What Happened to PokerNews?

PokerNews was established in 2002 by Lithuanian-Australian businessman and professional poker player Antanas "Tony G" Guoga, who acquired the PokerNews.com domain for $6,000. The site quickly grew, expanding its reach with native language sites in numerous countries by 2011, solidifying its position as a global information hub for poker enthusiasts. Its comprehensive offerings include daily news, live tournament updates, player interviews, videos, podcasts, and strategy articles.

A pivotal moment in PokerNews' history came in May 2007 when it was named the exclusive Live Reporting Partner for the World Series of Poker (WSOP), a partnership that has continued for over seven years and remains active as of 2026. This role involves providing play-by-play updates and chip counts directly to the WSOP website and PokerNews.com, making it the go-to source for following the world's most prestigious poker tournament. The company's reputation was further bolstered by being annually named Best Poker Affiliate by iGB Affiliate from 2013 through 2016, recognized for its web traffic, innovation, and brand power.

Ownership of PokerNews, operated under iBus Media, gradually shifted over the years. Starting in 2010, Tony G began selling his equity in stages to The Stars Group Inc., a Canadian gaming and online gambling company. This ownership was publicly confirmed in October 2017, with The Stars Group holding a majority stake in iBus Media. Despite the change in ownership, iBus Media has stated its commitment to maintaining an arms-length relationship with The Stars Group, ensuring its editorial independence and continued focus on being a voice for players and a promoter of online poker.

In recent years, PokerNews has continued to adapt and expand its coverage. In 2018, iBus Media faced a lawsuit from several large music publishers, including Universal Music Group, alleging the unauthorized use of copyrighted songs in its podcasts. However, this did not deter its core operations. As of 2026, PokerNews remains at the forefront of poker reporting, covering significant events such as the 2025 and 2026 World Series of Poker, the Aussie Millions, European Poker Tour (EPT) Monte-Carlo, and various online series like the 888poker XL Spring Series. The platform also collaborates with entities like GTO Wizard for strategy content and announced a partnership with 8131 Media as its official photography partner in January 2026.

Looking ahead, PokerNews is actively reporting on the 2026 WSOP schedule, which includes 100 bracelet events from May 26 to July 15, and the move of Hustler Casino Live's 'Million Dollar Game' to the WSOP. The company maintains a strong online presence, offering extensive resources for players of all skill levels, from poker rules and hand rankings to advanced strategy and online poker room reviews, solidifying its enduring role as a vital resource for the global poker community.