Barny Boatman vies for PokerStars' €100K ambassador role in 2026
PokerStars is preparing to name its next brand ambassador in early 2026. The winner of a high-stakes competition will secure a one-year contract, reportedly worth €100,000. Among the contenders is Barny Boatman, a well-known figure in the poker world who recently left the company’s Team Pro roster. Boatman departed from PokerStars Team Pro in July 2025 after a funding issue ended his sponsorship. Despite the change, no bad feeling existed between him and the brand. His strong performance in the PokerStars Live League soon reignited his connection with the company.
He finished 9th in the Medium leaderboard, placing him among the top 10 eligible for the ambassador role. The selection will include auditions and a private evaluation in January. Only the highest-ranked players from the high, medium, and low leaderboards will be considered.
Boatman, known for his integrity and deep passion for poker, has expressed confidence in his abilities. He believes he still has a major tournament run ahead of him and hopes it will happen at EPT Paris. The final decision will be announced at the event in February 2026. The new ambassador will represent PokerStars for a year, starting in 2026. The contract includes a €100,000 prize and a platform to promote the game. Boatman’s experience and reputation make him a strong candidate for the role.