Ed Cooke studied Psychology and Philosophy at Oxford University, graduating in 2004. In order to become a Grandmaster of Memory, he had to memorize 1,000 numbers in an hour, ten decks of cards in an hour (520 cards) and one deck in under two minutes. He was ranked seventh overall in the 2007 World Memory Championships, in which he has competed since 2003, and coached Josh Foer from novice to US Memory Champion in one year. As well as writing his weekly Mr Memory column in The Times, Ed teaches memory techniques and thinking skills around the UK. On most Sundays he can be found guiding memory walks around London.