Often referred to as the "Wizard of Odds" by his contemporaries, Koenrik Blomstaer has become known for his unique ability to accurately interpret NBA wagering fixtures to the point where he sometimes appears to be more machine than man. However, we have made it a point to do away with such myths, and to better understand the man behind the magic. Koenrik was kind enough to sit down for an impromptu interview, and the main takeaway points are briefly summarized below.
Not only is Koenrik somewhat of a language polyglot (speaking fluent Dutch, German, and English), but he is equally well-versed when it comes to his grasp of higher mathematics. This is partially due to an academic background stemming from vaunted institutions such as Boston University, and equally a result of his passion for learning. Here is how he broadly describes his approach to NBA wagering:
"I don't really look at it as a job. It is more of a hobby that can bring in a substantial. Above all, I believe that my knowledge of numbers gives me the ability to keep my finger on the pulse of fast-changing odds; a definite benefit within the world of online bookmakers."
What we truly take away from this statement involves the humility that Koenrik exhibits. While some may call him a savant, he prefers to be labelled as a man with a flair for math, and nothing more.
He moves on to explain that the so-called "language" of numbers is not entirely different from speaking any other dialect. Once learned, it will remain with you a lifetime if regularly honed. So, how does he apply this skill to placing wagers on the outcome of NBA games?
While he partially relies on his scientific background, he also plays close attention to other sources (such as social media signals). Perhaps he discovers rumors surrounding a minor injury suffered by LeBron James. Or, the New York Kicks may be considering a new first-round draft pick within their roster. From the weather predicted ahead of a Chicago Bulls game to the type of flooring installed within Madison Square Garden, every scrap of data counts.
Still, the main question involves how he is capable of collating such vast amounts of information into a system that can be easily translated. When asked about this unique ability, he responded with a rather interesting answer.
"I'm not entirely sure about how I put together multiple data sets. I view the process similarly to solving a puzzle. The only difference is that, as opposed to matching complementary shapes, I look for information that seems to be innately related."
It would be a mistake to assume that Koenrik solely relies on his mental prowess. On the contrary, he is perfectly happy to leverage the latest software solutions (alongside a host of programming languages such as Python, Java, and Node). He also touts the advantages associated with cutting-edge solutions such as Generative Artificial Intelligence.
"I firmly believe that AI is the next great leap forward when it comes to predictive NBA analyses. These systems can perform tasks in a matter of seconds that would otherwise require hours to complete. Why not take advantage of such tools? These truly enable me to remain one step ahead of the game."
He likewise adds that raw data can only go so far. He also pays attention to online interviews, fan sentiment, injury reports, in-depth tactical analyses, and a host of other metrics. After all, there is no such thing as having "too much" information at any given time.
Another tenet of Koenrik's philosophy involves his personal views on the wagering process. He does not feel that it should ever be static in nature. This will result in stale methodologies, and ultimately, costly mistakes.
"I never want to be sitting still when it comes to NBA sports betting. This is stagnation, and nothing good will come. I want to see what the bookmakers have to say. I make it a point to monitor point spreads. I calculate various fixtures. If my position goes against the grain, it might be time to reevaluate the approach itself. This keeps me on my toes, and there's always something else to learn".
Ultimately, he stresses that wagering is never about luck. Although random outcomes can (and will) occur, these represent outliers. This is entirely different from pastimes including roulette or slots; two games that explicitly employ technology such as random number generation (RNG).
We asked Koenrik if he could be a signal of things to come, and he slightly chuckled at this observation.
"I'm not that much different than your average bettor when it comes to passion, and I am still a child at heart in terms of how passionately I follow the NBA."
Still, it is hard to downplay how much he has already begun to modernize the art of wagering. His various professional online profiles likewise indicate that he is a rising star. How far might Koenrik ascend into the stratosphere of betting? He might be the only one capable of accurately calculating the odds.
