What is the endgame of poker? Does it actually do any good? Thinking about the grand scheme of poker, how and why should it expand?

When I first started playing poker, I had one goal: to escape the typical day job that so many people hated and to live freely, doing what I loved. I wanted to play games. It was a selfish but innocent dream. However, as I won more and explored other games, the thrill of poker began to fade. You might find yourself doing the same—playing bigger games or seeking new challenges. For me, it seemed like a never-ending cycle, always wanting to reach higher stakes and different games. But when I did, I realized something—there was no proper outlet to make a meaningful impact at the highest level.

So, what’s the point? What’s the purpose of games like poker, video games, soccer, or basketball? Are they just time-wasters? Actually, they might be at the core of our existence. These activities have existed since before recorded history, originating from war and entertainment, and they remain just as prevalent today.

As I continued my journey, I shifted my focus to making a significant impact. But where? With so many sectors to choose from, I felt lost. I partnered with Mo Samba and my friends in London to help feed people, but the challenge remained—those we helped were hungry again the next day. Phil Michaels and Nassim Taleb introduced me to the idea of teaching people to grow their own wealth, inspiring them to contribute to society. This idea of empowering others to become self-sufficient resonated deeply with me. In theory, it could lead to transformative changes, with individuals building tech and solutions that benefit everyone. It felt like education was key—teaching people to build tools and solve problems.

But then I asked myself: Who should I educate? The answer seemed obvious—children. They are innocent, malleable, and the lowest-cost investment for long-term growth. But then came the complexity: which children? Education is not as straightforward as it seems. Think back to your school days—how much of what you learned do you still use today? Most of us barely remember anything. Education, it turns out, is multifaceted. If people don’t care to learn or don’t see the relevance, it’s a waste of time.

Experts in sociology debated which sectors had the most impact on society. They cycled through health, energy, and education as potential answers. After all, without health or energy, what can people achieve? But then, a new concept emerged—sport. Sports get people healthy and teach them valuable life skills in a way that is more effective than traditional education.

Through sport, people gain confidence, perseverance, teamwork, discipline, and the ability to adapt. Poker, as a mind sport, also imparts these lessons. Poker teaches us to think critically, to be humble, to manage risks, and to maintain discipline. It helps us build perspective, adapt to changing circumstances, and persevere through challenges. On a larger scale, poker teaches kindness, fairness, and even leadership in subtle ways.

One of the unique benefits of poker is its ability to bridge social gaps. At the poker table, the rich and famous often find themselves sitting next to aspiring young players. These interactions foster social cohesion. Many players, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds, are given opportunities they might not have had otherwise. Poker, in a way, redistributes wealth by rewarding those who sharpen their skills and virtues. It offers a rare opportunity for players from impoverished areas to compete on a global scale, potentially leveling the economic playing field.

The slow, steady nature of poker may frustrate those trying to ascend quickly, but it forces players to grow inwardly if they want to succeed. Poker pushes players to develop social skills, as success in live games often depends on the ability to connect with others.

Above all, poker grants financial freedom to those who succeed. It allows players the freedom to pursue what they truly want in life. This financial independence is a virtue in itself, but it also presents an opportunity to give back and make a positive impact. Many poker players, like Phil Galfond, Doug Polk, and Liv Boeree, have created businesses, driven the economy, and even started charitable projects. Players like Liv Boeree, Igor Kurganov, and Dan Smith have raised millions for charity, applying their poker skills to improve the world.

This is why I found myself reinspired, realizing the link between poker and my ambitions to help the world. While poker and its culture are not perfect, many players develop virtues that, if harnessed for good, can create real change. My role now is to liberate and inspire future champions of poker, guiding them to use their success for the greater good.

My hope is that you, too, will find freedom and prosperity through poker, and that you will give back to the source that provided you with those blessings. My life’s equity value (EV) is now intertwined with yours.

To me, poker symbolizes life in its rawest form. We place our bets, using whatever assets we have, to push for an edge and gain positive results. It is a gamification of spirituality, where we strive to maximize not just monetary EV but also the virtues of life. As I evolved, I realized that making plays to maximize equity transcends money—it applies to life, where the goal is to exalt virtues for the collective benefit. If the poker world—and maybe the world at large—sees this, it will be as though we have all won the Main Event many times over.