Professional Poker Players

To most of us poker is a great pastime and an enjoyable way to earn some extra money. Even those of us who treat poker seriously and spend time learning all the tips and strategies, poker is still a loved and profitable hobby. Yet there is a whole different type of poker players in the world. For over half a decade there is a large and constantly growing group of professional poker players. Those are the poker pro's and experts. These professional gamblers spend most of their time in improving their poker game. For them poker is more than a hobby or an exciting sport, it is both a way of life and an unusual alternative to a steady job. It is a very tough and uncompromising lifestyle and after a while poker doesn't seem to be as fun.

One of the most famous and feared poker pro's is the poker legend and two time World Series of Poker champion, Johnny "The Oriental Express" Chan. Chan is one of the few players that have won two consecutive WSOP championships and almost won a third. Chan has won both the 1987 and 1988 WSOP's and finished 2nd place in the 198 championship. He has 10 WSOP bracelets, a tie between him and another prominent poker legend Doyle Brunson.

Though Chan's poker success is indeed monumental and rare in professional's poker landscape there is a lot to learn from his devotion and skill. An almost example sets the 2003 WSOP champion, Chris Moneymaker (It's his real name!). Chris has entered the WSOP by winning an online poker tournament with a 39USD buy-in. He then went on to win the grand final and instant superstar status. What shocked the world of professional poker even more is the fact it was his first live game!

There is a lot to learn for all of us, poker lovers, from both this poker legends. Yet it is still important to remember that life as a professional gambling expert is not for everyone. Some of us are more likely to enjoy a good casual game and some extra pocket money instead of intrusting our living into the welcoming hands of professional poker.

Eric Dalton, Editorial Staff. 26th of October - 2005

Share This...