Moving up on this planet is difficult to do. It’s probably even harder in poker. To take action one must exhibit patience, determination, and possess the rare ability to take a beating while coming back for more. Even then, success isn't bound to. put it in poker terms, all you are able to do is put the cash in good and pray.
The trials and tribulations of poker recently crossed my mind after interacting with two men — Scott Davies and Victor Doka. The previous is a known poker pro who broke through in 2014 by winning over $1 million — most of which came from his victory within the World Series of Poker Asia-Pacific Main Event — while the latter is currently a school student with poker aspirations.
Let me start with Davies (pictured at right). He's literally living the life tens of thousands of players dream of. He’s traveling the world, winning tournaments, and creating a fortune. His success is both inspiring and a cause for envy. After leaving a lucrative law career and turning pro in 2010, Davies was capable of notch yearly tournament winnings within the five figures along with his best being $70,330 in 2012. Combined with $1/$2 and $2/$5 cash game success, Davies was grinding out a decent living, though fame and popularity eluded him.
Then, seemingly out of nowhere, Davies caught fire. It started when he finished third within the ANZPT Perth Main Event back in February for $51,807, after which in June he made all of it of how to the semifinals of the WSOP $10,000 Heads-Up Championship for $111,942. He had several cashes in between and after, but as previously mentioned his big break came when he topped a field of 329 players to win the 2014 WSOP APAC Main Event for $737,907.
As Davies explained to me, those successes were the culmination of much labor and spending a lot of time studying poker. In addition they came after he finally developed an extended overdue willingness to take a shot.
“I spent a large number of time on the lower stakes because I USED TO BE content playing in easy games that I USED TO BE over-rolled for,” Davies told me. “I don’t think it’s a mistake that I’ve had such a lot success ever since I BEGAN really working harder. If you happen to aren’t doing something to continue to improve, there's a hungry up-and-coming player that may be willing to, and she or he goes to pass you by unless you're willing to work even harder to fight to your place. Poker isn't getting any easier, but there may be still a variety of room to generate profits on this game for many who are willing improve.”
For more on Davies, take a look at my PokerNews feature “From Circuit Grinder to Main Event Champ: Scott Davies’ Journey to Poker Stardom.”
As far because the up-and-comers are concerned, Davies could rather well has been speaking of Doka, who attends the University of Denver where he's a member of the golf team, an NCAA Division I program. In preparation for his June graduation, Doka recently reached out to me for my advice on making it within the poker world, especially because it pertains to the poker media side of items.
Like many poker players, Doka has aspirations of changing into a successful professional, but as opposed to strictly playing he’s trying to break into the community via an unconventional route. That’s exactly what led me to the poker media years ago, so I'LL certainly relate. Despite playing poker since he was 16, Doka opted to explore different avenues after he grew discontent.
“I’m frustrated,” Doka explained. “I need to move out of the boring low-limit poker world and strive to become the most efficient player I WILL. However, there may be one problem to ensure that me to rise to the highest. I CAN'T beat the lower-limit games and increase a bankroll sufficiently big to transport up.”
From what I'LL tell, Doka didn’t lack skill or ambition, but had it in his head that he was overqualified for smaller stakes like $1/$2 no-limit hold’em. By that I mean he wished to play at a degree you'll only find in higher stakes. As he pointed out, most players on the lower levels don’t think similar to top pros, play shorter sessions, bluff as much, and so forth. For probably the most part he’s right.
Once again I WILL relate. Having grown conversant in playing bigger tournaments, I almost need to “dumb down” my game when playing the nightly at my local casino. That’s because my opponents don’t have as much experience as me, so if I overthink things (e.g., four-betting too light) I often get in trouble. I hate to mention it, but in such games it’s probably best to only play your cards. Conversely, on the high levels of the sport your abilities must be more expansive and refined.
Doka feels he’s on the higher level, but that he doesn’t have an outlet to check his game. No wonder he’s frustrated. Of course, the argument could and may be made that a truly great player could be capable of adapt his or her game regardless of the stakes and competition. But that’s easier said than done. People wish to move forward, so plateaus can leave one feeling unfulfilled.
My advice to Doka and people like him is to stick in your grind. Davies grinded for years, never gave up, and took it to the following level by constantly striving to enhance. It took him years before things went his way, but presently he’s reaping the rewards. He's proof that tough work pays off. Likewise, I struggled for years playing $1/$2 no-limit hold’em and $50 buy-in tournaments before breaking through and winning a WSOP gold bracelet. I also suggest you be willing to take a shot every so often. Don’t go busting your bankroll, but when the proper tournament or cash game presents itself, give it a whirl.
All that said, be forewarned — regardless of how much you achieve in poker, it's going to likely never be enough. Hunger for poker success is a great thing, and while a large win will whet your appetite, it’s just a matter of time before you wish to have more. After I spoke to Davies a pair weeks after winning his first gold bracelet, he told me the one thing on his mind was winning another. I’ve felt the similar way ever since my win, and my guess is that sooner or later you will, too.
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