Maria Konnikova

Maria Konnikova is a Russian-American writer, psychologist, and champion poker player. She holds a B.A. in psychology and creative writing from Harvard University and a Ph.D. in psychology from Columbia University, specializing in risky and emotional decision-making in uncertain environments. Apart from her academic credentials, she has made significant strides in both literature and competitive poker. She has written extensively as a contributing writer for The New Yorker, focusing on psychology and culture, and is the author of several New York Times bestsellers.

Konnikova is the author of "The Confidence Game: Why We Fall for It . . . Every Time" and "Mastermind: How to Think Like Sherlock Holmes," both of which have received critical acclaim and recognition in the form of awards like the 2016 Robert P. Balles Prize in Critical Thinking for "The Confidence Game." Her latest book, "The Biggest Bluff: How I Learned to Pay Attention, Master Myself, and Win," has also been a New York Times bestseller and was one of the Times’ 100 Notable Books of 2020, further earning a finalist spot for the Telegraph Best Sports Writing Awards in 2021.

In addition to her writing, Konnikova has embraced professional poker playing, amassing over $270,000 in tournament earnings within just one year and capturing a major international title. Her approach to poker integrates her psychological expertise, using the game as a metaphor to explore decision-making under pressure—a theme central to her latest book. This combination of psychological insight and real-world application is also a focal point in her podcasts, notably "The Grift" from Panoply Media, which delves into stories about con artists and was nominated for a National Magazine Award in 2019. Beyond her individual pursuits, Konnikova frequently speaks at high-profile events like the World Economic Forum at Davos, TEDNYC, TEDx, and SXSW, discussing topics such as decision-making, creativity, and learning. Through interactive workshops, she uses poker as a tool to explore and enhance cognitive processes, making her insights accessible and applicable for diverse audiences.