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Who is James Bord? Former poker champion set for Dunfermline Athletic takeover

James Bord is spearheading a consortium in advanced talks with the East End Park club.

James Bord celebrating a seven-figure poker win.
Ex-poker player James Bord is set for Dunfermline takeover. Image: Card Player.

Dunfermline will tap into state-of-the-art sports data analytics if a takeover by ex-professional poker player James Bord is finalised.

The 43-year-old, who divides his time between the United States and the UK, is leading the consortium that is in advanced talks with the Pars.

The Englishman has already visited East End Park and discussions have taken place with the Scottish FA over clearance for the possible deal.

Reports claim Hampden chiefs will approve the sale this week, with Bord set to meet the SFA board.

The former poker star, along with fellow investors Wai Yin Kelly Kung and Justin Royce Harkema, is in advanced negotiations with Hamburg-based DAFC Fussball GmbH, who have shares and convertible loan notes up to a total of 95 per cent.

DAFC Fussball GmbH (L-R) Damir Keretic, Nick Teller, Albrecht Gundermann, Thomas Meggle took control of the club in 2021
The initial make-up of DAFC Fussball GmbH, from left: Damir Keretic, Nick Teller, Albrecht Gundermann, Thomas Meggle in 2021. Image: DAFC.

They announced in August they were looking for buyers interested in their stake just four years on from first investing in the Fifers.

Bord, through his Park Bench CF LLC, has a minority stake in – and is a director of – Cordoba CF, who currently sit 17th in the Second Division in Spain.

Therefore, for a takeover to be completed, the SFA would have to decide on dual interest rules and would also have to judge Bord and his fellow investors against their ‘fit and proper person’ criteria.

These include a possible limit on the stake allowed because of dual ownership and also an inability to bet on any football matches.

Who is James Bord?

Described as a former poker player, Bord has apparently not played professionally for around a decade.

The former banker left the world of finance in his mid-20s to play poker full-time and has reportedly scooped over $4 million from the card game.

He became the first British champion of the World Series of Poker Europe Main Event in 2010 when he landed an incredible $1,313,611 (then around £830,000).

He also competed against Brighton owner Tony Bloom.

What will be of more interest to Dunfermline and their fans, however, is Bord’s Short Circuit Science company based in San Francisco in the United States.

Dunfermline CEO and chairman David Cook.
Dunfermline Athletic CEO and chairman David Cook has remained tight-lipped over the takeover discussions. Image: Ross Parker / SNS Group.

The data science business is involved in medical and climate analysis, but describes itself as being ‘at the forefront of sports analytics, harnessing the power of AI and computer vision to delve deep into the world of sports’.

This work includes player analysis that feeds into training programmes, scouting and player development.

On their website, Short Circuit Science also say they ‘excel in dissecting team dynamics, formations, and play patterns using our cutting-edge computer vision capabilities’.

They go on: “Through comprehensive analysis of player and team data, we unveil strengths, weaknesses, and untapped growth opportunities.

‘Propels teams towards greatness’

“Armed with these invaluable insights, teams can gain a competitive edge and attain heightened success on the field.

“Our commitment to performance optimization drives excellence and propels teams towards greatness.”

It was initially hoped that a deal could be concluded by Christmas, allowing for the fresh finance and data analytics to be applied to the January transfer window.

The Pars are set to appoint Kelty Hearts boss Michael Tidser as manager after the sacking of James McPake.

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