Five Lessons I Learned from 12 Years of High-Stakes Poker
1) Not everyone’s built for school and a 9–5 — poker gave another option
Poker offers a path for people who don’t fit into the system.
As a teenager, you're expected to choose what to study and what to become for the rest of your life. But many of us don’t fit that mold. Some are independent, slow to mature, or simply wired differently. It’s not about being lazy or stupid. It's about wanting success on your own terms. Poker gives those people a way to build something for themselves, outside the traditional schooling system or a 9–5 job. Being your own boss isn’t easy, but it gives you control.
For people like us, that’s worth everything.
2) Everyone wants the shortcut — it doesn’t exist
There are no real shortcuts in poker or anywhere else.
Yes, good coaching can speed things up progress. Sure, there are tricks and edges that help.
But there’s no path to lasting success that doesn’t involve showing up every day and doing the work. You’ve heard this a hundred times from people who’ve made it. It’s still true. Talent helps. But hard work and consistency are what carry you through when the results don’t go your way.
3) Poker will always sound wrong to some people
No matter how much you win, some people will never take poker seriously.
You could buy a house, support a family, and be living proof that poker is a valid profession and still get dismissed as a gambling addict.
I stopped trying to explain myself years ago. I don’t go into specifics, stay focused, and listen only to people whose opinions I actually value.
If someone’s going to look down on a legal, difficult, skill-based profession just because it’s unconventional, then I’m not interested in convincing them otherwise.
4) Chasing glory is how many pros go broke
Lifelong degens don’t win.
When I started, I looked up to the guys who’d play the biggest games, challenge anyone and never back down, even if they were losing. But where did they end up? A few good stories to their future grand kids and no money. As a professional, your job is to make money.
Some players get both glory and money Most don’t. Poker can set you up for life, but not if you're constantly playing in games you can't beat or taking on variance that will ruin your mental health and bankroll.
I’m not saying you have to play perfectly every session of your life. But the dream of “proving yourself” at the highest level can be a trap. Make money first. Chase greatness once you’re secure. That’s something most young players only learn after getting hurt.
5) Poker skill doesn’t transfer just because you’re smart
Just because you're good at poker doesn’t mean you’ll succeed elsewhere.
You’re smart. You’ve worked hard. But you made money very fast and that can give you a false sense of security when it comes to investing or business.
You can lose a lot if you don't approach new ventures with the same discipline and patience that made you good at poker in the first place. I learned this the hard way.
That’s why I started High Stakes Finance — to help successful people keep what they’ve earned.
I’ll take a detailed look at your financial situation and give you a custom plan to optimize your career, avoid expensive mistakes, and invest where your money has the highest chance of long-term success.
If you want to protect the money you’ve made and grow it, click the button below and let’s talk.