Jeff Madsen

Born in Santa Monica, California on June 7, 1985, Jeff Madsen was raised in Pacific Palisades and graduated from Palisades Charter High School. He enrolled at the University of California, Santa Barbara to study film, but dropped out in his final year to pursue poker full-time. Madsen first played poker at the Chumash Casino in Santa Ynez, where the minimum age to play is 18.

Madsen entered the 2006 World Series of Poker just three years after learning the game. At 21 years and five weeks old, he won his first bracelet in Event #22: $2,000 No-Limit Hold'em, earning $660,948 and becoming the youngest WSOP bracelet winner at that time (a record later broken by Steve Billirakis). Only six days later, he won a second bracelet in Event #30: $5,000 No-Limit Hold'em Short Handed, adding $643,381 to his bankroll. He also posted two third-place finishes: in the $2,000 Limit Omaha Hi-Lo ($97,552) and the $1,000 Seven-Card Stud Hi-Lo ($65,971). His four top-three finishes in four different poker variants made him an instant star. Madsen was named the 2006 WSOP Player of the Year, with $1,467,852 in WSOP earnings alone that summer. His incredible performance earned him a sponsorship deal with Full Tilt Poker.

Madsen added a third bracelet in 2013, winning Event #35: $3,000 Pot-Limit Omaha for $384,420. In 2015, he captured his fourth bracelet in Event #31: $3,000 Pot-Limit Omaha Hi-Lo 8 or Better, taking $301,413. According to PokerNews, Madsen secured a fifth bracelet in 2026 by winning Event #20: $1,500 Dealer's Choice for $161,057. As of 2026, his WSOP cashes total 283, with 44 final tables and 5 bracelets. His best Main Event finish came in 2019 when he placed 102nd.

Beyond the WSOP, Madsen has won several major events. In February 2010, he took down the Borgata Winter Open $3,500 Championship Event for $625,006. He also won the HPT California State Poker Championship for $160,060, and in early 2024 he topped a PGT Mixed Games event for $102,400. Madsen has two World Poker Tour final tables and two North American Poker Tour final tables, with total live earnings exceeding $7.4 million according to PokerNews (The Hendon Mob lists $6.96 million as of 2026). His versatility is demonstrated by wins in No-Limit Hold'em, Pot-Limit Omaha, Omaha Hi-Lo, and Dealer's Choice games.

Madsen is known for an aggressive, pressure-heavy style, often raising and bluffing frequently. He developed his game online and in live cash games, and appeared on the popular television show High Stakes Poker alongside legends like Phil Ivey and Tom Dwan. His aggressive approach has evolved over time to include more patience and adaptability, allowing him to remain competitive across various poker formats.

Madsen resides in Las Vegas, Nevada. Outside of poker, he enjoys basketball and video games, and he remains active on social media, sharing insights with his fans. He has credited a balanced lifestyle with helping him maintain focus and longevity in the game.

In addition to his five bracelets, Madsen has won a WSOP Circuit ring. His total WSOP earnings surpass $5.4 million, with 283 cashes and 44 final tables. These numbers place him among the most consistent performers in WSOP history.

As of 2026, Madsen ranks 127th on the United States all-time money list and 210th among California players. He holds a Global Poker Index (GPI) rank of 265. The Hendon Mob reports his total live earnings at approximately $6.96 million, while PokerNews cites over $7.4 million. Such longevity and success across two decades is rare.

Madsen's recent results showcase his continued competitiveness. In 2026, he finished 7th in the Wynn Millions Championship ($61,168), 14th in WSOP Event #52: $3,000 Nine Game Mix ($13,180), and 11th in WSOP Event #5: $5,000 Pot-Limit Omaha ($35,704). He also cashed in the WSOPE Main Event (163rd, €14,000). In 2025, his notable cashes included 5th in WSOP Event #76: $2,500 Mixed Big Bet ($42,426), 43rd in Event #97: $1,500 The Closer ($17,670), and 2nd in the $1,100 Omaha 8 or Better Championship at the Chainsaw Mixed Series ($11,380). These achievements underline his versatility across various poker formats.