor and poker enthusiast Dick Van Patten , who was among the first broadcasters of poker and one of the original commentators for the World Series of Poker back in the 1990s.