How to Become a Professional Online Poker Player

There’s a significant surge of interest among many individuals keen to kickstart their careers in poker and ascend to the ranks of professional players. The allure lies in the potential for substantial earnings and perks enjoyed by these pros. Take, for instance, the poker scene in the US, where players can pocket anywhere from $19,910 to $187,200 (₹1660478 to ₹15612330) annually, with a median income of $44,680(₹37,30,570). Platforms like BLITZPOKER provide avenues for players to develop their skills and compete at different levels.

Highly skilled professional players rake in even more, with top-tier earners pulling in upwards of $58,400(₹4870513) annually, with elite players in online poker tournaments boasting total earnings exceeding $180,200(₹15028535). While these figures may dazzle with their promise of financial reward, there’s a flip side to consider. In this blog, let’s delve into the pros and cons of pursuing a career as a professional poker player and outline steps to kickstart your journey to becoming a professional online poker player.

How to Become a Professional Online Poker Player — The Steps

Becoming a professional poker player might seem like the perfect job, especially for poker enthusiasts. However, it’s tougher than you might think. Focusing on poker is crucial if you want to succeed as a pro player. While pros enjoy the freedom it offers, having a professional attitude is essential. Some of the world’s best poker players are highly disciplined in their approach every day. This concise guide reveals the step-by-step roadmap to becoming a professional poker player.

• Getting Started: To begin your journey into the world of poker, it’s essential to grasp the basics first. Understanding the fundamental rules is key. Learn about hand rankings and the rules of popular poker games like Texas Hold’em and Omaha. Also, get familiar with the different stages of a hand – preflop, flop, turn, and river – and the actions you can take at each stage. Make sure you understand the basic rules before moving forward. Once you’ve got that down, you can explore more advanced strategies as you progress.
• Pick Your Poker Game: There are many variations of poker to choose from, so it’s best to focus on mastering one at a time. Texas Hold’em is a popular choice for beginners due to its widespread popularity. Spend time understanding its dynamics before exploring other variants. Consider your playing style and preferences when choosing a game. Do you prefer fast-paced action or a more strategic approach?
• Dive into Poker Theory: Poker isn’t just about luck; it’s a game that requires skill and strategy. Dive deep into the theory of poker by reading strategy books, and articles, and watching videos from reliable sources. Start with books like David Sklansky’s “The Theory of Poker”. Additionally, engage in discussions on online poker forums to exchange ideas with fellow players and learn from their experiences.
• Manage Your Bankroll Wisely: Effective bankroll management is crucial for professional poker players. Set aside a dedicated bankroll that won’t put your finances at risk. Then, implement strict bankroll management techniques to navigate through the ups and downs of the game without going broke during losing streaks. Avoid making emotional decisions at the table, as they can lead to poor outcomes.
• Practice, Practice, Practice: Practice is key to improving your poker skills. Start your journey at low-stakes tables or play free poker games to hone your skills and gain experience. Gradually move up to higher-stakes tables as you become more confident, but don’t rush the process.
• Learn from the Experts: Watching professional poker players in action can provide valuable insights. Tune into streams, watch videos, and analyze televised games to learn from their strategies and decision-making processes. Many reputable poker training websites offer courses and tutorials created by experienced players, covering a wide range of topics from beginner basics to advanced strategies.
• Analyze Your Performance: Regularly assess your gameplay to identify areas for improvement. Review your hands, especially those played during showdowns, to pinpoint mistakes and areas that need work. Utilize poker software and tools to track your progress and analyze your decisions for continuous growth. Use poker tracking software to keep a record of your sessions and analyze key hands. Seek feedback from other players to set goals for improvement.
• Cultivate a Positive Mindset: Maintaining a positive mindset is essential for a successful poker career. Recognize the balance between skill and luck, and focus on making sound decisions rather than dwelling on wins or losses. Guard against tilt, the emotional frustration that can affect your gameplay, and strive to stay level-headed at all times.
• Develop Your Winning Strategy: Once you have a solid understanding of the game, it’s time to craft your own winning strategy. Dive into concepts like position, pot odds, and equity calculations to make informed decisions. Pay attention to your opponents’ tendencies and adjust your strategy accordingly to stay ahead. Observe your opponents’ betting patterns and table dynamics to make informed decisions. Stay focused on every hand, even when you’re not actively playing.

The Pros Of Becoming a Professional Poker Player

Thinking about becoming a professional poker player? Here are some good things to consider:

No Need for a College Degree

Forget about college degrees or diplomas. Dive straight into the field. You don’t even need a school degree. Plenty of online material is available for you to learn the game. Practice every day to improve. Becoming a WSOP champion isn’t easy. It takes dedication, learning, observation, and experience. But it’s achievable with commitment.

Good Earnings Potential

One big advantage is the money. With skill, you can make a lot of cash. But it’s not easy and won’t happen overnight. Manage your money wisely to enjoy a luxurious lifestyle. Watch out for the game’s ups and downs.

Do What You Love

If you love poker, being a professional player is a dream job. It’s motivating to make a living doing what you love. Each day brings new challenges. Taking risks adds excitement.

Variety of Games to Explore

Apart from Texas Hold ‘Em, there are many other poker variants like Razz, Omaha Hi, Draw Poker, and Seven Card Stud. Try different games to keep things interesting and competitive.

Freedom from 9 to 5 Jobs

Being a pro poker player gives you flexibility. You choose your working hours. While tournaments have fixed schedules, you decide when to play. Take breaks when needed. Enjoy the freedom that comes with setting your own schedule.

How to Become a Professional Online Poker Player: The Cons Of Becoming a Professional Poker Player

When you think about how to become a professional online poker player, you must consider these downsides before diving into professional poker:

Requires Time and Patience

Becoming a pro takes time. You won’t become a champion overnight. Poker is skill-based and requires years to understand fully. Practice regularly to improve. Stay motivated and don’t give up.

Significant Capital Needed

Playing at higher levels requires a lot of money. Losing can set you back. You need capital to bounce back from losses. Even starting out requires investment.

Irregular Income

Poker comes with financial risks. Some days you might win big, others you might lose. It’s mentally and financially draining at times. Not every day will be profitable. Be prepared for fluctuations in income.

High Skill Requirement

Poker demands a high level of skill. Only a small percentage of players make good money. Assess your skills realistically. It’s hard to measure your performance accurately due to changing opponents and hands.

Social Stigma

Criticism from society, especially in traditional communities, is common. Many still see poker as gambling, not a real profession. Remain true to yourself and disregard the negativity from others.