The Wall Street Journal recently featured an article titled “Why This Wall Street Firm Wants Its Traders to Play Poker” by Gunjan Banerji that talks about how trading giant Susquehanna uses the skills used to play Texas Hold ‘em to teach their team how to make the most of risk.
At PokerDivas, we know that the impact of poker extends far beyond the table—and the strategies used by the trading giants at Susquehanna International are proof of that. Here are some of the key takeaways from the WSJ article on their approach, and why poker isn’t just a game—it’s a strategic advantage in business and life.
Poker as a Training Ground
Susquehanna isn’t playing around when it comes to teaching their traders to think like pros. New hires spend over 100 hours honing their poker skills during a 10-week training program. Why? Because mastering poker is mastering decision-making, risk-taking, and reading people—skills that go hand-in-hand with high-stakes trading.
Risk, Bluffing, and Taking Calculated Bets
The poker table is where Susquehanna’s top traders learn to take risks and seize opportunities. Just like in poker, knowing when to go all-in or when to fold translates directly into financial markets. Every bet is a calculation, every risk is strategic.
More Than a Game—A Strategic Mindset
Wall Street heavyweights know that poker isn’t just a game—it’s a way to develop mental agility, sharpen competitive instincts, and gain an edge in business. The same lessons we teach at PokerDivas about controlling emotions, reading people, and making bold moves under pressure apply to their success.
Real-World Impact
Susquehanna is taking the lessons learned at the poker table into new markets like sports betting, predicting election results, and making high-stakes trades. The mindset they develop with a deck of cards translates into high-value decisions in financial markets—just like the skills you can bring to your career with PokerDivas.
“We want to be in as many markets as we can be in,” Todd Simkin, an associate director at Susquehanna said. “We think we’re making good decisions that transfer from the poker table to the world of finance.” – Simkin
At PokerDivas, we know poker is more than just a game—it’s a training ground for success. Ready to sharpen your skills, elevate your strategy, and take your career to the next level? Join us and find out how poker can be your next winning move.
