Thoughts about playing professionally and latest update

I don't have a full time job, my main income is coming from playing poker, I guess I can be considered a professional player now? I have been playing at a full time rate in the last month or so, grinding cash games and tournaments.

First thought, it is not easy! Cash game grinding is okay because I do feel my edge and can realise it more often than not. But it means long hours at the table, late nights, suppers, smoky rooms.... not really the best of lifestyles. But it is profitable, and I can't think of a better job without a nagging boss, troublesome clients, reports blah blah. However tournament grinding in a whole other world. This past 2 weeks I have been hopping on tournament after tournament. Made two final tables (2nd and 10th) but I missed out on cashing on the major events (Main and Championships), even a few weeks ago I outlasted 1200+ people to cash in the main but I felt so disappointed and drained. 3 days of tough play only to get a small cash. I felt dejected and maybe more upset than the first guy that busted.

Made a chip Robot

I am going to continue on this path, for maybe another 2-3 months and see how it goes. I have come a long way in my poker journey, and I thought the destination was playing full time, but now that I am here, I do kind of miss my monthly pay checks, the stability it provides. Maybe I have yet to "bink" a big tourney but how often does that happen? Against stiff competition, or sometimes fish with deep pockets, I don't know if I have what it takes to tough it out.

I set my goal of 10 cashes this year, and I made my 8th this past week, 5th final table of the year. In this sense I am quite happy. But despite having a good outing, I barely made any profit, after deducting travel costs. I am still set on giving 10% of my profit away. This actually motivates me as it is not just for making money, it is about making a difference.

A surprising turn of events was that I scooped 4 OFC Sit'n'gos, maintaining a 100% win rate and my hypothetical trophy cabinet is looking much better now. One match I was most proud of, I was left with 2900 chips vs 77100 chips at 800 chips a point. I didn't give up. I knew a come back was hard but not impossible.

Four new trophies for my "cabinet"

WPT Vietnam is happening soon. I hope I can "bink" a big one for all of this to make sense, and also validation of my abilities, but most importantly to boost my bankroll so I can continue this path comfortably! Wish me luck. Check out my article on Vietnam poker if you're interested in joining me for this event.