Chris Ferguson, often referred to as “Jesus” in the poker community, has had a tumultuous journey in the world of poker, marked by remarkable success, controversy, and a controversial comeback.
Early Life and Education
Born in 1963 in California, Chris Ferguson had a unique upbringing. His parents were highly educated with doctoral degrees in mathematics from UCLA. They expected Chris to follow in their academic footsteps, but he charted a different path. He pursued computer science and earned a doctoral degree in the field, a decision that would later play a significant role in his poker career.
Ferguson’s introduction to poker came during his university days, although online poker, as we know it today, didn’t exist at the time. He initially played in text chat rooms for play money but quickly developed a passion for the game.
Poker Career Beginnings
In 1994, Ferguson began to take poker more seriously. He started competing in California’s tournament circuit, honing his skills in low buy-in events. He continued his academic pursuits, obtaining his Ph.D. in 1999. However, the allure of poker ultimately led him to choose a different path: becoming a professional poker player.
Rise to Stardom
In 2000, Chris Ferguson’s poker career took off. He won his first World Series of Poker (WSOP) bracelet in Seven Card Stud, earning a six-figure score. But his most significant victory came in the WSOP Main Event that year, where he claimed the title and $1.5 million in prize money.
Ferguson’s success continued as he won more WSOP bracelets and earned substantial tournament winnings. He was known for his tight-aggressive playing style and his ability to remain calm and patient at the poker table.
Full Tilt Poker and Poker Stardom
In 2004, Chris Ferguson co-founded Full Tilt Poker, an online poker platform that quickly gained immense popularity. Full Tilt Poker became the leading online poker room, attracting top professional players and sponsoring major poker shows. Chris’s role as one of the founders and his status as a poker superstar helped the platform flourish.
The Full Tilt Scandal
However, Full Tilt Poker’s success took a dark turn with the events of “Black Friday” in 2011 when the U.S. Department of Justice targeted online poker operators. Full Tilt Poker faced severe financial troubles, and players’ funds were frozen. While Ferguson was a founder, he remained mostly silent during this tumultuous period, failing to address players’ concerns.
The poker community felt betrayed, and Chris Ferguson, along with other Full Tilt figures, became a pariah. The platform’s eventual acquisition by PokerStars allowed players to access their funds, but the damage was done.
Ferguson’s Controversial Comeback
After years of absence from major poker events, Chris Ferguson made a comeback in 2016, rejoining the World Series of Poker without addressing the Full Tilt scandal. This return sparked controversy and divided the poker community.
In 2017, he won the WSOP Player of the Year title, further polarizing opinions. He finally released an apology video in which he acknowledged his lack of involvement in Full Tilt’s management during the crisis but offered few specifics or a full explanation. His apology left many players unsatisfied.
Chris Ferguson’s Net Worth
Chris Ferguson’s net worth is challenging to determine accurately. His live tournament earnings exceed $9.5 million, but his wealth likely extends beyond this figure. He faced legal issues following Black Friday, agreeing to a settlement with the Department of Justice involving substantial financial payments and forfeiture of assets.
Summary: A Polarizing Figure in Poker
Chris Ferguson’s poker journey is a complex tale of success, controversy, and a divisive comeback. While his poker skills are undeniable, his association with the Full Tilt Poker scandal continues to overshadow his career. Whether he can fully repair his reputation within the poker community remains uncertain, as many players still harbor deep-seated grievances over the events of Black Friday and its aftermath.