Who is Mila Antonova? The Russian Bridge Player Bill Gates Had an Affair With

A scandal involving one of the wealthiest men in the world has unexpectedly thrust a previously obscure figure into the spotlight of the tech and gaming communities. Mila Antonova, a Russian bridge player and software engineer, recently became the centre of international attention following revelations about a secret romantic relationship that tied her life to some of the most powerful names in business.

The Microsoft co-founder, who boasts a net worth of over £100 billion ($125 billion), met the young woman when she was in her 20s. Their relationship started with a shared love for a classic card game, but it eventually pulled them into a complicated situation involving the disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein.

A Fateful Meeting At A High-Stakes Bridge Tournament

Antonova and Bill Gates first crossed paths around 2010 at a National Bridge tournament in Washington, D.C. At the time, Gates was in his 50s and still married to Melinda French Gates. Antonova, who attended university in Russia between 2000 and 2005, moved to the United States to pursue her passions.

She was an ambitious entrepreneur who wanted to launch an online tutorial business for the card game. In a 2010 video presentation, Antonova spoke about meeting Gates, playfully noting she tried to kick him under the table. To fund her venture, Gates's adviser introduced her to Epstein in November 2013, which ultimately led to unexpected financial support.

From Failed Bridge Startup To Silicon Valley Coder

When plans for the online academy failed to materialise, Antonova pivoted her career aspirations towards the technology sector. Epstein decided to pay for her to attend a software coding school, a move she claimed she did not fully understand at the time. She successfully completed her studies and transitioned into a role as a software engineer in the Bay Area.

Antonova strongly maintained that she had absolutely no knowledge of Epstein's criminal activities when they interacted. She described him as a wealthy businessman who simply wanted to 'help others'. However, Epstein's financial generosity appeared to have a darker underlying motive.

Epstein's Alleged Blackmail Over The Secret Affair

Years later, Epstein allegedly used his knowledge of the affair to threaten the billionaire philanthropist. In 2017, Epstein attempted to establish a multibillion-pound (multibillion-dollar) charitable fund with JPMorgan Chase. When Gates firmly declined to join the venture, Epstein retaliated by sending a targeted email.

In 2017, Epstein emailed Gates and asked to be reimbursed for the cost of the course, 'according to the people familiar with the matter.' The underlying threat was clear: if Gates refused to support the fund, Epstein would deliberately expose the infidelity. A spokesperson for the billionaire stated that Gates never paid the requested reimbursement and deeply regretted his meetings with Epstein.

The Aftermath of the Exposé on the Bridge Player

The intricate details of this complex dynamic remained hidden until a report brought them to light. These surprising revelations have heavily damaged Gates's public image and increased the intense scrutiny over his past relationships. Gates and his wife finalized their divorce on 2 August 2021. The split was largely blamed on his controversial connection to the sex offender.

The massive media coverage has forced Antonova's private life into the public eye. She currently lives in Palo Alto, California, and works as a Python and JavaScript web developer. The entire scandal is a harsh reminder of the wide-reaching damage caused by Epstein's manipulative network.