Prior to the 2010 WSOPE Main Event, the only people who knew James Bord existed were his mother and Sam Trickett – who taught him how to play poker. But ever since he won the WSOPE Main Event last year along with $1,281,048, Bord has become a very recognizable face in the poker world. Apparently, he’s taking this to heart, and getting a bit cocky with some recent statements.
The Englishman was recently quoted as saying, “I don’t think an American can win the bracelet, Europeans are now far superior.” He continued by adding, “We used to look up to the U.S. players back in the day, but those days are now long gone. I’m prepared to put my money where my mouth is and refund any losing bets up to $500 if an American wins.”
Maybe Bord spoke too soon since a couple of Americans have already won two out of the first four bracelets in the 2011 WSOPE. And if this streak continues, we could see a US player taking down the 2011 WSOPE Main Event title as well. Furthermore, two out of the first four Main Event champions have been Americans – John Juanda and Barry Shulman – so it’s hard to see where Bord is coming from here.
Maybe he is desperate for more attention or his 2010 Main Event star is beginning to fade? Whatever the case may be, American poker player Kevin Iacofano defended US poker by saying, “Serious arrogance and comments from a guy who, barring one miracle championship, has a very pedestrian record in poker.”
Bord is supposedly a good mixed games cash player, so maybe this is where the cockiness comes from?
