Veldhuis has been a major figure in poker since the mid-2000s, building a huge following in the process
Lex Veldhuis is back in front of the camera and back at the virtual tables. The popular poker streamer confirmed his return to Twitch this week while also announcing the end of his long-running partnership with PokerStars. The move closes a chapter that lasted more than 15 years and helped define his career.
During his stream, Lex Veldhuis explained that the decision was about moving forward rather than looking back. He avoided giving specific reasons for the split but made it clear that 2026 represents a fresh start. Veldhuis said he is eager to play more poker again and focus on enjoying the game.
The announcement quickly raised questions about his future as a sponsored pro. For now, Veldhuis is taking his time. He compared the situation to ending a long relationship and stressed that rushing into another deal would not make sense. That leaves him as one of the most recognizable free agents in poker.
Veldhuis had been largely absent from poker streaming throughout 2025. After winning a WCOOP title in late 2024, expectations were high, but his Twitch channel shifted toward non-poker content. Appearances at live events and poker shows were rare, making his return all the more noticeable.
His comeback stream featured online play on GGPoker, where he made it clear he was not representing any brand. After working through some technical setup issues, Veldhuis jumped into tournament action and quickly found success, winning a $108 Bounty Hunters event.
