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 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
Message from the WBF Vice President Ben Thompson
How sad. I was fortunate to play against him many times. Always friendly and fun.
Ben Thompson
Message from the WBF Vice 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
RIP Pepsi
Patrick Choy
My deepest condolences to the family, and to all Polish Bridge Players, great loss to all of us!
Federico Kladt
Condolences to the familly. He was agreat guy and will be missed.
Helen Kruger
A sad loss. A great player and person. Won world championships with him as both teammate and coach. He will be missed.
Chip Martel
Heartfelt condolences. I had an opportunity to play many events against him In the USA. Great loss for Bridge fraternity.
Kirubahara Moorthy NR
My sincerest condolences to the Polish Bridge Community, to the Polish Bridge Federation and to my peer Board members. These are sad news indeed.
Bernard Pascal
So sorry to hear it. Great guy, great teammate, great player.
Adam Wildavsky
