Vanessa Rousso

Vanessa Ashley Rousso[1] (born February 5, 1983) is a law student at the University of Miami and a professional poker player.[2] Born in White Plains, New York, Rousso has dual citizenships with the United States and France.[3]

In 2001, Rousso graduated as valedictorian of her high school in Wellington, Florida. She graduated early from Duke University after two and a half years with a major in economics and a minor in political science in December 2003. Prior to entering law school she organized the The Celebrity Players Tour Florida, a celebrity charity golf tournament series.[3]

A poker player since the age of five, Rousso began serious poker tournament play during her summer break from law school. In her first year of playing, Rousso has multiple in the money tournament finishes, including seventh place at the 2006 World Poker Tour championship event and eighth place in the 2006 World Series of Poker $5000 no limit hold 'em shorthanded event. In September 2006 she won $285,450 at the $5000 no limit hold 'em event at the Borgata Open. She has made several appearances on the Poker After Dark television program.

She is currently engaged to Chad Brown. [4]

As of 2008, her tournament winnings exceed $1,000,000.[5]