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Stephen Chidwick’s $3.1M PGT haul reveals the harsh math of pro poker

He’s won $76M in tournaments, but after buy-ins and backers? Just $5–10M remains. A brutal lesson in poker’s hidden costs—and why consistency beats flashy wins.

The image shows a hand holding a pair of aces on top of a green table, surrounded by red, blue, and...
The image shows a hand holding a pair of aces on top of a green table, surrounded by red, blue, and green coins. The hand is in focus, while the background is slightly blurred, suggesting the focus is on the hand and the coins. This image is likely related to online poker, as it could be used to learn how to play online poker.

Stephen Chidwick’s $3.1M PGT haul reveals the harsh math of pro poker

Stephen Chidwick has earned over $3.1 million in PokerGO Tour (PGT) events during 2025, securing 8th place in the Player of the Year rankings. His career winnings now exceed $12 million, though he estimates his actual profit to be far lower after expenses. The British pro remains one of the most consistent high-stakes players in the game today.

Chidwick’s 2025 results include two tournament wins and 14 cashes, bringing his total PGT points to 1,688. Despite his success, he ranks second all-time in live tournament cashes, trailing Bryn Kenney by around $4 million in The Hendon Mob’s 2023 leaderboard. His career earnings on the site stand at $76 million, but he estimates his net profit to be just $5–10 million—roughly 10% of his total cashes.

Preparation plays a key role in his performance. Before major events, Chidwick focuses on sleep, exercise, and reviewing opponent notes to shape his strategy. While he thrives at Triton Poker and PokerGO’s Aria events, he admits to enjoying the World Series of Poker (WSOP) less. His achievements include two WSOP bracelets, 16 PGT titles, and three Triton Poker victories. Yet, as Daniel Negreanu once noted, high roller earnings often misrepresent true profit. Chidwick’s case proves this, with buy-ins, travel, taxes, and backer payments cutting deeply into his winnings.

Chidwick’s 2025 earnings push his career total past $12 million, but his net profit remains a fraction of his recorded cashes. With a disciplined approach and a preference for high-stakes events, he continues to chase the top spot on The Hendon Mob’s all-time list. His results highlight both the rewards and financial realities of professional poker.

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