One question I often encounter, particularly from those eager to master poker, is: "How do you become a professional poker player?" The query is especially pertinent for aspiring online poker pros, which is a convenient option for those who don't live near a casino.

Is it attainable? The short answer is this:

Embarking on a career as a professional poker player is a challenging path to a seemingly easy lifestyle. While it does offer the allure of being your own boss and enjoying flexible work hours, make no mistake: it's a mentally and emotionally taxing endeavor. Whether you're into Pot Limit Omaha, commonly known as PLO, or other poker variants, maintaining a professional level requires continuous learning and advanced poker training. You'll find that if you aim to succeed in the poker game long-term—online or otherwise—you'll need an unwavering commitment to honing your skills.

The Reality of Being a Professional Poker Player

Many beginners, keen on learning poker, romanticize the idea of becoming professional players. They think it's a dream job, and yes, it does offer numerous advantages. For example, I have the freedom to live and work from any corner of the globe.

Another massive perk is the flexibility in setting your own work hours, a benefit that initially drew me into the professional poker world. These perks often entice people into the game, making them eager for advanced poker training and coaching.

But there's another side to this coin that rarely gets discussed: the challenge of variance, or as some might put it, soul-crushing downswings. This unpredictable element of the game will happen to everyone, and the poker guides and coaching can only prepare you so much. You'll need the mental fortitude to withstand these downswings, something many people realize they don't have only after it's too late.

And let's not overlook the demand for an incredible work ethic. Being a professional player isn't just about mastering the poker basics or even undergoing advanced poker training; it's about the self-discipline you won't fully understand until you're responsible for your own "office" hours, and truly understand what it takes to beat the game on a consistent basis.

Essential Personality Traits for Aspiring Online Poker Pros

Before delving into the nitty-gritty of strategies, card combinations, and the complex world of poker lingo—from terms like "fold equity" to "floating the flop"—it's crucial to understand the inherent attributes that set professional poker players apart. Aspiring to be a pro without these traits is like attempting to sail without a compass; you may move, but you're unlikely to get where you want to go.

Based on my experience, I've identified several essential personality traits that seem to be common among most successful online poker professionals. These attributes aren't just "nice-to-haves;" they're virtual necessities if you're considering a serious stint at the poker tables. Here they are, in what I believe to be their order of importance:

1. Emotional Discipline

If you're considering a career in online poker, emotional control tops the list of essential traits you need to cultivate. Why? Because poker is an emotional roller coaster. One moment you're up, the next you're down, and your emotional state can seriously impact your game strategy if you let it.

The ability to regulate your emotions allows you to stick to your game-plan, even when the stakes are high or you're going through a slump. Failing to manage your emotions can result in erratic decisions, swinging from aggressive betting to conservative folding, and compromising your long-term success.

2. Logical Decision Making

Logical decision-making is another indispensable skill for anyone serious about a career in online poker. Contrary to popular belief, poker is more a game of logical reasoning than mere mathematical calculations. You don't need an advanced degree to excel, but you do need an intuitive grasp of why some moves are more advantageous than others. This skill becomes increasingly vital as you climb the stakes and face more skilled opponents. A professional online poker player should be capable of swiftly adapting strategies and executing counter-moves to maintain an edge in this highly competitive field.

3. Work Ethic

The freedom that comes with being your own boss in online poker can be both a blessing and a curse. On the one hand, you enjoy unparalleled flexibility; on the other, there's no one to hold you accountable but yourself. This self-accountability is critical in ensuring that you stick to a disciplined work schedule, especially in a career where your earnings are directly tied to the hours you put in.

When you inevitably face that crushing downswing are you going to blame it on variance, or are you going to use it as an opportunity to see where you made mistakes and study relentlessly to regain confidence and improve your edge further?

4. Independent Personality

Playing online poker professionally is essentially a solitary endeavor. Many pros find themselves isolated for extended periods, glued to their computer screens in pursuit of the next big win.

Being comfortable with solitude is a key trait for succeeding in this field (although the dynamics are different in live poker). Prolonged periods of isolation can be challenging for some individuals.

While you don't need to adopt a hermit-like lifestyle to excel at internet poker, if you're someone who thrives on social engagement, making a living from online poker might not align well with your personality.

5. Risk Taker

While poker is predominantly a game of skill over the long term, luck plays a significant role in the short term. Players willing to seize calculated opportunities, such as chasing less skilled players at higher stakes, often ascend the ranks more quickly and enjoy greater profits.

Similarly, conservatism can be a limiting factor in scaling the stakes. The most successful professional poker players often possess a dash of the 'degen' spirit, unafraid to take calculated risks when the opportunity arises.

6. Intelligence

The majority of professional poker players possess above-average intelligence, which serves as a foundation for the qualities previously discussed. Individuals with higher cognitive abilities typically have a broader perspective, enabling them to better regulate their emotions. This intellectual advantage also contributes to stronger logical decision-making skills, a greater ability to maintain composure in high-pressure situations, and an enhanced capacity for independent thought.

Conclusion

Becoming a professional poker player isn't just about mastering strategy and math. True success comes from having the right set of personal attributes. While you don't need to excel in every trait to make it in this competitive field—believe me, I've had my struggles too—most successful pros do embody a majority of them. At our poker coaching platform, we offer comprehensive poker guides and training resources to help you fill the gaps in your skill set, be on or off the table.

Remember, poker is a game that's easy to start but challenging to master. If you're committed to learning and improving, I have the resources and insights to help you reach your full potential.