Three of the top pros in the poker biz finally got sponsorship deals. J.C. Tran, Quinn Do, and Nam Le are all accomplished pros recently signed deals to promote the Asian Poker Tour. Yep, they’re Asian. Makes sense, right?
Here’s what gets my goat (no jokes about my goat, please). J.C., Nam, and Quinn have consistently proven their skills at the tables. Not only are they successful on the tournament circuit (Tran with nearly $7 million in winnings, Le with close to $5 million, and Do closing in on $2 million), but they are some of the most respectful gentlemen at the tables. They all carry themselves with a great deal of class and dignity, and they are known to be financially responsible, generous with friends, and kind to others. Who wouldn’t want any one of these guys representing their brand at poker tournaments all over the world?
Evidently, not PokerStars, Full Tilt, Doyles Room, Bodog, or any of the other major online poker sites. For the love of sponsorship deals, J.C. Tran even won the 2006 PokerStars WCOOP main event! Granted, I am not privy to behind-the-scenes information with these guys, and I cannot swear that they have not been offered deals. However, J.C. Tran has gone on the record to say that it is odd that Asian women get inked by online poker sites – Liz Lieu, Evelyn Ng, JJ Liu, to name a few – but Asian men quite often get left out of the mix.
Whether or not there is outright prejudice affecting these decisions is pure speculation. And it is satisfying to know that J.C., Nam, and Quinn have secured deals through the Asian Poker Tour, especially with the predicted growth of poker in the Asian markets. So, to the online sites who haven’t signed these guys, what’s the problem? And to the guys themselves, congrats, safe travels to the next APT stop in Seoul, and much success to you in the future.
