What is needed to become a professional?

Myoshikah · Dec 22, 2025

It depends alot of people actually lower their ROI by studying as they really dont know how to study efficiently, they end up taking lines the solver does without understanding the reasoning behind it. I am of the belief that time spent at the tables is more +ev assuming you have a core understanding of the game.
Identifying and working on your own leaks though this is imperative compare to GTO stats to see where you may be getting exploited, not x/r enough on flops or not defending your x range, under/over 3 betting from the BB vs BTN etc etc also having a decent understanding of GTO will help as like mentioned before alot of people are playing this way but leaving doors open for clear exploits

Igor G · Dec 22, 2025

WladiYoga said:
Hi Guys, I wonder: Is it possible to become a really good poker player by just playing/just by nature? If one has a talent within himself to be one of the best?
Or is hard study work necessary in any case?
Thank you for your honest answers.

Is it possible to become a good engineer, surgeon, lawyer or accountant?
Of course, yes, it is possible. If you are willing to study and work hard for it.

DiazPoker3101 · Dec 22, 2025

Through hard work and effort, one day you will become a professional.

E.Rostowicz · Dec 29, 2025

In the modern game, natural talent might help you get started, but you cannot reach a professional level without serious study. The competition is too tough today, and almost every winning player uses solvers and reviews their hands regularly. Talent gives you the intuition but study gives you the mathematical edge needed to survive in the long run.

istbno · Dec 30, 2025

Natural talent can give someone a strong head start in poker things like intuition, pattern recognition, emotional control, and risk tolerance definitely help but they are not enough on their own to reach a truly high level. Poker today is too competitive and well-studied for raw instinct alone to carry someone far. The best players all combine talent with deliberate study: reviewing hands, learning theory, understanding math, and adapting to modern strategies. You can become decent just by playing, but to become really good or one of the best, structured learning and consistent work are unavoidable. Talent opens the door; hard study is what keeps you winning long term.

Rmi · Dec 30, 2025

The game is strategy, you must be very good, but it is possible to achieve it

fuzzycatdaddy · Dec 31, 2025

odonob said:
No such thing as study in a poker, this is a fallacy. Luck is the main arbiter of winning. Simple game, not rocket science.

I feel the opposite, at its core it's game theory and math. I'm not saying you can't be successful with luck alone, but there's a reason the same player sit at the final tables of the biggest events year over year and it's not because they got more AA than anyone else.

R.Melnyk77 · Dec 31, 2025

I think that hard work will always be a more important factor. Hard work can completely make up for a lack of talent. There are very talented people, but their laziness makes them completely mediocre, more like losers.

dompoker · Jan 29, 2026

I'm not a professional, I've read about poker professionals, who study very hard, with a lot of discipline, they leave bad habits aside, to have a good mentality, and focus on the fires.

ninocabral · Jan 29, 2026

Certainly, anyone can become a professional, just study the game, put what you learn into practice, have discipline and study hard.

phuchoidey1 · Jan 30, 2026

I think you have to learn from many pro player , and learn about yourself

Sschafell · Jan 30, 2026

dedicate yourself to studying and grinding!

KeyPatience · Jan 30, 2026

WladiYoga said:
Hi Guys, I wonder: Is it possible to become a really good poker player by just playing/just by nature? If one has a talent within himself to be one of the best?
Or is hard study work necessary in any case?
Thank you for your honest answers.

Aspects which most of the players lack in order to become a professional are as under:
1. Discipline
2. Dedication
3. Consistency
4. Patience
5. Resilience
6. Tenacity

Roller · Jan 31, 2026

Yes, talent matters. But no one becomes really good on talent alone anymore.
At the top levels, hard, deliberate study is unavoidable

MishkaZL · Feb 1, 2026

First, you need a plan.
A plan for several years. I think it's realistic to become a professional in 5-7 years. If you want to become a professional in a year, it's unlikely that you will succeed. But if you have a plan, time, desire, and the financial ability to pay the bills, then this goal is absolutely realistic.

ztibor72 · Feb 1, 2026

Anything is possible, but less and less these days.
Learning becomes more and more necessary as the player base grows stronger.

Kpaprince · Feb 3, 2026

Becoming a professional poker player takes much more than just winning a few sessions. In my opinion, the biggest requirement is consistency—both in results and in mindset.

First, solid fundamentals are essential. This includes hand selection, position awareness, bankroll management, and an understanding of variance. Without these basics, it’s almost impossible to survive long-term, no matter how talented you are.

Second, mental discipline is critical. A professional needs to handle downswings, control tilt, and keep making good decisions even when results are going badly. I’ve learned that emotional control often separates winning players from losing ones.

Finally, professionals treat poker like a business. They track results, study regularly, choose games carefully, and are honest about their weaknesses. It’s not about playing all the time—it’s about playing and studying smart.

CaioRJ · Feb 3, 2026

Play like GTO Wizard recomend.

R.Holynskyi · Feb 3, 2026

WladiYoga said:
Hi Guys, I wonder: Is it possible to become a really good poker player by just playing/just by nature? If one has a talent within himself to be one of the best?
Or is hard study work necessary in any case?
Thank you for your honest answers.

In order to become a professional, you must first change your approach to the game and your attitude towards poker. Poker should evolve from entertainment into your intellectual profession. You must be prepared for years of hard work and daily practice.

Peteski84 · Feb 4, 2026

A sponsorship deal.
Effectively being paid to play.

kolan90 · Feb 5, 2026

To become a professional poker player, you need to spend a lot of time studying poker math, practicing, and so on.

rufininha14 · Feb 5, 2026

I believe that everyone can play poker, but I think that without knowledge it's very difficult to be a professional poker player; studying and learning is always important.

MAFNL16061986 · Feb 5, 2026

poker can be a hobby or fulltime job persenally i hope to become a fulltime pokerplayer meself but i am still in learning fase hihihhii

Pavelmiyah · Feb 5, 2026

Play cash table. Or make a pattern to playing style

john_entony · Feb 5, 2026

I think that keeping a cool head is very important! Of course, a professional should never be affected by emotions. A professional should also constantly invest money in tournaments and cash games.

What is needed to become a professional?

Myoshikah

Enthusiast

Igor G

Legend

DiazPoker3101

Visionary

E.Rostowicz

Enthusiast

istbno

Visionary

Rmi

Visionary

fuzzycatdaddy

Enthusiast

R.Melnyk77

Legend

dompoker

Legend

ninocabral

Visionary

phuchoidey1

Rock Star

Sschafell

Visionary

KeyPatience

Rock Star

Roller

Legend

MishkaZL

Legend

ztibor72

Legend

Kpaprince

Rock Star

CaioRJ

Visionary

R.Holynskyi

Legend

Peteski84

Visionary

kolan90

Enthusiast

rufininha14

Visionary

MAFNL16061986

Rock Star

Pavelmiyah

Rock Star

john_entony

feed the Fox

About CardsChat

Our Community

Our Site