Can poker truly train and sharpen your brain? According to Lena Evans, the answer is a solid yes.
Her book- ‘The Poker Powered Brain: Play the Game, Train Your Brain’ deep dives into the cognitive benefits of playing poker. The book features contributions from some of the biggest names, including four WSOP Main Event champions, four WPT champions, six WSOP Hall of Fame inductees, two Women in Poker Hall of Fame inductees, and four WSOP Women’s Champions, making it a powerful blend of strategy, mindset, and inspiration.
With valuable insights from over 20 contributors, including the likes of Phil Hellmuth, Patrik Antonius, Brian Rast, Chris Moneymaker, Maria Ho, Kristen Foxen, and several other big legends, the new book by Lena is not just a strategy masterclass, it is a collaborative celebration of poker’s power to train and sharpen the brain. It reinforces the fact that poker is not just a game of cards and chips – it is mental training ground for life.
Lena Evans, who first learned to play poker in her mid-forties in California, is a two-time WSOP Circuit ring champion with $371,383 in live tournament earnings. She is also a charismatic speaker, successful entrepreneur, and fierce advocate for recognizing poker as a mind sport. As the founder of the world’s largest women-centric group Poker League of Nations (PLON) and CEO of Helix Poker and Suited Poker Gear, she has championed poker’s power to inspire strategic thinking, cognitive resilience, and women empowerment in the game.
Khursheed Ahmad from PokerProNews reached out to Lena Evans to talk about the inspiration behind her book, key concepts from the book, what it took to bring together this star-studded lineup of contributors, her biggest wins as the founder of Poker League of Nations, women empowerment, WSOP 2025 plans, her favourite female pros to shine at this year’s WSOP, and a lot more. Here are the excerpts of the interview with her:
PokerProNews: When did the idea for this book first come to you, and what motivated you to turn it into a reality?
Lena Evans: The idea of writing a book first sparked after my TEDx talk in 2021. I realized how strongly people resonated with the message that poker is not just a game—it’s a mental training ground. The feedback I received made it clear that the connection between poker, brain health, and emotional discipline was something people were hungry to explore further.
What motivated me to turn the TEDx talk into a book was the potential to reach a wider audience and go deeper. In poker—and life—we want to stay mentally sharp, are constantly making decisions with incomplete information, and managing pressure. I wanted to create a resource that unpacks those skills in a practical and inspiring way.
This book became more than a writing project. It became a mission to redefine how people perceive poker and themselves. It is my way of demonstrating how the strategies we use at the table can help us become more resilient, focused, and intentional in our everyday lives.
PokerProNews: The title itself is powerful— ‘Play the Game, Train Your Brain’. How do you see poker building resilience or cognitive skills off the felt?
Lena Evans: Poker is one of the most underrated tools for mental training. Every hand you play requires quick pattern recognition, emotional control, strategic thinking, and decision-making under uncertainty. Those same mental muscles are precisely what we need in high-stakes situations off the felt—whether it’s in relationships, business, or personal challenges.
Cognitively, poker trains attention, memory, and flexible thinking. We must continually adapt to new dynamics, manage risk, and update our strategy in real-time. It’s like a workout for the brain, but with real consequences—and tangible rewards. Play the Game. Train Your Brain isn’t just a title; it’s a framework for approaching poker and life with sharper thinking and stronger resilience.
Resilience, in particular, is baked into the game. You can make the right decision and still lose due to luck—that forces you to separate outcome from process, and to keep showing up with clarity and discipline, no matter what happened in the past. That mindset—staying focused through setbacks and uncertainty—is precisely what builds emotional grit in real life.
PokerProNews: Your book is tournament-focused. How do you think tournament poker challenges and strengthens the brain compared to cash games?
Lena Evans: Tournament poker places unique cognitive and emotional demands that differ significantly from cash games, and that is part of what makes it such fertile ground for mental training. In tournaments, the structure constantly shifts: blinds increase, stacks get shorter, pressure intensifies, and every decision becomes more consequential as you get closer to the money or a final table. We are forced to adapt our strategy dynamically, which strengthens flexible thinking, situational awareness, and pattern recognition.
Mentally, tournaments demand long periods of sustained focus and emotional stamina. We play for hours—sometimes days—with the knowledge that one mistake or unlucky hand can end our run. That kind of environment builds resilience, patience, and the ability to stay grounded under pressure.
Emotionally, tournaments also amplify variance and unpredictability. Unlike cash games, where we can re-buy or leave at any time, tournaments force us to confront and manage uncertainty head-on. This trains our ability to regulate emotions, maintain clarity in high-stress moments, and make rational decisions even when the stakes—financially and psychologically—are at their highest.
Tournament poker is like a mental obstacle course. It doesn’t just test our brain—it trains it to be sharper, calmer, and more resilient with every hand we play.
PokerProNews: Can you highlight a few key concepts from the book that you think readers—especially tournament players—will find most impactful?
Lena Evans: The book is packed with practical insights, but a few core concepts that I think will resonate most with tournament players:
1. Mental Endurance and Focus Training
Long tournament days can drain our cognitive reserves. The book shares science-backed techniques for sustaining focus, improving decision stamina, and managing mental fatigue—skills that separate amateurs from pros in late-stage play.
2. Emotional Regulation and Recovery
From bad beats to bubbling the final table, emotional swings are inevitable. I offer strategies for emotional resilience that go beyond “stay calm,” such as specific breathing techniques, self-talk frameworks, and mindset shifts that help us reset quickly and stay focused.
3. Risk Tolerance and Decision-Making Under Pressure
Tournament players often face high-leverage spots with incomplete information. The book explores how to train our brain to handle these moments—from ICM pressure to bluffing opportunities—while keeping anxiety in check and thinking clearly.
4. The Neuroscience of Confidence
Confidence is not just a feeling—it is a cognitive state we can build and protect. I explore how tournament players can use rituals, preparation, and mental rehearsal to boost confidence and play with clarity when it matters most.
5. Process Over Outcome
Tournament poker is full of variance, so learning to focus on making the right decisions, not just chasing the best results, is a game-changer. I delve into how elite players cultivate mental discipline through process thinking, which helps reduce tilt, enhances long-term performance, and preserves confidence even after tough bust-outs.
At its heart, the book is about sharpening the mental edge that tournament poker demands—so we are not simply surviving deep runs, but thriving in them.
PokerProNews: The book features some of the biggest names in poker. How did you go about selecting and approaching these contributors, and what did their involvement bring to the project?
Lena Evans: From the beginning, I knew I wanted this book to be more than just my perspective—it had to include the voices of players who have shaped the game and continue to push its mental boundaries. I was very intentional in selecting contributors who not only had remarkable poker resumes but also had something more profound to say about mindset, resilience, and what it takes to perform under pressure.
I reached out to player friends whom I have respected for years—people known not just for their results, but also for their thought process. Some are legends of the game; others are modern trailblazers changing the way we study and approach poker. What united them was a willingness to go beyond hand histories and discuss the mental game—how they train their focus, manage downswings, and continually evolve.
Their involvement enriched the book in so many ways. Each brought a unique lens—some discussed confidence and psychology, while others focused on navigating pressure at the final table or managing energy through long tournament days. These are not just anecdotes; they are real strategies from top minds in the field, adding depth, diversity, and credibility to the message.
Their stories helped turn the book into a conversation, not just a lecture—and I hope that makes it more powerful and more personal for readers.
PokerProNews: What were some of the biggest challenges you faced while writing and coordinating, especially with such a star-studded lineup?
Lena Evans: One of the biggest challenges was coordinating with such a high-performing and incredibly busy group of collaborators. These are players who travel constantly, compete at the highest levels, and have packed schedules, so aligning, getting deep insights, and following up for clarity required a lot of patience, persistence, and respect for their time.
Another major challenge was weaving all those voices into a cohesive narrative. Each player has their personality, philosophy, and way of expressing themselves, so it took genuine care to preserve their authenticity while ensuring the book had a strong, unified message. I did not want it to feel like a collection of disconnected sound bites—I wanted readers to feel like they were part of a single, cohesive conversation about what it truly takes to train our brains and thrive under pressure.
Writing the book itself—balancing storytelling, science, and strategy—was a challenge. I had to keep asking myself: How do I make this practical without oversimplifying? How do I keep it inspiring without making it feel out of reach? That tension prompted me to write something that could serve both poker regulars and those who have never played a hand of poker.
Those challenges ultimately made the final product stronger. They forced me to clarify the message, elevate the structure, and deliver something that I hope feels both thoughtful and powerful.
PokerProNews: What was the most surprising or unexpected thing you learned while writing your book – ‘The Poker Powered Brain’?
Lena Evans: What surprised me most about the book was how transferable the mental skills from poker are to everyday life, and how often top players use deliberate brain training techniques without necessarily labeling them as such. When I dug deeper into their routines, habits, and decision-making frameworks, I realized many of them were applying principles from neuroscience, psychology, and even mindfulness, often intuitively.
Another unexpected insight was the significant role emotion management plays in elite performance. I expected to focus on logic, strategy, and cognitive skills—but time and again, my research revealed how players regulate their emotions: how they handle fear, self-doubt, pressure, and even success. Emotional discipline is not just a nice-to-have—it is foundational.
It also surprised me how much writing the book trained my brain. The process pushed me to refine how I think, how I communicate under pressure, and how I handle uncertainty, just like a long tournament. In a manner of speaking, writing The Poker-Powered Brain became a mental endurance test, and I emerged stronger for it.
PokerProNews: The book became #1 on the Amazon New Releases list within 24 hours. How did that feel, and what is the most inspiring feedback you have received so far?
Lena Evans: It was incredibly humbling and emotional to see the book be well-received immediately. I spent an incredible amount of time writing in solitude, wondering if the message would resonate, so to see it do so quickly was surreal. Hitting #1 on the Amazon New Releases list within 24 hours was not just a personal milestone—it felt like a collective win for everyone who believes poker can be a tool for mental growth, not just a game of cards.
But even more meaningful than the ranking has been the feedback. One message that stuck with me came from a woman who said the book gave her the confidence to enter her first live tournament—something she had been putting off for years. She said reading about the emotional and mental tools players use made her feel like she belonged at the table. Another reader said they won their FIRST tournament just after reading the book!
Several readers shared that they have started using some of the focus and recovery techniques from the book in their daily life, not just at the poker table, but during high-pressure meetings at work. That is precisely why I wrote The Poker-Powered Brain: to demonstrate that the mindset we develop through poker can empower us in all areas of life.
Those stories are what make it all worth it.
PokerProNews: As the CEO of Helix Poker and Suited Poker Gear, how are you using your platforms to elevate the poker community, especially for women?
Lena Evans: Empowering women in poker has always been a core part of my mission, and I have built every platform I lead—from Helix Poker to Suited Poker Gear—with that in mind. Through Helix Poker, we design experiences that go beyond the felt—events that prioritize community, mentorship, and a sense of belonging. It is about creating spaces where women feel confident walking into a room, taking their seat, and owning their presence.
With Suited Poker Gear, I aimed to offer more than just apparel—I wanted to create an identity. Representation matters, and when women see gear designed with them in mind, it sends a message: You belong here.
But perhaps the most impactful platform I have created is Poker League of Nations (PLON)—the world’s largest women’s poker organization. Founded to provide access, education, and opportunity, PLON has grown to over 15,000 members across more than 30 countries, collectively securing tournament entries through staking, sponsorship, and bankroll builder initiatives. PLON members have made deep runs in some of the most significant live and online events globally, helping to change the face of the game one tournament at a time.
Through PLON, women gain not only financial backing but also community support and expert coaching, empowering them to compete at the highest levels of competition. It has become a global movement actively reshaping poker’s landscape by making it more inclusive and accessible.
Across all my ventures, the goal is the same: to elevate the game by elevating everyone in it—and to ensure that more women see poker not just as a game, but as a space where they can lead, win, and thrive.
PokerProNews: Poker League of Nations is the world’s largest women’s poker group. What have been some of your biggest wins as the founder of this group?
Lena Evans: Founding Poker League of Nations has been one of the most rewarding journeys of my career. Some of the biggest wins come from seeing the tangible impact we have made on women’s lives and the poker community as a whole by growing the participation of women in open fields and, as a result, increasing prize pools.
First, building a global community of over 15,000 members across 30+ countries, all united by the shared goal of empowering women in poker, has been incredible. That scale alone indicates a genuine hunger and need for this kind of space.
Second, through collective staking, sponsorship, and bankroll builder programs, we have helped hundreds of women gain access to major tournaments that they might not have otherwise been able to afford. Watching PLON members make deep runs, win titles, and gain confidence has been genuinely inspiring.
Another win is the culture we have created: one of support, mentorship, and growth. Members regularly share their successes and setbacks openly, and that transparency fosters resilience and learning. It is more than a group—it is a sisterhood.
Finally, PLON has helped raise awareness within the broader poker world about the importance and value of inclusivity. We are demonstrating to the industry that when we invest in women, the entire game benefits.
As a founder, nothing is more fulfilling than seeing women step into their power, change their narratives, and make waves in a game they love.
PokerProNews: You recently said that women have come a long way in poker but there’s still more work to be done. What specific actions can be taken to make the game more inclusive for women?
Lena Evans: Women’s presence in poker has grown tremendously, but true inclusivity means creating environments where women feel welcomed, valued, and supported every step of the way. Here are some concrete actions that can make a real difference:
1. Increase Representation at All Levels
We need more women to be visible not just as players, but also as commentators, dealers, tournament directors, and industry leaders. Representation inspires participation—it signals that women belong and can thrive in every role in the poker industry.
2. Create More Women-Centric Opportunities
Organizations like Poker League of Nations have demonstrated the effectiveness of targeted staking pools, coaching, and community events. Expanding these kinds of initiatives provides access and support for women who might otherwise face barriers to entering the game.
3. Educate the Broader Community
Inclusivity is everyone’s responsibility. Raising awareness among the entire poker community about unconscious bias, the value of diversity, and how to be allies can change the culture from the ground up.
4. Mentorship and Role Models
Facilitating mentorship programs and highlighting success stories of women in poker helps newcomers envision their path and gain guidance from those who have walked it.
Progress is happening, but lasting change requires ongoing effort, collaboration, and commitment from all stakeholders, including players, organizers, and the entire industry. The more we invest in these actions, the richer and stronger the poker community becomes for everyone.
PokerProNews: You are competing in the WSOP 2025—what are your plans for this year’s series? And which WSOP events are you most excited about, and why?
Lena Evans: For WSOP 2025, my focus is on playing a potent mix of events that challenge both my strategic skills and mental endurance. I am planning to compete in several key tournaments, including the Colossus, Monster Stack, Seniors, Tag Team, Women’s Championship, Gladiator, the Ultra Stack, and the Main Event.
What excites me most is the opportunity to apply the mindset and brain-training techniques I discuss in my book at the highest level. The WSOP is not just about the cards; it is a marathon of focus, emotional control, and resilience, and I am eager to bring my best mental game to the felt.
In addition to playing WSOP events, I am hosting multiple PLON ladies-only events, including an Omaha-8 tournament and two Survivor events at Westgate Las Vegas, as well as our annual $40,000 Guaranteed Crystal Cup Championship and an annual brunch at Resorts World on June 30th. Add to that the Suited Poker Gear Seniors Event on June 28th at Westgate.
Also exciting is that we are hosting several book signings throughout the summer to connect with readers and the poker community at Resorts World, Westgate, and during the Main Event in the PokerOrg Legends Lounge on the Horseshoe side. These are fantastic opportunities to share insights, hear stories, and celebrate how poker can enhance our brains both on and off the felt.
I am looking forward to reconnecting with the community, supporting women players, and continuing to learn from every hand and every opponent. The 2025 series promises to be an incredible journey, and I am ready to take it head-on.
PokerProNews: Who are your favorite women players to shine at this year’s WSOP?
Lena Evans: Of course, I must first root for my collaborators, who I believe will deliver standout performances that showcase their skill, resilience, and passion for the game:
Kristen Foxen — Kristen’s ability to stay calm under pressure continues to set her apart. Her recent performances have solidified her position as one of the top competitors in the series.
Maria Ho — A true ambassador for women in poker, Maria is always a force at the tables and an inspiring role model off them.
Lara Eisenberg — Lara’s analytical approach and focus on mental discipline highlight her balance of precision and intuition.
Marsha Wolak — Marsha brings experience and a steady mindset that makes her a formidable opponent.
Lexy Gavin — Lexy’s fearless style and dynamic play, whose passion and skill make her one to watch.
Linda Johnson — Linda’s legacy, leadership, and deep strategic insight continue to elevate the game and inspire players of all generations.
Together, these women are proving that poker is a game where talent and mental toughness know no gender. Their performances inspire players to push their limits and believe in their potential.
PokerProNews: Finally, what’s the core message you want people—especially women and newer players—to take away from your book and your poker journey?
Lena Evans: The core message is this: poker is much more than just a card game—It is a powerful tool to build mental strength, resilience, and confidence that translates to all areas of life. Whether you are starting or aiming to excel in tournaments, the skills we develop at the table—focus, emotional control, and strategic thinking—are life skills that can be trained and refined.
For women and newer players especially, I want them to know they absolutely belong in this space. Poker is a game of skill, mindset, and growth, and it is open to anyone willing to learn and put in the work. Do not be intimidated by the history or the statistics—your journey is unique, and your perspective is valuable.
Above all, my journey and the book are about embracing challenges as opportunities, trusting your process, and using poker as a way to train not just your game, but your brain and your confidence. If you can do that, you are already winning—on and off the felt.
You can follow Lena Evans on X and get more information on her book, The Poker Powered Brain.
The Poker Powered Brain is available to purchase on Amazon. However, readers who purchase this book from the website, they enjoy some additional perks. Get the book from the website NOW by ordering HERE!
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