How I Became a Professional Poker Player as a College Student

[@ants.7277]

Always have enjoyed watching your grind from the start. I’m currently 23 and have started taking poker more seriously in hopes to become profitable long term. Hearing how you started is really cool and insightful. Thanks for sharing.

[@MyDesigan]

Dont do it u heading for disaster rather get a job 9 -5

[@griffin_kith6214]

​@@MyDesigan sounds like you're just slow

[@austinanderson9757]

You made me start playing Ethan! Went to my first 1-3 no limit game last night started with $300 and ended with $1285, safe to say I am hooked now lol

[@EthanYau]

Keep on crushing!!

[@rumplestiltskin2104]

which site?

[@austinanderson9757]

@@rumplestiltskin2104 at a casino

[@johnq.public3589]

@@austinanderson9757 are you still playing? If so, are you profitable?

[@gilo8721]

That’s how we all get hooked. ENJOY THE ROLLERCOASTER!!! Be sure to give urself a daily limit. Enjoy the bad beats even when you flop the nuttz lol. Don’t get too hooked but stay controlled. Never take it personal or emotional or you’ll bust ur atm lol

[@adammeehan9888]

Loving watching the journey Ethan! Looking forward to watching it go further!

[@EthanYau]

Thanks for watching since the beginning🙏🏻

[@haleywells11]

So true at the end about the stakes. The best player in the world can’t live off playing 1/3. You have to be playing high enough stakes to truly support yourself.

[@15v1c1]

u want to live a good life u gotta play high stakes

[@TylerDelCotto]

@@pokergodyoutube if youre living very frugal its possible.. but like worm said KNISH was a slave to the game... You want to be able to have time for yourself take weeks or months off if you can, I would say a good 2/5 game could make you a really good living... but 1/2 unless its in texas or PLO isnt going to work.. health insurance alone is going to eat most of your profits

[@nicburnsshow]

this complete false, beating the game of 1-3 at about 10 BB per hour(which is completely doable as most people that play low stakes are BAD poker players) would give you $30 an hour which is a livable income almost anywhere in the U.S

[@OnlyScanz]

Thanks for posting this… for the past 2 years I’ve been playing and not taking it seriously because I’m like “ehh, I’ll just play to play”. But recently sat down and , after reviewing an estimate of my wins and losses, figured I made a good amount of money. I’m just now coming to the realization of needing to make this a serious side hustle then just a hobby. Thanks for sharing your journey

[@go4gunners]

I am impressed by your ability to just start things and figure it out on the way kind of mentality. I think this trait will get you far in life. Really love the content! Keep up the good work & much love from Austria!

[@EthanYau]

Thank you for support and nice comment, wishing you the best!

[@positiveovertaking5807]

Appreciate you sharing! I’ve been playing poker since 2017 but I’m now doing this for my job as of two weeks ago. Hungry to grow during my journey

[@juliannguyen6349]

Hey Ethan I find it uncanny how our path with poker is so similar, adding that your also way more successful than me in poker lol. Were both asian, we both graduated the same time, same thought process and was motivated by garyvee. This video speaks to me as I am now taking poker more seriously with playing more hours. I will probably meet you someday as I grind the lowstakes las vegas games 1/2 1/3. Great video !

[@corzza13]

I'm 23 from Melbourne Australia and I love the game! Play 1/3 whenever I can at my local home game spot and it's often a struggle because I'm not properly rolled to be in the game and when I lose I cant play for a little while... It's sad because I have nothing else to do and just sit at home... I am in a very fortunate situation however where I don't have to contribute anything and everything's provided for me so all good there! I've always had the belief everything will be fine and still do but id like to at least have some backing eventually so i can withstand losses and play like i know how to and not be worried if i lose a pot like i am now unless im already up piles in the session!

[@Jak1696]

If you have no real expenses grind our a roll man. If you a prudent in 6-12 months nothing stopping you from having a 10k roll

[@truths1256]

Try local mma gym normally great group of lads and a outlet of there isn’t one a boxing ,other martial arts , kick boxing gym that worked for me but if they don’t interest I recommend sports as a whole as well as other things chess club running clubs and so on

[@joshmorgan1096]

Not going to lie, this is exactly how i was minus college (car sales instead) for those exact time frames. I would lose money I couldn’t afford to lose and have nothing left to my name sometimes not even enough for gas. I went on huge swings 10k profit months and huge down swings. I’ve taken a substantial break but I just got back in a week or so ago and booked a 2k win 2/3. I’m highly debating leaving my job with only 10k to my name. I feel like I’ll have to succeed even more if I have no option. I love nothing more than sitting at a table and feeling that vibe of a live session.

[@coles701]

It’s time to wake up and get ready for work....

[@tylergore9104]

Bro that “Need to win” space is a HORRIBLE place to be. I was there most of last year and ended up having to take a break and built up a bankroll. Now I’m back at it and don’t need to win and have noticed my play has significantly improved just because I’m relaxed as well as the studying I did during that break. Definitely related to this one. Keep up the good work!

[@EthanYau]

10/10 do not recommend that space haha, it’s the most stressful place to be in

[@ElenoAlvarado]

Thank you for sharing your struggles and how you dedicated yourself to playing poker.

[@haroldkline6253]

I’m 64 years old just started playing this year I’ve learned a lot watching the same guys you mentioned including you thank you. I’ve had 5 strokes minds a little slow but watching you guys hundreds of hours really helps

[@acto1432]

Good for you man have fun

[@elaineengland6373]

Playing poker can only be helpful and fun!!

[@sgbrill]

you're a hero. keep enjoying the game.

[@rudistorm3348]

Good Luck Harold! I'm rootin for ya.

[@mbtadhl]

Your candid and brutally honest videos are excellent. Because you are so honest with yourself whatever path you take in life you will do well. We falter when we tell ourselves lies and try to fool ourselves. I like your style Ethan, good luck.

[@pokerbunny1729]

He's not being honest though. Seriously, when he is talking about rent money and money for groceries, i called bs immediately. you live with your parents dude. Asian parents. They aren't making him pay rent or pay for groceries. Like many young "pros"(he's not a pro, he's a youtuber) but a lot of actual young pros come from money and try to act like they built themselves up from the bottom. It's bullshit. I also think his charts are fabricated. He's not horrible, but he's not *that* good to have several consecutive winning months, especially playing a high variance style.

[@EthanYau]

Thanks for telling me I’m so good at poker that you can’t even believe it😂

[@EthanYau]

Appreciate you brotha🙏🏻

[@mbtadhl]

@@pokerbunny1729 He was talking about playing while still in school..he wasn't living at home.

[@paulmaier6305]

being able to do what you did makes you a true "business person", a degen one, but a TRUE GEM!!!

[@EthanYau]

Always gotta mix in a side of degen

[@markc7841]

The driving home and screaming at yourself 😂. Glad I’m not the only one

[@rubberroast1598]

When your other option is something that pays less than $12 an hour, and you are a +EV player, then the choice to switch Poker Pro is easy. I always wanted to go the pro route, but my regular non-exciting job pays much more than what my winrate would be, so I unfortunately never had option to switch fulltime. However, not a bad thing. i remain a recreational player that doesnt sweat any individual poker session result or weekend in Vegas. Its just more boring day to day

[@mrvaultguy1118]

I'm in a similar spot right now. I'm 22, in college, and I'm starting to turn a decent profit live and make enough money to play in bigger tournaments while sticking to 1/3. Can't help but consider going pro atm. It was cool to hear your story, thank you.

[@gabelincoln3608]

Bro 1/3 aint shit go up to 2/5 and see how it is

[@johndough796]

I can’t wait for the part two of your journey. Busted break even you tuber that lived off as sense and t shirt sales

[@brycefreeman8202]

Envious

[@brittonaugust9446]

Insults that don't make sense and have misspellings are my favorite. Thank you for this gift.

[@EthanYau]

as sense pays well I hear

[@adgagaegfy345]

Summary- he played even though he had very little to live off of. He used KZbin and this fb group as resources to learn. He documented his journey on KZbin and even though it was tough, he enjoyed the process of making the videos

[@parkerle78]

Proud of you man! Just always honest which makes everyone root for you! Keep making that monnnaaay!

[@EthanYau]

we're all here to chase that bag, thanks for the support Parker!

[@DarkTruth1]

He would be more honest if titled this, "How I became a professional poker VLOGGER or KZbinR". This video is actually deceiving as far as defining what it takes to play poker for a living. He succeeded way too quickly in both winning money short term in poker and his youtube channel to fully understand the pains of loss and failure. Not that it's a bad thing but those who fail are more likey to succeed all around and it also builds stronger character. And please don't compare these story's from this video as a "failure". Im speaking of true hardships in life, with little to no fail safe to fall back on. With no true fear of being on the brink of desperation and still fighting through. Not being able to live with mom and eat ramen and meanwhile having the time to work and still relax, that is a dream for actual people struggling. That is the definition of a privileged one's failure and if that's your idea of "hard times" than you'll never truly understand or reach that level of appreciation that true winners have.

[@johnsonhipona]

Great story, brother! Obviously, your discipline is what sets you and the other's (Brad, Andrew, Vibes, etc) apart from from the rest of degen's out there. Thanks for the back story. Continued great luck to you, Ethan!

[@brittonaugust9446]

great video. I appreciated hearing your story.

[@niketanpatel8344]

bro. that is stressful af. mad props for pulling through 😂 trading started out similar for me. once there’s a buffer it’s more chill, but before that point it’s scary 😬

[@JorgeLopez-rv4il]

How’s trading going for you 3 years later?

[@steezyogvive]

Wow this was good to watch especially after me early days with poker in college

[@vallacespoker7902]

Love your journey and progression … 38 just now starting to take it serious as a primary source of income .. Ty as always

[@theNfl_Esq]

I’ve screamed at myself a few times too! Especially being up 10x buy in and then deciding to play heads up with Jungle…

[@nickperry9051]

Great video Ethan, love the advice and that you relate to most every new poker player who starts out young!

[@JacquesNel]

It's been amazing to follow you along on this epic adventure!! Thanks for sharing this with us and looking forward to watching you take down some more big wins!!

[@THEOVER85]

Very cool to hear this! Good for you to follow up what you enjoy dude. Keep it up

[@EthanYau]

Appreciate you Steven!

[@THEOVER85]

Absolutely dude!! Keep pumping these out!

[@4Spades]

thanks for sharing your story! always good to see how people get into the game!

[@cuffedsocks]

Wow this is crazy. I went to UMass and graduated in 2020, now i follow your poker journey and had no idea we may have crossed paths. I even worked at Hamp dining hall lol.

[@richardalward]

This is a great video. I don’t even have enough space to state my experiences. I started playing poker in 2004 right after the poker boom and it was very different. Even poker in Florida is very different in the different sections that have it

[@cuongchau5401]

May your poker journey be enjoyable & profitable kid. Love your videos!

[@huntergonelose8093]

love it bro! i’m about to graduate in May and have been spending quite a bit of time in the poker room lately,.. would love to make it a full time thing

[@tritonh5683]

Be awesome and work hard like you do.

[@case9137]

Been watching your vlogs for almost a year now and it has really improved the way I approach the game. The lucky pocket 4's card protector may have helped a bit too. Thank you and keep up the great work!

[@EthanYau]

Keep using that card protector run good!

[@vikoxss8898]

Hey ! Great and interesting story. By the way what is the app that you are using to report all your gain and loses as shown in the video ? Thanks

[@brianhourihan5613]

Things I cheer for (in order top to bottom) Sox, Bruins, Pats, Ethan, Celrics.

[@EthanYau]

Celtics and Sox has been disappointing recently

[@brianhourihan5613]

@@EthanYau It's going to be a long summer for sure.

[@Zkittles98]

I’m still less than a year playing, still can’t say I lost 2k yet so I might be on the right track lol.

[@Paditv93]

i am 6yrs poker online player, am i a professional? i am Never play live poker yet.

[@derekarmstrong2209]

Thanks for the share.

[@ayejaygoez]

If I wasn't already a fan - the mac miller instrumental in the background def converted me

[@mike2982]

Loved your story. I enjoy following you. I wish you the very best

[@ivyturner3599]

Great story bro, loved the transparency.

[@EthanYau]

thank you ivy!

[@zg9090]

Proud of you dude

[@EthanYau]

You caused this

[@zg9090]

@@EthanYau I know, thanks for winning and making great content so I don't even need to feel bad about it 😂

[@Jobysworld]

I had the same story except ran into the worst possible variance in the world. Knowing the players are horrendously bad and outplaying them x10 but just getting crushed by variance untill the bankroll hit 0 over and over. Poker can be soulcrushing and honestly playing with money you can't afford to lose is rediculously stupid. Trust me.

[@canam2436]

Variance is just a word self important poker players use instead of LUCK.

[@korypeters2059]

I got so used to those crappy drives back.

[@iamawuss]

One piece of advice I'd give for newer players which contradicts something you said you did early on is: be very cautious when relying on people in the KZbin comments section (or social media in general) for poker strategy. Try to listen to people who are playing/have played the games you are playing and are convincing (statistically verified) winners. But perhaps to be consistent with this advice, you shouldn't listen to this advice...or maybe it means you should...I don't know. Advice-ception. BTW: The fact you've achieved what you have in 3 years is very impressive.

[@nicburnsshow]

I agree with this, few people are actually winning players, i wouldn’t think that most people in the comments are winners

[@fgf674]

Bro Ethan...been following you since you really got into it.. keep it up. Looking forward for more videos..!

[@EthanYau]

Thanks brotha🙏🏻

[@fgf674]

@@EthanYau finally received your folding is boring card protector.. got the other one too.. the one when you won the Wsop tourney.. the gold one.. I'm Jayar0503..🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽🔥

[@je3225]

haha, your first game was at twin river. That's awesome

[@alexhirsch2528]

I live within a half hour of MGM Springfield. They need to bring poker back.

[@EthanYau]

Seriously, seems like the majority wants it back too

[@alexhirsch2528]

@@EthanYau great video man. Thanks for sharing

[@connordougherty3844]

Graduating this semester and am in a very similar spot. Learning so much but have so little time and bankroll to figure out if I’m good enough for this. Would love to have a chat with you some day if you’ve got a spare minutes as having no one I know who plays seriously makes this a difficult space to navigate.

[@EthanYau]

wish you the best Connor, run good!

[@christopherstec1636]

Wow very interesting. It’s almost the same situation I fell into. I just didn’t want to do what I’ve been doing for 20 years now I just play poker and like you I couldn’t afford to lose. It’s different now but thx for the vidz love your game

[@EthanYau]

thank you chris, wishing you the best!

[@collegefraud1308]

I'm looking at different side hustle options. I've got two degrees now and just started a good 9-5 job but i'm having doubts in the back of my head if this working lifestyle is for me. I've been playing poker as a hobby for a few years now, use to be obsessed! I remember starting out and turning down home games because they upd the buy in to $10! Now I play with min buy-ins of 200-300 😆.Thinking that I would like to take it more seriously and to the next level, thanks for sharing your story..Also, did poker tables let you record there?

[@jasonli5024]

Keep grinding and good luck!

[@olafdl]

Again, GOAT🏆

[@EthanYau]

❤️

[@andrewsmith8771]

Truth is he comes from money which he never mentions - just like Andrew neeme and Brad Owen. Makes it a whole lot easier to gamble and play poker than having to get a job like most do.

[@szeeww]

Stupid comment. He clearly said how after a losing session he had to work overtime in order to pay rent so not sure exactly what this comment is about other than hating on a person sharing his life story.

[@pokerbunny1729]

@@szeeww HE LIVES WITH HIS PARENTS LMFAO. Asian parents don't make you pay rent. You people will believe anything you're told. So much naivety. It's like you don't realize people lie in order to tell a more riveting story.

[@EthanYau]

Haha

[@edwinestrada2415]

I started following you a year ago.

[@sharkcapper]

Excellent background and thanks for sharing your story. Your site is very entertaining and educational. Folding is boring.....

[@EthanYau]

folding is always boring!!

[@Hoops590]

Im ready to take the leap I want to play poker forf a living and sell some insurance on the side I want to pursue my dreams, my mind is always on poker and betting sports not on my 9 to 5 and when im at work my arms and legs get numb from anxiety - Well i won first out of 735 in holdem bet online on sat 5 dollar entry won 600 on sat same tourney i got 2nd out of 700 and won 555

[@111Jeffrey]

I learned how to play poker by playing over 300,000 hands on Xbox Live and WSOP on Facebook! I'm not a cash game player! I play tournaments and the 1st live tournament I played,I missed the money but got 11th out 72. But my biggest score was 1,212th out of 8,569 and I won $15,000 in the 2019 WSOP Main Event! God helped me get to Day 4 and min cash! I'm playing in the 2021 WSOP and I hope he helps me become World Champion!

[@danielpreciado3309]

Great video Ethan!

[@booniebadger]

What app do you use for keeping track of your poker finances?

[@EthanYau]

An app called poker income

[@webguy943]

Some ppl r just extremely lucky. Meanwhile I keep getting bad beat n never making it to the final table 🤬

[@Hoppy555555]

You’re lucky twin river got tables in lol great video!

[@realdanielpeach]

What poker room did you play in Indiana?

[@GlenCote]

What’s the app you use to keep track of winnings and losings?

[@jmatando5105]

poker income ultiamte

[@tanweene5427]

Thx for sharing bro

[@biinja]

What app were you using on your phone to track your sessions Ethan?

[@EthanYau]

Poker income

[@magichobbiest3425]

I've always been good and called a cheater for it and later with people have been cheated against. So I'm checking this out

[@bogipepper]

Hey my insomnia one night found you in a tournament with a commentary I didn't think would last. Othere live streams that same night faded and so-so poker turned into luck box poker and the rest is history. That's why I was one of the 500. Anything can happen when I check out your videos.Thanks.

[@DarkTruth1]

30 second version of this: "I won 165,000 in a wsop mtt."

[@bradfreemantle9112]

Amen I luckbox binked a tourney for $165k and that’s most likely not gonna happen to you the end.

[@WeeniePablo]

😂😂😂

[@DarkTruth1]

The sad truth is this video never exists if he doesn't hit that mtt. And he's still grinding at 1/3 working that overnight shift on campus. Him not telling the whole truth in this video is sad. True poker professionals that follow him understand.

[@conradsmith6037]

So much hate. The truth is that he did take a risk and win a major tournament. And I’m sure he can do it again if he dedicates himself. Opportunity is when luck meets preparation. But y’all keep grinding out that rent money….

[@joeytoxicbaby]

@@conradsmith6037 that’s noble work your doing

[@justintrevino5445]

what app is that to track winnings

[@timothyeldridge7845]

I love MGM Springfield. Great casino. I’m looking to become a professional gambler and having a utube channel to follow me from the very start.

[@Pauyozemin]

okay i am here to learn lol:)

[@tylermorgan4264]

Where was the poker game in Indiana?

[@aidanburgess5557]

What app was he using to track his bankroll?

[@ZarinaPokerTV]

Pretty sure it's PokerIncome app

[@exposer5429]

What was that app called?

[@webuser5950]

What is that app you used to track winnings at each location?

[@EthanYau]

an app called poker income

[@hellerrocks]

My man!

[@Toast1776osrs]

Good news, good news, good news, it’s all they wanna hear

[@Official_G_G]

Respect

[@jmatando5105]

what app is that?

[@seanchang2763]

UMASS AMHERST?! Damn wish I caught you a few years back and built a youtube channel alongside you.

[@chsuman340]

Your real skills are content creation and public speaking Ethan. I feel those will make you rich one day and not poker! 😀

[@dhoff71]

it's aggressive but why not go for it as a young man with not all of the typical life responsibilities, cheers!

[@EthanYau]

thank you Dillon!

[@jigzy548]

Where’d you go to college??

[@mavfriko]

Wait where are you from this is definitely twin river where I played my first live poker too

[@aRealParadise]

Smashed the like button

[@theNfl_Esq]

What college? Brandies?

[@gagethemage9260]

Oh shit MGM bangfield is my home casino too 😎

[@jonvandenover1191]

I've been a casual loser for 30 years. That's to say I played maybe 8-10 times a year. Maybe won 20% of the time. Played for fun mostly but I am getting ready to retire, have a decent bank-roll where I could afford bigger games. I plan to stay at the 1-3 for a little while since over the last year I have been winning. Which coincides with spending the last year studying and watching you, brad, and pokerbeast. I am starting to take my play more serious and become a student of the game. I might be a 50 year old grinder but it's my dream and you and others have helped me get there. See you out there! Keep up the great content on both channels!

[@rinnotstimpy1]

I know you continued poker but is it a side thing, I mean did you ever land a career job after graduating

[@EthanYau]

I made a video about how I quit my job that I had after graduating

[@rinnotstimpy1]

@@EthanYau yea I think I looked @ your vids shortly after and saw that...keep up the good work man, enjoy your life I recently found something that pays well but I found that me loving it feels million times more better and important so I understand, you seem to be doing very well with the bracelet and I also watch the show where you guys talk aloud the hands. You definitely are entering the realm of the greatest ever in poker man you are so privalged...GL 💪👍🤙👏

[@erichimmelreich9372]

Do you think MGM will ever open again?

[@EthanYau]

Hopefully near the end of the year?

[@erichimmelreich9372]

@@EthanYau 🤞🤞

[@FantasyFootballGod23]

Ethan, if you had your choice to be a professional poker player or professional vlogger - What would you be? You can’t be both.

[@EthanYau]

Vlogger

[@jamesguest4741]

Ethan you are not a pro poker player, your strenght is in the videos

[@15v1c1]

Shout out from Singapore'

[@williamwoolf8072]

which state is the 18+ casino you went to?

[@yavinebrewer1393]

Some of you are so negative. Keep it up. If it's your dream and your continually work at it then it can be achieved.

[@MikeHoltzPoker]

Absolutely untrue, some people don’t have it