Alexander Kostritsin: Poker is Now Just a Mental Warm-Up

Alexander Kostritsin, a former high-stakes poker player, has significantly reduced his involvement in the game. Kostritsin mentioned that he plays poker less often and has developed an interest in philosophy. He has been focusing on practical philosophy, including self-education and private sessions with philosophers.

Kostritsin played in the main tournament of the year, finishing the first day with a stack of 169,000 chips. He mentioned that he has been reading a lot of popular science literature, covering topics such as architecture, photography, history, economics, and medicine. Kostritsin has been enjoying the process of learning and understanding different fields, which he finds stimulating and enriching.

Despite his reduced involvement in poker, Kostritsin still enjoys the game as a mental warm-up. He sees it as a way to keep his mind sharp and engaged, even if it's not his primary focus anymore. His new interests have given him a fresh perspective on life and have helped him achieve a more balanced approach to his career and personal growth.