How I Survived 50,000 Tournaments and Still Love the Game

By Jeff Boski

Jeff Boski has registered for more poker tournaments than most people have played hands. With over 50,000 entries across live and online events, he’s not just a seasoned veteran, he’s one of poker’s great grinders. And yet, through the fatigue, variance, and emotional swings that come with logging that kind of volume, Boski still shows up with purpose. For him, the motivation hasn’t dulled.

“The thrill of victory never gets old,” he says. “Tournaments give you the full journey—the beginning, the middle, and the end. That’s what keeps me coming back.”

The Tournament Story Arc

That full arc (something absent from cash games) is what makes tournaments feel like a story. There’s a rhythm and a climax. Whether you flame out early or claw your way to a final table, every event offers a narrative. For Boski, that structure is as addictive as the wins themselves.

But longevity in poker isn’t just about passion. It’s also about precision. Over the years, Boski has learned to evaluate sessions not based on outcomes, but on the quality of his decision-making.

Quality Over Outcomes

“A good session is one in which I make close to zero mistakes,” he says. “We can blame luck and variance all we want, but at the end of the day, it’s about the decisions you make with limited information. That’s what really matters.”

It’s a perspective forged from experience; experience that also brings clarity to some of the biggest misconceptions players hold about the game, especially when it comes to measuring success.

The Volume Reality

“People think they can judge a player’s ROI based on a couple hundred tournaments,” he says. “You need 10,000-plus MTTs to even begin to get an accurate read. And that kind of volume isn’t possible in the live arena.”

That’s not to say Boski discounts live poker. Far from it. He’s a staple at events like the World Series of Poker, but he plays smarter, not longer. While many players line up for shuffle-up-and-deal, Boski is more likely to be grabbing breakfast, maximizing rest, and waiting for late registration.

Playing Smarter, Not Longer

“Those 15-hour days at the WSOP are brutal if you register on time,” he explains. “I usually max late reg. The EV difference is negligible, and at this stage in my career, preserving my energy is more important.”

It’s a practical adjustment, but also a survival strategy. The physical and mental demands of long tournaments, especially for someone who’s been doing it for decades, are no joke.

The Physical Toll

“A few nights ago I was playing an $800 daily at the Aria that ran until 3 a.m.,” he recalls. “It could’ve easily been a two-day event. These high-pressure, long sessions really mess with your body and mind as you get older.”

Boski has never been one to glamorize the grind. He’s honest about the toll it takes, but he’s also proof that you can play the long game, literally, if you evolve with it. He’s adapted his schedule, refined his mindset, and stopped chasing marginal edges that cost more than they’re worth.

Advice for the Long Haul

His advice to up-and-coming players? Think long-term. Understand the difference between variance and poor play. And, above all, stop obsessing over short-term results.

“The guys who survive in this game are the ones who can detach from outcomes and focus on execution,” he says. “That’s what separates the pros from the rest.”

Chasing Efficiency, Not Glory

Boski’s not chasing glory anymore. He’s been there. He’s chasing efficiency, precision, and moments of clarity, the kind that only come when you’ve played more hands than most players will in a lifetime.

“I’ve had plenty of memorable sessions,” he says, “but the best ones are the ones where I stayed in control. That’s the win that still matters most.”

Still Evolving, Still in Love

After 50,000 tournaments, Jeff Boski isn’t just surviving. He’s still evolving. And, most importantly, he’s still in love with the game.

Ready to build your own tournament legacy?

Whether you’re just starting your tournament journey or looking to improve your long-term results, the key is focusing on quality decisions over short-term outcomes. Join Americas Cardroom and start building your tournament experience.

Play smart, think long-term, and stay in love with the game.