Women are making waves in the world of poker. Currently in the spotlight is none other than Maria Konnikova, a popular psychology author and PokerStars ambassador. She recently won the $888 NLHE Fall Crazy 8’s on WSOP.com, claiming her first WSOP bracelet and $68,477 in top prize money.
Widely known for her book “The Biggest Bluff”, the television producer and Russian-American writer has transitioned from the best selling author to accomplished player clinching victories at the the PCA, a WSOP Circuit ring, and now she is a proud WSOP bracelet winner. On way to her first-ever bracelet victory, she bested a tough field of 468 entries and eventually overcame ‘JGP729’ heads-up (runner-up for $49,645). Just after the victory, Maria took to X to celebrate her first bracelet win.
Final Table Results (USD)
- Maria Konnikova – $68,478
- ‘JGP729’ – $49,645
- ‘2stuck2eat’ – $35,980
- ‘supercycle’ – $26,283
- ‘NFin8’ – $19,356
- ‘Catchrvr’ – $14,227
- ‘Basura’ – $10,521
- ‘333ELJEFE’ – $7,825
- ‘dirteharry21’ – $5,841
Konnikova’s background in psychology and her strategic mindset are key to her success. Her latest victory garnered a lot of adminration from the poker community with several big names, including fellow PokerStars ambassador Farah Galfond, WSOP finalist Max Steinberg and popular chess streamer Alexandra Botez showering praise and congratulating on her latest achievement.
While many congratulated for her victory, the long-standing WSOP commentator Norman Chad caused a stir on poker Twitter on Monday night when he criticized Maria Konnikova’s first WSOP bracelet win.
Konnikova, playing under ‘vesper1ynd’, fired four bullets on her way to the latest victory, which Chad probably did not like. He criticized Konnikova’s use of re-entries during the tournament via a post on X, “This is not to throw shade at Maria Konnikova, who just won her first WSOP bracelet,”. According to Chad, re-entries devalue WSOP bracelets. He continued and said, “She played in the $888 NLHE Fall Crazy 8s event, online. You had to be in Michigan, New Jersey or Nevada to enter. Online. She ran out of chips. She re-entered. She ran out of chips again. She re-entered. She ran out of chips again. She re-entered. And she ended up with all the chips, and a bracelet.”
This post from Chad drew immediate reactions from the poker community. A lot of players jumped in Maria’s defence including the 10-time WSOP bracelet winner Konnikova’s mentor Erik Seidel, who questioned Chad’s intentions, saying, “What’s the point of this Norman? She’s worked her ass off & is one of our best ambassadors.”
Actor and comedian Michael Ian Black also came forward, questioning why the number of rebuys should matter if they are allowed under the rules. He wrote, “Did she get some kind of special dispensation? If not, why does the number of rebuys matter?”
Additionally, Weeds writer Matt Salsberg criticized Chad’s comments, stating, “If it’s not to throw shade at her, wtf is it? why pick her win when there’s dozens like it? Maybe be a mensch and congratulate her instead of diminishing it with your stance on bracelet absurdity? Bad look. She prob checked into the Hoboken Days Inn to blast off like a savage.”
Many other players, who considered Chad’s post inappropriate and unnecessary, stepped up. While many in the poker community came to Konnikova’s defense, a few agreed with Chad’s opinion.
Game developer Eric B. wrote “You’re right, of course, that rebuy and reentry games and freezeout games are different animals. I think there should be more freezeouts, but I don’t think that rebuy and reentry games shouldn’t exist.”
The debate on X has raised a broader question about the role of re-entries in WSOP tournaments and their impact on the prestige of winning a gold bracelet. Some consider re-entries as a good strategy, while others believe that they devalue WSOP bracelet. However, despite the controversy around her win, Maria stands as an inspiring figure for many aspiring poker players, proving that with the right mindset, even the most unexpected journeys can lead to glorious wins at the poker table.
Keep following PokerProNews for more such stories of inspiring women in poker.
Image Credit: WSOP
