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Yesterday PokerStars announced that it would be ending its sponsorship relationship with 2005 World Series of Poker Main Event Champion Joe Hachem. Hachem was “officially” signed soon after his historic win in 2005 and has become one of the most recognizable faces of the site in the years since. Hachem has also proven to be one of the best (if not the best) WSOP Champion in the Internet era of poker.

The parting seems to have been cordial, with Hachem offering up the following statement on the PokerStars blog:

“It’s been a great run with PokerStars and I’m proud of my association with the people and the company… 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.”

PokerStars Head of Corporate Communications Eric Hollreiser added:

“Joe has been a terrific endorser for PokerStars over the years, and while we are sad to see him leave the Team we are looking forward to continuing to watch him play… 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.”

In addition to his $7.5 million payday for the 2005 Main Event win, Hachem has tallied a number of other achievements in his poker career including a World Poker Tour victory in 2006, two WSOP final tables, a Late Night Poker victory, and a runner-up finish in this year’s Big Event at the Bike. All told Hachem is #9 on the all-time tournament money list with $11,339,302 according to thehendonmob.com.