The author of several books, long-time gambling columnist for Cigar Aficionado, published in more than 100 magazines
He's that guy who can do just about anything. He's a well-known author and television gambling analyst. He's contributed to more than 100 publications worldwide, and is also a successful singer, painter and improv comedian.
Raised in Fox Point, Wisconsin, Konik was taught from an early age the benefits of critical thinking. His passion for art, literature, and music continued to grow throughout his adolescence, and he developed a deep appreciation for jazz while in high school.
Over the next 15 years, Michael's work appeared in newspapers and magazines around the globe, including The New York Times, Travel and Leisure, Maxim, and Sports Illustrated. He was the gambling columnist for Cigar Aficionado magazine, and wrote the golf column for the Delta Airlines in-flight magazine, SKY.
While serving as a gambling columnist, Michael wrote the book The Man with the $100,000 Breasts and other Gambling Stories. Among other things, the book details his experience getting breast implants to win a $100,000 bet. In 2002, he followed that up with another book full of hilarious gambling stories, called Telling Lies and Getting Paid. Since then Michael has written several other books, and joined an improv comedy troupe and the vocal jazz quintet known as Crescendo. He also started an independent recording company called Freeham Records.
A two-time player at the World Series of Blackjack, Michael has competed in The World Blackjack Tour, The Legends of Poker Tour, and is a veteran of six World Series of Poker events. When he's not competing, he can be found hosting or providing commentary on television shows like Speed Poker, Monte Carlo Millions, How to Play Winning Poker, and Poker Superstars.
Michael currently resides in Hollywood, California, where he maintains his website, writes his next novel, volunteers at nursing homes, and acts as a literacy tutor for young children. Obviously, there's a lot more to him than just being the funniest guy at the poker table.
