PokerStars, Joe Hachem Part Ways

2005 World Series of Poker Main Event Champion Joe Hachem and PokerStars have parted ways, it was announced on Friday.

 “It’s been a great run with PokerStars and I’m proud of my association with the people and the company,” Hachem said in the official announcement. “But it’s time for me to pursue other career opportunities and it will be fun to have some down time to spend with my family. I look forward to the future with much excitement and anticipation and will always have fond memories of my time at PokerStars.”

“Joe has been a terrific endorser for PokerStars over the year and, while we are sad to see him leave the Team, we are looking forward to continuing to watch him play,” the head of Corporate Communications for PokerStars, Eric Hollreiser, stated in the announcement. “We thank him for all he’s done for our brand, and for poker, and we wish him all the best at the poker table and in life.”

PokerStars has been purging a number of its players over the past year.

Lock Poker appears to be one of the few online poker sites today committed to bringing on professionals en masse. 

- Patrick Flanagan, Gambling911.com