£2m poker king: I’ll still go to Asda f or bargains
A total of 7,221 people paid £7,600 each to enter the tournament, considered poker’s most prestigious. The grandad of nine, whose previous biggest win was £785 in Hull, made it through to the final weekend.
TV ratings for the tournament rocketed thanks to John’s outgoing personality, jokes with fellow competitors and his outlandish shirt and jacket combos.
But he didn’t find his game night outfits in Asda – the jacket was borrowed from a pal as a lucky charm.
Now John is hoping to give something back to his home town. He said: “I have been away for three weeks and was ready to come home. Even the seagulls were welcoming. It’s not about the money. It’s about what I can do for others. I love Bridlington and all that it entails.
“I would like to put on a charity poker game at the Spa Theatre. That’s next on my bucket list. I’ll do anything to help put Bridlington on the map a bit more.
“I’ve got a platform from which to do it now – though I haven’t actually got the money in my bank account. It’s sent by wire transfer and I’m told it’s on the way.”
John said his first job was as a trainee mechanic and he started the Bridlington Caravan Centre with a pal in 1986, opening another depot in Wetherby in 2010.
Speaking about his working class upbringing he said: “We lived in a council house in nearby Barmston and my dad Harold didn’t earn a lot. Mum Jane had a cleaning job at a posh house where they had three sons.
“The bonus was getting clothes for me. I enjoyed having quality second-hand clothes. Nobody dy at school knew they were second-hand except me.
“It was a humble umble and wonderful childhood. Myy parents – who both passed away in n recent years – always put food d on the table and paid the rent.
“We had noo money but we were rich in life in so many ways. I think I’ve carried that through to my y life in business and where I am today.oday. My parents were proud of me before they passed away. They felt I’d achieved success in life. I’m sure they’ll be more proud of me now.” He added: “As a lad I was originally a car mechanic and wh when the garage closed I was asked if I wan wanted to carry on my apprenticeship a at another garage or repair caravans for an extra shilling a week – 12p in today’s money. “Of course I optedo for the increase in wage and eventually became a caravancarava salesman. My first sale was a Belmont HolidayHo Home for £ £7 750. A fortune in thoseth days. I loved the jobjo but when the boss suddenlysu passed away in 1985 I went into this business with a friend. Now caravans and holiday homes sell from £21,000 to £150,000.”
Despite his success in both business and poker, John is happy to eat a banana for breakfast when he can afford smoked salmon and caviar: “I won’t ever change. Mandy, who is the love of my life, had a similar upbringing locally.”
He said he was now looking forward to a quiet break in the Yorkshire Dales at Pateley Bridge, “getting away for some rest and relaxation”.
John added: “It’s a small site with just a few caravans. There’s no pub, slot machines or amusements, just peace and quiet – and sometimes you don’t get a phone signal.”