Sometimes someone becomes a butt-kicking poker ace, emerging from a previous profession that requires a stiff education and a lot of brains. Among those analytical, brainy types, there have been educated financial gurus - and those more focused on the molecular and atomic make-up of their surroundings. Now add engineering to the mix and you'll discover poker giant James Van Alstyne. Previously an engineer and now a guy who's engineering poker moves that win him tons of money.
Although he is proud of his Southern heritage, Van Alstyne - perhaps for convenience purposes, now calls Las Vegas home. Being one for competition, Van Alstyne luxuriated in professional blackjack prior to his move to the ranks of professional poker. The move seems appropriate for someone with a sixth sense for counting cards.
Now that the engineering title has been changed to poker pro - Van Alstyne - like many others, makes it a point to don a baseball cap. It was his original way to attempt to psyche out his opponents and he continues wearing the cap today.
Apparently his simple hat trick is working. He now boasts six WSOP cashes, eight WPT cashes, and he is already 36th on the 2007 money list with a most recent cash of $5,736 during the No Limit Holdem Event 4.
It is highly unlikely that Van Alstyne will ever need to fall back on his education or return to engineering. His career tournament earnings are currently swelling past the $2.6 million mark.
