Negreanu signs for GGPoker, Konnikova leaves PokerStars
Two big changes in the sponsorship landscape this week as new ventures for KidPoker and a goodbye for Maria Konnikova.
2019 has been a transformative year for poker sponsorship with a lot of big name ambassadors leaving PokerStars, but few predicted Daniel Negreanu would be one of them.
Given he is one of the highest profile figures in the game, it was inevitable he would find a new sponsor and last night he announced he was joining GGPoker.
I have a BIG announcement to make! Details in the video below: pic.twitter.com/1xDTkglYmD
— Daniel Negreanu (@RealKidPoker) November 20, 2019
KidPoker was quick to praise the speed at which the site has become a force in world poker, in particular their innovative software.
If you want to learn more about the network that has scooped up Daniel Negreanu, check out our interview with the Head of Poker, Jean-Christophe Antoine.
Maria Konnikova leaves PokerStars
In another shocking twist in the poker sponsorship landscape, author Maria Konnikova announced she was leaving PokerStars, a week after Liv Boeree and Igor Kurganov did the same.
The best-selling author famously is writing a book about poker and was scooped up by PokerStars after winning the PCA National Series during her research.
It's been a fun two years, but it's time to say goodbye! Today, I'm parting ways with @pokerstars. But that doesn't mean I'm parting ways with poker! My new book will be out in 2020, and I'm looking forward to continuing to promote this beautiful game in the months to come. 1/2 pic.twitter.com/gJD8KJBlc8
— Maria Konnikova (@mkonnikova) November 20, 2019
The timing seems bad for this particular departure from the PokerStars perspective because Maria is set to release her new book in 2020. It will no doubt get a lot of mainstream media attention which PokerStars are now unable to capitalise on directly.
Is this a good move for GGPoker and Negreanu? Let us know in the comments:
