JP Kelly

The seminal UK television program ‘Late Night Poker’ has started many poker careers and it’s also responsible for JP Kelly’s start in the game. He’d already been playing home games with friends and family, but the show’s top-level poker caught JP’s attention and he set about learning the game hoping to earn a living at the felt. The live circuit in the UK was where he first made his mark, and the results have kept coming ever since.

Things started happening in 2005, when he won a tournament in Walsall before he found further success at other UK events. He played the 2007 World Series of Poker* in Las Vegas, cashing in a $3,000 No Limit Hold’em event, before returning the following year and final tabling a $2,500 mixed Hold’em/Omaha event, busting in ninth place for $22,598. Momentum was definitely building for JP, and in 2009 he turned all of his experience and potential into a bracelet win. He announced his arrival on the global scene with his victory in a $1,500 Pot Limit Hold’em event taking home $194,434 in first place prize money. What came next underlined his status as one of the UK’s biggest talents. The World Series was in London for its annual visit, and JP sat down to play the £1,000 No Limit Hold’em tournament. He then proceeded to play through a strong field of 608 players to claim $225,535 and his second World Series bracelet. The fact that he is the only UK player to win two bracelets speaks volumes for his talent, and he is set for a long and prosperous career at the tables of the world’s most prestigious poker tournaments.

Away from competition, JP enjoys the poker pro’s lifestyle. He loves travelling and hooking up with his friends whenever his schedule permits. The golf course and tennis court are popular places too. He has big ambitions in poker, and he’s already targeted a European Poker Tour (EPT) title and another WSOP* bracelet. JP Kelly proud to be a member of Team PokerStars Pro, and you can find him at the tables online using the User ID ‘jp Kelly’.

Career Highlights