Chris 'Jesus' Ferguson Booed and Confronted at Final Table

(Photo: Pokerpros.co.za)

Chris ‘Jesus’ Ferguson’s first final table since 2008 saw him collect 4th place amid extra security, a mixture of quiet support and some noisy booing from the rail - followed by a confrontation which saw Daniel Levy shout “Shame!” at Ferguson and his crew.

Since returning from a self-imposed exile after the Full Tilt scandal which saw $440million of player funds disappear into a black hole of management expenses and handouts, Ferguson has been quietly trying to enjoy his WSOP return.

Many players, however, have refused to forgive and forget, especially as Ferguson has never apologised for his part in the affair which saw the US Department of Justice swoop in 2011, closing down the site and seizing its assets.

The story is well-documented, as is Ferguson’s return this year – a highly-unexpected move which drew sharp criticism from many players in the community, including Daniel Negreanu, who tweeted:

Yesterday saw Ferguson reach the final table of the $10K NLHE 6-max championship event, drawing a large crowd to the rail and extra security presence next to the table.

According to pokerlistings “A security guard stationed at the final table said he’d been made aware of threats and would likely increase security if Ferguson made it to the final three,” although Ferguson himself said, “I don’t think that’s true. I think that’s crazy,” when informed about it.

When questioned about an ‘apology’ for the poker community, he responded to the reporter with “What are you talking about? No comment,” and walked off.

The drama started when Ferguson realised that one of his final table opponents, Nick Petrangelo, was given extra chips from the dealer by mistake. He spoke to the floor on several occasions and “asked for a supervisor and asked them to go over the security footage” according to the pokerlistings reporter.

When told by the supervisor that nothing could be done because the hand was over, it was time for the rail to chime in.

Ferguson reportedly turned round a staring match ensued.

Ferguson’s bust-out was met with more boos, his arms in the air celebration at taking down 4th spot disrupted by Levy shouting “Shame!” and a few other choice words which can’t be printed on this ‘family’ website!

Ferguson has managed to keep a tight lip ever since the scandal erupted, and his comeback has been one of long silences too, unwilling or unable perhaps to shed any light on the events surrounding the $millions which players were left out of pocket.

Others, particularly Daniel Levy, are not so shy as he verbally attacked Ferguson and his supporters.

While Ferguson’s supporters answered with call of “Bye!” and “Ciao!” Levy explained: