99% of poker players believe that they are better than they actually are; True or false

[magnus2022]

Why is it that poker players believed that they are better off than they are actually are? If you asked any poker player if he can beat poker professional like Phil Ivey or Daniel Negreanu, they answer will be in positive. But asked if they can beat a tennis player like Roger Federer, they will answer in negative.
I have observed that poker players believe in themselves more than any other game's players!
What do you think?

 

[Kross]

I won't say that poker players belief that they are very good is a result of confidence in their ability. I think that it is rather the fact that they understand there is an element of luck in a poker. The analogy with tennis is somewhat different. There is no chance of an amateur tennis player like me beating Federer in tennis. Impossible. But there is a good chance I could beat Phil Ivey in a poker game. All it takes is for me to be lucky enough to have some few good hands and he is unlucky enough to have none. That's why poker players always have confidence overdose.

 

[magnus2022]

I won't say that poker players belief that they are very good is a result of confidence in their ability. I think that it is rather the fact that they understand there is an element of luck in a poker. The analogy with tennis is somewhat different. There is no chance of an amateur tennis player like me beating Federer in tennis. Impossible. But there is a good chance I could beat Phil Ivey in a poker game. All it takes is for me to be lucky enough to have some few good hands and he is unlucky enough to have none. That's why poker players always have confidence overdose.

It seems there is some element of truth in what you have said but how come these professional poker players keep winning and staying at top. For instant, the 'Grinder' nearly sweep everything in this year WSOP event! If it is not skill, then what is it?

 

[uptrendfinancialsignal]

I guess it is more so. The luck makes some of the players enjoy winning with the feeling that they are better than they actually are. This makes them believe that they are experts.

 

[Naza]

Poker attracts people who are confident in reading others and making decisions under pressure, so it makes sense they believe in themselves. It’s easier to imagine beating a pro at poker because skill and psychology feel more in your control than raw physical talent like in tennis. Confidence is part of the game, but sometimes it can be a little overblown.

 

[Maya]

I think this is very true. Most people I have played with think they are very good at it. I am an average player but when I play, I tend to believe that I am very good. I think this mindset gives you confidence to play. But you never know when your confidence becomes arrogance

 

[MRai]

Mostly true in practice, but not literally accurate. A lot of poker players do overestimate their skill, especially beginners and casual players. It’s a known bias in poker because people remember big wins more than consistent mistakes.
However, saying 99% is more of an exaggeration than a real statistic.

 

[Bawse]

I’d say 80% of poker players believe they’re better than they actually are, and 19% don’t have enough confidence in their abilities.

I’m the 1% that’s exactly as good as I say I am.

 

[Nomad]

I do not agree with that kind of percentage and I also do not have any number in my mind but I would like to believe that a lot of people believe that they are better than they actually are, and a lot of people believe that they can easily win