Years ago, it was quite common to see ambassadors representing online poker brands in live as well as online events. Over the years, online poker brands began to move away from sponsorships and naming ambassadors and focused more on recreational gameplay. However, today, it seems that sites like PokerStars are starting to try again and put emphasis on top players by naming new ambassadors. Just this week, the brand announces two players who are now ambassadors for its Pennsylvania platform.
The New Ambassadors
Mark ‘naigo1’ Foresta and Keith ‘AccidentialGrenade’ Becker are the latest players to be chosen as ambassadors for the PokerStars brand. The two are part of a six player team that will represent the brand in the United States and Europe over the next two years.
After downsizing its team, it seems PokerStars is focusing on building a profile in the states, especially now that online poker is starting to pick up steam. Foresta will go by NaigoPA at PokerStars PA and Becker can be found with the whoopsboom tag.
PokerStars decided to go with two players from Pennsylvania to make up its ambassadors’ team in the state. In the US, Pennsylvania has the largest regulated online market and PokerStars is acting fast as there will soon be new competition as WSOP will launch soon as well as BetMGM or Borgata.
The two new ambassadors will start off their new relationship with PokerStars by taking part in the Pennsylvania Spring Championship of Online Poker (PASCOOP) The series will start soon and will see the pros taking part in many events over the next few weeks. Players located in Pennsylvania will find the two at the tables during PASCOOP as well as in regular cash games and other events.
Additional New Ambassadors
PokerStars added four more ambassadors to their lineup alongside the Pennsylvania duo, including Parker Talbot, Sam Grafton, Andre Coimbra, and Lasse Jagd Lauritsen. The player roster consists of individuals who have an established career as a poker pro as well as those who are up-and-coming in the industry.
Foresta and Becker are considered rising stars, so it seems PokerStars is looking to appeal to the younger demographic with this appointment. Each of the players are excited to be joining PokerStars and look forward to playing under the brand. Becker took to Twitter, stating that he is ‘INCREDIBLY thrilled’ to join as a new ambassador.
Currently, PokerStars has a total of 15 brand ambassadors. The older pros of the past have been replaced with a new, younger generation of players. Many of these individuals discovered the game of poker by watching videos on YouTube or streaming via Twitch.
Big names from the past like Chris Moneymaker and Daniel Negreanu have parted ways with PokerStars and the brand has seemingly taken a new direction with this ambassador deals. It will be interesting to watch the younger generation represent the brand and see what they can do with the game. Will it be enough to bring about new traffic to the Pennsylvania site or other sites as the PokerStars brand expands in the US?
