Poker is a high-risk activity in which players risk short-term losses in hope of long-term gains; as a result, poker players present themselves as vulnerable gamblers who could suffer from gambling problems.
Wilinofsky understood that poker could present an elevated stress level not normally experienced in everyday jobs and also noticed the highs and lows associated with winning and losing were distinct from other activities.
Annette Obrestad
At 15, Annette Obrestad discovered an online poker website and began playing for real money. Within weeks she learned how to win tournaments; by 18, she had amassed over $500 Million playing on platforms such as PokerStars and UltimateBet.
Even though she was underage, she took gaming very seriously and developed her own style that few could match at her age. With these skills and bankroll building strategies, she became known as “Annette_15”.
In 2007, she won the World Series of Poker Europe Main Event only hours before turning 19 years old. Additionally, she made an incredible run at EPT Dublin event, finishing second to Reuben Peters at final table; at which she held pocket sevens when 5-6-7 flop came up but lost against an opponent holding A-10. It was truly remarkable achievement from such a young Norwegian.
Viktor Blom
Viktor Blom began playing poker when he was 14 and learned the game from his brother who had played since age 12. Together they decided to team up and deposit to an online poker site; soon enough they began winning big enough money that they were able to cash out some winnings and cash them in for real money prizes.
He soon embarked on an incredible run, competing in more high buy-in Sit & Go events with tremendous competition online and winning some huge pots against them all. Additionally, he participated in some live tournaments.
In 2009, Blom reached a peak winnings total of nearly $6 million before challenging one of the world’s premier poker players, Phil Ivey, to three heads-up $500/$1000 No-Limit Hold’em tables at which he lost an astounding $3.2 million after only one week of play. But the suffering wasn’t over yet as soon after Patrik Antonius challenged him for another Pot Limit Omaha match where Blom once more lost another $3 million against him.
Daniel Negreanu
Daniel Negreanu began playing poker at 16 in Toronto, Canada and quickly excelled. His natural affinity for math helped shape his skill set further.
At 21 he decided to make an ambitious leap and relocate to Las Vegas, hoping to test himself against its intense gambling competition and poor bankroll management. Unfortunately, however, competition quickly overwhelmed his experience in Vegas and led him down an unexpected financial path that quickly broke him.
However, Negreanu never gave up on his dream and kept fighting hard for it. Regrouping and working his tail off eventually paid off; today the famous Canadian is one of the most influential poker players and an idol to young fans of poker alike. Additionally, his platform provides him a way to express his opinions on various social and political matters, which may sometimes get him into hot water.
Andrew McLean
Poker is a game of risk where players make calculated moves in hopes of reaping big returns over time. While many have lost money at the tables, others have turned their skills into life-changing jackpots that allow them to rely on them and even parlay them into careers in business and beyond.
Poker may appear to be a game of chance, but its players know it takes patience and perseverance to perfect their craft. That is what has allowed these poker professionals to build up their bankrolls and secure a respectable yet financially-sound position within society.
Hellmuth’s rise to stardom wasn’t easy – in his autobiography he describes his struggles with low self-confidence and warts covering both hands – yet poker has brought him massive victories, solid lifestyle and an intimate connection with his wife.