In the enigmatic world of professional poker, where skill, strategy, perseverance and right decisions could lead to substantial earnings. But how much do the professional poker players make? This question, shrouded in mystery and speculation, invites us to delve into the intricacies of the profession, exploring the various factors that influence earnings and uncovering the realities behind the glamourous side of the poker world.
First and foremost, it’s essential to recognise that the income of professional poker players spans a vast spectrum, ranging from modest earnings to staggering riches. At one end of the spectrum, we find aspiring players grinding away at low-stakes tables, scraping together a living from modest tournament scores and cash game winnings.
At the other end, we encounter elite pros who have ascended to the upper echelons of the poker hierarchy, commanding multi-million dollar bankrolls and competing for seven-figure prizes on the global stage.
👍Upsides of Being a Poker Pro 👍
(someone who makes a living from Poker)For me, all of these benefits outweigh the downsides of Poker. I would never trade it for a regular, non-fulfilling 9-5 job just to have stable income, paid leave, and the like.
– Financial Freedom (if…
— bencb (@bencb789) August 17, 2023
Several key factors influence the earnings potential of professional poker players, each playing a significant role in shaping their financial success.
The earnings potential of professional poker players varies depending on the form of the game they specialise in. Here’s a breakdown of the earning potential in different forms of poker:
ALSO CHECK: Professional Poker Players Net Worths
While the allure of high-stakes poker and seven-figure paydays may capture the imagination, it’s essential to temper expectations with a dose of reality. The truth is that the vast majority of professional poker players earn far less than the top earners in the game, with many struggling to make ends meet or supplementing their income with other pursuits.
For every Phil Ivey or Daniel Negreanu commanding millions in tournament winnings, there are countless lesser-known players grinding away at lower stakes, eking out a modest living from the game they love. The road to success in poker is paved with challenges and setbacks, requiring resilience, determination, and a willingness to adapt to the ever-changing landscape of the game.
Let’s delve into the earnings of an average $2/$5 NLHE (No Limit Hold’em) poker player, where the standard rate stands at $70 per hour. According to Statista, the average workweek duration in the US is approximately 34.6 hours.
When these figures are multiplied, the weekly earnings of a poker player amount to $2,422, tallying up to an annual income of $116,256. But how does this stack up against other professions in the US?
According to the Economic Policy Institute, the average hourly wage in the US stands at $19.33, translating to a weekly income of $668.82. This places the average annual wage at $34,778.64. Consequently, it’s evident that the average poker player earns significantly more than the average American worker. However, when comparing poker salaries to those in other sports, the figures don’t appear as impressive.
For instance, the average player in the English Premier League commands a yearly salary of approximately $3,182,871, while their Major League Baseball (MLB) counterpart brings in an estimated salary of $4,500,000 annually.
Meanwhile, basketball players boast a substantial average income of $7.7 Million per year, and footballers rake in an average annual salary of $860,000. Clearly, these figures far exceed the average poker player’s earnings of $125,944, and they come with the added benefit of being guaranteed. In contrast, there’s no assurance that a poker player will consistently match this average income each year.
Place |
Country |
Player |
Earnings |
1st |
United States |
Bryn Kenney |
$65,195,994 |
2nd |
United States |
Justin Bonomo |
$63,405,743 |
3rd |
England |
Stephen Chidwick |
$56,943,473 |
4th |
United States |
Jason Koon |
$56,694,108 |
5th |
United States |
Dan Smith |
$54,272,891 |
6th |
Belarus |
Mikita Badziakouski |
$52,786,366 |
7th |
Canada |
Daniel Negreanu |
$52,628,151 |
8th |
United States |
Isaac Haxton |
$47,709,274 |
9th |
United States |
Erik Seidel |
$46,354,129 |
10th |
United States |
David Peters |
$45,869,237 |
11th |
United States |
Phil Ivey |
$42,556,044 |
12th |
Germany |
Fedor Holz |
$41,686,203 |
13th |
Spain |
Adrian Mateos |
$41,384,087 |
14th |
United States |
Steve O’Dwyer |
$40,769,301 |
15th |
United States |
Cary Katz |
$40,073,333 |
16th |
Canada |
Timothy Adams |
$38,580,851 |
17th |
United States |
Jake Schindler |
$36,817,582 |
18th |
Canada |
Sam Greenwood |
$34,987,298 |
19th |
United States |
Nick Petrangelo |
$32,760,007 |
20th |
United States |
William Alex Foxen |
$32,459,838 |
*Figures are as of April 2024
Well readers, now that you know who tops the All Time Money List and the annual income of an average poker player, how about exploring the world of online poker? With poker apps, grinders can push the boundaries of their income via poker. By visiting our poker rooms page you will be opening doors to an exciting universe of online poker and sign up on any poker website of your choice. Our list of poker sites is extensive, and allows players of varied bankrolls to register and play their best game.
The income of professional poker players is a multifaceted subject, shaped by a myriad of factors ranging from skill and experience to market conditions and game selection. While the upper echelons of the poker world may be populated by elite pros commanding vast fortunes, the reality for many players is one of modest earnings and hard-fought victories.
Whether grinding away at low-stakes tables or competing for high-stakes glory on the global stage, professional poker players navigate a complex and often unpredictable landscape, where success is measured not only in dollars but also in the thrill of the game and the satisfaction of mastering its intricacies.
One thing is certain: the pursuit of excellence in this card game is a journey worth undertaking, regardless of the financial rewards it may bring.
It’s important to note, however, that consistently winning at the highest levels of poker is no easy feat. Only a select few possess the skill and discipline to compete with the world’s best players and emerge victorious on a regular basis.
For more news and updates, keep reading Gutshot Magazine or follow us on our social media handles. We are present on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Telegram.
With a Masters Degree in Journalism and Communication, Mrinal Gujare currently is cruising through an exciting genre of writing and editing at Gutshot Magazine. Apart from being an Editor, Mrinal is an avid reader and a former contemporary dancer. She is also perennially hungry for intriguing scoops from across the globe. No holds barred is the rule Mrinal follows in life.
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