It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to realize Chris Ferguson received the nickname “Jesus” because of his long hair and his beard. But it does take a rocket scientist to beat him. A winner of five World Series of Poker bracelets and the 2000 WSOP event, Chris has taken home more than $2 million. Ironically, he says he never wears his famed cowboy hat outside of the poker room. Some believe he wears the hat only to fool others into believing that he’s not that great of a player. Fat chance.

Chris was born in LA to a father who teaches game theory and statistics at UCLA. His mother has a PhD in mathematics. It’s no wonder that he’s into academia. A graduate of UCLA, Chris has a PhD in Computer Science with an Artificial Intelligence emphasis. Because of this, he usually approaches poker purely intellectually, rather than relying on his feelings or emotions. He started playing poker games with his parents as a child, and eventually graduated to low-limit games at Vegas casinos. It was 1993 before he started taking the game seriously though. In his spare time, Chris is also a great ballroom dancer and a stock market “day trader.” He says he doesn’t consider himself “obsessed” with poker at all.

Fun Facts and Finishes

• Chris can throw playing cards so fast that they will cut through carrots. Don’t tick him off at the table!
• Chris is also a research assistant and hopes to be a professor himself one day…a professor of game theory just like his dad.
• In 2003, Chris won first place in WSOP Mixed Games.
• In 2001 and 2003, Chris won first place in WSOP Omaha High-Low.
• In 2000, Chris won first place in WSOP Seven Card Stud.
• In 2000, Chris won first place in the WSOP main event.