The Climb to 5kNL

End of Week 5

I decided to start a bankroll challenge to show that with proper bankroll management and consistent, good decision-making, I can grow my bankroll to play in some of the highest stakes online! Throughout my poker career, I've made the excuse that variance has played the biggest role in failing to reach my goal of playing high-stakes online cash games. With proper bankroll management, variance will still play a large part, but won’t ultimately decide my fate. With enough volume and study, skill will determine whether or not I get to 5kNL and compete with some of the best. Follow along as I update this page, and write articles on the strategies learned and observations made at each stake as I climb.

Challenge Rules

30 buy-ins required to take a shot
Move down at 20 buy-ins
Maximum 5-buy-in shot attempts
Employ game selection at higher stakes
NO tournaments

Starting Bankroll: $12,000 (400NL)

Current Stats

Current Stake: 400NL
Bankroll: $15,147.60
Rakeback and Bonuses: +$400 (113k FPPs Starting)
Total Profit: +$3,147.60
Hands Played: 21,888
Challenge Start Date: May 19th 2026