Unmasking the Life of an Online Poker Player

Ever dreamt of swapping your cubicle for a virtual poker table, setting your own hours, and raking in the big bucks? 

The life of a professional online poker player might sound like a dream come true, but let’s be real, it’s not all fame, riches, and Bentleys. Sure, there are a small number of players who live that lavish lifestyle, but for the majority, it’s not so sweet.

Draw back the curtain of the glitz and glamor often associated with the game, and you’ll see that the reality is far more nuanced.

Behind the scenes, it’s a world of hard work, discipline, and commitment. And while it sounds appealing to cash six figure scores in your PJs, without putting in 100%, you’ll have little to no success in the game–especially with how competitive online poker is nowadays.

Now, you’re probably thinking, what’s life really like for online poker pros? What does their daily routine look like? What are the challenges they face? And what are the rewards that make it all worthwhile? 

Well, today, we’ll take a closer look at the fascinating lives of professional online poker players.

A Day in the Life of an Online Poker Pro

A day in the life of an online poker pro can vary greatly, but generally follows a pattern of work and recovery. 

Many pros start their day with a healthy breakfast and exercise, whether it’s hitting the gym, going for a run, or practicing yoga.

Then it’s time to hit the virtual felt. Some pros maintain a consistent schedule throughout the week, while others may play more on weekends when there are typically more recreational players online. 

But usually, most online pros will favor their schedule around when the games are the softest. As Daniel Negs says: “You can be the fifth-best player in the world, but if you’re playing against the top four, you’re the sucker.” 

It’s known that the real work begins when you’re not at the table. Just like professional online poker player and coach Jonathan Little emphasizes: “The work you do away from the table is just as important, if not more so, than the time you spend playing.“

When they’re not playing, online pros spend significant time studying the game – this involves analyzing hand histories, watching training videos, discussing poker strategy with other players, or reading poker books and articles. 

When online pros aren’t studying or playing, they might unwind by watching a movie, reading a book, spending time with friends and family, or pursuing hobbies. And going back to brain health, they’ll prioritize sleep, as they understand the implications of playing on little rest.

It’s safe to say the life of an online poker pro requires discipline, dedication, and a constant drive to improve. 

The Challenges of the Online Poker Pro Lifestyle

While the life of an online poker pro may seem idyllic, it presents a unique set of challenges. 

The solitary nature of the work can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness, as hours are spent in front of a computer screen, interacting primarily with virtual opponents.

The sedentary lifestyle, coupled with prolonged screen time, can also raise health concerns. Eye strain, back pain, and a lack of physical activity are common issues that pros must actively address to maintain their well-being.

Importantly, poker is a game of variance, with inevitable ups and downs. The psychological impact of losses, especially during downswings, can be significant, and the ability to cope with these setbacks is crucial for long-term success.

Downswings are inevitable for every online poker player. As you can imagine, losing for weeks or months will take its toll if you don’t manage your emotions correctly.

Maintaining motivation and avoiding burnout can also be a struggle. The constant pressure to perform, the repetitive nature of the work, and the lack of social interaction can negatively affect even the most dedicated players.

Lastly, finding a healthy work-life balance is a challenge faced by many online poker pros. The flexibility of the schedule can blur the lines between work and personal time, making it difficult to disconnect and recharge.

The Rewards of the Online Poker Pro Lifestyle

Let’s face it, the life of an online poker pro isn’t without its allure.  The potential for high income is a major draw, with the enticing possibility of financial freedom and a life free from traditional work constraints. 

Imagine waking up each day, knowing your earning potential is entirely in your own hands. It’s a rush that few other careers can offer.

Beyond the financial rewards, online poker provides a level of flexibility and independence many crave. With the ability to work from anywhere with an internet connection, the world becomes your office–the freedom to choose your workspace is a perk that’s hard to beat.

But it’s not just about the money and the freedom. 

Poker is a game of skill, strategy, and constant adaptation–a mental puzzle that never gets old. For those who crave intellectual stimulation and enjoy solving complex problems, online poker is the ultimate playground.

And then there’s the rush of competition and winning. 

There’s no feeling quite like outsmarting your opponents and claiming victory. Whether it’s a small pot or a major tournament win, the thrill of competition and the satisfaction of winning are powerful motivators for the online poker pros.

Advice for Aspiring Online Pros

So, you’re thinking about becoming an online pro? Here’s some advice to help you navigate the waters.

1. Start small: Don’t jump into the high-stakes games right away. Begin with low stakes and gradually work your way up as your skills and confidence grow. It’s a marathon, not a sprint.
2. Play and track your results: Don’t quit your day job until you know you’re a winning poker player. But it’s important to track your winnings over a solid period of time, not just a month or two–variance strikes both ways and you could run hot for a while without being that good at the game. So, if you have a solid ROI over at least 6 months, then you’re probably in good shape to take the game more seriously. 
3. Focus on learning and improving: Poker is a game of skill, and the more you learn, the better you’ll become. Study the game, use solvers, watch training videos, read books, and discuss strategy with other players. Take notes on what you learn. If you’re overconsuming information it’ll be hard to remember and put it into practice. 
4. Manage your bankroll like it’s your life savings. Seriously, it kind of is. Set a budget, stick to it, and avoid chasing losses. Remember, even the best online poker players have losing streaks. Don’t let a few bad beats derail your career.
5. Network with other players: Join online forums, communities, and discussion groups. Connect with other pros and learn from their experiences. The poker world can be lonely, so building a support network is crucial.
6. Prepare for the challenges and realities of the lifestyle. It’s not all sunshine and rainbows. There will be ups and downs, long hours, and moments of doubt. But if you’re passionate about the game, willing to put in the work, and prepared for the challenges, the rewards can be immense.

Making Millions on the Virtual Felt: Profiles of Online Poker Pros

Online poker is a breeding ground for legends, where anonymous screen names become synonymous with high-stakes wins.  Let’s take a look at two such online poker players:

Linus “LLinusLLove” Loeliger: The Swiss Sensation

Hailing from Switzerland, Linus “LLinusLLove” Loeliger has made quite a name for himself in the online poker scene. 

With over $7.6 million in live tournament winnings and an estimated $1.4 million+ earned online (as of 2018), evidently he knows his way around the virtual felt. 

He’s a regular in the highest-stakes online cash games and tourneys, where his aggressive style and sharp decision-making have earned him a reputation as a formidable opponent. Back in February 2018, Loeliger had an unforgettable day on PokerStars, pocketing a whopping $112,306, much of it from fellow high-stakes pro “OtB_RedBaron.”

Niklas “Lena900” Åstedt: The Swedish Prodigy

Niklas “Lena900” Åstedt, a poker prodigy from Sweden, is a household name in the online poker tournament circuit. His staggering $47+ million in online cashes as of 2024 puts him in a league of his own.

Åstedt’s resume is packed with accolades, including an impressive 97 weeks ranked #1 on the PocketFives online poker rankings, with a 33-week streak in 2018-2019. He’s also snagged three World Championship of Online Poker (WCOOP) titles and five Spring Championship of Online Poker (SCOOP) victories, which certainly proves his consistency on the biggest stages.

In April 2021, Åstedt made headlines by clinching the GGPoker Super Millions for a cool $1.1 million, further solidifying him as a high-stakes poker titan.

Is the Online Poker Pro Lifestyle Right for You?

So, is the life of an online poker pro all it’s cracked up to be?

It’s a rollercoaster, that’s for sure. The potential for financial freedom, location independence, and the intellectual challenge of a lifetime are undeniable draws.  But it’s not all hunky dory. The solitary grind, the health risks, and the emotional toll of variance can wear on even the toughest online poker players.

Ultimately, whether this career path is right for you depends on your personality, work ethic, and risk tolerance. If you’re a self-motivated, analytical thinker who thrives on competition and can handle the pressure, then the virtual felt might just be your calling. 

But if you crave stability, social interaction, and a clear separation between work and life, this might not be the best fit. Although it’s possible to achieve this as an online poker pro, it’s significantly harder.

The bottom line is that online poker can be a thrilling and rewarding career, but it’s not for the faint of heart. It takes grit, resilience, and a whole lot of skill to make it to the top.