Bravo's "Celebrity Poker Showdown" host Phil Gordon is preparing to defend his world poker title.

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Gordon made a fortune by age 26 as a computer programmer, traveled the world, then turned to his passion -- becoming a professional poker player, the San Jose Mercury News reported Tuesday.

Five years ago, people would laugh at such a description. But today, Gordon hosts Bravo's third highest rated program and has become a celebrity in his own right. He is credited with a nationwide rise in the popularity of poker.

His Bravo show begins its new season Tuesday night and Gordon travels to San Jose Monday to defend his title in the World Poker Tour Shooting Star Tournament.

Gordon told the Mercury News the thought processes in computer programming and playing poker are the same.

"It takes an analytical mind," Gordon told the newspaper. "If you can apply an algorithm to figuring out the technology of your opponents, you're one step up."