Kevin Martin Spends Time with the Best Poker Players Ever

07:28
04 Jun

A few weeks ago, Twitch streamer Kevin Martin posted on Twitter how he has spent some time with the best poker players ever to live and noticed what they all had in common. Learning from the best is an obvious strategy but it’s surprising just how many don’t follow some of the most basic points that can help lead to success.

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#1 They Handle Losses Like Champs

Nobody likes to be around a sore loser, but for a poker player to behave like that, it is a sign that they are too emotionally involved in a single result that is meaningless in the big scheme of things.

“They might respond emotionally in the moment but they quickly move on. Observe, analyze, learn and move forward. If you achieve greatness you’ll encounter lots of L’s along the way.”

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#2 They Love the Game

Learning poker is hard enough as it is, but trying to master the game if you’re not in love with it is more than a tough ask. Playing poker with the attitude of treating it purely as a money making exercise is a long road to failure. There must be at least some love for the game in there.

“I watched these guys debate a single turn decision for over an HOUR! They have a childlike wonder for the game of poker. They’re on the cutting edge of all tools and resources. As if it’s a quest to gain mastery.”

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#3 They Play Down Their Hype and Ignore the Hate

The poker community is full of people with strong opinions. Just check out Poker Twitter for myriad examples. The best players generally can filter out that which is toxic and move on with their day. They know whose opinion is important to them.

“Positive or negative opinions from strangers don’t move the needle. They have so much attention on them they’ve learned to tune out the noise. The opinions they care about: friends, family and respected peers.”

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#4 They Invest in Themselves and Build a Team

Poker is a tough gig, no doubt about it. But trying to do it all yourself is a recipe for disaster. The best players all learned the game to that level by surrounding themselves with the best poker minds available to them.

“- trainers - coaches - employees - using $ to buy back their time They don’t do it all themselves. They build elite networks of high functioning people around them to succeed.”

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#5 They Are Relentless

Not one poker player made it to the top of the game without a steely will to win. They all have an attitude of being willing to do whatever it takes.

“Most come from less fortunate backgrounds and from that have forged a superhuman level of resilience. They’re on a mission to build generational wealth, make a positive impact and bless those around them.”