Poker legend Stephen Chidwick has revealed how much of his massive tournament earnings are actually profit — and the number is far smaller than many expect.
During a recent Reddit AMA, Chidwick was asked how much of his $76 million in live tournament cashes (per The Hendon Mob) he has truly made. His estimate: around $5–10 million.
Chidwick explained that high-roller tournament results do not reflect real profit. Expenses such as repeated six-figure buy-ins, international travel, taxes, backing arrangements, and action swaps significantly reduce net earnings. Most elite tournament players do not play entirely with their own money.
His comments echo Daniel Negreanu’s earlier statement that high-roller winnings can be a “mirage.” Even players with eight-figure career cashes are often break-even or only modestly profitable once all costs are considered.
Chidwick’s career résumé remains elite: two WSOP bracelets, 16 PokerGO Tour wins, and three Triton Poker titles. He currently ranks second all-time in live tournament earnings, trailing Bryn Kenney by roughly $4 million.
When asked about modern tournament skills, Chidwick said that hand-reading and range construction have become undervalued in the solver era. Relying too heavily on simulations, he noted, can distract players from how opponents actually behave in real games.
Despite the headlines and massive prize pools, Chidwick’s insight highlights a simple truth: in professional poker, gross winnings and real profit are very different numbers.