Why most poker players fail to get past mid-stakes
The vast majority of players who dream of becoming full-time professionals playing the biggest games never make it. Even reaching mid-stakes and earning solid money is far more difficult than most expect.
Why is it so tough? Many fail because they are lazy, mismanage their bankroll, or avoid the soft games where real money is made. But even if you do those things correctly, there are three major challenges in poker that are hard to overcome.
1. Living expenses
As a young pro relying on poker as your main income, a large percentage of your winnings will go straight to covering living costs. Even if you spend cautiously and reinvest as much as possible into your poker career, expenses slow your progress.
There is no magic solution, but there are straightforward strategies that help:
Live with your parents, or join a grindhouse. Saving hundreds or even thousands per month is huge. On top of that, surrounding yourself with motivated people who share your goals creates extra EV.
Be frugal. The more you save and reinvest now, the faster you build lasting financial success. Ignore what others spend their money on. Focus on your own success, instead of trying to impress others.
2. Rake
Up until around NL500, rake eats a huge portion of your profits.
One of the worst mistakes you can make is trying to “just play poker” without a plan. You must select the softest sites, lowest rake structures, and the weakest opponents at the best times. That’s what maximizes win rate.
Think about it: a win rate of 5bb/100 is considered excellent. But you may be paying 5bb/100 or more in rake just to get it. That means you are effectively taxed at 50% or higher before actual taxes are even considered.
3. Taxes
Just like rake and expenses, taxes cost a significant share of your winnings. A good tax professional can help reduce the burden, but you’ll still have to pay.
If your country has extremely high taxes and you are serious about becoming a top poker pro, moving abroad for a few years can accelerate your progress dramatically. It’s a big commitment, but so is being a professional player.
When I was 21, I moved to Malta and lived with three other young pros chasing the same dream.
Malta offered affordable living, great weather, a strong poker community, and a favorable tax system.
That environment improved my game far more than staying in my parents’ basement ever could. We studied together, learned about finance, and built a network. Many of my highest-earning business contacts today are people I met there more than a decade ago.
If you are truly serious about being a poker professional, move to an environment where you can grow. Surround yourself with likeminded players, spend cautiously, and invest in yourself.
To become the best version of yourself, you also need someone in your corner with financial experience and proven success.
If you want help making more money and building lasting wealth, contact me below and let’s talk.