Quitting High Stakes Was My Best Poker Move: Interview with Elabyss

Most poker players dream of climbing up the stakes. BitB Spins player Elabyss went the other direction, and never looked back. After leaving investment banking for poker, he willingly dropped down from high stakes to master multitabling at mid-stakes. In this interview, he shares why that decision changed everything.

You started in investment banking, a field that’s considered prestigious and stable. What made you realize it wasn’t for you?

I was working in the risk department, which is a bit less prestigious than working with clients, but also less stressful. I really enjoyed my time there and what I learned. It checked almost all the boxes I wanted for a job, except one: daily challenge. While plenty of opportunities in the investment banking industry do offer this daily challenge, I just knew I had to try going full-time with poker first.

What kind of “daily challenge” do you find in poker that was missing from banking?

Having to step out of my comfort zone to adapt to new situations.

Why did you want to give full-time poker a shot?

It was in the back of my mind for a while, and I realized that I would regret not trying.

For a while, you were balancing a full-time job and grinding €25 Spin and Gos on the side. How did you manage this transition period?

It was exhausting. I’ve always had a rule: cut down on poker when I’m too tired. I’m really proud I stuck with that. Weekends were easier to handle, of course.

Looking back, what helped you avoid burnout during that period?

Honestly? I actually burned out two or three times, barely playing for weeks or even months. I slowly learned my limits, but it definitely wasn’t smooth sailing.

Joining bitB Spins seemed to accelerate everything — within just a few months, you went full-time. What changed?

To be honest, when I joined bitB Spins, I knew it would be a catalyst for my poker career. The value is immense. BitB helped me reframe my entire approach to poker, especially against recreational players. Mentally, I stayed focused on the right things instead of getting distracted like before. Joining the team played the most crucial role in launching my full-time poker career successfully.

Was there a specific coaching moment that clicked for you early on?

My early discussions with Areanu made me realize I wanted long-term cooperation with bitB Spins. He’s always willing to help, passionate about the game, always improving and questioning everything. For me, he embodies what bitB Spins is.

Can you share an example of how your Spin and Go strategy changed after joining?

I’d always been practicing versus-regs strategies, and using them against fish isn’t ideal. There were so many subtleties I was missing. With time, I discovered the depth of versus-fish strategies, and it’s become one of my main focuses.

You mentioned mental focus. What were you getting wrong before joining?

It’s easy to lose your way when results are bad. With bitB coaches’ help, I learned to differentiate between bad variance and actual mistakes more consistently, which also improved how I handled downswings mentally.

You’re known for your multitabling skill. How did you develop it?

I love the challenge of adding more tables. Finding balance is incredibly hard, but I thrive on it. I played rhythm games like osu!mania and Etterna as a teenager, and I think that massively improved my mental processing speed and accuracy.

That’s a peculiar connection. Do you still play rhythm games?

Very rarely. I’m getting too old for them.

What are your thoughts on tiling versus stacking?

Tiled layout is the standard and probably optimal in more than 99% of cases. Stacked layout is extremely niche and only optimal in very specific situations. I’d strongly advise against it.

Some players chase the highest stakes, but you’ve chosen to focus on consistency and volume at €50s and €100s. Why?

I tried high stakes for a few months, but the environment is totally different: tougher opponents, more short-term variance, way fewer tables running. After a while, I realized what I’d need to compete with the very best, and I wasn’t ready.

Plus, my biggest strength, masstabling, was completely out of the equation. Even though I was nowhere near my current table count, it was already frustrating at that time.

Long story short, I decided to capitalize on my strengths and what I truly love about the game. Dropping down from high stakes was probably the best poker decision I’ve ever made.

You seem to be at the edge of what’s possible with multitabling while also maintaining a sharp game. What inspires you?

I thoroughly enjoy pushing the limits of what’s believed to be possible. This challenge extends far beyond just adding more tables. I’m extremely motivated to keep pushing, hopefully reaching 40+ tables consistently one day.

You’re also very active in the bitB Spins community, sharing opinions, helping with stats, contributing in hand history channels. What motivates you to be so involved?

I work every day with amazing people who love the game, love challenges, and want to improve. Being involved is natural when such optimal conditions are met.

Is there a specific exchange you wish to highlight that taught you something valuable in return?

There are too many to list, but one has stuck with me for a while now. A player from €5s-€10s taught me something really deep and valuable that I wasn’t aware of. It improved my approach to certain spots immensely. If you’re reading this, thank you, Janne.

How would you define the “bitB Spins culture”?

Passion for the game, improving as a team, open-mindedness, benevolent honesty, spotless integrity.

What impact has the team had on you, and what impact do you think you’ve had on them?

The team has given me tremendous confidence in my game. I think I’ve helped people share their opinions more easily, without fear of looking foolish, though I may have looked ridiculous internally a handful of times myself.

What advice would you give yourself from 5 or 10 years ago?

Trust yourself. If you truly want to make it and put in the effort, you will make it.

What advice would you give someone looking to turn pro in poker, and perhaps also specifically in Winamax Nitros?

It takes a lot of work. Be patient and improve one step at a time. Don’t rush, it always slows you down in the end. Most importantly: enjoy what you do. Nitros are a fun ride, but not always easy.

How do you envision the future meta evolving?

It’s hard to say because the game evolves so fast. I prefer taking on new challenges as they arise rather than trying to predict what’s coming. That’s why I love this game, after all.

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