Matthew Humphrey

Matthew Humphrey was born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia. Before turning to poker professionally, he pursued a strong academic path, earning a Bachelor's degree in Finance from the University of Georgia in 1989. He continued his education with a Master's degree in Finance from Georgia State University in 1991, followed by a second Master's in International Business from Thunderbird School of Global Management in 1996. After completing his studies, Humphrey worked for Accenture (then Andersen Consulting) in various roles, gaining business experience that would later inform his analytical approach to poker.

Humphrey became an online poker professional in 2001, and in his first year he made over $100,000 playing online. He focused on limit poker, ranging from $1/$2 up to $30/$60 stakes. By the time he wrote his first book, he had logged more than 7,000 hours of online play. His early success online laid the foundation for a career that would blend competitive play with educational contributions to the poker community.

Humphrey's live tournament career includes several notable achievements. In 2002, he won the New Zealand Poker Championship, a significant early title. He then turned his attention to the World Series of Poker (WSOP), where he cashed in the $10,000 No-Limit Hold'em Main Event three times: 33rd in 2004, 332nd in 2005, and 221st in 2007. These deep runs in the most prestigious tournament in poker demonstrated his skill on the biggest stage.

Beyond the WSOP, Humphrey also found success in other events. On May 4, 2008, he won the Full Tilt Poker $750,000 Guaranteed tournament, taking home $132,788 after besting a field of more than 3,600 players. His total live tournament winnings exceed $270,000, though his overall career earnings, including online and other results, are estimated at over $961,000. He has also cashed once on the World Poker Tour.

Humphrey is a prolific poker author, having written several influential books on the game. His first book, Internet Texas Hold'em: Winning Strategies from an Internet Pro, was published in 2004 and became a standard reference for online limit hold'em players. He followed with Texas Hold'em Odds and Probabilities: Limit, No-limit and Tournament Strategies, which delved into the mathematical side of the game. In 2007, he co-authored The Poker Mindset: Essential Attitudes for Poker Success with Ian Taylor, a book that focuses on the psychological and emotional aspects of poker, a topic often overlooked in strategy guides.

In addition to his books, Humphrey has written numerous articles for Card Player Magazine and The Hendon Mob website, sharing his insights on strategy, bankroll management, and the mental game. His writing has helped educate a generation of poker players.

Humphrey is known for a solid, patient playing style, particularly in limit hold'em. He emphasizes the importance of discipline, bankroll management, and making mathematically sound decisions. In his writings, he stresses the need to avoid tilt and to maintain a long-term perspective, viewing poker as a game of skill where consistent small wins can accumulate into significant profits. His approach has been influential, especially among online players who value a methodical, analytical style.

After years as a professional player and author, Humphrey eventually stepped away from full-time poker. As of 2009, he had transitioned to an office job at PokerStars on the Isle of Man, where he continues to contribute to the poker industry from a different angle. His move from the felt to the corporate side of poker reflects his versatility and deep understanding of the game's ecosystem.

Outside of poker, Humphrey enjoys composing music on the piano, a creative outlet that contrasts with the analytical demands of the game. He is also a strong supporter of COLOMBIANITOS, a charity that helps children in Colombia, and served on its board of directors until 2009. His philanthropic efforts show a commitment to giving back beyond the poker community.

Matthew Humphrey's legacy in poker is multifaceted. As a player, he achieved notable success in both online and live arenas, including deep runs in the WSOP Main Event. As an author, he has educated countless players through his books and articles, particularly on the subjects of limit hold'em and the mental game. His transition to a corporate role at PokerStars further solidified his place in the industry. While he may not be a household name like some poker celebrities, his contributions to the game's strategy and its professional community are lasting.