Kenna James

Kenna James, nicknamed “Cowboy”, is a professional poker player and personal coach based in Las Vegas, Nevada, with over $4.1 million in live tournament earnings. His most notable achievement came in March 2006, when he secured 2nd place at the PartyPoker.com Million V, earning $700,000—his largest single cash prize to date.

Known for his positive attitude and generous spirit, Kenna is widely respected in the poker community. He frequently donates a portion of his tournament winnings to charity. Off the felt, he has made contributions to the game through hosting poker broadcasts, teaching at the World Poker Tour Boot Camps, and offering private coaching.

In 2022, Kenna expanded his involvement in the poker industry by partnering with Ape In Poker, an iGaming operator.

Kenna James: Early Life

Kenna was born on December 18, 1963, in Chicago, Illinois. He studied drama in college and later moved to Los Angeles to pursue acting. Although he found some success with small roles in TV shows, it wasn’t enough to support him, so he took on side jobs.

In 1996, Kenna started working as a dealer at Hollywood Park Casino in Los Angeles, where he was introduced to poker. After a few months, he became a tournament director, and by 1999, he was directing tournaments internationally. One of his key achievements was organizing the first major poker tournament at the Cosmos Casino Hotel in Moscow, Russia.

While working in the casino, Kenna also began playing low-limit Texas Hold’em. He gradually moved up in stakes and started playing in local tournaments around Southern California, winning a few events. By 1999, after a few years of playing, he decided to go pro and took a job as a prop player at Crystal Park Casino in Los Angeles, fully committing to a career in poker.

Kenna James: Live Tournament Participation

Kenna James has had a successful poker career with several key finishes. His first recorded cash came in October 1996, when he placed 2nd in the $100 + 10 Limit Hold’em event at the Octoberfest in Lake Elsinore, earning $3,300.

Years later, in December 2003, James achieved a significant win by taking 1st place in the $2,500 + 100 Limit Hold’em event at the Bellagio Five-Diamond World Poker Classic in Las Vegas, earning $156,168.

Then, in July 2005, he placed 44th in the $10,000 No Limit Texas Hold’em World Championship at the 36th World Series of Poker in Las Vegas, collecting $235,390.

The following month, in August 2005, James finished 2nd in the $5,000 + 150 WPT Main Event No Limit Hold’em at the 2005 Legends of Poker in Los Angeles, where he cashed $588,210.

Shortly afterward, in February 2006, he claimed another win by taking 1st place in the $2,425 + 165 No Limit Hold’em event at the Poker Classic in Los Angeles, earning $242,251.

Several years later, in November 2009, he placed 7th in the $9,700 + 300 No Limit Hold’em Championship Event at the World Poker Finals in Mashantucket, earning $132,855.

Most recently, in June 2024, James finished 80th in the $5,000 No Limit Hold’em – Seniors High Roller at the 55th World Series of Poker in Las Vegas, cashing $10,000.

Kenna James on Online Tournament

In March 2006, James engaged in a $10,000 + 500 Limit Hold’em at the PartyPoker.com Million V. He finished in 2nd place and secured his biggest online cash of $700,000.

Conclusion

Kenna James has established himself as a respected figure in the poker world, both for his achievements on the felt and his contributions to the poker community. With over $4.1 million in live tournament earnings, his career highlights include multiple deep finishes in prestigious events, showcasing his skill and dedication. Beyond his success, Kenna remains committed to giving back, offering coaching and supporting charitable causes, solidifying his legacy as a positive force in the poker industry.