Rafe Furst

Rafe Furst is an American poker player from Marina del Rey, California, with over $539K in live tournament earnings. His best live cash of $345,984 came when he clinched his first bracelet at the 37th WSOP in June 2006.

Rafe Furst: Early Life

He attended Stanford University in 1986 and graduated in 1990. Afterward, he pursued a double degree in Computer Science at the same university in 1991 but did not complete it, leaving in 1992. That same year, he became a Computer Scientist at the Kestrel Institute, where he worked until 1996. Before transitioning to a professional poker career, Rafe was an investor in Full Tilt Poker until its closure in 2011.

He began his poker journey in September 2004, making his first live tournament appearance at the UltimateBet Poker Classic in Palm Beach. Rafe was last seen at the poker table in 2010 and later co-founded Crowdfunder, where he worked from 2012 to 2016. Currently, he coaches founders, advises family office investors, and is writing a book titled The Future of Venture Capital: How to Win the VC Game & Create Positive Impact. Additionally, he is part of the Unreasonable Mentor program.

Rafe Furst: Live Tournament Participation

Rafe Furst’s first recorded live cash occurred in September 2004 at the Ultimatebet Poker Classic in Palm Beach. He finished in 17th place in a $500 + 40 No Limit Hold’em, cashing $873.

In July 2005, Rafe played in a $1,500 + 70 No Limit Hold’em at the Ultimate Poker Challenge in Las Vegas. He finished in 1st place and won $35,650.

At the 37th WSOP in Las Vegas in June 2006, he won his biggest live cash of $345,984. Rafe entered in a $1,500 Pot Limit Hold’em and finished in 1st place.

Following this, Rafe joined in a A$10,000 + 500 H.O.R.S.E – Special Event during the Aussie Millions Poker Championship in Melbourne in January 2008. He finished in 2nd place and took home $35,161.

Moreover, he finished in 3rd place at the 40th WSOP in July 2009. In this event, he took part in a $5,000 Ante Up for Africa Charity Event and earned $72,308.

In June 2010, Rafe competed in a $2,500 Limit Hold’em – 6 Handed at the 41st WSOP. He ended up in 16th place, earning $9,635.