Benjamin "bencb789" Rolle: How Discipline and Mindset Lead to Success in Poker

Find out why Benjamin "bencb789" Rolle believes that discipline and the right mindset are more important than big wins at live tournaments. The story of an online legend and his advice for players.

Benjamin "bencb789" Rolle: Why Discipline and Mindset Matter More Than Big Wins at Live Tournaments Who is Benjamin "bencb789" Rolle: Online Legend and Coach Benjamin "bencb789" Rolle is one of the most successful online poker players of our time. He has three SCOOP titles and one WCOOP title to his name, which sets him apart from professionals who see victories in prestigious live tournaments as the pinnacle of their careers. Instead of chasing fame at live series, Rolle built his reputation on online platforms and through his training site RaiseYourEdge . In 2025, he scored a major victory in the WSOP Online Main Event , winning $3,900,707 . Soon after this win, Rolle held an AMA session on Reddit, where he shared his views on modern online poker, talked about his own career path, and gave plenty of advice to aspiring players. Mindset and Discipline — The Foundation of Poker Success The main point Rolle made to his audience: for a long and successful poker career, what you do away from the table is critically important. According to him, he invested a huge amount of time and effort into working on his mindset. Rolle attended various training camps, hired mentors and coaches, meditated a lot, and tried different techniques to maintain mental sharpness. “Most players don’t pay attention to this, and then wonder why they lose,” he notes. When asked about the best players of 2025, Rolle highlighted those who are close to perfect but also know how to adapt to different types of opponents. Among them, he named Samuel "€urop€an" Vousden , Adrian Mateos , Mikita Badziakouski , and Stephen Chidwick . In Rolle’s opinion, such players are not only consistent but also able to play aggressively and creatively when needed, which sets them apart from just “solid” regulars or “maniacs.” He emphasizes: “I’m always impressed by those who can be very reliable, but also play creatively or even crazily if the situation calls for it.” Why Rolle Doesn’t Play Live Tournaments Despite his big online successes, Rolle has almost no experience in live tournaments. During the AMA, he was asked if he plans to appear more often at major series like the WSOP or Triton Super High Roller Series . Many expected him to follow the example of players like Mikita Badziakouski or Adrian Mateos and start playing the Triton Poker Tour. However, Rolle explained that he doesn’t feel drawn to offline events: He is too busy developing RaiseYourEdge and his esports project Acend Club . Online poker is more interesting to him, and the level of competition is higher, which allows him to grow faster as a player. “I enjoy the online grind more. I have no desire to play Triton. Besides, online is tougher now, and I feel I can improve much faster,” he explained. Common Mistakes of Beginners: Ego, Bankroll, and Overrating GTO Rolle is often approached for advice by young players dreaming of following in his footsteps. In response, he regularly warns about three main mistakes: Underestimating variance. Many don’t realize how important luck is in the short term, and overrate their successes or failures. Ignoring bankroll management. Without proper bankroll management (playing capital), even a strong player can go broke quickly. Ego gets in the way of objectivity. According to Rolle, most people lose because they can’t move down in stakes after a downswing — their ego prevents them from admitting they need to take a step back. He also notes that many players get too caught up in playing Game Theory Optimal (GTO) — a strategy where the player aims for mathematically flawless decisions to minimize being exploited by opponents. However, in Rolle’s view, in real conditions it’s important to be able to adapt and exploit opponents’ weaknesses, even if it means deviating from GTO. “Most people don’t understand the importance of exploitative play and are afraid to do something unconventional — like making a wide call or folding their entire range, or aggressively 3-bluffing when the situation calls for it,” he says. Rolle’s Advice for Beginners Despite the tougher fields, Rolle is confident: disciplined players willing to work on themselves still have a chance to build a successful career. He emphasizes that at the start, the main thing is to learn, not to make money. “At the beginning, it’s important to focus on learning the game, not on profit,” he believes. Rolle advises beginners to: Start with small buy-ins and low-stakes tournaments. This allows you to reach the late stages and final tables more often, which speeds up gaining experience. Don’t make life harder by obsessing over playing only GTO — at mid-stakes, you can still earn confidently if you’re disciplined and attentive. Regularly analyze key hands, especially on the bubble (the stage when only one or two players need to bust before the money) and at the final table. When asked about burnout from long tournament days, Rolle says that if someone loves poker, they can’t get tired of it the same way they don’t get tired of their favorite computer game. “Many people can play Call of Duty for 10 hours, but can’t focus on poker for even two hours. That shows they don’t really like poker itself, just what it can give them: money, freedom, lifestyle,” he believes. As for goals, Rolle isn’t chasing a certain bankroll or a “retirement” plan. “Money is just a byproduct. I want to do what helps me grow and, of course, earn well. I’m not thinking about quitting,” he explains. If he suddenly lost his entire bankroll, Rolle has a simple plan: start over at the lowest stakes, just like any other player. Who Are Samuel "€urop€an" Vousden, Adrian Mateos, Mikita Badziakouski, and Stephen Chidwick Among the best players of today, Rolle highlights: Samuel "€urop€an" Vousden — a well-known regular in major online tournaments, known for his consistency and ability to exploit opponents. Adrian Mateos — one of the most decorated young players, successful both online and in live tournaments. Mikita Badziakouski — a Belarusian pro famous for his wins in the most expensive live series, including Triton. Stephen Chidwick — a British player who regularly ranks among the world’s top and is known for his versatility. According to Rolle, it’s the combination of a solid foundation and the ability to “turn on the madness” at the right moment that sets these pros apart from the rest. Rolle’s Brief Tournament Stats and Achievements 3 SCOOP titles (Spring Championship of Online Poker) 1 WCOOP title (World Championship of Online Poker) Victory in the WSOP Online Main Event 2025 — $3,900,707 Rolle is also actively developing the training platform RaiseYourEdge and the esports club Acend Club . What This Means for PPPoker Club Players The story and advice of Benjamin Rolle are a great example for everyone playing in PPPoker clubs. First, his path proves that you don’t have to chase big live tournaments to succeed. On online platforms, including PPPoker clubs, you can build a serious career if you invest in developing your mindset, discipline, and regularly work on your game. Second, Rolle’s advice on bankroll management and dealing with ego is especially relevant for club players, where you often find both beginners and experienced regulars. The ability to move down in stakes when needed, not tilt after losses, and skillfully exploit opponents’ weaknesses are key skills for steady growth. Finally, focusing on learning and analyzing hands in the late stages of tournaments will help PPPoker players progress faster. Use the small fields and affordable buy-ins of club tournaments for frequent practice, don’t forget to review your played hands, and don’t be afraid to experiment with exploitative play. This approach will not only let you enjoy the process but also achieve consistent results in the long run.