Just over 3 years ago I set sail across the world to start my journey as a poker player and traveller. 3 years have past and it feels like I am starting the journey all over again. This time something is different though. I feel more prepared, knowledgeable, experienced and mature. I feel that, without fail, I will succeed to become a poker professional, not just in name but in actual results.
So what is a professional poker player? Why am I able to utter those words without actual results to back it up? The answer is this: Just trust me. I have worked at nothing in my life as hard as I have towards poker. School was a breeze, University was a breeze, my shitty jobs were a breeze. This is different. This is tough. All might seem like a bed of roses on the outside, "So you just sit at home and play poker? Lucky for some". I used to get frustrated with peoples ignorance to a topic they simply do not understand. To me it's like saying the same for any sportsman or in fact anyone who has committed time and effort to a life goal. Everyone wants to shit on your parade, whether they're intending to or not. But poker is hard. It's maths, mental game, discipline. It can be tiresome, boring, infuriating and above all. It's damn unconventional. Imagine spending a hard days work, doing your absolute best at your job, only to have to pay your employer for the privilege. Sounds ridiculous right? And there is poker in a nut shell. Obviously over the long run a professional poker player is meant to win, and win he will. But long run doesn't give a shit about the short term. The day, the weeks or even the month. Poker tests your spirit, your determination and your overall strength to make it through those tough times. And there is always inevitable tough times.
On the plus side? Poker is a brilliant game. A maths genius will fail if he can't manage bankroll management. A wiz kid with straights A's from Oxford will fail if he struggles to handle the swings of poker. Poker takes into account a whole host of skills, most of which I had no idea about until I really started to dig deep into the game. It's these range of skills that really makes me love the game. Every hand is a new problem to solve and every opponent brings with it different aspects. It is a constant learning curve, a game that can never be mastered. This is why I will become a professional. And 2016 is the year I achieve it.
Welcome to my Poker Vagabond journey. This is going to be one exciting ride.
