Victoria Coren-Mitchell Cuts the Ties with PokerStars

When PokerStars announced they were launching their casino games and sportsbook on a global level, leading man of the Global Poker Index, Alex Dreyfus, predicted that some pros might not be so keen to stay with the brand that openly endorses gambling. His words seemed somewhat random and unspecific at the time, but it seems his read was spot on.

Pokerstars launching Sportsbetting and Casino. Mixed feelings about that. Some Heroes and Ambassadors not keen anymore to promote the brand.
— Alexandre Dreyfus (alex_dreyfus) November 21, 2014

Just couple hours ago, one of the most recognizable faces of the PokerStars Team Pro, the first two-time EPT winner, Victoria Coren-Mitchellhas announced that she has cut her professional ties with the company. In the blog entry that has come as a surprise to many, Coren-Mitchell explained that she could not be connected to the company that actively promotes gambling.

This is a sad day. A statement about me and PokerStars: http://t.co/fmC8Wzffnb
— Victoria Coren M. (@VictoriaCoren) November 26, 2014

The decision, Vicky elaborated, did not come easily, as she’s been with PokerStars since 2007 and being a part of the Team Pro has become an essential part of her identity. She’s decided to act quickly, before she could start second guessing her choice as there are so many factors making this decision even harder.

Coren-Mitchell further explained that her decision was not anti-PokerStars as she understands business is business and they are only offering what they believe people want. Furthermore, she is not even against the casino games as Vicky openly admits she’s has had her share of fun with the table games. But all that aside, she felt leaving PokerStars was the only right choice for her.

Profoundly deep words worthy of a poker champion. Vicky explained there were no hard feelings between her and the company, and that PokerStars were very gracious and understanding about her decision to leave. Even though she received reassurances from the company that she would never have to promote anything gambling-related, she explained ‘that continuing in my current role could risk helping to send people to a place where they would encounter something I think is dangerous. That’s not the way I want to make a living.’

Not surprisingly, soon after Vicky has made her decision public on the Twitter, words of support started coming her way. Friends and fans alike were delighted to see such integrity in the world where standing to your beliefs has become almost an item of ridicule.

@VictoriaCoren very admirable actions, hopefully see you on the felt again soon (with a chocolate 'Frijj' obviously)
— Niall Farrell (@Firaldo87poker) November 26, 2014

@VictoriaCoren Admirable decision. Best of luck with whatever you do next.
— John (@JM_Underwood) November 26, 2014

@VictoriaCoren You walked away from the biggest poker site in the world & simultaneously become an even bigger/better ambassador #Respect
— Danielle Andersen (@dmoongirl) November 26, 2014

The news really came as a surprise considering the period Victoria has been a part of Team Pro. But reading her blog gives a good insight into the reasons behind this tough decision and considering how much she will be giving up, one must be impressed by the courage and the steadfast decision to stand up for what she believes to be the right thing.

If Dreyfus (and some others) were right in their predictions, Vicky could be the first of quite a few to leave the PokerStars ship with the Amaya holding the helm. While the company probably knows where they are headed with the new strategy, losing endorsement by the well recognized professionals admired and loved by many poker fans could hurt them in the ways they may have not predicted.