Just a few weeks ago, poker pro Vanessa Selbst announced that she was retiring her poker career. Selbst wanted to focus more on family and a new position within a hedge fund company instead of traveling the world full-time to play poker. Not long after announcing her retirement, the poker pro was seen competing in a major event, which caused a bit of a stir within the poker community.
Selbst took to Twitter asking if any friends would be at the Hard Rock as she was going to be competing in her first tournament as a recreational player and was ‘giddy with excitement’. A few days later, Dan Shak, a fellow poker pro, commented on Selbst actions, asking why announce a retirement before competing in a tournament. Shak stated that it was kind of an insult to the poker community and press as they wished her luck on her new journey.
Selbst commented on Shak’s comments and mentioned that many people apparently had issue with her announcing participation in a World Poker Tour stop. Selbst stated it is a weird world when people are mad because she played in a tournament after she announced her retirement. The pro ended up busting early during the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino event.
Selbst has seen great success throughout her professional career. Over the years, she has earned close to $11 million in earnings and is currently the top female poker player of all time based on earnings. However, last year she only cashed out in two tournaments. Selbst has stated she has been working with the hedge fund company for some time now and took the position working on trading research and strategy.
Since Selbst participated in the World Poker Tour event, it will not be surprising to see her at the felt from time to time. While she may not travel abroad, it could be assumed she will have a hard time not competing in a big event every now and then.