Mathematical Match-Up

Ivy leaguer Andy Bloch will put his analytical skills to the test against finals opponent and fellow math wiz Chris Ferguson. Bloch holds two electrical engineering degrees from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), coupled with a law degree from Harvard, while Ferguson holds a Ph. D. in computer science from UCLA.

Both players are known for implementing mathematics into their poker games, so this match could depend heavily on invisible numbers and speedy calculations. Also of note, Bloch is a former member of the infamous MIT blackjack team, which is the subject of the upcoming movie “21.”

Chris Ferguson has reached the finals of this event in an amazing three out of four events. A win here today and Ferguson solidifies his position as the most dominant player in NBC Heads-Up history; a loss relegates his status to that of the Buffalo Bills of the early 1990s. Bloch is hoping to record his largest payday since a televised victory in the 2006 Pro-Am Equalizer tournament at the South Point Hotel and Casino where he took home $500,000 in prize money.

The stage is set for what should be a thrilling finale. Stay with us for the conclusion of the 2008 NBC National Heads-Up Poker Championships.

Play is scheduled to recommence in ~10 minutes.