Stephen Chidwick reveals the hidden costs behind his $76M poker earnings

The math behind elite poker shocks even pros. Chidwick’s disciplined strategy and selective tournaments reveal why recorded winnings deceive.

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2026 January 20 . 1:30 PM

1 min read

The image shows a group of people sitting around a table playing poker, with a wall, window, door,... — The image shows a group of people sitting around a table playing poker, with a wall, window, door, and various objects in the background. At the bottom of the image, there is text that reads "Draw Poker - Laying for 'em Sharp".

Stephen Chidwick reveals the hidden costs behind his $76M poker earnings

Stephen Chidwick remains one of poker’s most successful high-stakes players, ranking second in all-time live tournament cashes. With over $76 million recorded on The Hendon Mob, he now estimates his actual profit to be far lower—between $5 million and $10 million.

Chidwick’s career includes two WSOP bracelets, 16 PokerGO Tour titles, and three Triton Poker victories. Despite his achievements, he prefers events at Aria over the WSOP, focusing on Triton and PokerGO tournaments. His approach to the game emphasises preparation: he prioritises sleep, exercise, and reviewing notes before major sessions.

The gap between recorded cashes and real profit highlights the hidden costs of high-roller poker. Expenses like buy-ins, travel, taxes, and backer payments significantly reduce net earnings. Chidwick’s estimated $5–10 million profit represents only a fraction of his lifetime cashes. Currently, he trails Bryn Kenney by about $4 million in The Hendon Mob rankings. Chidwick has made it clear he aims to close that gap in 2023. Beyond numbers, he values strategic skills often overlooked today, such as range analysis and intuitive decision-making. His disciplined routine and selective event choices reflect a calculated approach. While the poker world tracks cashes, Chidwick’s focus remains on sustainable profit and skill refinement.

Chidwick’s estimated profit of $5–10 million underscores the financial realities of high-stakes poker. As he chases Kenney’s top spot, his success will depend on both results and careful expense management. The gap between recorded winnings and actual earnings remains a key factor in his career.