Chris Ferguson
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| Image:Chris ferguson.jpg | |
| Nickname(s) | Jesus |
|---|---|
| Hometown | Pacific Palisades, California |
| World Series of Poker | |
| Bracelet(s) | 5 |
| Money finishes | 42 |
| Highest ITM main event finish | Winner (2000) |
| World Poker Tour | |
| Titles | None |
| Final tables | 1 |
| Money Finishes | 7 |
Chris "Jesus" Ferguson (born April 11 1963, in Los Angeles, CA) is a professional poker player.
Ferguson attended UCLA where, in 1999, he earned a Ph.D. in computer science (focusing on artificial intelligence) after five years as an undergraduate and 13 years as a graduate student. His Ph.D. advisor was Leonard Kleinrock. Both of Ferguson's parents have doctorate degrees in mathematics.
Ferguson was playing poker even before he was 10 years old. While in college he honed his skill on IRC playing poker for play money in chat rooms. In 1994 he began to play in tournaments in California and in 1995 made his first trip to the World Series of Poker. Ferguson beat T. J. Cloutier at the main event of the 2000 WSOP to win the $1.5 million prize.
Ferguson finished runner-up to Phil Hellmuth Jr in the 2005 National Heads-Up Poker Championship. He made the final again in 2006, but again finished 2nd, this time against Ted Forrest.
Ferguson got the nickname "Jesus" because of his trademark long brown hair and beard. On television some interesting factoids about him have been revealed, including his presidency of a swing dancing club at UCLA as well as his prowess for being able to throw playing cards fast enough to cut through bananas and pickles.
Ferguson is part of the design team for Full Tilt Poker, an online poker website that opened in July 2004.
As of 2005, his total live tournament winnings exceed $5,300,000.
World Series of Poker Bracelets
| Year | Tournament | Prize (US$) |
|---|---|---|
| 2000 | $2,500 Seven Card Stud | $151,000 |
| 2000 | $10,000 No Limit Hold'em World Championship | $1,500,000 |
| 2001 | $1,500 Omaha Hi-Lo Split Eight or Better | $164,735 |
| 2003 | $2,000 Omaha Hi-Lo Split | $123,680 |
| 2003 | $2,000 1/2 Limit Hold'em - 1/2 Seven Card Stud | $66,220 |