Poker has been part of my life for many years. Like many recreational players, I’ve experienced the highs of deep tournament runs and the lows of frustrating downswings. Currently, I am again on a bit of a rollercoaster but I am dealing quite well with it, I guess. Finally, I was patient enough and did not bust as the bubble boy (like yesterday). I witnessed, how an overconfident player with 13BB re-raised all in against a player who was covering, and of course, whose AA held against AT.
In a “normal” MTT poker tournament, this might have been a profitable play, since the first raise came from late position but since we had a much smaller short stack with about 3.8 BB it was rather a fold or a mere call, and never a 3-bet all-in! I know this now, since I had faced this situation quite a few times – even yesterday, when I was holding A9s with about 4-6 BB, and at least one other player had a similar stack to me. I had called a push by a late raiser (who had A5o and covered me) – the problem was only that the blinds were behind me, and one of them was holding JJ.
Of course, both of us holding Aces were kicked out but the biggest problem was the fact that the other shortstack survived without doing anything. I could have been this person by just folding. Anyways, you learn along the way, and eventually succeed!
Over time, poker has become more than just a game—it has become another way to challenge myself, make better decisions under pressure, and continuously learn.
Today marks a special milestone.
For the first time ever, I’ve won a 109$ ticket, and I will use it to buy myself into a $109 Progressive Knockout (PKO) tournament. Whether I end up busting early or making a deep run, simply earning the opportunity to compete at this level feels rewarding.
More Than Just a Tournament
As an entrepreneur, endurance athlete, and lifelong learner, I’ve come to appreciate that success rarely comes overnight.
The same principles apply in poker:
- Stay disciplined.
- Keep studying.
- Accept variance.
- Focus on making good decisions rather than short-term results.
Every session is another opportunity to improve.
Why I’m Thinking About Staking
One topic I´m currently exploring is tournament staking.
Even strong players can face significant variance in large-field MTTs, and staking allows players to compete in bigger events while managing bankroll risk more effectively.
I’m currently considering using the staking marketplace offered by ACR Poker:
ACR Poker Staking
It offers players the opportunity to sell action in tournaments while giving backers a chance to invest in players they believe can generate positive returns. For someone looking to play a larger tournament schedule without exposing their bankroll to excessive variance, it can be an interesting option.
The Bigger Picture
I don’t aspire to become a full-time poker professional.
For me, poker complements the other areas of my life. It sharpens analytical thinking, emotional control, patience, and risk management—skills that translate directly into business and endurance sports.
Whether I’m building companies, preparing for a triathlon, or sitting at a poker table, the underlying mindset remains remarkably similar:
- Prepare thoroughly.
- Make the best decision with the information available.
- Accept that you cannot control every outcome.
- Keep improving.
Whatever Happens Today…
Today’s $109 PKO is another step on the journey.
Maybe it’s a min-cash.
Maybe it’s a deep run.
Maybe it’s my biggest score yet.
Or maybe it’s simply another valuable lesson.
Either way, I’ll enjoy the experience, play my best poker, and continue building one decision at a time.
Shuffle up and deal.