Best of Risky Business: Life After Poker (with Vanessa Selbst)
Summary
Vanessa Selbst, the only woman to rank #1 on the Global Poker Index, discusses her transition from a top poker pro to a trader at Jane Street Capital. She explains how her "crazy" TV reputation forced her to play tighter and how strategic thinking in poker directly parallels high-stakes trading. The conversation also covers the Partouche cheating scandal, the importance of reputation in decision-making, and her ongoing efforts to find meaning beyond the game.
Topics discussed
Sponsor: ChatGPT Work and Granger
Sponsor: Sierra Nevada Hazy Little Thing
Introduction and guest welcome
Vanessa Selbst's poker achievements and career shift
Meeting Nate Silver and early poker memories
First impressions and aggressive playing style
The 'crazy' reputation and TV exposure
Maintaining the image and bluffing limitations
Reading opponents and the psychology of tanking
Bayesian reasoning and decision-making biases
GTO, Nash equilibrium, and solver usage
Strategic edge and putting opponents in uncomfortable spots
Flexibility in strategy and GTO assumptions
Sponsors: ChatGPT Work, Navy Federal, Zepbound
Transition to law school and poker as a hobby
Casual tournament wins and full-time poker era
Finding meaning in poker vs. law career
Moving to Bridgewater Associates and penny games
Leaving Bridgewater and joining Jane Street
Crossover skills between poker and trading
Sponsors and the GPI award trophy
Garage cleanup and Partouche trophy story
Partouche victory and the cheating scandal
Poker cheating history and reputation
Women in poker and legacy discussion
Reconnecting with poker and future plans
Closing thoughts and career outlook
Credits and final sponsor reads
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