{"id":52731,"date":"2022-10-11T11:32:19","date_gmt":"2022-10-11T09:32:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/funbridge.com\/blog\/?p=52731"},"modified":"2022-10-11T16:05:07","modified_gmt":"2022-10-11T14:05:07","slug":"bridge-influencers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/funbridge.com\/blog\/en\/bridge-influencers\/","title":{"rendered":"12 influential personalities in bridge"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/funbridge.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/bridge-influencers-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"Bridge influencers\" class=\"wp-image-52959\" srcset=\"https:\/\/funbridge.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/bridge-influencers-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/funbridge.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/bridge-influencers-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/funbridge.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/bridge-influencers-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/funbridge.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/bridge-influencers-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/funbridge.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/bridge-influencers.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Like any field, bridge needs its reference points in order to examine itself, develop and evolve. From championships to specialised magazines, men and women leave their mark on the bridge world, which is strengthened by their experience, their history and their temperament. Here are the 12 personalities to follow, both at the table and elsewhere.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Barry Rigal<\/strong> #Humble representative<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-1 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\"><div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"436\" height=\"453\" src=\"https:\/\/funbridge.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/barry-ringal.jpg\" alt=\"Barry Rigal \u00a9 ACBL\" class=\"wp-image-52962\" srcset=\"https:\/\/funbridge.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/barry-ringal.jpg 436w, https:\/\/funbridge.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/barry-ringal-289x300.jpg 289w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 436px) 100vw, 436px\" \/><figcaption>Barry Rigal \u00a9 ACBL<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<p>Life\u2019s paths are sometimes the result of unforeseen events. For Barry Rigal, president of the International Bridge Press Association (IBPA), his ability to adapt to circumstances has been instrumental in his career. A high-flying player, he first became known as a commentator on VuGraph. In 1987, this led him to <em>\u201cbe induced in a more or less consenting manner to join the IBPA\u201d<\/em>, and then to succeed to the presidency after the sudden death of Patrick Jourdain. Under the leadership of Barry Rigal, the association has grown considerably and its monthly newsletter is now a reference, in particular thanks to the &#8211; sometimes spicy &#8211; pen of John Carruthers. <em>\u201cToday, I am much busier than I could have imagined, but also very proud of our accomplishments,&#8221;<\/em> says the president, adding that, for personal reasons, he could not be sure about the future.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Olivier Comte<\/strong> #Entrepreneur<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-2 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<p>An experienced manager and a leader by nature, Olivier Comte is an example of French success in the video game sector. After starting out at L\u2019Or\u00e9al, Infogrames, Bandai Namco and Koch Media, he finally became president of GOTO Investment in 2019, which has since become 52 Entertainment. This group owns notably BBO, Funbridge, Le Bridgeur and the CBO among others, and the CEO likes to define it as <em>\u201cone of the biggest e-sport companies\u201d<\/em>; a sector which should continue to grow in the years to come. The entrepreneur wants to assert himself as a positive influence not only thanks to the complementary services offered by his online platforms, but also by the constant support given to clubs to <em>\u201cpreserve the true social experience of bridge\u201d<\/em> and offer the best possible playing experience.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\"><div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"666\" height=\"583\" src=\"https:\/\/funbridge.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/olivier-comte.jpg\" alt=\"Olivier Comte \u00a9 Blush Photographie \/ Elodie Oliveira\" class=\"wp-image-52963\" srcset=\"https:\/\/funbridge.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/olivier-comte.jpg 666w, https:\/\/funbridge.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/olivier-comte-300x263.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 666px) 100vw, 666px\" \/><figcaption>Olivier Comte \u00a9 Blush Photographie \/ Elodie Oliveira<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Boye Brogeland<\/strong> #Sheriff<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-3 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\"><div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"302\" height=\"386\" src=\"https:\/\/funbridge.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/boye-brogeland.jpg\" alt=\"Boye Brogeland \u00a9 D.R\" class=\"wp-image-52964\" srcset=\"https:\/\/funbridge.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/boye-brogeland.jpg 302w, https:\/\/funbridge.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/boye-brogeland-235x300.jpg 235w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 302px) 100vw, 302px\" \/><figcaption>Boye Brogeland \u00a9 D.R<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<p>This Norwegian is not only the owner of the \u2018Bridge I Norge\u2019 magazine, he is also a recognized champion. Winner of the Bermuda Bowl in 2007, the European Championships in 2008 and 2018, as well as the Spingold in 2017, as a player he has proved his worth. However, it was not his victories at the table that earned him his high profile and the nickname \u201cSheriff\u201d, but his commitment to the beautiful game. In 2015, following a scandal, he was at the heart of a campaign against cheating, inviting the community to become more rigorous. This battle makes him proud and he continues to fight it today. <em>\u201cBridge is a great game, which has to be built on the integrity of the players. I now have a voice, which I hope to use to have a positive impact on the future of bridge.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Giannarigo Rona<\/strong> #Dedicated president<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-4 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<p>Regardless of his career as a distinguished lawyer, Gianarrigo Rona has always been a sportsman at heart. After briefly climbing into the Italian basketball first division, he later began to follow in the footsteps of his parents, both recognised bridge players. In 1979 he made the decision to invest time in the World Bridge Federation (WBF), to the point of becoming president from 2010 to 2022. This was only one of many esteemed titles, including that of member of the Italian Olympic Committee. Asked about his role in the bridge world, he confides: <em>\u201cWhen you hold an important position, you have to set an example by acting with honesty, integrity, love, dedication and common sense, in order to really be of service to others. [&#8230;] Every day, I ask myself the question: \u201cWhat can I do for my federation?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\"><div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"302\" height=\"383\" src=\"https:\/\/funbridge.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/gianarrigo-rona.jpg\" alt=\"Giannarigo Rona \u00a9 D.R\" class=\"wp-image-52966\" srcset=\"https:\/\/funbridge.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/gianarrigo-rona.jpg 302w, https:\/\/funbridge.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/gianarrigo-rona-237x300.jpg 237w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 302px) 100vw, 302px\" \/><figcaption>Giannarigo Rona \u00a9 D.R<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Matt Smith<\/strong> #Popular<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-5 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\"><div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"665\" height=\"468\" src=\"https:\/\/funbridge.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/matt-smith.jpg\" alt=\"Marc Smith \u00a9 D.R\" class=\"wp-image-52967\" srcset=\"https:\/\/funbridge.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/matt-smith.jpg 665w, https:\/\/funbridge.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/matt-smith-300x211.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 665px) 100vw, 665px\" \/><figcaption>Marc Smith \u00a9 D.R<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<p>If there are some personalities who fuel controversy, there are others about who there is a consensus. Chief International Director Matt Smith is in the second category. Club director since 1973 and tournament director since 1983, he is a veteran of the game much appreciated for his humor, his passion for the game and his dedication. In particular, when responsible for organizing the world championships in Lyon (France) 2017 and Wuhan (China) 2019, he did not let his long career overshadow his goal : to make bridge more widely accessible. As chief director, he has helped make tournament refereeing decisions more transparent and <em>\u201chopes to have helped make competitions fairer, more enjoyable and professionally organized.\u201d<\/em> Today, he wants to pass on his knowledge to the next generation of bridge players, to continue to constantly improve their experience of our game.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Alvin Levy<\/strong> #Digital pioneer<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-6 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<p>Every major change has its precursor. When it comes to the introduction of technology in bridge, it&#8217;s hard not to mention Alvin Levy&#8217;s work. A great administrator, this American bridge player has held many important positions and has received many honorary titles. Notably, he was president of the ACBL and author of the Laws of Rubber Bridge (2014) for the American league. He remains very involved in the world federation as president of the technology commission. But he is perhaps best known for being the man behind the World Computer-Bridge Championship. The event, organized since 1996 and sponsored by the ACBL and the WBF, has allowed the online game to gain popularity, up to the point of winning real recognition. This legitimization is one of Alvin Levy&#8217;s greatest prides. <em>\u201cFor years, many journalists and I have helped bring the attention of the bridge community to the technical world. The computer-championship has made it possible to develop better computer programs for teaching, for pleasure, and for understanding the game. Moreover, the development of online tournaments brings additional financial support to clubs and allows players to practice their favorite activity whenever they want. It is a great honor for me to have contributed to this.\u201d<\/em> Today, online bridge, on many platforms, occupies a more important place than ever, and it is certain that the efforts of Alvin Levy are largely responsible for making the o&#8221;cial authorities and the players recognize this.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\"><div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"690\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/funbridge.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/alvin-levy-690x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Alvin Levy \u00a9 ACBL\" class=\"wp-image-52999\" srcset=\"https:\/\/funbridge.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/alvin-levy-690x1024.jpg 690w, https:\/\/funbridge.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/alvin-levy-202x300.jpg 202w, https:\/\/funbridge.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/alvin-levy-768x1140.jpg 768w, https:\/\/funbridge.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/alvin-levy-1035x1536.jpg 1035w, https:\/\/funbridge.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/alvin-levy.jpg 1330w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 690px) 100vw, 690px\" \/><figcaption>Alvin Levy \u00a9 ACBL<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Geert Magerman<\/strong> #University man<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<p>Despite low media coverage in France, university sport occupies a primordial place on the international sports scene, as well as in the recruitment of future champions. Regarding bridge, it is largely due to Geert Magerman and his involvement in the WBF and EBL that we owe the recognition of the game as a university sport by FISU, then by EUSA. A civil engineer, head of development and innovation for a large energy industrial group, this Belgian bridge-player has always been passionate about the practice of bridge at universities. Notably, he was a pioneer in the organizing of online university tournaments and continues to have a great interest in the promotion of the game. <em>\u201cDefending university bridge and online bridge is not always an easy task. Fortunately, I have been able to count on many important supporters, including Jos\u00e9 Damiani. Today, I&#8217;m more motivated than ever to continue my efforts, as we still have a lot of room for improvement. You can count on me!\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\"><div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"536\" height=\"558\" src=\"https:\/\/funbridge.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/geert-magerman.jpg\" alt=\"Geert Magerman \u00a9 D.R\" class=\"wp-image-52970\" srcset=\"https:\/\/funbridge.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/geert-magerman.jpg 536w, https:\/\/funbridge.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/geert-magerman-288x300.jpg 288w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 536px) 100vw, 536px\" \/><figcaption>Geert Magerman \u00a9 D.R<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Sevin\u00e7 Atay<\/strong> #Ambassador of the game<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\"><div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"323\" height=\"526\" src=\"https:\/\/funbridge.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sevinc-atay.jpg\" alt=\"Sevin\u00e7 Atay \u00a9 D.R\" class=\"wp-image-52972\" srcset=\"https:\/\/funbridge.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sevinc-atay.jpg 323w, https:\/\/funbridge.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sevinc-atay-184x300.jpg 184w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 323px) 100vw, 323px\" \/><figcaption>Sevin\u00e7 Atay \u00a9 D.R<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<p>In order to keep the world of bridge welcoming and accessible to everyone, Sevin\u00e7 Atay has been committed for many years to the integration of women and youth in our great gaming community. She has been awarded numerous national titles as champion, and as coordinator of several large-scale events; she also received the World Federation&#8217;s gold medal in 2014. Serving the Turkish federation since 1998, her international career as administrator began in 2003, when she joined the ranks of the world federation and the European league to occupy leading positions. In both organizations she has several times been representative of the women&#8217;s committee and the youth committee, and has always been faithful to her commitments. Her efforts have included the creation of bridge schools and summer camps to introduce young people to the game and to pass on the torch. <em>\u201cIt is with great pride that I see my work recognized. I am continuing my efforts to promote bridge, especially for women and young people, but I am already happy to see global synergy in the right direction.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Anna Gulevich<\/strong> #Accomplished sportswoman<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<p>Mainly known for her exploits in Russia, Anna Gulevich enjoys a growing popularity internationally. Her victory in 2012 at the World Games in Lille marked the beginning of her rise on the world stage. After winning numerous titles &#8211; including some together with her bridge and life partner Andrey Gromov -, this sportswoman experienced a decisive turning point in 2019. That year, she left her important position in a large company to devote herself entirely to bridge; as a champion, but also through numerous projects for the integration of new players and the recognition of women in bridge. A risky bet, rewarded with a world title in Wuhan, which has redoubled her determination. <em>\u201cA woman player has to put in a lot more effort to be recognized or to get a salary comparable to her male counterparts. I would like to contribute to changing that.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\"><div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"467\" height=\"463\" src=\"https:\/\/funbridge.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/anna-gulevich.jpg\" alt=\"Anna Gulevich \u00a9 D.R\" class=\"wp-image-52974\" srcset=\"https:\/\/funbridge.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/anna-gulevich.jpg 467w, https:\/\/funbridge.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/anna-gulevich-300x297.jpg 300w, https:\/\/funbridge.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/anna-gulevich-150x150.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 467px) 100vw, 467px\" \/><figcaption>Anna Gulevich \u00a9 D.R<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Jacek Pszczola<\/strong> #Pepsi<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-10 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<p>This Polish-born American champion has been showing off his talent ever since winning the 1998 World Pairs Championship. Winner of the Bermuda Bowl in 2017, of the Alt IV with team Josef Blass this May, and the ACBL&#8217;s \u201cPlayer of the year\u201d in 2019, Jacek \u201cPepsi\u201d Pszczola is still far from having said his last word. With the allure of a child and his natural good nature, he remains relatively discreet and humble in front of his trophies, preferring to concentrate on the game. An expert journalist even confides to having been present at an Australian tournament where Pespi played without anyone knowing that he was a world champion. In the years to come, \u201cTeam Blass\u201d may well continue its ascent, with many talented players in its midst. Follow very closely.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\"><div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"376\" height=\"475\" src=\"https:\/\/funbridge.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/jacek-pszczola.jpg\" alt=\"Jacek Pszczola \u00a9 ACBL\" class=\"wp-image-52976\" srcset=\"https:\/\/funbridge.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/jacek-pszczola.jpg 376w, https:\/\/funbridge.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/jacek-pszczola-237x300.jpg 237w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 376px) 100vw, 376px\" \/><figcaption>Jacek Pszczola \u00a9 ACBL<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Christina Lund Madsen<\/strong> #Warrioress<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-11 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\"><div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"302\" height=\"384\" src=\"https:\/\/funbridge.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/lund-madsen.jpg\" alt=\"Christina Lund Madsen \u00a9 D.R\" class=\"wp-image-52978\" srcset=\"https:\/\/funbridge.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/lund-madsen.jpg 302w, https:\/\/funbridge.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/lund-madsen-236x300.jpg 236w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 302px) 100vw, 302px\" \/><figcaption>Christina Lund Madsen \u00a9 D.R<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<p><em>\u201cPlaying bridge is like being on the battlefield for me,\u201d<\/em> says Christina Lund Madsen. Aprofessional player, until recently editor in charge of the Danish magazine Dansk Bridge and a great enthusiast, in 2015 she received a royal scholarship from Prince Henrik of Denmark for her leading role in the bridge community. Known for her zest for life and her enthusiasm, this bridgeuse-journaliste nevertheless proves to be tenacious and determined. She confides that <em>\u201cIt is not always easy to be a woman, young and blonde, coming from a country of five million inhabitants, with a big mouth and the desire to conquer the world of bridge\u201d.<\/em> Nevertheless, Christina Lund Madsen&#8217;s gamble has been a success, and she is far from having said her last word. Currently, she occupies a central place in the organization of the \u201cAlt Invitational\u201d online events.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Steve Weinstein<\/strong> #Social link<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-12 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<p>It was at a very young age that Steve Weinstein was brought up to play bridge, encouraged by two enthusiastic parents, including his stepfather Fred Stewart, his first partner. This precociousness probably helped to make him the youngest ever winner of a North American championship event. But the champion did not want to settle only for his titles. Because bridge is above all a community united around the same passion, Steve Weinstein wanted to create an exchange platform accessible to all. This goal was made a reality by the creation of Bridge Winners, of which he is co-founder. The site is now a benchmark for players all around the world. <em>\u201cI am very proud of the role played by Bridge Winners in the media coverage of the cheating scandal in 2015. But, more generally, I have learned a lot from my partners and friends over the years and am delighted to share this knowledge with \u2018the whole bridge community\u2019.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\"><div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"436\" height=\"543\" src=\"https:\/\/funbridge.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/steve-weinstein.jpg\" alt=\"Steve Weinstein \u00a9 ACBL\" class=\"wp-image-52979\" srcset=\"https:\/\/funbridge.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/steve-weinstein.jpg 436w, https:\/\/funbridge.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/steve-weinstein-241x300.jpg 241w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 436px) 100vw, 436px\" \/><figcaption>Steve Weinstein \u00a9 ACBL<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>And you, who would you have named in this article?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Share your view in the <em>Comments<\/em> section!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Like any field, bridge needs its reference points in order to examine itself, develop and evolve. From championships to specialised magazines, men and women leave their mark on the bridge world, which is strengthened by their experience, their history and their temperament. Here are the 12 personalities to follow, both at the table and elsewhere. Barry Rigal #Humble representative Life\u2019s paths are sometimes the result of unforeseen events. For Barry Rigal, president of the International Bridge Press Association (IBPA), his ability to adapt to circumstances has been instrumental in his career. A high-flying player, he first became known as a\u2026<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":42,"featured_media":52959,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[14909],"tags":[13348],"access":[13334],"class_list":["post-52731","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-bridge-news","tag-report","access-premium-plus-en"],"blocksy_meta":{"styles_descriptor":{"styles":{"desktop":"","tablet":"","mobile":""},"google_fonts":[],"version":5}},"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v26.3 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>12 influential personalities in bridge - Blog Funbridge<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/funbridge.com\/blog\/en\/bridge-influencers\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"fr_FR\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"12 influential personalities in bridge - Blog Funbridge\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Like any field, bridge needs its reference points in order to examine itself, develop and evolve. From championships to specialised magazines, men and women leave their mark on the bridge world, which is strengthened by their experience, their history and their temperament. Here are the 12 personalities to follow, both at the table and elsewhere. Barry Rigal #Humble representative Life\u2019s paths are sometimes the result of unforeseen events. For Barry Rigal, president of the International Bridge Press Association (IBPA), his ability to adapt to circumstances has been instrumental in his career. 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