Poker Pros Struggle as Backers Pull Out: The Impact on Live Tournaments

Professional poker players are facing significant financial challenges as millions of dollars remain stuck on Full Tilt. Many players are struggling to find buy-ins for tournaments, and some are even looking for other jobs as they can't sustain their poker careers.

Backers and investors are finding it harder to manage the dispersion in live tournaments without the support of online poker. This has led to many players rethinking their tournament strategies and seeking alternative sources of income.

Jason Mercier, who has won over $7 million in his career, has sponsored players who have won over $4 million. He focuses on the quality of play and decision-making of the players he sponsors, believing that good results will follow if the players make the right choices. Chris Murrman, another prominent player, had to freeze the make-up of his American players after April 15, preferring agreements that include both live and online tournaments. David Peters has an agreement with Brin Kenney for sponsorship in live tournaments only, highlighting the varying strategies among players and backers in the current poker landscape.