Poker Pro Shares Insights on Backing Deals and Finding Sponsors

The author's first backing experience involved a friend named Rob, who provided $10,000 with specific conditions. If the author lost the money, he had to return half of it by any means necessary, such as getting a job. If he made a profit, he would share one-third of it with Rob. The author played from December 2005 to September 2007, earning Rob around $60,000. The deal ended amicably, with Rob profiting and the author building a solid bankroll with minimal risk.

The author's second backing experience was with Timex, who sponsored him for the WSOP in 2007. Timex assembled a team and required each member to play under his sponsorship for the entire series. By the end of the WSOP 2007, Timex had lost $61,000 on the author and proposed continuing to play live tournaments under his sponsorship. The deal included high-stakes online tournaments that the author couldn't afford otherwise. At one point, the author's makeup with Timex exceeded $125,000, and it now stands at around $90,000. The terms of their deal are 60-40 in Timex's favor, with all losses covered by him.

The author emphasizes the importance of honesty, communication, and skill level when seeking a backer. He advises players to be flexible and easy to work with, keeping detailed records to avoid disputes. The author also suggests that players should be prepared to prove their skill level and strategic thinking when approaching potential backers.