Phil Hellmuth and Annie Duke are the best known male and female poker players today. They have both been brand ambassadors for several years now for the online poker betting site UB.com, which is the third largest of its kind in the American market. Both Hellmuth and Annie have announced that they are leaving UB.com. This is not entirely surprising because the rumors have been circulating for some time.
Both Hellmuth and Annie made their announcements independently but both made them over Twitter on December 31, 2010. Annie’s Tweet came first. It said, “Starting new chapter in my life. Decided to leave UB, but the future’s exciting for me and the place I’ve called home for more than a decade.” Hellmuth’s Tweet read, “Making a BIG move…leaving UB. Truly lots of great memories, but it’s time to move on…Mutual decision…Looking forward to BRIGHT future!” UB.com also confirmed this. On Friday December 31 the photos of Hellmuth and Duke were removed from the UB.com online poker betting site. UB.com also said that the decision was mutual on all sides.
In the last few years UB.com has been going through a rough patch. At that time many of the leaders in the poker industry had exhorted Hellmuth and Annie to leave UB.com. But these two poker players had not only remained with the online poker betting site but had staunchly defended it. Even while leaving, Hellmuth and Annie had nothing but praise for UB.com. In fact Annie said, “I have nothing but positive things to say about UB and my experiences with the brand, management, and the incredible people who work hard daily to deliver a terrific online poker experience.”
It is being said the Hellmuth will sign up with the leading American online poker betting site, PokerStars.com for an undisclosed amount. There is presently no news as to where Annie will go. Incidentally Annie had announced her engagement to live in boyfriend on Christmas Day.
Meanwhile UB.com is said to be looking for brand ambassadors from the younger set of poker players. The latest recruits on Team UB were Tiffany Michelle and Mario Ho. Though their poker skills are far from top class, these two female players have high visibility. They had recently contested the Amazing Race together.