Speaking Events

Mike Aponte was one of the leaders of the MIT Card Counting Team, a group of college students that defied the odds and legally won millions at the game of 21. Applying an ingenious spin on the mathematics of blackjack, the MIT Team turned 21 into a lucrative business venture that took Vegas by storm. Their exploits captured the public’s imagination in the bestselling book, Bringing Down The House, and the major motion picture, 21.

The True Story  - You’ve read the book or seen the movie. Now learn first-hand the inside story of how a group of college kids beat the house at it's own game. How it all started, the team's winning  system, the high roller lifestyle, and the adventures of the cat and mouse game with the casinos.

Entertainment Events

If you're seeking a truly unique experience for your next company event, Mike can tailor a memorable engagement that meets your specific needs and goals. Hear amazing stories that were never told in the book or the movie. Mike can also incorporate a really fun and interactive element in which he both reveals and teaches the secret strategies of the MIT system. If your main objective is to attract and retain top customers, Mike has helped many companies gain that valuable face-to-face time with sought after prospects through engaging private events held at conferences, conventions and trade shows.

Keynote Speaking

Mike provides surprising insight into how the origin and evolution of the MIT Team mirror the dynamics of start-ups in the business world. When Mike was recruited, the MIT Team was an actual start-up called Strategic Investments (SI). SI's business model was founded on the card counting strategies born decades prior by Ed Thorp, an MIT Professor. SI failed, but opened the door for a second group at MIT to adapt and go on to achieve tremendous success.

A data scientist, Mike took away many valuable lessons from his professional card counting experience that have served him well to this day. Important lessons such as the power of making data-driven decisions, bridging the gap between theory and real world execution, and how to optimize risk/reward in a world so full of uncertainty.