Los Angeles resident Kenna James (www.KennaJames.com) is probably known as much at the poker tables for his upstanding character and polite nature as he is for his tournament skill. While this may stand in contrast to the stereotypical preconceptions many outsiders still have about poker players, or to some of James' colorful contemporaries who bring insults and controversy with them every time they buy-in, James is a firm believer that you reap what you sow, and tries to conduct himself both in and out of the poker spotlight accordingly.
Kenna James hopes to serve as an ambassador to the game of poker and help shun some of the shady backroom impressions people still have of his sport. Especially during the resurgence in popularity and the added attention brought about by major television coverage. Married to accomplished poker player Marsha Waggoner, this version of the James gang has robbed poker players of their money with shrewd playing. Unlike the James gang of the old west, they draw hot cards, not hot iron. While James enjoys discussing the game and its strategies with fellow players, poker talk is generally avoided at the James house, as the couple feels that their competitive natures are best left at the poker table, and not brought to the dinner table. No Limit Hold'em is the favorite game of Kenna James, and despite his inability to land a first place finish through mid-July of 2005, Kenna James has still managed to earn $263,739 in prize money, including a $235,390 capture in the World Series of Poker No Limit Hold’em main event. And this was a 44th place finish! In fact, Kenna James has only finished in the top ten twice this year, landing a second and sixth place event finish in No Limit Hold'em. But by consistently finishing in the top 25, James continues to build his cash roll, and position himself for finale play.
