Upstakes introduces a revolutionary staking approach in the poker world that rewards talent and performance. The concept is straightforward: a player pays an entry fee, participates in an online GTO challenge based on real poker scenarios, and demonstrates their skills. If they achieve the required score, they receive a personalized staking plan where Upstakes financially guarantees their tournament play without risking their own capital. The platform's motto is “Beat our GTO challenge. Get staked. Keep 50% of your profit.” This means that Upstakes covers 100% of the entry fees, and the player keeps half of the winnings.
How Staking Works with Upstakes
The process at Upstakes is transparent and fair — only the player’s performance matters. After selecting and paying the entry fee, the player takes on the Upstakes Challenge: 100 real poker situations based on Game Theory Optimal (GTO) strategy that test decision-making skills. Upon completion, each participant receives a detailed performance analysis. Successful players who achieve the required score automatically unlock their staking plan, gaining the guarantee of tournament financing worth several times their entry fee. Those who don't succeed get valuable feedback on their weaknesses and can retake the challenge at any time.
Key Benefits for Players
Upstakes offers several unique benefits that will be appreciated by ambitious poker enthusiasts. By democratizing the entire process, every player in the world has a chance to receive financial backing if they prove their skills. With the 50/50 makeup model, players gain virtually unlimited funding without having to risk their own money.
According to the project's official presentation, players who successfully complete the challenge can look forward to at least a 40-times increase in their stake in the form of a guaranteed bankroll. This allows them to play at higher stakes without the stress of potential losses. Even in case of failure, players receive detailed feedback on their weaknesses, allowing them to improve and repeat the challenge anytime.
- Risk-Free Participation: Upstakes pays for the tournament buy-in, allowing players to compete in high-stakes tournaments without financial risk. If they win, they keep half of the profits (standard 50/50 split).
- Transparency: Challenge success is measured by a clearly defined score based on GTO strategy principles. After the challenge, each participant receives a detailed analysis of their play.
- Focus on Performance: Staking in Upstakes is not dependent on connections or politics but purely on poker skills. Founder Jan “hownorez” Nakládal states, Upstakes is the “first staking platform based on challenges” where only performance and player knowledge determine financing.
Why Upstakes Stands Out
Upstakes combines proven staking principles with modern technologies and strategies. Thanks to its online platform and GTO analysis connection, it offers something previously missing in the market — a structured, data-driven system that removes subjectivity from player evaluation. As founder Jan Nakládal noted: “Upstakes is the gateway to the world of high stakes and professional poker accessible to all players worldwide.” This approach allows even relatively unknown players to reach major tournaments.
Upstakes brings a platform that democratizes poker staking. Whether you’re a successful reg or just a talented amateur, you have the same chance to prove you have what it takes for big money. According to this platform's official promise, players who complete the challenge become players with an unlimited bankroll for selected tournaments, with no financial risk.
