Vanessa Rousso is a professional poker player and big-time poker hottie. Also known as “Lady Maverick” and “Pokerness,” she can always be recognized at the tables by her oversized sunglasses, cap and Bose headphones. But Vanessa isn’t just another pretty face; she’s finished in the money in over 14 major tournaments and shows no sign of slowing down.
The French Connection
Vanessa was born on February 5th, 1983 in White Plains, New York, but she was raised in Paris, France until she was 10 years old. With an American mother and French father, Vanessa retains dual citizenship to this day (and can speak three languages).
The family eventually moved back to America, and Vanessa spent some time in New York before attending high school in Wellington, Florida. Out of a class of about 900, she graduated as the valedictorian in 2001.
A Quick Study
Due to her strong academic performance, Vanessa received a full scholarship to attend Duke University. She majored in economics, with a specialization in game theory and a minor in political science, and graduated in only two-and-a-half years in 2003.
She received another scholarship to attend the University of Miami Law School and made the dean’s list her first two years. She also finished in the top 10 percent of her class during her first year. During this time, she added to her accomplishments by organizing a major charity golf event known as The Celebrity Players Tour Florida.
Student of the Game
Rousso had been playing poker since the age of five, and she developed a real interest in the game after graduating high school. But since she wasn’t old enough to legally play at casinos, she honed her skills by playing online poker.
When she started attending law school, Rousso would play poker at the nearby Hard Rock Hotel and Casino. Usually playing $500 and $1,000 sit and go games, she quickly honed her skills by reading strategy and playing regularly.
The Legend Begins
In May of 2005, she competed in her first major tournament at the WSOP circuit event in New Orleans. The first event was a $200 buy-in with around 700 participants, and Vanessa finished in 7th place.
She gave the law books a rest that summer and played in a number of tournaments, including a cash finish in the Ladies’ Event at the World Series of Poker. She also finished 7th in the World Series of Poker in New Orleans and first in the Palms Summer Series $200 buy-in.
2006 was even more successful, as she took 7th place at the World Poker Tour championship event and 8th place in the 2006 World Series of Poker $5,000 event. In September, she racked up winnings of $285,450 at the Borgata Open.
As a member of Team PokerStars, Vanessa Rousso took part in the World Championship of Online Poker Main Event in 2007. While she originally finished in third place, a disqualification of the tournament winner vaulted her into runner-up status with a prize of $700,782.
As of this writing, Rousso has career earnings in excess of $1,000,000. She credits her study of game theory in college for much of her current success.
Hobbies & Interests
When she’s not playing poker, Vanessa can be found learning about the game of backgammon. She’s even trained with champion backgammon players in France. A thrill-seeker, Vanessa likes skydiving and bungee jumping, but she also enjoys staying at home and playing Dance, Dance Revolution.
She and fellow card player Chad Brown are engaged as of this writing. The poker hottie and the former actor are considered one of the best-looking couples on the card-playing circuit.
