Micro MTT Mayhem - Bankroll Challenge Blog

October Monthly Goal Review

1. Complete The Bankroll Challenge. Awful month for the bankroll challenge. One month left to complete, can it be done, who knows but im gonna give it a good bash.

2. Play in a Big Live Tournament. II have given up on Prague and shifted my attention to Cannes. Last chance saloon this week.

3. Workout Consistently.November was a great month for working out. The first two weeks i managed five workouts per week. I only managed the three in each of the following two weeks due to fighting with a sofa company.

4. Reduce Weight to 180lbs. Weighed in this month at 222.6. Im not dropping the weight but i am feeling stronger and fitter as a result of the working out. Diet has been inconsistent, looking to tighten that this month. I am not even looking at completing this goal this year. i am just looking to finish the year strong to give myself a good platform to smash it next year.

5. Quit Smoking. PASSED.

6. Read 12 books. This has been a non starter this month. I don't think this can be redeemed this month

7. Attend 3 Music Gigs With My Son. PASSED.

8. Attend 12 Football Matches With My Son. No games attended this month. He doesn't want to sit in the stands in the pouring rain, cant really blame him.

9. 12 Dates With My Wife We didnt manage to get out this month as my wife took on a lot of overtime in the build up to Christmas. We'll try sneak in a couple this month to complete this goal.

10. Take my Granddaughter Out Once Per Month Again, weather and timing of visits make this one a rare fail. Big month coming up.

Fitness results were again the highlight this month. Really need to step up the chase for the rest this month.

Good luck with your challenge! As I can see you already quitted smoking which is one of the best things you could have done to yourself, your health and the people around you.

Bankroll Challenge Week 49

Tournaments Played: 32
Profit/Loss: -$28.77
Current Bankroll: $98.30

Another bad week in the books. It is now crystal clear to me that i have let tilt become a big factor in my results recently. I sat down to play poker across two small sessions this weekend when i was already feeling frustrated and on edge with issues away from the tables.

This week i will aim to do everything i possibly can to eliminate any distractions before i sit down at my computer. If I cant, then i just wont play.

Bankroll Challenge Weeks 50, 51 and 52

Tournaments Played: 149
Profit/Loss: +$31.76
Current Bankroll: $130.06

Last update for 2025 and at least its in the positive. When i started this challenge at the beginning of the year, i really thought i would have it completed and onto the next by June. Here we are 12 months later and the total profit is a measly 80 bucks from 3,551 tournaments. Yes, i have run badly in a lot of tournaments but not enough to warrant such poor results. I'm simply not playing as good as i need to. The main reason for that is my study habits, or lack of them i should say. I have always used the excuse that i work full time and have other commitments so would have to choose between playing or studying. I need to make the time otherwise, i will just be in the same position next year.

I will post my end of year review tomorrow for the goals i set at the beginning of the year, followed by the new list of goals for 2026. Spoilers,there may be a study related one on there.

Ill leave you with the graph for this year.

...

End of Year 2025 Review

Its time to go over the goals i had set for the year of 2025. Its been an up and down year, some successes and some mighty failures. One big win that wasn't a goal i have below, is the fact that i stuck to this for a full year. I updated nearly every week, only missing 8 of them, which were then doubled up the following week, even going on a 23 week streak to start the challenge. This is the first time i have completed a year blog and will use this years results as a barometer for future years

1. Complete The Bankroll Challenge.
FAILED
This is a big fat fail. I went on a decent run early in the year, reaching its highest point $450 in May. It hovered around there for a couple months before starting a slow descent to where it finished at $130. I will be continuing the challenge in 2026, hoping to get it finished and another started before the end of the year.

2. Play in a Big Live Tournament.
FAILED
This one was annoying as i was all set to complete it August with a local multiday tourney but got ill so had to miss out. I really struggled in the satellites for the open events.

3. Workout Consistently.
PASS
Im going to give myself a pass on this, not a full success. It took me months to get to the stage i would say is consistent. I am still very happy that i got there and have been consistent for a few months now, but i cant give myself full marks for it.

4. Reduce Weight to 180lbs.
FAIL
Not even close, im pretty much the same weight i was when i started. I have lost a couple inches off my waist and built a bit of muscle, but no where near the results i was looking for.

5. Quit Smoking.
SUCCESS
The single most important goal i set for myself and i managed to achieve. I am over the moon at this. I was a 30-40 a day smoker for so many years, i had quit a couple times but never managed to make it stick. Until now.

6. Read 12 books.
FAIL
I only managed 4 books this year, only a third of the way. not good enough.

7. Attend 3 Music Gigs With My Son.
SUCCESS
This one was the most fun to complete. We actually over achieved this. My son has absolutely loved this and we're already excited thinking about who we can see this year.

8. Attend 12 Football Matches With My Son.
FAIL
I actually thought this would be easy to achieve as we both love going to watch games. He does now have a girlfriend who he spends a full day on the weekend with and we don't always have time the other day as he we are at his football game. I did only miss 1 of his games due to work, so that's a bonus.

9. 12 Dates With My Wife
PASS
Very close with this one, last couple months we weren't able to get out at all. Still very happy that we made time for just us.

10. Take my Granddaughter Out Once Per Month
PASS
Another close one only let down in the last couple of months. The weather has been horrible and we didnt get her on the weekend as much due to work schedules which hinders us. Some great memories made over the year, so still happy with this one.

The final results are:

SUCCESSES 2
PASSES 3
FAILS 5

Not a great first year but not terrible either. I feel i have got a better baseline to be starting with this year. I will be posting this coming years goals later this week, i need a bit more time to get them all together.

Good luck for 2026 !!

Originally posted by piciu16
Good luck for 2026 !!

Thanks mate, good luck to you too

I have finally worked out what i goals i want to achieve this year but have changed how i'm going to rate my performance. I was unsatisfied when i got to the end of the year, not just with my performance, but also with the way i had set them out in the first place. For most of them, picked a thing i would like to do, picked how many times i would aim to do that, and that was it. I only actually succeed in two goals, but with some of the others, i was happy i got so much done but would have to put it down as a fail. I opted to rate some of them as a pass instead of a success so i didn't feel demotivated after actually being happy with what i had managed to do.

This year, each of the main goals will have a minimum target, main target and stretch target, getting a point for each one achieved. I'm hoping this will result in higher motivation as i collect small wins on the way to completing the big goals. There will be 12 goals, each with 3 targets. I have also added 14 one off goals that are more like a small bucket list i want to tick off this year, some big and some small. So without further ado:

1. Complete The Bankroll Challenge.
Minimum Target - $1,000
Main Target - $5,000
Stretch Target - $10,000

The bankroll challenge was a huge fail last year. I want to complete it and move on to the next level as quick as possible without breaking my BRM.

2. Play in a Big Live Tournament.
Minimum Target - Local Tournament (£100+ buy in)
Main Target - Open Level Event (£500+ buy in)
Stretch Target - EPT Level Event (£5000+ buy in)

I didnt manage to get to any live event last year. I want to do a lot more this year.

3. Study Hours.
Minimum Target - 100 hours
Main Target - 200 Hours
Stretch Target - 300 Hours

I didn't have any proper study habit last year. Time to lock in with this one.

4. Online Tournament Wins
Minimum Target - 20 wins
Main Target - 30 Wins
Stretch Target - 40 Wins

I only won 7 tourneys outright last year. Aiming to dwarf that this year.

5. Workout Consistently
Minimum Target - 3 Days per week (75%)
Main Target - 4 Days per week (75%)
Stretch Target - 5 Days per week (75%)

I built some consistency in the last qusrter of 2025. Im looking to build on that this year. I have put a stipulation of 75% of the time as a buffer for when im ill/unavailable.

6. Lose Weight
Minimum Target - 210 lbs
Main Target - 195 lbs
Stretch Target - 180 lbs

I am still 225 lbs after the whole 2025, haven't shifted any weight but i have achieved some re-composition. Looking to trim some of the fat while building more muscle this year.

7. Read Books.
Minimum Target - 5 books
Main Target - 10 books
Stretch Target - 15 books

Failed this one badly last year. Huge effort required for this one.

8. Date Nights With My Wife.
Minimum Target - 6 Dates
Main Target - 9 Dates
Stretch Target - 12 Dates

Last year, we focused on getting out for a meal. This year i want to also add some fun activities.

9. Take My Son To Football Matches/Music Gigs
Minimum Target - 6 Events
Main Target - 9 Events
Stretch Target - 12 Events

I had these as two separate goals last year, nailing the music gigs but failing the football matches. If you've ever tried to get a 15 year old to hang out with a parent, you'll understand this will be a tough ask this year.

10. Granddaughter Big Days Out
Minimum Target - 6 Days Out
Main Target - 9 Days Out
Stretch Target - 12 Days Out

My grandaughter is now 2, which opens up a lot more types of days out we can go for.

11. Meet Ups with Friends
Minimum Target - 6 Meet Ups
Main Target - 9 Meet Ups
Stretch Target - 12 Meet Ups

I have been really bad, over the last few years, at spending quality time with friends. Hoping to correct that by adding this goal.

12. Redecorate The House
Minimum Target - 2 Rooms
Main Target - 4 Rooms
Stretch Target - 6 Rooms

The whole house is in need of a refresh. Lets see if we can finish whole damn thing.

Thats all the goals. Better get started.

Bankroll Challenge Weeks 53 and 54

Tournaments Played: 89
Profit/Loss: -$35.00
Current Bankroll: $95.06

Bit delayed in getting the update out but its been a poor couple of weeks. Ive been struggling with a cold since before Christmas, it floors me for a couple days then seems to get alright again before repeating the process again. I can feel it in my chest and its just not shifting. I keep trying to play small sessions but the exhaustion is defientely affecting my game. Its been affecting my exercise and sleep and i just want it to fuck off so badly. Sorry for just moaning but its been really getting me down, having all these ideas about what i want to do this year and just be constantly feeling unwell is so annoying. But hey, it could be worse, at least its nothing serious,

On a brighter note, i am writing this on my brand new PC i had been saving up year for. I invested in a new 27 inch monitor too, i cant wait to have a big session and really feel the difference compared to my old laptop. I am still in the process of getting everything the way i want. I have transferred over all my Pokerstars settings and notes and made a back up of my HM2 database. I won $75 in the blogger raffle months ago and decided i would cash it in for credits to buy HM3 once i got my new PC, looking forward to setting that up.

I am hoping to get a couple of sessions in this weekend, depending how im feeling, no use throwing away money. At the beginning of February, im going to move a portion of the bankroll over to GG and see how i get on there. I may even assign a small amount to an ipoker skin now i have a decent PC.

Bankroll Challenge Weeks 55, 56 and 57

Tournaments Played: 135
Profit/Loss: -$39.12
Current Bankroll: $55.94

Its now been over a full year ago i started this challenge, thinking i would hit it within a few months then move onto the next big milestone. 13 months late i am just over $5 up. That is pretty demoralising. I could moan about all the bad beats, the two and three outers, the missed flips and the cold decks (which all definitely happened) but its not the main reason i have made so little progress. When i started this challenge, it was straight after a failed challenge and i said that i learned 3 things. Don't play ill, trust your gut and stay disciplined. I have fallen back on all three. The full month of January, i have been struggling with a nasty cold that will not fuck off., yet i still tried to play long sessions. I have been talking myself into bad decisions cause they cant have it again, surely not this time. And all discipline has left me. No exercise, no grip on diet and no studying. Success leaves clues and so the fuck does failure.

Im still not 100% but i need to start pushing forward with the goals. I'm not going to post a detailed update this month, because spoiler alert, there hasn't been a speck of progress. This month i will be focusing on getting the exercise and diet back on track. I am going to make some small session schedules for poker that i can play if im still feeling ill.

Bankroll Challenge Week 58

Tournaments Played: 18
Profit/Loss: +$55.05
Current Bankroll: $110.99

I only managed to play a few tournaments on Saturday as it was a late start. It ended up being my best result in a long time though, quality over quantity. I'm hoping this will kickstart some momentum for next week. I didn't play at all on Sunday as i took my son to a Rangers game. It ended 8-0, lot of lovely goals to see.

Most of the winnings came from a 2nd place in a $1.10 Mystery Bounty on demand. I scooped the biggest bounty when we were down to 3 players, ive never seen it last that long. I couldn't convert it into a win as my KQ didn't hold against K9. After an awful January, I'm hoping February has more of this.

Bankroll Challenge Weeks 59, 60, 61 & 62

Tournaments Played: 134
Profit/Loss: +$5.00
Current Bankroll: $115.99

Wow, didnt realise it had been a month since my last update. I haven't played a huge amount during the last 4 weeks, had a lot going on away from the tables. I did finally manage to get a win in a tournament, though it was in the smallest tournament i registered. Im not sure how much ill be able to play this weekend as we may have other plans but i have booked out the Main Event weekend so will hop eot get a lot of volume in then. I will keep this short and sweet and follow up with the monthly goal update.

I completely forgot to update how the yearly goals were coming in January, not that there was a lot of progress. I have combined Jan and Feb into this update.

1. Complete The Bankroll Challenge.
Minimum Target - $1,000
Main Target - $5,000
Stretch Target - $10,000

Still sitting just over $100. Not a lot of volume in the first two months. Looking to crank that up over the next couple of months.

2. Play in a Big Live Tournament.
Minimum Target - Local Tournament (£100+ buy in)
Main Target - Open Level Event (£500+ buy in)
Stretch Target - EPT Level Event (£5000+ buy in)

No news here yet. Irish Open is still the preferred option but I only have a couple weeks left to qualify. I did notice the APAT schedule is out so I will aim to attend either the Glasgow or Edinburgh one.

3. Study Hours.
Minimum Target - 100 hours
Main Target - 200 Hours
Stretch Target - 300 Hours

I have managed a grand total of 3.5 hours of structured study. This is pitiful and i will need to start making this a priority.

4. Online Tournament Wins
Minimum Target - 20 wins
Main Target - 30 Wins
Stretch Target - 40 Wins

I only managed 1 win so far, the seal is broken though so hopefully the wins flow freely now

5. Workout Consistently
Minimum Target - 3 Days per week (75%)
Main Target - 4 Days per week (75%)
Stretch Target - 5 Days per week (75%)

I have started to build up some consistency. The next few weeks are crucial to building the habit.

6. Lose Weight
Minimum Target - 210 lbs
Main Target - 195 lbs
Stretch Target - 180 lbs

I am still hovering around the 225 lbs mark, i keep yo yoing back and forth 3 or 4 lbs. Time to dial in the diet.

7. Read Books.
Minimum Target - 5 books
Main Target - 10 books
Stretch Target - 15 books

Poor showing on this one so far with no completed books yet.

8. Date Nights With My Wife.
Minimum Target - 6 Dates
Main Target - 9 Dates
Stretch Target - 12 Dates

Two months in and two dates down, tracking well on this one. We had a lovely day out followed by a Nandos in January and cosy night out with some pub grub in February.

9. Take My Son To Football Matches/Music Gigs
Minimum Target - 6 Events
Main Target - 9 Events
Stretch Target - 12 Events

We went to a Rangers game at the beginning of February and were due to see The Fratellis on the 27th but the lead singer was ill so the gig had to be postponed. There is already a few events booked for the next few months so this is going well.

10. Granddaughter Big Days Out
Minimum Target - 6 Days Out
Main Target - 9 Days Out
Stretch Target - 12 Days Out

Another goal tracking well. We have had two big days out in country parks. She loves running about in nature and has taken a keen liking to playing football, something we can foster as she grows.

11. Meet Ups with Friends
Minimum Target - 6 Meet Ups
Main Target - 9 Meet Ups
Stretch Target - 12 Meet Ups

No news on this front yet, i did have plans at the end of January that fell through at the last moment due to conflicting schedules. Hope to get something planned soon

12. Redecorate The House
Minimum Target - 2 Rooms
Main Target - 4 Rooms
Stretch Target - 6 Rooms

I have painted 1 ceiling so far lol. Need a run of a couple days with no plans to get the first room started.

No one offs completed yet.

Bankroll Challenge Weeks 63, 64 and 65

Tournaments Played: 93
Profit/Loss: -$50.07
Current Bankroll: $65.92

I haven't played a huge amount over the last few weeks, only managing two big sessions, which both went very poorly. No deep runs or notable results to mention. I will be playing a couple of big sessions this weekend though, so hoping for that luck to turn around. The rest of April will be very patchy as i have a lot of events coming up and my birthday in there also., hopefully i can still fit in a few decent sessions. I am floating the idea of playing some cash games mid week to try to keep the challenge ticking over.

1. Complete The Bankroll Challenge.
Minimum Target - $1,000
Main Target - $5,000
Stretch Target - $10,000

Very bad month for bankroll, not far off starting. I need to put some good runs together. I am considering playing some cash mid week to get some volume in

2. Play in a Big Live Tournament.
Minimum Target - Local Tournament (£100+ buy in)
Main Target - Open Level Event (£500+ buy in)
Stretch Target - EPT Level Event (£5000+ buy in)

Another year, another missed Irish Open. I will keep trying to win a silver power path and i f not, i will definitely play an APAT event.

3. Study Hours.
Minimum Target - 100 hours
Main Target - 200 Hours
Stretch Target - 300 Hours

Still way off the pace with this, managed an extra 2 hours. I have been more focussed on getting my training dialled in, this has taken a backseat. I will give it more focus this month.

4. Online Tournament Wins
Minimum Target - 20 wins
Main Target - 30 Wins
Stretch Target - 40 Wins

No further wins in March

5. Workout Consistently
Minimum Target - 3 Days per week (75%)
Main Target - 4 Days per week (75%)
Stretch Target - 5 Days per week (75%)

This is the one area, i feel i am smashing it in right now. I have been very consistent all month, progressing well and starting to really feel the difference.

6. Lose Weight
Minimum Target - 210 lbs
Main Target - 195 lbs
Stretch Target - 180 lbs

The scales are moving in the right direction, down 4 lbs from last month

7. Read Books.
Minimum Target - 5 books
Main Target - 10 books
Stretch Target - 15 books

I have really struggled to make this a must. I dont know why this is so hard for me right now, i used to love to read and would spend at least an hour everyday reading for fun. I struggled to even pickup the book now. This need further investigating.

8. Date Nights With My Wife.
Minimum Target - 6 Dates
Main Target - 9 Dates
Stretch Target - 12 Dates

We managed another pub grub, restaurant date. The best kind.

9. Take My Son To Football Matches/Music Gigs
Minimum Target - 6 Events
Main Target - 9 Events
Stretch Target - 12 Events

We went to see the Scotland vs Japan game at the end of the month. It was a poor game, with not much action. Much better viewing at my sons youth game earlier that day.

10. Granddaughter Big Days Out
Minimum Target - 6 Days Out
Main Target - 9 Days Out
Stretch Target - 12 Days Out

We didnt manage any big days with my granddaughter this month. Mostly due to only being able to have her mid week due to work commitments. Got some planned days in for April.

11. Meet Ups with Friends
Minimum Target - 6 Meet Ups
Main Target - 9 Meet Ups
Stretch Target - 12 Meet Ups

Met up with a couple of old friend s to watch a game of football together. I decided not to drink so i didn't mess with training and i still had a great time.

12. Redecorate The House
Minimum Target - 2 Rooms
Main Target - 4 Rooms
Stretch Target - 6 Rooms

I havent had the time to fit any of this in. We have discussed the plans for each room though, so at least we know what we're aiming for.

No one offs completed yet.

Bankroll Challenge Weeks 66 and 67

Tournaments Played: 80
Profit/Loss: +$145.77
Current Bankroll: $211.69

Back on track with a couple of positive sessions. I made two final tables but couldn't close them out so still stuck on just the one tourney win. Not too disappointed as i more than tripled the bankroll in one weekend. Here's hoping i can have another weekend like that soon. Over the next 3 weeks, i will only be able to fit in 2 tournament sessions due to work and a couple of planned events. I will start playing some cash games mid week for a few hours to get some more volume in.

Bankroll Challenge Weeks 68, 69 and 70

Tournaments Played: 78
Profit/Loss: -$31.07
Current Bankroll: $180.62

I didn't manage to play to a lot over the last 3 weeks just as i thought. The time i did manage to spend on the tables the first couple of weeks was pretty dire, couldn't build any big stacks. The session yesterday was a lot better, i felt more in the zone. Still couldn't convert the runs into anything decent but i felt my play was a lot better. I put part of this down to the emphasis i have had on my physical training the last few weeks. I have got into a good flow and starting to feel the benefits on my energy levels. This coming week i will have a couple of sessions on the weekend and i will look to do the monthly update on Wednesday.

1. Complete The Bankroll Challenge.
Minimum Target - $1,000
Main Target - $5,000
Stretch Target - $10,000

Bankroll started moving in the right direction this month after a great session in the middle. Let down a little bit at the end. I will be able to get a lot more volume in May.

2. Play in a Big Live Tournament.
Minimum Target - Local Tournament (£100+ buy in)
Main Target - Open Level Event (£500+ buy in)
Stretch Target - EPT Level Event (£5000+ buy in)

No further on here but I will be playing more sattys this month.

3. Study Hours.
Minimum Target - 100 hours
Main Target - 200 Hours
Stretch Target - 300 Hours

Terrible month with no hours added at al. I have sacrificed this to focus on my fitness goals I am in a better position to add more hours this month..

4. Online Tournament Wins
Minimum Target - 20 wins
Main Target - 30 Wins
Stretch Target - 40 Wins

No further wins in April, just missing out on two Bigs.

5. Workout Consistently
Minimum Target - 3 Days per week (75%)
Main Target - 4 Days per week (75%)
Stretch Target - 5 Days per week (75%)

Huge month for working out. This goal feels very achievable now.

6. Lose Weight
Minimum Target - 210 lbs
Main Target - 195 lbs
Stretch Target - 180 lbs

Only 1lb down from last month but my body feels tighter and stronger.

7. Read Books.
Minimum Target - 5 books
Main Target - 10 books
Stretch Target - 15 books

I have finally developed a habit, reading for around 20 mins every morning. I am currently reading Dungeon Crawler Carl and really loving it. I will be aiming to include a night time reading in May as well.

8. Date Nights With My Wife.
Minimum Target - 6 Dates
Main Target - 9 Dates
Stretch Target - 12 Dates

We ticked off 3 date nights this month. We went to an obstacle course called Go Ape, watched a movie in a theatre and attended a local Beltane Festival. I have now hit the Minimum Target already.

9. Take My Son To Football Matches/Music Gigs
Minimum Target - 6 Events
Main Target - 9 Events
Stretch Target - 12 Events

A big month for this goal as well, ticking off 4 events. We attended 2 football matches, Falkirk vs Rangers and Stenhousemuir vs Alloa. The Rangers game was incredible. We also had a great time at The Kaves gig.

10. Granddaughter Big Days Out
Minimum Target - 6 Days Out
Main Target - 9 Days Out
Stretch Target - 12 Days Out

We are back on track with this one after 2 big days out. We went to a local historic site and let her run around the ruins of a Roman fort. We also took her along to another country park.

11. Meet Ups with Friends
Minimum Target - 6 Meet Ups
Main Target - 9 Meet Ups
Stretch Target - 12 Meet Ups

No events with the friends, clash of schedules all round.

12. Redecorate The House
Minimum Target - 2 Rooms
Main Target - 4 Rooms
Stretch Target - 6 Rooms

With all the events happening in April, no further on with this. May is looking very busy too.

Ticked off one goal with the Obstacle Run. I will try to fit another one in this month

Bankroll Challenge Weeks 71, 72, 73 and 74

Tournaments Played: 79
Profit/Loss: +$12.36
Current Bankroll: $192.98

Not a lot of poker played this month, only managing the same amount i would aim for in a week. I only managed to get 1 final table in this time, which i couldn't convert into a win, but did mean i finished the month in profit. It was an interesting month away from the felt. I managed to tick off a few more events for my goals, ill be posting that update next week. The main news though is, i got a new job. A good friend came to me with a chance to apply for a position he thought i would excel at in the company he works at. We had previously worked together in that industry a decade ago. The salary is a big jump on what i am currently on and i get the added bonus of a company car. The offer was too good to turn down so applied, interviewed and got the job. I start in a few weeks, im really exicted for this new chapter. In the meantime i am hoping to get a few decent sessions in over the next couple of weeks. To complete the challenge before July would be amazing. I wont hold my breathe though considering im on week 75 and im so far away.