Pro player and Solve For Why coach Matt Hunt kicks off a new PokerOrg series exploring the financial realities and variance in poker—starting with one of the most misunderstood aspects of the high-stakes scene: selling action.
High-Stakes Challenges Are Booming—But Who’s Really Bankrolling the Action?
If you’ve been following poker Twitter lately, you’ve probably seen a flurry of heads-up challenges between pros and deep-pocketed amateurs. Whether it’s Matt Berkey vs. Nik Airball, Doug Polk vs. Bill Perkins, or Eric Persson vs. practically anyone, the poker community has been buzzing with anticipation.
The appeal is obvious: casual fans love the drama, the rivalries, and the spectacle of massive pots flying back and forth. But behind the glitz lies a more nuanced reality—most of the pros aren’t playing with 100% of their own money.
And that’s not just okay—it’s essential for the ecosystem.
Why Selling Poker Action Isn’t Weakness—It’s Strategy
There’s a persistent narrative, often echoed by fans and wealthy recreational players alike, that “real pros don’t sell action”. The idea is that if you’re truly confident, you’ll put your own money on the line.
But that mindset completely ignores how variance and bankroll management work in poker—especially at the nosebleeds.
Take the high-stakes heads-up battles. These are small sample sizes with massive stakes. Even the best players in the world can lose over a few sessions. Selling a percentage of your action is simply smart risk management. It doesn’t mean you’re not confident—it means you’re thinking like a professional.
The Poker Economy Thrives on Staking
Just like startups rely on outside investment to grow, poker pros often need backing deals to move up in stakes or take on major events.
In fact, much of the money circulating in the poker world comes from “angel investors”—wealthy fans who love the game but don’t necessarily want to play. Platforms like StakeKings and PocketFives make it easy for these investors to support their favorite players.
Without these backers, the super high roller scene wouldn’t exist. No one—even the elite—has $10 million lying around to consistently play $100K buy-in events on their own dime.
Selling Action Kickstarts Careers—and Keeps Dreams Alive
Matt Hunt himself is a prime example. His early years were fueled by three online staking deals that allowed him to learn, improve, and build the foundation of his professional career. Without those opportunities, he might never have reached the level he’s at today.
Staking gave him the chance to move to Las Vegas, play live events, and pursue his passion full-time. It wasn’t a shortcut—it was a stepping stone.
Let’s Normalize Selling Action in Poker
Selling action doesn’t diminish the stakes. It doesn’t devalue a win. And it certainly doesn’t make someone less of a pro.
Instead of fixating on whether someone’s risking every dollar themselves, let’s focus on what really matters: their skill, heart, and willingness to compete under the spotlight.
Poker is a game of highs and lows, and money is simply the scoreboard. The fact that players have found sustainable ways to manage risk and keep competing? That’s something worth celebrating—not criticizing.
PokerOrg’s Bankroll series is brought to you by MuchBetter, the award-winning e-wallet designed to move money fast and securely—perfect for poker players around the world.
