The dream of becoming a professional poker player

This is one of the most common questions that aspiring poker players and their poker friends ask themselves. What is the right answer? Yes, you can definitely earn a considerable amount of money and even make a living from playing poker. However, it won't be easy, especially if we are talking about online poker.

The days when pretty much any decent player could win money in online games are long gone. The landscape has changed: The markets have split, the games have gotten tougher, and the average player has gotten better. But despite all these seemingly bad circumstances, there are still thousands of players who earn their living with online poker, and more and more who dream of playing poker professionally.

Remember that if you decide to turn pro, you will also have to change your relationship with money, as it will become your working tool. Even the best player cannot utilise their skills without a bankroll. As a pro, you need to manage your bankroll very strictly. Poker calculators can be valuable tools to help players make informed decisions based on mathematical probabilities and statistical analyses. You will also need to set aside a sum for your living expenses. Before you turn pro, you need to calculate how much money you need each month. Then it's a good idea to save a sum that will cover your basic needs for a few months.

If you are able to maintain a certain level of skill, a decent bankroll and a good attitude, you will also achieve a level of freedom that will be the envy of others. Poker players don't usually have to get up early or commute long hours. When you play professionally, you are your own boss and only you decide when to take a day off.

The most successful professional poker players lead extraordinary lives. They can often travel the world and work from almost anywhere in the world. They also have the skills and money to play many exciting live cash games or take part in prestigious tournaments such as the European Poker Tour.

If you are a solid player who is constantly improving, the sky's the limit. The downswings are the dark side of poker, but luckily there are also upswings. You shouldn't really rely on them, but they can be a nice bonus. Whether it's a win in a big Sunday tournament, an entry into a famous circuit or a high multiplier on spins, it can be a significant extra reward for all your hard work. While the benefits of being a poker pro can be very rewarding, you should also consider the downsides when making your decisions.

For most people, it is just a hobby or a side hustle. It is advisable to try poker as a side job for a year or so at first. This is the best way to find out how you can cope with the ups and downs of the life of a poker pro without risking your financial stability and mental health. Combining a regular job with part-time gambling may be a challenge, but trust us, playing online is even more challenging. The better you prepare, the easier your eventual transition will be.

After a few months of playing your game of choice, whether it's poker tournaments, cash games or spins, you'll be much more familiar with the pros and cons of playing poker for a living. You will be able to determine if you are a winning player, which, let's not forget, is the most obvious prerequisite to becoming a professional.

Becoming a successful professional poker player is a very difficult task that only a small percentage of people can achieve. After all, it is a game that involves a lot of strategy and a lot of luck, and for over 90% of the population, it is only meant to be entertainment. Even if you are not able to make a living playing, it can still be a lot of fun, and with some work you may be able to use it as a side income.

If you're looking for a way to get started without putting up too much of your own money, platforms like Slotozen can offer an excellent entry point. With their site, you can dive into online poker and other casino games risk-free, which is a great way to test your skills without the pressure of a financial commitment.

Poker is one of those rare games where both luck and skill come together in a way that can turn everyday people into legends. Over the years, several players have made their mark on the gambling world, achieving success at both the national and international level. Their stories aren’t just about winning money, but also about mastering a game that requires patience, strategy, and sometimes a bit of daring. Let’s take a look at some of these exceptional players and their journeys to the top.

Phil Ivey

Phil Ivey is often regarded as one of the greatest poker players of all time. His success in both cash games and tournaments has earned him an almost mythical status in the poker world. Ivey’s poker journey began at a young age. As a teenager, he was playing in Atlantic City under a fake ID, honing his skills and learning the nuances of the game.

What sets Ivey apart is his incredible ability to read his opponents and make razor-sharp decisions under pressure. He’s known for his calm demeanour at the table, never giving away anything with his body language. Over the years, Ivey has amassed 10 World Series of Poker (WSOP) bracelets, putting him among the elite players in poker history.

One of his most famous wins came in 2009 when he made it to the final table of the WSOP Main Event, finishing seventh and taking home $1.4 million. But Ivey’s skills extend beyond tournaments—he’s also a formidable professional gambler, often competing in some of the highest-stakes games in the world. His ability to dominate in both formats has earned him comparisons to Tiger Woods, a nickname that speaks to his excellence across all poker arenas.

Daniel Negreanu

When you think of poker, Daniel Negreanu’s name often comes to mind. Known for his friendly personality and willingness to engage with fans, Negreanu has become the face of poker for many. But it’s not just his charm that has made him a standout—he’s also one of the most successful poker players in history, with six WSOP bracelets and two World Poker Tour (WPT) titles to his name.

Born in Toronto, Canada, Negreanu’s poker journey started in local casinos before he moved to Las Vegas to chase his dreams. His rise to stardom came in 1998 when he won his first WSOP bracelet at just 23, making him the youngest bracelet winner at the time. That win kickstarted a career that would see him dominate both live and online poker for decades.

Negreanu is famous for his uncanny ability to read his opponents, often calling out their hands before they even reveal them. His style of play, which blends mathematical precision with a deep understanding of human psychology, has made him a formidable force at the poker table. He’s also been a consistent presence in poker media, using his platform to grow the game’s popularity and inspire new generations of players.

Doyle Brunson

Doyle Brunson’s influence on poker can’t be overstated. Known as "Texas Dolly," Brunson was a pioneer in the early days of professional poker and has remained a legend for decades. His two WSOP Main Event titles, won in 1976 and 1977, are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to his achievements.

Brunson’s story is one of perseverance and adaptability. Born in Texas, he initially pursued a career in basketball before an injury derailed his plans. He turned to poker as a way to make a living and quickly discovered that he had a natural talent for the game. But it wasn’t always easy. In the early days, Brunson had to navigate dangerous underground games, where the risks weren’t just losing money but potentially much worse.

Despite the obstacles, Brunson’s strategic mind and fearless approach allowed him to rise through the ranks of poker, eventually becoming one of the most respected players in the world. His book, Super/System, is still considered one of the most influential strategy guides ever written. Brunson retired from tournament poker in 2018 at the age of 84, leaving behind a legacy that has inspired countless players to follow in his footsteps.

Vanessa Selbst

Vanessa Selbst is widely considered the most successful female poker player of all time, but her impact goes beyond just gender. With three WSOP bracelets and over $11 million in tournament earnings, Selbst has proven time and again that she’s one of the top competitors in the game, period.

A graduate of Yale Law School, Selbst brought a level of intelligence and analytical thinking to poker that set her apart. She made a name for herself by playing aggressively and taking calculated risks, often putting her opponents in uncomfortable positions. Selbst’s style wasn’t just about being bold—it was about being smart. She was able to read situations and exploit weaknesses in her opponents with incredible precision.

Selbst’s breakout year came in 2010 when she won the Partouche Poker Tour Main Event, taking home $1.8 million. That win solidified her place among the elite, and she continued to rack up wins in both live and online tournaments. Although she retired from professional industry in 2018 to focus on other ventures, her impact on the game is undeniable. Selbst’s success has inspired a new wave of female players, proving that this is a game where anyone, regardless of background or gender, can thrive.

These players—Phil Ivey, Daniel Negreanu, Doyle Brunson and Vanessa Selbst - are just a few examples of poker legends who have achieved remarkable success both nationally and internationally. Their stories show that poker isn’t just a game of chance but a battle of wits, psychology, and strategy. Whether through sheer skill, the ability to read others, or a mix of both, these players have etched their names in poker history, inspiring future generations to chase the dream of becoming poker champions.