My Poker Hero

Chris “Jesus” Ferguson is one of the most accomplished tournament poker players over the last ten years. He is also one of the most boring to watch on TV. He won the World Series of Poker Main Event in 2000, the National Heads-up Poker Championship in 2008, three WSOP Circuit titles and over thirty WSOP cash finishes in the last five years, more than any other player. He has never belittled an opponent, trumpeted his manhood or wrecked a racecar. He doesn’t dress up like a general or a jester, favoring his basic black hat, jacket, shirt and sunglasses. He doesn’t curse, jump, scream or yell. All he does is win.

I had the pleasure of meeting Chris at last year’s WSOP (see photo). I told him that I was the Houston affiliate for FullTiltPoker.net, the site he endorses, plays and helped to develop. He gave a warm smile, a firm handshake and said, “Oh, cool!”

(Start Goofy Fanboy Moment)
Heh, heh. My poker hero said I was “cool”. Heh, heh.
(End Goofy Fanboy Moment)

Chris has been playing poker online since the days of Internet Relay Chat. In those days, today’s young online poker “superstars” were still playing on jungle gyms at recess. Chris also has made his own internet legend by starting from literally nothing and growing his bankroll to over ten thousand dollars. His perserverance and force of will have inspired me to start a similar challenge.

Many poker TV commentators have noted on how Chris maintains such a calm, serene manner at the table, even in the most pressure-packed tournament situations. He never gives off a tell, never shows his emotions and never makes a silly mistake. He’s stiff, he’s unexciting, he’s not prone to dramatics and, physical appearance aside, he makes for boring TV. So why is Chris Ferguson my poker hero?

All he does is win.