If you’re a fan of poker, you’ve probably wondered how many professional poker players there are in the world. While it’s difficult to pin down an exact number, we can try to estimate it based on various sources.
Firstly, it’s important to define what we mean by “professional” poker player. Generally, this refers to someone who makes their living primarily from playing poker. This doesn’t necessarily mean they’re famous or well-known – there are plenty of successful pros who fly under the radar.
One way we can get an idea of how many pros there are is by looking at tournament results. The World Series of Poker (WSOP) is one of the biggest and most prestigious events in the poker world, attracting thousands of players each year.
According to their official website, over 1200 players won money in the 2019 WSOP Main Event alone. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean all of these players are “pros” – many may have just been playing for fun or as a hobby.
Another way to estimate the number of professional poker players is by looking at online statistics. Sites like PokerStars and partypoker have millions of registered users, with many playing for real money. While it’s difficult to know exactly how many of these users are pros, we can assume that a significant portion make their living from playing online.
Additionally, there are various rankings and leaderboards that track the performance of top players around the world. One example is the Global Poker Index (GPI), which ranks players based on their tournament results over a rolling three-year period. According to their website, there are currently over 5000 ranked players on the GPI with scores above zero.
Of course, these methods only give us rough estimates – it’s likely that there are many more professional poker players out there who don’t play in tournaments or use online platforms regularly.
So why does this matter? For one, it can give us an idea of the size and scope of the poker industry. It also highlights the fact that poker can be a viable career path for those who are skilled and dedicated enough to make it work.
In terms of advice for aspiring pros, there are several things to keep in mind. Firstly, it’s important to have a solid understanding of the game and its strategies. This means studying books, watching videos, and playing regularly to refine your skills.
It’s also important to manage your bankroll carefully – this means only playing at stakes you can afford, and being disciplined with your wins and losses. Many pros recommend having at least 20-30 buy-ins for your chosen stakes in order to weather any downswings.
Finally, networking and building connections within the poker community can be crucial for finding opportunities and improving as a player. Attending live events, joining online forums or communities, and seeking out mentors or coaches can all help you grow as a professional.
In conclusion, while it’s difficult to know exactly how many professional poker players there are in the world, we can estimate that there are thousands who make their living from playing the game. By studying the game, managing their bankrolls carefully, and building connections within the community, aspiring pros can increase their chances of success in this exciting field.
