For anyone looking to take poker more seriously, you may be wondering if making $200k per year is possible. Getting this type of salary in any field is when things start to have more of an impact on your life.
But just like everything else, it can be hard to not only make this amount but sustain it year after year. However, when it comes to playing online poker, I do believe it’s possible in a few different scenarios.
Keep in mind that this will be based on my own results from playing mid-stakes games over the years, but with enough volume and the right limits, you can achieve these numbers.
$200k Playing Poker
Okay, so what does making $200k a year with poker look like? First off, you will need to play higher-stakes games. 500NL is where I would recommend starting once you’ve had at least a couple of months’ practice.
These games might seem intimidating because of the dollar amount, but they really aren’t much different than 100 NL or 200 NL. Let’s take a look at a few different scenarios for what this would look like.
500nl Scenarios
Scenario 1
This would be my top recommendation. And it’s to play two tables at a time for a maximum of 40–60 hours a week. To get all the way up to $200k a year, you will need to put in a lot of volume. You will also need to beat these games consistently, which can be a challenge in itself.
Scenario 2
In my next example, you can cut the hours down a little bit to around 40 hours a week playing three tables at a time. Adding more tables will let you see more hands per hour but might make focusing a lot harder.
Scenario 3
This would be the hardest method, as you would need to be playing four tables at a time for around 30–40 hours a week. Personally, playing so many tables simultaneously becomes very difficult. Because you need to pay attention to small details in these games, you will easily miss constantly shuffle your eyes from table to table.
1000nl Scenarios
Scenario 1
Okay, this is where the games do tend to get a lot harder. You will need a good-sized bankroll to even attempt playing these games. And you will also find a lot of pros and semi pros at these stakes. But if you are good enough to beat these games, then spending 30–40 hours a week playing two tables should be good.
Scenario 2
If you find that you can beat these games, then consider adding a third table. This could bring down the hours played per week to between 20 and 30. But it’s still going to be challenging.
Scenario 3
This is the balls to the walls, all-in approach. It would be playing four tables at a time for around 20 hours per week. The variance of playing so many tables at this stake is going to be a lot tougher. And mentally, it can be hard to see yourself down a few thousand dollars at a time. But hey, if you think you have what it takes.
Understanding Stake Size and Volume
Stake size plays a crucial role in determining income potential. Higher stakes typically attract more skilled opponents, but they also offer the opportunity for greater profits. However, playing at higher stakes also entails higher variance and greater risk, requiring a more substantial bankroll to withstand fluctuations.
Volume of play is another factor that influences earnings. Professional players often grind long hours, playing multiple tables simultaneously or participating in marathon sessions to maximize their hourly rate. This level of dedication and endurance is not sustainable for everyone and can take a toll on both physical and mental well-being.
Is This Worth Trying?
I think if you have a love for poker, then anything is worth trying at least once. I’ve never believed in putting a ton of pressure on yourself to hit targets because it usually backfires.
You should progress playing poker almost at a snail’s pace early on so that you can make sure you are actually beating these games. Then you need to figure out your hourly win rate at the stakes you’re playing and go from there.
Being able to win at 500NL and above is still very possible in today’s poker climate. It just comes down to how bad you really want this. And are you going to put in the work to keep progressing and making small tweaks to make your game better each day?
Most people don’t have this attitude and hope to strike it rich in a few sessions, constantly moving up in stakes with their entire bankroll only to go bust. Don’t be that kind of person and have a long-term mindset when playing poker. It’s the best approach, in my opinion.
What Average Player Makes Yearly?
For the average recreational player who enjoys poker as a hobby rather than a primary source of income, earnings may be modest or even negligible. These players typically play casually with friends or at low-stakes games, viewing poker more as entertainment than a means of making money. I’ve seen anyone in this range make between $2,000 and $10,000 a year.
For those aspiring to make poker their full-time profession, the earnings potential becomes more significant but also more uncertain. Full-time professional players, often referred to as “grinders,” rely solely on poker as their primary source of income and treat it as a business rather than a game. Once you get to this level, anything from $50,000 to $500,000 plus becomes a reality.
Where To Play Poker Online?
Right now, if you’re looking for a reputable poker site, Ignition Poker is our top pick. They’ve been operating for many years and have some of the highest player traffic of all sites.
The software for playing here is also solid and gives you the ability to change the color of tables, card decks, and much more. You can currently multi-table up to four tables at a time and grind your way up in stakes on the virtual felt.
Speaking of stakes, they have a wide range of cash games and sit-and-go’s that start at buy-ins of $1 all the way up to $2000 plus per table. This will allow you to test out different limits within whatever bankroll you choose to go with.
If tournaments are more your thing, they have some of the biggest you’re going to find. The weekly 100k and 250k are always up for grabs. But they have the monthly million-dollar series, which is exactly what it sounds like. A whopping one million dollars spread out to a final table of players!
The bottom line is that this is a great site to play on. Plus, like I mentioned earlier, they are reputable. You can get started on Ignition Poker here.
Final Thoughts
Making $200k and above in any field is still impressive. The competition in different industries for higher wages and salaries is a real thing. But when it comes to poker, it’s just that much sweeter when you’re making money.
Poker has made me care less about what you think about my approach to life. Most really good players are relaxed and comfortable in how they approach the game. It’s something I’m always striving for—to become not just a better player but a more rounded person.
Sure, the bad beats are going to come. But bad beats happen in life too. It’s how you handle everything that comes to you. The emotional intelligence of not letting these little roadblocks bother you is what’s going to separate you from the pack playing poker.
Whether we’re talking about live poker or online poker, it’s still the same attitude. I hope you enjoyed the approach to hitting $200k and above playing poker. It’s not going to be easy, but it’s still possible if you want it bad enough.
Just don’t put a ton of pressure on yourself, especially in the beginning. Take it slow, and take breaks if you need to. Most importantly, play this game responsibly and keep stacking those chips!
