Biography

Jeff Madsen is an American professional poker player with experience in various aspects of the film/tv industry including screenwriting, editing, directing, and acting. He exploded onto the World Series of Poker scene in 2006, just two weeks after his 21st birthday, and won two World Series of Poker bracelets. That same year, Jeff was awarded the prestigious World Series of Poker Player of the Year, making him the youngest player in history to ever receive the award. Born and raised in Los Angeles, California, Jeff attended UC Santa Barbara where he was majoring in Film. He took an interest in Poker after watching Chris Moneymaker win the World Series of Poker in 2003. As a man driven by an unbridled and relentless passion for Poker and his natural affinity for gaming, he committed the next 3 years to leveling up his poker game while at the same time attending university.

Now Hall of Fame eligible, Jeff’s earlier success led to him to be a full-time professional poker player, winning two additional World Series of Poker bracelets. In summer of 2026, on his 20th Anniversary of his inaugural year, Jeff won his 5th World Series of Poker bracelet after an eleven year drought, solidifying his dominance in the mixed game format of poker.

While poker has been the main focus in Jeff’s life for years, he has been recently transitioning back into the entertainment world as a multi-faceted creative in television, film and podcasts, appearing as a podcast co-host and guest on multiple shows that span across poker, sports, entertainment and gambling. Jeff has developed an extensive network across the poker, entertainment and sports industries which has allowed him to currently develop two unique projects that will span across multiple global platforms. He also has a successful private poker coach business and has been a high-level private poker coach to many celebrities including actors Shannon Elizabeth, Jennifer Tilly, Peter Mackenzie, reality TV stars Holly Madison, Trishelle Cannatella, and Simpsons creator Sam Simon.

Jeff actively participates in various philanthropic activities and often works with the Charity Series of Poker Foundation as a player and donor alongside founder Matt Stout. He’s attended multiple Charity Series of Poker events connecting Jeff with charities such as the VGK Foundation (Vegas Golden Knights), Shannon Elizabeth Foundation, UNLV Hockey, Critical Care Comics, The Ability Center, Grant A Gift Autism Foundation (Ackerman Center) and Habitat for Humanity Las Vegas.
- IMDb mini biography by: Michelle Fonseca