While other kids of his age were learning basic math calculations, Christopher Philip Ferguson or Chris Ferguson was busy learning odds. A pro at multitasking, Ferguson won six World Series of Poker (WSOP) bracelets. Not to forget, he was the first player to have won three World Series of Poker Circuit rings.
As per Hendon Mob, Ferguson has a total live earning of $9,584,547. His best live cash of $1,500,000 came from the 31st WSOP $10,000 World Championship No Limit Texas Hold’em game. Ferguson ranks 106th in the all-time money list.
Ferguson was born on 11th April 1963 in Los Angeles, California. He started playing poker when he was just 10 years old. Ferguson earned a Ph.D. in computer science from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where his father teaches game theory and theoretical probability. While in college he mastered Internet Relay Chat (IRC) poker and started playing online in chat rooms. In 1994, this California native began playing poker tournaments and also participated in WSOP in 1995. The Full Tilt Poker founder was often seen as a quiet player because he adopted a motionless pose while grinding. He does so to avoid feeding any information to his rivals while grinding. Back then Ferguson started using his signature wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses deliberately to depict an image that does not make him look like a college student.
Chris Ferguson’s social profiles 🌐
But as a professional poker player, is grinding the only thing Ferguson is good at? Hell, no! If we were to talk about the things Ferguson does apart from playing poker, one will be amazed at the talents of this American pro. He is a ballroom dancer, the co-founder of a poker site, excels in card and chip tricks and more.
ALSO READ: After 7 years, Chris Ferguson apologizes for Black Friday
He won his first WSOP bracelet by nailing the $2,500 Seven-Card Stud event for $151,000 at the 2000 WSOP. The same year he went on to nail the Main Event of the series for $1.5 million. He again made it to the 2004 WSOP World Championship event, however, finished 26th for $120,000.
At the 2005 National Heads-Up Poker Championship, Ferguson finished at the runner-up spot against Phil Hellmuth. The following year he again made it to the finals and again finished second against Ted Forrest. Tables turned in 2008 when Ferguson finally claimed the title by defeating another American pro Andy Bloch.
All the stats in this article are updated as of 9th March 2022!
Ferguson set a record with 23 in the money (ITMs) at the 2017 WSOP. The same year, he added a sixth bracelet to his shelf at the WSOP Europe after he shipped €1,650 Pot-Limit Omaha Hi-Lo 8 or Better event for € 39,289. This was Ferguson’s first bracelet in 14 long years. He was also awarded the WSOP Player of the Year award in 2017.
This multi-talented poker pro got embroiled in a controversy pertaining to his poker site. On 20th September 2011, the U.S. Justice Department filed a motion to amend a civil complaint, which stated that Ferguson and three other directors of the poker site used a ponzi scheme that paid $444 million of customer money to fill the owners pockets. This case was however dismissed on 19th February 2013 giving a verdict that money be paid out by Ferguson and limitations were imposed on his website.
Here is a video from Chris Ferguson. It’s a shame that so many of the younger poker players have JUDGED Chris so harshly. I believe that the whole truth about Full Tilt Poker will come out, and I believe the “Haters” will be surprised #IAmALoverNOTAJudge https://t.co/CABB6MXqS6
— phil_hellmuth (@phil_hellmuth) May 24, 2018
From all that we’ve written above you must have understood that Ferguson has a colourful personality. He is known for his ability to throw playing cards at high speed enough to cut through bananas, carrots, and melons. Fascinating right? This American pro is popularly known as ‘Jesus’ for his signature long brown hair, beard, and gentlemanly characteristics. We hope to see this pro return to the poker felts and grab more bracelets.
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Amarylisa Gonsalves is a Content Writer at Gutshot Magazine. Advancing from a marketing background, she found her calling in writing. She takes delight in exploring genres and is a curious learner. Patient and ambivert, she believes in letting her work speak for itself. Apart from content writing, she finds solace in writing poetry by expressing herself through words. Additionally, she adores indulging in anything that satisfies her creative self, like drawing and DIY crafts.
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