BRIT GAMBLING GRANDAD’S CARD LUCK STORY
HE has taken the poker world by storm with his garish outfits and happy-go-lucky personality.
Yet despite his eccentric style, no one could have possibly seen unlikely hero John Hesp coming.
The self-confessed “average gambler” is a regular at Napoleon’s Casino in Hull, where he places stakes of £10 a time.
The 64-year-old is renowned for not having the all-important “poker face” and his last big win was £785.
But the semi-retired caravan salesman has just pulled off an incredible feat against the world heavyweights of Texas Hold ’Em in gambling Mecca Las Vegas.
John was one of 7,221 players who paid $10,000 (£7,700) each to enter the World Series tournament, which is considered the most prestigious event in the poker calendar – and something he just wanted to tick off his bucket list.
Against all the odds, he sailed into the final weekend at the Rio hotel.
US TV ratings rocketed as fans warmed to his jokes with rivals and his bizarre shirt and jacket combinations, topped with a panama hat.
Dream
And while Frenchman Benjamin Pollak beat John to the top prize of £7million in the early hours of yesterday, he was flushed to finish fourth – walking away with £2million.
John said: “I have lived the dream. I have absolutely loved it. I just hope I have spread a little light and happiness in the game. I have been told there are a lot more people watching the broadcast than have ever watched before so it has got to be good for TV ratings.”
Wife Mandy added: “I am so proud of John and all he has achieved. He has had so much fun and it is nice to be with him to see this. He was always a winner to me.
“We will have a party when we get home for family and all the supporters to celebrate but after that life will not change.”
John, of Bridlington, plans to celebrate by going on a caravan holiday in Yorkshire with Mandy and his grandchildren.
But he said he has no plans to turn professional, adding: “People do like fun. I play poker recreationally and I will continue to do so.
“But one thing I won’t be doing is turning into a professional poker player.
“I love Bridlington and going to work there and being with Mandy. I could not be away from her and my family for months on end playing in tournaments. This is just a bit of fun.
“I want to stay an amateur and continue having fun. I have tried to bring a little bit of light to Bridlington where I was born and raised and where my caravan company is based. I’m just sorry I couldn’t have gone a bit further, but I’ve had a ball. The money is obviously nice. But you don’t have to have money to be rich in life. And I couldn’t be happier.”
John now plans to help Bridlington by bringing a major poker tournament to the seaside town. He said: “Bridlington, like most other seaside resorts, has suffered in recent years. It is a lovely town but the young people have to leave to get jobs.
“The cafes, pubs, hotels and shops find it difficult to survive on purely the local residents.
“I would love to be able to inspire the townsfolk through what I have achieved. I would love to stage a major poker tournament in the town and bring the world’s leading players.” John said he was happy enough when he made it to the last 1,000 players as the £11,500 earnings would “cover the cost of buy-in and two weeks stay”.
Success
Vowing his win would not change him, he added: “My life could not get any better, before I came here I felt like that.
“Before I came here I was having a ball. Money is not something that drives me. My desire was to make a success of my business, and have some security for my family, which I did a few years ago.
“I ticked that box. I am not an excessive person and never take more than what I need. I did not come here for the money. I wanted what is fair and reasonable for my services. You can be the most financially wealthy person in the world but not be as rich as I am with my family.”
Back home, John’s pal David Rands, 55, who loaned him the garish jacket he wore throughout the tournament, said: “For an amateur player at that event to make the final, to do what he’s done is incredible.
“I sent him a message before he went to play. I’ve played a lot of golf and I sent something Jack Nicklaus, my idol, used to say, ‘Forget what’s gone, you can’t do anything about that’.
“I told him to think what’s ahead, stand back, clear his head and do a Jack