Betfair, which I started using in 2005, has changed so much in my life and in my family’s life. So much so that it even took precedence over my years of medical education and my psychiatry specialty. After juggling two professional careers for a while, I have been working exclusively on trading for the last ten years.

My time with Betfair hasn’t just benefited me financially. I’ve learned a lot throughout this journey, how to lose, how to accept losing, and most importantly, how to get back on my feet after a loss. I’ve learned that continuously improving myself, both mentally and technically, is essential. I’ve witnessed that those who fail to do this, no matter how successful they may initially be, cannot sustain their rhythm and eventually drop out.

I’ve always reflected on how I could become better, how I could perfect what I already do well. I never hesitated to make the necessary investments for that purpose. The software and hardware I’ve used have constantly changed, evolved, and become the best available over the years.

When I look back, what makes me most proud is not only climbing from zero to the top, but also managing to stay there for such a long time. Another wonderful aspect of this long journey is that it has given me the opportunity to meet so many people. Trading is a lonely profession, and when you do it for a long time, it’s inevitable that you sometimes feel isolated. I was lucky because I always had people around me who inspired and supported me. Many of them started out as my students and later became my friends. I am endlessly grateful to them all.

And my final thanks go to my wife and children. Being the spouse or child of a trader must be one of the hardest things in the world, because you inevitably steal so much time from them. Yet they have always stood by me, believed in me even in the toughest times, and supported me all the way. Without them, I could never have reached this level.