New York Times best-selling author Maria Konnikova is set to return as a PokerStars Ambassador, showcasing her passion for poker to new audiences.

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Author. Journalist. Ph.D. Podcaster. Bestseller. Poker player.

And now, Maria Konnikova is a PokerStars Ambassador once again.

Konnikova initially joined the team in 2018 when she became the first woman to win a Platinum Pass to the PokerStars Players Championship (PSPC) 2019. She took down the pass in style, winning the $1,100 National event at the PokerStars Caribbean Adventure (PCA) in 2018 for $84,600.

“I’m very happy to once again be joining the PokerStars team as an ambassador,” Konnikova said. “Poker is a game of skill that can teach us so much about our minds and ourselves — and I can’t wait to share my passion for it along with the incredible team at PokerStars.

“I’m excited for the vision that PokerStars has for U.S. expansion and am thrilled to play a small part in helping the world appreciate the true beauty and promise of a game I have come to love.”

ABOUT MARIA KONNIKOVA

The New York Times best-selling author’s journey from poker novice to champion was a remarkable one. 

Inspired by game theory and coached by Poker Hall-of-Famer Erik Seidel, Konnikova spent a year playing on the live poker circuit, learning the game and its nuances as she went, and became a champion along the way. 

Since then, Konnikova – who has a Ph.D. in psychology from Columbia University – has published her best-selling book ‘The Biggest Bluff’ about her experiences in the poker world, and racked up $450,000 in career earnings. 

Konnikova’s other books include Mastermind: How to Think Like Sherlock Holmes (2013) and The Confidence Game: Why We Fall for It . . . Every Time (2016). 

TEAM POKERSTARS

PokerStars is delighted to announce Konnikova’s return.

“Maria’s ability to communicate the virtues of poker is unrivalled,” said Steve Preiss, VP of PokerStars North America. “She will be integral in our goal of expanding the game to new audiences.”

Maria will attend the North American Poker Tour (NAPT) in November and will be playing in the USCOOP and Ten-Deuce freeroll as a PokerStars Ambassador. 

MORE ON KONNIKOVA

MARIA KONNIKOVA COMPLETES ‘STUDENT TO MASTER’ JOURNEY

Konnikova wins the $1,100 PCA National 2018 for $84,600.

KONNIKOVA SEALS THE DEAL AS THE BIGGEST BLUFF PAYS OFF

We talked to Konnikova after her incredible victory in the Bahamas.

MARIA KONNIKOVA ISN’T GOING ANYWHERE

We caught up with Konnikova at EPT Monte Carlo 2019.

MARIA KONNIKOVA SHOWS DOWN A WINNER WITH ‘THE BIGGEST BLUFF’

We preview ‘The Biggest Bluff’, which went on to become a New York Times Best Seller.

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