We are only ten days away from the start of the 53rd Annual World Series of Poker, so players are pretty much in their bunkers getting ready for action. Those players are examining the schedule, looking for what tournaments are their strong suit, and running over potential game scenarios and optimal play strategies that might present themselves. Maria Konnikova, who has made a name for herself in the poker and literary worlds, is a part of that group – but she is also looking to help those less fortunate with her play.
Shares Available through StakeKings
Konnikova stated in a Facebook post her objectives for the 2022 WSOP. “The WSOP is just a few weeks away and I’ll be there with bells and whistles,” Konnikova wrote on her Facebook page. She also stated that she will be doing something different with her winnings from the tournament. “This year, I’ll be donating a portion of my summer winning to two causes that I feel quite strongly about,” Konnikova stated. “Ukraine and abortion rights. Trying to make a small difference, one poker hand at a time.”
The reason Konnikova states “her summer winnings” is that she is offering part of her playing package on the backing site StakeKings. “Some of the tournaments are sold out, but there are plenty that are still available, including the Main,” Konnikova writes on Facebook. Indeed, a quick look at her package on StakeKings shows that there are many opportunities left to back Konnikova on the felt and perhaps get a return on the investment (sure to be paid out before Konnikova books her end).
StakeKings offers different packages for players who sell a portion of themselves. For example, in Konnikova’s case, she is seeking slightly more than $500 of her $2500 for Event #3, the No Limit Texas Hold’em Freezeout tournament. Potential backers can buy a part of that $500 (or the whole thing) and, should Konnikova cash (or win), then the backer gets that percentage cut from the money won. Konnikova’s not alone in this endeavor; professional players such as Allen Kessler, Chance Kornuth, and former World Champion Joe Cada are also taking this path.
Konnikova’s Journey to Poker Success
Konnikova has taken a rather intriguing path towards earning her stripes in the poker world. A PhD in psychology from Columbia University, Konnikova has written a variety of books delving into the mind. Her first effort, Mastermind: How to Think Like Sherlock Holmes, was critically lauded for its approach to helping people with their thought processes. Her follow up to Mastermind was The Confidence Game, which examined why people are susceptible to con artists and other nefarious people who use the mind to prey on their marks.
The poker world did not take note of Konnikova until her third book, however. Studying at the elbow of Poker Hall of Famer Erik Seidel, Konnikova spent months honing her game online and studying the process with the nine-time WSOP bracelet winner. That dedication to the process resulted in Konnikova winning the championship of the 2018 PokerStars Caribbean Adventure National Tournament and going on to win almost $335,000 since then. It also led to her highly popular third book, The Biggest Bluff, which documented her journey with Seidel from academic and journalistic author to poker powerhouse.
If you are looking to back Konnikova, or any of the other players on their page, StakeKings is offering that opportunity. People do enjoy taking part in the activity because it gives them a chance to feel the thrill of being a “part of the action” in some way. In the case of Konnikova, it will help two worthy causes while having a sweat for some of the action.