Benjamin "bencb" Rolle: Why Mindset and Discipline Matter More Than Live Tournament Glory
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Benjamin "bencb789" Rolle has an online poker resume like no other, including three SCOOP titles and one WCOOP title. While many professionals dream of making their mark in the world's most glamorous live poker events, Rolle has carved out his legacy online and through his coaching platform, Raiseyouredge.
Fresh from his recent win in the 2025 WSOP Online Main Event for $3,900,707, Rolle took part in a Reddit AMA, the Rolle shared his thoughts on the state of online poker and his poker career as a whole, while giving out plenty of free advice to those who asked.
Poker Is About Mindset, Not Just Strategy
The biggest takeaway from Rolle's AMA was simple. In order to have a long career in poker and perhaps reach the level of success Rolle has enjoyed, it comes down to what you put in away from the table.
"I've invested a lot of time and effort outside of the tables to work on my mindset," he said. "I attended a lot bootcamps, invested into mentors and coaches, meditated a lot and tried different techniques to stay sharp.
"Most don't do that, and then wonder why they fall behind."
When asked for who the best poker players in 2025 are, he speaks highly of those who are "almost at 100% perfection" but are still able to exploit different player types, players like Samuel "€urop€an" Vousden, Adrian Mateos, Mikita Badziakouski and Stephen Chidwick.
"Guys like that always stand out to me," he said. "There are a lot of good regs winning a lot of money and some of them do that by purely being solid or by purely being "crazy"
"But what I admire is if someone is overall very solid, yet can be crazy/maniac (in a good way) if needed."
Staying Away from the Live Circuit
While building a reputation at the online felt, Rolle's live poker career is non-existent. And he says that's unlikely to change in the future, after someone asked him whether he would be playing more at the WSOP or on the Triton Super High Roller Series. Given his reputation, many expected Rolle to follow the likes of Mikita Badziakouski or Adrian Mateos onto the Triton Poker Tour.
"And honestly, online is also a lot tougher, where I feel I can improve a lot faster"
"I'm too busy with Raiseyouredge as well as Acend Club (my esports org)," he explained. "I also enjoy the online grind a lot more. I'm not really craving playing those Triton events. And honestly, online is also a lot tougher, where I feel I can improve a lot faster."
The Biggest Mistakes New Pros Make
Rolle is frequently asked for advice from players looking to follow in his footsteps. His warnings are consistent: don't underestimate variance, don't ignore bankroll management, and don't let ego dictate decisions.
"Most people fail because their ego takes over and they go broke by not being able to move down in stakes," he said.
He also believes that too many players obsess over Game Theory Optimal play at the expense of real-world exploitation.
"Most players fail to understand the importance of exploitative poker and are too afraid to play in extremes—range calling, range folding, or going crazy with bluff 3-bets when the situation calls for it."
Rolle's Advice to New Poker Players
Even in 2025, Rolle remains optimistic about the prospects for disciplined grinders who want to make a successful poker career.
"At the beginning, it is about learning the game, not making money"
"It is still quite easy to establish yourself on mid-stakes," he said. "A lot of people make it more complicated than it has to be, especially around having to play GTO."
For players at the very bottom of the poker ladder, Rolle advocates a humble start: small buy-ins, small fields, and lots of repetition.
"At the beginning, it is about learning the game, not making money," he said. "Smaller fields give you more late-game experience. It's important to review those critical bubble and final table scenarios."
He also rejects the idea that long tournament days inevitably lead to burnout. "How can you burn out from something you enjoy?" he said in response to someone. "Many people can play Call of Duty for 10 hours but can't focus for two hours on poker. It shows me they don't love the game [and that] they only love the stuff that poker brings: money, freedom, lifestyle."
As for the future, Rolle isn't chasing a final bankroll number or a retirement plan. "Money is just a byproduct," he explained. "I want to do things where I can grow the most and of course earn good money. I don't think about an end."
And if he himself ever went broke? Rolle's plan is simple.
“Grind $1 SNGs.”
