Over the years, I’ve worked with more than 250 poker players—many of whom had one big question:
“Am I ready to go pro?”
It’s a powerful question, and the answer isn’t always clear. Chasing the dream of playing poker professionally is tempting, but it comes with real risks. Before you decide to go full-time, here are three crucial factors to seriously consider:
1. Can You Consistently Generate Strong Profits?
Yes, this seems obvious—but it’s the number one mistake I see: players making the jump too soon.
When you go pro, poker becomes your sole source of income. That means your ability to pay rent, buy groceries, and support your family depends entirely on your results—results that can swing wildly in the short term.
A general rule of thumb:
You should only consider going pro if you’re consistently making at least three times the minimum amount you need to cover your personal (or family’s) expenses.
This gives you the buffer to survive the inevitable downswings and continue growing your bankroll—even in tough stretches.
2. Build Additional Income Streams
Being all-in on poker isn’t just about what happens on the felt.
To truly make it long-term, you need ways to diversify your income. Think coaching, YouTube content, affiliate deals, blogging, or even investing outside of poker. These extra streams aren’t just bonus cash—they’re a lifeline when variance hits hard.
When you’re not depending solely on poker winnings to survive, you’re more likely to make sound decisions and ride out the rough patches with confidence.
3. Use Poker to Grow—and Hedge Your Future
Going pro doesn’t mean you’re locked into poker forever.
In fact, one of the smartest moves you can make is to use your poker journey to develop skills that will serve you in other areas: discipline, emotional control, content creation, public speaking, networking—you name it.
The poker world is unpredictable. Games evolve. Laws change. And many pros eventually reach a point where they want to try something new.
By learning new skills along the way, you’re setting yourself up for future success—whether that’s inside or outside the poker world.
Final Thought
It might feel like poker is all you want right now—but give yourself options. The best pros are the ones who play the long game: in bankroll, in mindset, and in life.
If you’re seriously considering the pro path in 2024, make sure you’re not just chasing a dream—build a life that supports it.
