Patrick Gerritsen is a professional player and coach at Run It Once, where he specializes in cash game strategy under the nickname ‘Freenachos’. This week, five things to seriously consider before taking a decision to go pro in poker…
Becoming a professional poker player is often viewed as a dream career by many: the freedom to set your schedule, the thrill of competition, and the allure of earning big money. However, the reality of going pro is far more nuanced and challenging than most people realize.
As a professional poker player with years of experience, I’ve witnessed firsthand the ups and downs of this lifestyle. While poker has been transformative for me, it’s not without its significant challenges. Here are five reasons why you should think twice before making the leap to go pro in 2025.
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Reason 1: Variance can be sickening
Back in 2007, when I was 17, I tried to go semi-pro. I’ll be honest: my parents weren’t thrilled, but I assured them I’d been consistently winning for the better part of a year, growing my initial deposit of $20 to a little over $1,000. Within the first week of my semi-pro attempt, I lost more than half of my bankroll. I had massively underestimated variance – and frankly, my skill level as well.
In the end I decided to go back to college, I got a degree in teaching and found a job in a school specializing in second-language learning. Years later, I decided to get back into playing poker, not with the intention of going pro, but simply because I loved the game. Worst case scenario, I figured I’d make a few bucks playing this game I loved. Three years later I had moved up from the microstakes to high stakes, I had started my own Coaching for Profit (CFP) group and became a Run It Once Elite coach. I still loved my job as a teacher, but going pro simply made more sense.
This time around I was much better prepared, yet, despite my strong win rate, I broke even for the first six months of my second attempt. Luckily, this time around I did recover and I’ve been playing cards professionally ever since, but it did remind me of how sick variance is – and how incredibly convenient a steady paycheck can be.
Reason 2: The mental grind is unrelenting
Poker may seem glamorous, but the day-to-day reality can be mentally draining. The intellectual thrill of making tough strategic decisions is exciting at first, but by day 763 of clicking buttons, it can start to feel like you’re just… clicking buttons. Even now, not a week goes by without me checking open teaching vacancies.
Sure, the grass is always greener on the other side, but playing a card game all day can get monotonous. And during prolonged stretches of bad luck, it can really wear you down.
Although poker has brought me freedom and financial success, I sometimes find myself longing for the deeper sense of fulfillment I felt as a teacher, where I could make a meaningful impact on others’ lives.
Like anything, poker can become a grind.
Reason 3: It’s not as flexible as you think
One of the biggest misconceptions about poker is that it offers unlimited freedom. In reality, poker players are bound by when the games are good. Often, that means playing during odd hours – early mornings, late nights, and weekends. To succeed, often times you need to sacrifice traditional leisure time and adapt to a schedule dictated by the game, not by you.
One of the biggest misconceptions about poker is that it offers unlimited freedom.
Reason 4: Emotional and financial pressure
The moment I became a professional poker player, the numbers in my account stopped being just ‘poker points’ – they became my livelihood. The constant pressure to perform, pay bills, and plan for the future can take a significant emotional toll. There have been days when I’ve finished sessions feeling completely defeated, questioning if I’d ever turn things around.
The swings in poker – both financial and emotional – are far more intense than in most other professions. For anyone prone to stress or anxiety, poker is more likely to magnify those feelings than provide an escape.
Reason 5: The uncertain future of poker
Poker, especially online poker, is in a state of flux. Increased regulations, the rise of bots and real-time assistance, and changes in the global ecosystem mean the future of the game is unpredictable. While I’m generally more optimistic than most that online poker will survive, it’s impossible to ignore the risks.
Unlike traditional careers, poker doesn’t guarantee long-term stability. To compensate for this uncertainty, you need to make significantly more money so that you build enough wealth to keep you afloat when either the game dries up or you decide to move on to other ventures.
If you do go pro, plan carefully
Despite these challenges, poker can still be a rewarding career for those who approach it with caution and preparation. If you’re determined to go pro, consider these four critical steps:
- Build a strong financial cushion: Have a poker bankroll of at least 100 buy-ins for your current stakes and one year’s worth of living expenses saved.
- Prove your long-term winning ability: Ensure you’ve been consistently profitable for at least three years, including weathering significant downswings.
- Start part-time: If you have a stable job you don’t hate, keep it while transitioning into poker gradually.
- Diversify your income streams: Whether through coaching, content creation, or other ventures, having additional sources of income can alleviate the pressure of relying solely on poker.
Going pro isn’t a decision to take lightly. While I’m grateful for what poker has brought to my life, I’m also keenly aware of its challenges. If you’re considering this path, approach it with eyes wide open and a solid plan.
Poker can be an incredible journey, but only if you’re prepared for the bumpy road ahead.
Patrick Gerritsen is a successful online player and a coach at Run It Once, as well as the founder of the NachosPoker training site. He specializes in cash games, combining solid fundamentals with data analysis.