Molly Bloom, famously known as the “Poker Princess,” rose to prominence for her involvement in high-stakes underground poker games attended by A-list celebrities, athletes, and business tycoons. Her life story, filled with glamor, risk, and determination, has inspired a best-selling memoir and a Hollywood film. In this article, we delve into the life of Molly Bloom, her journey from the world of underground poker to her current entrepreneurial ventures.
Early Life and Education
Molly Bloom was born in Loveland, Colorado, on April 21, 1978. She grew up in a competitive household, with her father, Dr. Larry Bloom, a clinical psychologist, and her mother, Char Bloom, a ski and snowboard instructor. Molly has two brothers, Jeremy and Jordan Bloom, who have also succeeded in sports and business.
Molly was a talented skier and aspired to join the U.S. Olympic team. However, a severe back injury during a qualifying event for the 1998 Winter Olympics derailed her skiing career. She then attended the University of Colorado, Boulder, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science.
Underground Poker and Legal Issues
Molly Bloom’s foray into underground poker began in Los Angeles when she worked as a personal assistant. She started organizing high-stakes poker games for wealthy and famous clientele, eventually expanding to include players in New York City.
In 2011, Molly’s poker empire came crashing down when her operations were exposed, and she faced legal charges for running an illegal gambling business. In 2013, she pleaded guilty and was sentenced to one year of probation, 200 hours of community service, and a $1,000 fine.
Memoir and Film Adaptation
In 2014, Molly Bloom published her memoir, “Molly’s Game: The True Story of the 26-Year-Old Woman Behind the Most Exclusive, High-Stakes Underground Poker Game in the World.” The book became a best-seller and caught the attention of Hollywood. In 2017, a film adaptation titled “Molly’s Game” was released, directed by Aaron Sorkin and starring Jessica Chastain as Molly Bloom.
Entrepreneurial Ventures and Motivational Speaking
Following the success of her memoir and the film adaptation, Molly Bloom reinvented herself as an entrepreneur and motivational speaker. She now focuses on empowering women and sharing her experiences and insights on resilience, risk-taking, and personal growth. Molly has also launched a networking app called “Molly Bloom’s Network,” which aims to connect ambitious women and provide them with mentorship opportunities.
Molly Bloom’s life has been a rollercoaster of success, downfall, and reinvention. Her journey from organizing high-stakes underground poker games to becoming a successful author, entrepreneur, and motivational speaker is a testament to her determination, resilience, and ability to overcome adversity. Today, Molly uses her experiences to inspire and empower others, showcasing the power of personal growth and redemption.