Chris Ferguson
Born in 1963 in Los Angeles, Chris Ferguson remains one of the most remarkable personalities in the poker scene. With his dark flowing hair, black t-shirts, and Texan hat, he could easily pass as a character straight out of a Clint Eastwood Western. However, behind Ferguson's extraordinary appearance lies a true genius. Having obtained a doctoral degree in Artificial Intelligence from UCLA (University of California, Los Angeles), he serves as an advisor to the State of California on the California Lottery. Both of his parents hold doctorates in mathematics, forging Ferguson's strong connection to the academic world, particularly to the prestigious UCLA.
| Land | Professional since | Favorite games | Bracelets | Highest profit | total profits | Ranking of the Top Earning Players in History as of 2023 | Global Poker Index (2023) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| USA | 1995 | All-rounder | 5 | 1.500.000 $ | 8.915.646 $ | 70 | 759 |
| Hometown: | Pacific Palisades is a beautiful neighborhood located in Las Vegas, California. |
| Interesting facts: | Besides poker, swing dancing is one of Ferguson's favorite pastimes, and he aspires to become a professor of game theory. His card throwing is renowned for being so fast that it could slice through a banana tree. |
| Key moments in poker: | In 1996, he achieved his first impressive victory. He finished 5th in the 27th Annual World Series of Poker's No Limit Hold'em Event, earning him $30,000. |
| Number of WSOP bracelets: | 5 |
| WPT/EPT Winnings: | No |
| Total tournament winnings: | $ 8.915.646 (Stand 2017) |
Poker career and significant winnings
Chris, whose dark curly hair and beard earned him the nickname "Jesus," embarked on his poker career in the early nineties, playing online on an IRC channel where he quickly rose to become the top-ranked player. In 1994, he started participating in small tournaments in the Los Angeles area, and in 1995, he clinched his first WSOP event victory. Following the turn of the millennium, he secured the first of his five bracelets, which he has amassed throughout his career. Among his notable accomplishments was triumphing over the formidable T.J. Cloutier in the 2000 No-Limit Texas Hold'em Main Event, a win that commanded respect.
During his poker career, his most notable achievement came in the form of securing five victories within a span of four years at the official Poker World Championship events. These triumphs stand as a testament to his skill and prowess in the game, showcasing his ability to outmaneuver opponents and emerge as the ultimate victor. The consistency with which he achieved these wins is a testament to his dedication, strategic thinking, and unwavering determination. With each tournament, he further solidified his reputation as a dominant force in the world of poker, leaving a lasting impact on the game and inspiring aspiring players worldwide.
Work for Full Tilt and the brand Chris Ferguson
Despite participating in over 70 tournaments per year, Ferguson managed to find the time in 2004 to launch the online poker platform Full Tilt Poker.com alongside a small group of industry experts. Not only does he actively play on this website, but he also contributes to the development of Full Tilt Poker's software. This ensures that the software and games offered are tailored perfectly to the players' interests.
With his distinctive appearance, Ferguson managed to successfully market himself based on his poker achievements. He showcased his talent not only through his success at the poker tables but also through his participation in a series of advertisements for Milwaukee's Best Light Beer. In doing so, he not only displayed a great deal of self-deprecating humor but also demonstrated a willingness to introduce the game of poker to a wider audience. He believes that poker has had a bad reputation in the past, associated with smoky rooms and wasted lives, an image that players like Chris Ferguson aim to change. Although poker has brought him wealth and fame, he emphasizes that he is not addicted to gambling. Looking ahead, he envisions returning to his roots in academia to teach the theory of poker at a university.
