What Makes an ELITE Poker Player?

Phil Galfond and other experts explain what they think makes an elite poker player in 2025. How much of being a great poker player is poker strategy excellence and how much comes down to intangible skills?

What makes a great poker player? Is the category of ‘elite poker player’ open to anybody who studies enough poker strategy and is willing to challenge the best at high stakes, or are there other poker skills that pro players can train or cultivate within themselves?


Phil Galfond is joined by Brian Rast, Elliot Roe, Matt Berkey, and Landon Tice to discuss what they believe goes into playing professional poker at the highest levels and, in general, what it takes to become a great poker player. Each of these guests have their own unique experience working, or competing, with high level poker players.




In every poker related video on this channel, Phil Galfond is here to teach you how to think like a professional poker player.


It doesn’t matter whether you’re a new or beginner poker player (or even a full time poker coach!)


Do you need the best Texas Hold ‘em poker strategy and top tier Pot Limit Omaha tips?


Do you have a high stakes poker story question that you’d like to hear from the POV of a poker professional who was THERE?


Leave a comment and your question might end up in the next one of Phil’s quick poker tips videos or inspiring one of his high stakes poker story clips!


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00:00 What Makes An ELITE Poker Player? (Intro)
00:30 What Makes An ELITE Poker Player?
1:56 Love For The Game
2:48 Obsession
3:54 Intelligence
05:01 Studying
06:20 Eccentricity
07:24 Competitive Drive
08:58 Grit
10:39 Networking
11:59 Professionalism

Producer: Matti Harju
Brand Design: Dan Deming-Henes
Creative Specialists: Quentin Cardinal-Juneau, Miikka Anttonen

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3 Free training videos: https://galfond.link/Free-Poker-Training