Ted Forrest

Ted Forrest is an American professional poker player born on September 24th, 1964, in Syracuse, New York, who currently resides in Las Vegas, Nevada. Known for his distinctive approach to the game, he lives up to his nickname, “Professor Backwards,” by raising when others would typically call and calling when others might raise.

Over his career, Forrest has earned more than $6.3 million in live tournament winnings and has secured six WSOP bracelets. His largest live cash of $1,100,000 was achieved when he won the WPT title in March 2007. Additionally, Forrest has appeared on the show High Stakes Poker.

Ted Forrest: Early Life

Ted Forrest was born on September 24th, 1964, in Syracuse, New York. As a kid, he excelled in sports such as track and field, wrestling, and basketball, and developed a love for the outdoors. At the age of 16, he took a solo camping trip to the Grand Canyon, spending weeks alone without informing anyone, not even his family.

After high school, Ted moved to Las Vegas and began exploring the world of poker. His success in the poker world allowed him to earn enough money to attend Le Moyne College in upstate New York, though he eventually dropped out to focus on his growing poker career.

The Professor, the Banker, and the Suicide King

Ted Forrest was a crucial player in “The Corporation,” a group of elite poker professionals who took on Texas billionaire and real estate mogul Andy Beal in a series of high-stakes heads-up cash games from 2001 to 2004. Forrest competed alongside renowned professional poker players such as Phil Ivey, Todd Brunson, Howard Lederer, Jennifer Harman, Barry Greenstein, Chip Reese, Gus Hansen, and Daniel Negreanu.

Their thrilling encounters are detailed in Michael Craig’s book, The Professor, the Banker, and the Suicide King. In Craig’s book the Suicide King refers to Ted Forrest, one of the best poker players, in all variants, both cash and tournament, and a 6-time WSOP bracelet winner.

Ted Forrest: Poker Journey on High Stakes Poker

Ted Forrest experienced his biggest loss during his debut in the first episode of HSP Season 1. It wasa aired on January 16th, 2006. He suffered a massive $92,700 loss after playing against Daniel Negreanu, the late Doyle Brunson, Gerald Buss, and others. They played a $300/600 +$100 ANTE ($1.2K) No Limit Hold ’em game.

He achieved his best live cash on January 23rd, 2006, in HSP Season 1 Episode 2. Forrest competed in another $300/600 +$100 ANTE ($1.2K) No Limit Hold ’em game. He was seated with Jennifer Harman, Amir Nasseri, Daniel Alaei, and others. Ted won a whopping $98,500.

His most recent appearance was on September 22nd, 2006, in HSP Season 2 Episode 16. He played in a $300/600 +$100 ANTE ($1.2K) No Limit Hold ’em game. Among his opponents were Barry Greenstein, Eli Elezra, Sam Farha, and others. He won an impressive $63,000.

Forrest’s 6 WSOP Bracelets

• April 1993 $5,000 Seven-Card Stud at the 24th WSOP in Las Vegas (1st place, won $114,000)
• May 1st, 1993 $1,500 Seven-Card Razz at the 24th WSOP in Las Vegas (1st place, won $77,400)
• May 2nd, 1993 $1,500 Omaha 8 or Better at the 24th WSOP in Las Vegas (1st place, won $120,000)
• April 2004 $1,500 Seven Card Stud at the 35th WSOP in Las Vegas (1st place, won $111,440)
• May 2004 $1,500 No-Limit Hold’em at the 35th WSOP in Las Vegas (1st place, won $300,300)
• May 2014 $1,500 Seven Card Razz at the 45th WSOP in Las Vegas (1st place, won $121,196)

Ted Forrest: Live Tournament Participation

Ted Forrest recorded his first live cash in August 1991. He participated in a $500 + 30 7 Card Stud Hi/Lo at the 7th Annual Diamond Jim Brady in Los Angeles, Bell Gardens. Forrest finished in 3rd place and secured $9,035 in prize money.

In March 2007, he achieved his best live cash at the WPT Bay 101 Shooting Star in San Jose. Competing in a $9,600 + 400 WPT Championship No Limit Hold’em Event, he finished 1st and won a whopping $1,100,000. Most recently, in January 2024, he entered the $500 Omaha 8/Stud 8 Mix event at the Los Angeles Poker Classic in Los Angeles. Forrest ended up in 9th place and pocketed $950.

Conclusion

Ted Forrest’s poker journey is a story of skill and unique strategy. Starting in Syracuse and making a name in Las Vegas, he’s won six WSOP bracelets and a WPT title, showing his talent in different types of poker games. Known for his unconventional approach and resilience, Forrest has earned respect in the poker community for his ability to adapt and excel under pressure.