James Van Alstyne Bio

This southern boy has made the most of his education. Before embarking on a career in professional blackjack, Van Alstyne was an engineer with an amazing knack for card counting. Eventually he became so good that he had to start wearing baseball hats to disguise his identity. He still sports a baseball hat while playing poker.

Van Alstyne has earned numerous cashes at World Poker Tour events, but is best remembered for his bracelet in the 2009 World Series of Poker. Proving he is one of the top mixed games players in the world, Van Alstyne made final tables in Mixed Games and H.O.R.S.E. before taking down his bracelet in event no. 31.