Norman Chad: The Voice of WSOP and His Unique Poker Strategy

Nov 07, 2025 0

Norman Chad is a well-known figure in the poker world, primarily recognized as the voice of the World Series of Poker (WSOP) alongside Lon McEachern. Beyond his commentary, Chad has made significant contributions to popularizing poker with his relatable style and humor.

Norman Chad's Impact on Poker

Norman Chad was the big name commentator during the poker hay day. Casual players like him because he's a relatable fish and lightens things up. Those who saw realize that, at that time, entertaining an audience for televised poker was no small feat (no one understood NLHE strategy then, certainly not enough for an ESPN audience). Chad's banter has not aged well, and he has very good competition. But he did a lot to draw new viewers into the game, and he's a decent sort.

Many appreciate his old-time, laid back, dry-humor approach. It's just for fun, and Norm keeps it pretty fun. That the point...they're supposed to be stupid. They're mostly lame and occasionally very funny. He's not a comedian and doesn't claim to be. He's there to keep things light and fun. In that regard he does a great job. Everyone has a different sense of humor. If you don't get it, you don't get it.

Chad had the appropriate level of knowledge and humor for the beginning of the poker boom. I don't mind Norm and Norm+Lon have good chemistry together.

Are you watching the ESPN WSOP episodes for entertainment or for educational purposes? If it's for the latter I'd argue you came in with the wrong mindset to begin with.

WSOP Online Recap Show - Tony Dunst and Norman Chad

Chad's Commentary Style

Some find Chad's jokes lame but not too bad considering it must be a thankless task. However after a while I want him to shut up because of his "comic" voice. I see he has a following on here so I try to tell myself, lighten up and get used to his lame-ass sense of humor since he's commentating on every other poker video I watch. But I can't. this guy never shuts up and all his jokes are completely stupid and there are so many of them, like every 15 seconds a new one. I understand you want a color commentator but this jabbering fool? Why?

I like Norman and Lon, but a lot of it may be nostalgic. Gabe Kaplan still to this day was the best. Some jokes, some poker knowledge and some breaks for silence to let the audience hear the players talk. Too many commentators won't STFU.

Favorite Poker Commentators

First of all, let's never forget the joy of the late, great Mike Sexton on WPT telecasts.

Props to David Tuchman, Kara Scott, James Hartigan, Maria Ho, Joe Stapleton and -- when he's in a good mood -- Ali Nejad.

(I should apologize to those I left out, but I left them out for a reason.)

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But my favorite is my partner, lanky Lon McEachern. I thought his first name was Ron the first four years we worked together. When he thunderously calls a Day 7 flop with two suited cards, it still sends a chill down my spine.

Norman Chad's Advice for WSOP Players

Norman Chad also shares some advice for players participating in the WSOP:

Say a heartfelt goodbye to loved ones; you might never see them again.
Take breaks from the WSOP madness, whether it's one afternoon at Mount Charleston or three games of bowling at Gold Coast.
If you are driving to Las Vegas from Los Angeles, it is a run-good must to make a pit stop at EddieWorld in Yermo, the best gas station/mini-mart on the face of the earth.
Keep a healthy supply of Fritos and Fresca in your hotel room or Air BnB.

Memorable WSOP Moments

Norman Chad also shared his favorite WSOP moments:

Favorite moment: Greg Merson's tear-filled reaction to winning the Main Event in 2012, culminating his remarkable recovery from substance addiction.
Second-favorite moment: Getting angled in 2005 by the late Puggy Pearson in a cash game during the series.

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