Mett Gavrilenko: From Poker Pro to Psychology Aspirant

Mett Gavrilenko, once renowned as one of the strongest players in limit hold'em, has made a significant career shift. Known for driving Phil Hellmuth to hysterics, Gavrilenko's prowess in poker was undeniable. In 2009, he secured a bracelet in the 6-max tournament at the World Series of Poker (WSOP), a feat that cemented his status as a top player.

However, Gavrilenko's journey in poker took a turn in 2011 when he switched to triple draw and won a staggering $1.7 million in just a month against some of the world's best players. Despite his success, Gavrilenko decided to leave professional poker to pursue a career in psychology. He plans to attend graduate school in the fall, a decision influenced by his growing interest in the field.

Gavrilenko's transition to psychology is not without its challenges. He spent time volunteering in a clinical research lab at Clark University, where he found the atmosphere and the problems facing modern psychology deeply engaging. He believes that mathematicians can help advance the field of psychology, drawing parallels between the mathematical approach in poker and the potential for similar methods in psychology. His decision to leave poker was not driven by a lack of action or increased competition but by a clear desire to contribute to society and pursue his academic interests.