Becoming a professional poker player is often viewed as a dream career—freedom to set your schedule, the thrill of competition, and the allure of earning big money. However, the reality is much more nuanced. Here are five reasons why you should think twice before going pro in 2025.
Reason 1: Variance Can Be Sickening
Poker is highly volatile. When Patrick tried going semi-pro at 17, he lost half of his bankroll within the first week, underestimating both variance and his own skill level. Despite later achieving success in poker, he reminded himself how painful it is to experience the swings. The volatility can make you question your abilities, and the relief of a steady paycheck can quickly seem appealing again.
Tip: Understand that variance is a huge factor. Even with strong skills, you’ll have periods where you’re not profitable.
Reason 2: The Mental Grind Is Unrelenting
Poker may seem glamorous, but the daily grind can become mentally exhausting. What starts as an exciting challenge can turn into monotonous, repetitive action. Prolonged losing streaks make this even harder. While poker offers financial freedom, it doesn’t always provide the same sense of fulfillment as careers that allow for making a real-world impact.
Tip: If you’re prone to burnout or need meaningful engagement with others, consider the emotional cost of poker’s repetitive grind.
Reason 3: It’s Not As Flexible As You Think
While poker players often think they can set their own schedules, the truth is that they must play when the games are good. This often means playing late at night, early in the morning, and even on weekends. Your schedule is dictated by the availability of games, not by personal preference.
Tip: The freedom poker offers is not as unlimited as it seems. Be prepared for unconventional working hours.
Reason 4: Emotional and Financial Pressure
Once you become a pro, your poker winnings aren’t just “points” anymore—they are your livelihood. This transforms poker into a constant emotional and financial pressure cooker. The swings—both financial and emotional—are far more intense than in most other professions, which can affect your mental well-being.
Tip: If you struggle with anxiety or stress, poker’s high stakes and volatility may amplify those feelings, so weigh the emotional toll carefully.
Reason 5: The Uncertain Future of Poker
The future of poker, especially online poker, is uncertain. Regulations, bots, and real-time assistance tools are changing the landscape, making the industry less predictable. There’s no guarantee of long-term stability, unlike traditional careers, and to mitigate the uncertainty, you need to save significantly more money.
Tip: Understand that poker doesn’t offer the same long-term security as other careers. Consider building a solid financial cushion and diversify your income streams.
If You Do Go Pro, Plan Carefully
Despite the challenges, poker can still be rewarding for those who approach it cautiously. Here are four critical steps if you’re determined to go pro:
-
Build a strong financial cushion: Ensure you have at least 100 buy-ins for your current stakes and a year’s worth of living expenses saved.
-
Prove your long-term winning ability: Be consistently profitable for at least three years, even during significant downswings.
-
Start part-time: If you have a stable job, start transitioning into poker gradually while maintaining financial stability.
-
Diversify your income streams: Consider coaching, content creation, or other ventures to reduce the pressure of relying solely on poker.
Final Thoughts
Poker can be an incredible journey, but it’s not for everyone. If you decide to go pro, approach it with eyes wide open and a solid plan in place. Poker’s bumpy road can lead to rewards, but only if you’re prepared for its ups and downs.
