Sam Bankman-Fried, once the poster child of crypto and the founder of FTX, is back in the spotlight, but not for reasons he might have once imagined. As the crypto world continues its rollercoaster ride, the story of SBF takes another dramatic turn with the upcoming release of Michael Lewis’s book, Going Infinite: The Rise and Fall of a New Tycoon. If you thought you knew the SBF saga, think again. An excerpt published in the Washington Post paints a picture of a man seemingly detached from the gravity of his burgeoning empire, often prioritizing video games over crucial meetings and influential figures. Let’s dive into the intriguing details emerging from Lewis’s exposé.
SBF: Gaming His Way Through Billion-Dollar Deals?
Imagine being in a meeting with one of the most influential people in fashion, Vogue’s editor-in-chief Anna Wintour, and finding out the person across from you is more engrossed in a game of League of Legends. Sounds unbelievable? According to Michael Lewis, this wasn’t just a one-off incident for Sam Bankman-Fried. During online interviews and important discussions, SBF reportedly had his fingers dancing across game controls, barely giving his full attention to the person on the other end.
Lewis recounts SBF’s meeting with Wintour, stating, “Sam didn’t want to seem rude,” but in his own bizarre logic, playing video games was simply a necessity. It wasn’t about disrespect; it was, in his mind, about managing the ‘game’ of being a ‘child billionaire’. He needed a mental escape, something to occupy his mind beyond the pressing matters at hand. This revelation adds a strange layer to the SBF narrative, suggesting a profound disconnect from the realities of his high-stakes world.
The ‘Optional’ Schedule of SBF
It wasn’t just about gaming during meetings; SBF’s approach to scheduling, in general, seemed unconventional, to say the least. Natalie Tien, FTX’s head of public relations and SBF’s “personal scheduler,” had the unenviable task of managing a calendar that was more of a suggestion than a plan. According to Lewis, SBF treated his schedule as “optional.” High-profile appearances, even those already publicized, were frequently canceled at the last minute, often without any discernible reason.
Consider the Met Gala. Following the now-infamous Wintour interview, FTX was set to sponsor the event, with SBF slated as a special guest. Yet, in a move that baffled many, he reportedly snubbed the Met Gala altogether. This wasn’t an isolated incident. Lewis writes that when people requested SBF’s time, they operated under the assumption of a simple yes or no. However, for SBF, a ‘yes’ was merely assigning “some non-zero probability” to actually showing up. His commitment levels fluctuated wildly, re-evaluated constantly until the very last moment, leaving a trail of missed opportunities and bewildered individuals in his wake.
Glimmers of ‘Respectability’: Suits and Untied Laces
There were moments when SBF seemingly stepped into the expected role of a high-profile CEO. His appearances before the U.S. House Financial Services Committee in December 2021 and meetings with Senator Mitch McConnell were among the rare occasions where he traded his signature T-shirt and shorts for a suit. These instances offered a glimpse of ‘corporate respectability’.
However, even in these formal settings, SBF’s characteristic quirks weren’t entirely absent. Social media users were quick to point out that while he donned a suit, his shoes were conspicuously untied during the House hearing. It was a subtle detail, perhaps, but one that spoke volumes about his overall approach – a veneer of conformity with underlying nonchalance.
SBF’s League of Legends exploits have become a recurring theme in the narrative surrounding him, highlighting a persistent detachment from conventional norms, even as he navigated the highest echelons of finance and influence.
What to Expect from ‘Going Infinite’ and the Impending Trial?
Michael Lewis’s Going Infinite, set to release on October 3rd, promises to be a deep dive into the enigmatic world of Sam Bankman-Fried. This date is particularly significant as it coincides with the start of jury selection for SBF’s criminal trial in New York. The book’s release is perfectly timed to amplify the already intense media scrutiny surrounding the trial.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the public will be inundated with information about SBF – from podcasts and news features to books and documentaries. A recent 60 Minutes interview with Lewis even revealed SBF’s audacious plan to offer Donald Trump money not to run for president, driven by concerns about the future of democracy.
On October 4th, the trial officially begins, with SBF facing seven charges related to fraud at FTX and Alameda Research. He has pleaded not guilty, setting the stage for a legal battle that is expected to run throughout November.
A Lasting Impression of Disconnection?
The portrait of Sam Bankman-Fried emerging from Michael Lewis’s book excerpt is one of stark contrasts – a ‘tycoon’ seemingly more at home in the virtual world of video games than the real-world pressures of his multi-billion dollar empire. His missed appointments, casual dismissal of schedules, and apparent lack of focus paint a picture of a leader perhaps ill-equipped for the responsibilities he shouldered. As the trial commences and more details surface, the world will be watching to see if this image of disconnection is further solidified or if new facets of the SBF story will come to light. One thing is certain: the saga of Sam Bankman-Fried is far from over, and Michael Lewis’s book is poised to add another compelling chapter.
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