Ultimate Poker and PokerStars continue to cull team pros from their heavily populated roster with the photo’s of William Reynolds, Jeremy Ausmus, Phil Collins, Lauren Kling, Brent Hanks and Nacho Barbero removed from rogues gallery.
Are you a sponsored poker pro?
If so then you had better start looking over your shoulder.
That guy with the hoodie is not a young online wizard. It’s the Grim Reaper and he is after your head.
Online poker sites are not great at letting the press know when they part ways with vheir former darlings, and I often think it’s because they don’t really know what to say.
Normally, they pass the buck to the player who issues a statement on social media that looks something like this.
“I just wanted you to know that I have thoroughly enjoyed my 10-years at blah, blah, blah and we both felt that it was the right time to go our separate ways.”
Yeah sure.
You’re unemployed mate!
No, the press doesn’t get that lucky, instead we have to stalk Team Pro websites waiting for a few heads to roll, and that’s exactly how F5Poker found out about the serial decapitations over at Ultimate Poker (UP).
William Reynolds, Jeremy Ausmus, Phil Collins, Brent Hanks and Lauren Kling join the throng of thousands looking for a coveted sponsorship deal, if you believe their absence from the Team Pro website page is an indication of the sack.
That leaves Antonio Esfandiari, Jason Somerville, Danielle Andersen and Dan O’Brien as the four remaining members of Team U.
Nacho Barbero Leaves PokerStars
After PokerStars decided not to renew the contract of the Costa Rican legend Humberto Brenes, yours truly told you that there would me more to come, and how quickly that vision turned out to become a reality.
The contract of the Argentinian, Jose “Nacho” Barbero, was not extended beyond July 31, and he quickly follows Brenes out of the door.
“Today is a nice day in my life, where poker is no longer a priority. Thank you everyone and PokerStars. It’s been fun to represent.” Barbero tweeted.
Barbero had a very successful career whilst representing PokerStars including several victories on the Latin American Poker Tour (LAPT) and a huge victory at the 2010 EPT London High Roller for over $870k.
Another member of Team PokerStars Latin America who quietly left through the back door was the Mexican Angel Guillen who reportedly left back in June.
So what’s going on?
According to PokerStars Regional Manager, Juan Carreno, it’s just a case of balancing the books. During an interview with CardPlayer Latin America, Carreno said the changes were due to budget cuts and not a new strategy as the company gets used to life under the new stewardship of Amaya Gaming.
Shall we run a book on who will be next?
