World Poker Tour

Howard Lederer “The Professor“

Birthplace
Concord, NH

Total Winnings
$733,783

Compared to many all-time poker greats, Howard Lederer gained acclaim at a relatively young age, and has a solid history of poker wins. He has won 2 WPT titles, 2 WSOP, and continues to place in the money in many tournaments. Lederer is nicknamed “The Professor" because of his calm demeanor and analytical style of play at the table.

Lederer grew up in a family of card and game players. From an early age he learned about the competitive aspect of poker, and developed the drive to win after beating his dad in several games. At the age of eighteen, he put college on hold in order to chase his dream of playing chess. Howard landed in a New York chess club playing daily, and soon learned of a cash poker game being played in the back room. He turned his back on chess and began playing poker almost 70-80 hours a week, although the long grueling weeks took their toll as he often found himself losing. He knew it was time to take a step back - no longer pulling all-nighters he quickly noticed a change in his game.

Howard’s next move was playing at the Mayfair Club in New York, a well-known club for bridge and backgammon and a home for some of the best games-players. This was the ‘spot’ for No-Limit Hold‘Em when it first began to flourish in New York during the eighties. Howard (as well as many other players who are now professionals) could be said to have started his poker career at the Mayfair.

In 1993 Howard made the jump to Las Vegas and found more fluid success as a professional poker player. He continually played cash games as well as the ever-so-often WSOP event, showing overall profit. Howard's tournament consistency set forth in 2002 when the WPT began holding monthly tournament events. Thus far, Howard has taken home 2 WPT titles.

Howard enjoys living in Las Vegas with his wife and son. His sister, Annie Duke is certainly around often, being a top professional player herself. He has many other hobbies, from teaching poker, business ventures, and social activities like attending concerts, working out at the gym and playing with his dogs.