Alan Goehring

Alan Goehring (born February 21, 1962) is an American retired junk bond analyst and professional poker player from Henderson, Nevada. He turned to poker full-time at age 37 and has since accumulated over $5.3 million in live tournament earnings, with additional success in online events.

Goehring was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He began his professional life as a junk bond analyst and trader during the 1980s, a career that allowed him to build a substantial bankroll. At age 37, he decided to pursue poker full-time. His early experience as a professional blackjack player gave him a strong foundation in probability and bankroll management. Goehring first made his mark on the poker circuit with a 3rd-place finish in the $3,000 No-Limit Hold'em event at the 1997 World Series of Poker (WSOP), earning $61,845. That final table included notable players such as Kathy Liebert, Chris "Jesus" Ferguson, Donnacha O'Dea, and Dan Harrington.

Goehring is best known for his runner-up finish in the 1999 WSOP Main Event, where he lost heads-up to Noel Furlong, earning $768,625. He made additional deep runs in the Main Event in 2005 (10th place) and 2019 (93rd place). After decades of near misses, he finally won his first WSOP bracelet in 2020, taking down Online Event #8: $500 No-Limit Hold'em Freezeout for $119,399.67. As of 2025, his total WSOP cashes exceed $1.16 million.

Goehring made his mark on the World Poker Tour (WPT) by winning the Season 1 WPT Championship in 2003, a $25,000 event that earned him $1,011,886. The final table included poker legends Phil Ivey, Doyle Brunson, Ted Forrest, and Russian newcomer Kirill Gerasimov. In 2006, he won the WPT LA Poker Classic for a then-record $2,391,550, defeating a field of 791 players. Overall, his WPT earnings total $3,968,724 with two titles and three final tables.

Known as "The Quiet Man," Goehring is a tight-aggressive player who emphasizes patience and discipline. However, his constant raising and calling at the table infuriated opponents, as he rarely let a pot go by without being involved. Howard "The Professor" Lederer has repeatedly spoken positively about the quality of Goehring's play. One commentator noted: "If you ever have the misfortune of facing him at the poker table the only advice I can give you is: watch out!" His background as a junk bond trader and blackjack player contributed to his analytical approach and risk management.

Despite never winning a WSOP bracelet until 2020, Goehring's consistent deep runs in major events have earned him respect in the poker community. He continues to play tournaments, with cashes as recent as 2024. His total live tournament winnings stand at $5,359,230, with 76 recorded cashes. Goehring's biography serves as an example of patience and persistence, as he transitioned from a financial career to professional poker and achieved success at the highest levels.

On June 18, 2024, Alan Goehring recorded a live tournament cash of $3,783. This brings his total live tournament earnings to $5,359,230, according to the Hendon Mob Poker Database, and marks his 76th recorded cash. He remains an active participant in the poker tournament circuit, continuing to add to his impressive career totals.

Goehring's career has attracted a dedicated following, including an unofficial fan website that documents his poker journey. The site provides detailed tournament results, a biography, and links to media coverage. It reflects the admiration many poker enthusiasts have for his consistent performances and distinctive playing style.