Jacek “Pepsi” Pszczoła

Francesca Canali

3 weeks ago

Jacek “Pepsi” Pszczoła, a multiple world bridge champion, was part of the international bridge community for many years. Born in Poland, he played under both the Polish and American flags during his outstanding career. He belonged to that unique competitive circle that gathers around the globe for so many days each year that it becomes impossible not to feel at least a little bit like family.

Today, that community is deeply shaken by his untimely passing, after a devastating illness.

We will always remember his extraordinary talent, his smile, and the quiet confidence of a player who had mastered the art of giving partner their time and space… so much so that he would casually open a book and read it while playing dummy.

Rest in peace, Pepsi.

Message from the EBL President Eric Laurant

We only met 20 years ago. People told me you were a quite good player. I thought ok, there are more of those.

At that time I had just became captain of the Dutch open team. My players told me that you were not quite a good player but a really top player. So I was warned and got interested.

I only played against you occasionally, I play bridge on normal levels. But I’ve met you in person hundreds of times. Tens of dinners we have shared, mostly with our mutual friend Reese. You never called me Eric, it was always mister captain. Until I became a candidate for the EBL presidency. Since then you called me mister future president. And since I was elected, whenever you spotted me, you called me mister president. Never ever Eric. Always polite. Always friendly. And positive until ten end.

And also sharp, analytical and honest. When May and I ruined a board in some ACBL mixed, we decided to ask your opinion. Your short answer was clear: “May, you bid (as usual) too high and mister president, you missed an obvious end play to correct her”.

That’s what friends are for.

We all will miss you Pepsi.

Eric Laurant

Message from the WBF President Franck Riehm

He was a fantastic player and a lovely person. We had seen him at a regional tournament in France with Emmanuelle Monod last fall. We honored him by inviting him up to the podium so he could say a few words to the entire audience. He carried out this task with his usual good humor and kindness. He was a wonderful spokesperson for our game. We will all miss him very much. My deepest condolences to his loved ones, and I am saddened for the Polish Federation, which has lost one of its flagship figures.

Franck Riehm