[BigAlK]

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Amazing how many smart people on this thread completely miss my point.

My point is not that Bax does or doesn't "make enough". I was attempting to establish an expected $/hr for one of the best players. That's a valid meter for understanding how profitable online MTT can be.

My point is that amount of profits those at the top-of-the-game are pulling in totally incongruous with what I would have expected, and, given the top-heavy nature of any gambling puruit, implies a relatively modest existence for middle-of-the-packers.

It's just surprising, that's all, with all the TV coverage, all the emphasis on money, lifestyle, babes, bling, etc. -- especially by some of those who frequent these forums and post photos of their cars and houses and brag about their trips, etc.

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I think more of us get your point than you think. You comparison to the NBA wasn't a bad one (due to the top heavy nature of the money in that or other pro sports). Baseball might be a better comparison since it is possible for a greater number of people to make a reasonable living in the minor leagues with an outside chance of moving up. However I'd like to suggest a better comparison would be trying to make a living as a musician/songwriter.

For a lot of people this has the perceived lifestyle you mention above. For those at the top of the music business this is, to some degree, reality. But the overwhelming majority of those making their living this way are like the middle-of-the-packer poker players you describe, living a modest lifestyle. In fact they're quite likely to be living hand-to-mouth. Most who chase the dream never reach it. Some never chase the dream of millions and "the cover of the Rolling Stone ". They have a more modest (and realistic) view. Making a modest living doing something they enjoy and freedom that the nine-to-fiver doesn't have is good enough for them. They may actually make it big, but that isn't an absolute requirement for them to persue this path.

Although I think your point is a good one, it misses the point of why someone might choose to do this. I'd be the first to advise someone considering this to stay in school and get their degree before going full time. It's rarely bad to have a plan B. But I can't fault someone for giving it a shot if they truly think they have what it takes. Your point, that the odds are against them reaching the top, is valid. That goes for any field.

My point and the point of a large number of posters taking a contrary view to yours' is that you're overstating what is likely to happen taking the path of a more traditional career. Making big money, whatever that is to you, is tough to do in any field. If it weren't it wouldn't be considered big money.