Is it feasible to make a living from poker without other sources of income?

Understanding the increase in rake, the tougher tables, the automation with AI of certain decisions, does all this have an impact? Can you still keep a winrate at micro and medium levels to make a living from it? or is it more like break even?

absolutista2021 said:

Понимание роста рейка, более жестких столов, автоматизации некоторых решений с помощью ИИ — оказывает ли всё это влияние? Можно ли поддерживать винрейт на микро- и средних уровнях, чтобы зарабатывать на этом? Или это скорее выход в ноль?

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You can earn money with poker!!!! I've previously written a similar post about my friend who plays poker professionally and makes a living doing it!!!

Aleksandr1991 said:

You can earn money with poker!!!! I've previously written a similar post about my friend who plays poker professionally and makes a living doing it!!!

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great! thank you for answer! good for your friends, can you send my the post link for read! and tytyty!

A lot of people are doing it all over the world, but not everyone can.

Yes, it is possible to make a living solely from poker, but it’s challenging and not guaranteed. Success requires a high level of skill, discipline, and emotional control, as well as careful bankroll management to withstand the inevitable downswings. Most professional players combine consistent study, reviewing hands, and tracking results to maintain an edge. While some can earn a stable income, many struggle if they rely only on poker without backup savings or alternative income. Treating poker like a business—balancing risk, volume, and ongoing learning—is essential for long-term sustainability.

Online - very difficult if you live in the "Western World".

If you live in Africa, or certain parts of Asia or South America, maybe if you are talented and have very small expenses.

On one hand, poker offers freedom, flexibility, and the potential for big scores. On the other, it comes with brutal downswings, variance, and the constant need to stay sharp technically and mentally. Even some pros recommend having side income or investments to reduce stress.

If you own a casino or a poker website.

Depends on the quality of life one wants/expects, cost of living where you choose to live that life and are you gonna stay mostly single with no kids. Also do you have a partner that works full-time or part-time. In canada it's easier to own, work/manage your business then make a living playing online and the stability is a lot better.

And if you choose live which is easier than online you then have to put with completely miserable, terrible, stinky people 8+ hours everyday and the majority don't even have a sense of humor or the brain power of and egg plant. So the conversation even sucks.

Cheers!!!

Most professional players do it, some have another source of income but they have achieved it thanks to poker winnings.

I think the ones who do make a living out of poker might not necessarily be on this site. This is mostly for recreational players, who want to take part in freerolls and learn. Negreanu posts and blogs his wsop results and he's been in the - for the last 2 years. He's been playing for 20+ years. The money comes from affiliating himself with GG Poker and the WSOP brand. And he does not talk about those finances. Those contracts are usually more secretive.

Its possible, but it depends on your ability and what games are available to you(with ample volume).

After winning a big tournament, you can make a living from Poker! To achieve this, you need to play thousands of hands in freerolls, then move on to small buy-ins, participate in step tournaments, and if you're lucky enough to win a ticket to the big tournament and place in the top three, then you have a chance to live off POKER!"

It depend how good can you play but I think it is very hard not many player can do that just 5% I think

Possible, sure... there are certainly people out there who play poker for a living. But to be honest, once you get to the higher level players, most of them have other sources of income. Either they were well off to begin with or they had success at poker and now are able to make money off of vlogs or coaching. Just look at Doug Polk selling his training site for an "undisclosed amount" of money, probably millions. Not to mention that he owns cardrooms now as well, so he is a prime example of turning poker into not just a career, but effectively passive income.

Card Player - Doug Polk Sells Online Poker Training Site To ClubWPT Gold

Unfortunately, only a small percentage of players can live off their poker game, and most players have to use poker as an additional source of income at best.

I think this is ok if you have a roll to live 1-2 years if you not make any income from poker otherwise you will be stressed at tables

absolutista2021 said:

Understanding the increase in rake, the tougher tables, the automation with AI of certain decisions, does all this have an impact? Can you still keep a winrate at micro and medium levels to make a living from it? or is it more like break even?

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this really is dependant on how much money your need for a living. once you have that number you can calculate if it's possible to play enough games in a certain period of time with a high enough winrate. maybe it's not possible to find enough stakes high enough to live in the first world

Yes, it is possible to make a living playing poker, but it requires a lot of effort, constant learning, self-discipline and strategic thinking, as poker is not a guaranteed income, but a game with high variance and other limitations.You need to manage your finances, emotions and gaming process.

I think it's very risky to rely on poker as your only source of income. You have to understand that economic conditions can change at any time, making it impossible to earn money online in this field. There could be many reasons for this, such as Donald's tariff policy, sanctions, new taxation rules or licensing requirements for such companies, and so on. Any day, poker could become illegal, and you could find yourself without any money to live on.

Yes, it is possible to make a living from poker without other income sources, but it requires exceptional skill, discipline, and careful risk management. Professional poker players compete in cash games, tournaments, or online platforms, aiming to profit consistently over time while managing the inherent volatility and psychological demands of the profession.

## Skill and Knowledge

Success in poker depends primarily on advanced game knowledge, mathematical analysis, psychological acumen, and adaptability to different formats and opponents. Most winning professionals study game theory, develop strong bankroll management habits, and maintain mental resilience to handle both wins and losses.

## Bankroll Management

A large starting bankroll is critical to withstand variance. Bankroll management strategies help players avoid going broke during inevitable downswings. For instance, playing low-stakes games relative to the size of one’s bankroll and gradually moving up as profits accumulate is a standard approach.

## Earning Potential

Top professionals can earn significant incomes, especially in high-stakes games or major tournaments. However, most players earn moderate amounts, and income can fluctuate widely from month to month due to luck, competition, and changes in the poker environment.

## Challenges and Risks

Poker carries substantial risks:
- Income is unstable, with the possibility of prolonged losing periods ("downswings")
- Psychological stress, including pressure to perform and emotional swings
- Need for self-motivation, discipline, and continuous learning as the game evolves
- Legal and regulatory challenges in some regions, which may affect game availability

## Lifestyle Considerations

Professional poker offers flexibility and autonomy but demands irregular hours, travel (for live events), and minimal job security compared to traditional careers. Many players also report social isolation due to non-traditional schedules and work environments.

## Conclusion

Making a living from poker is feasible for those with above-average skills, rigorous discipline, and a deep understanding of risks. It is not a stable or easy path, and long-term success depends on continuously adapting, managing finances well, and maintaining mental health.

Sources

Get yourself sponsored by one of the big poker rooms and play live tournaments with American's

Yes i know a lot of people who live from poker and live well, they just have a great bankroll management.

its' possible but you need to work for it nothing is easy

To me poker is like any art form. Yes it's possible to make a living solely on your art(painters, musicians, actors) but the vast majority cant