Ethan “Rampage” Yau has come to terms with the brutal reality of his ambitious $1 million poker bankroll challenge. In a candid video shared with his 327,000 YouTube followers, the poker vlogger admitted defeat, calling his efforts “incredibly unsuccessful.”
A Lofty Goal That Fell Short
Yau launched his challenge in March 2024, setting out to turn a significant profit over the course of a year. The idea was simple—grind cash games, compete in high-stakes poker livestreams, and prove his critics wrong. His first episode, titled A New Beginning | Road to $1,000,000 Episode 1, laid out his reasons for taking on such a high-risk goal. He acknowledged his history of reckless play, admitting, “I just need to keep doing these because I keep punting off money.”
Despite his determination, things didn’t go according to plan. Over the past year, Yau put in “hundreds and hundreds of hours” at the tables. He played mid to high-stakes cash games, appearing on prominent livestreamed poker shows like Hustler Casino Live and Poker at the Lodge. Yet, as the challenge drew to a close, the results weren’t what he had envisioned.
A Rollercoaster Year of Wins and Losses
At one point, it seemed Yau might succeed. He had built up a bankroll of over $300,000, making steady gains. However, the nature of high-stakes poker is unforgiving. Yau’s decision to take on some of the toughest lineups in the game, including Phil Ivey and Matt Berkey, ultimately cost him dearly. A particularly rough session at the Wynn Las Vegas during the WPT World Championship festival in December saw his winnings take a serious hit.
Then came more losses, more ambitious plays, and more brutal beats. What was once a promising climb turned into an extended downswing, leading him to reflect on what went wrong.
Fans React to Rampage’s Honest Self-Assessment
In his latest video, Yau didn’t shy away from the truth. He told his audience, “It feels like I’ve been a complete failure.” His honesty resonated with many, while others criticized his approach. Some fans argued that he played too aggressively in the highest-stakes games, taking unnecessary risks against elite professionals.
But others sympathized, pointing out that bankroll challenges are never easy—especially one as ambitious as this. The pressure of trying to hit a seven-figure profit in just a year likely influenced his decision-making, leading to moments of reckless play.
The Cost of High-Stakes Ambitions
The variance in high-stakes poker is brutal, and Yau’s challenge is a stark reminder of that reality. Unlike tournament poker, where buy-ins are capped, cash games allow for far greater swings in fortune. Here’s a look at how his journey unfolded:
| Stage of Challenge | Bankroll Status |
|---|---|
| Early Success (Mid-2024) | +$300,000 |
| December 2024 (Wynn Las Vegas) | Major Downswing |
| March 2025 | Challenge Ends Below Target |
Despite the setback, Yau remains a respected figure in the poker world. His vlogs provide an unfiltered look at the highs and lows of professional poker. While this challenge may not have ended in victory, it’s likely not the last ambitious goal he will set for himself.
What’s Next for Rampage?
Failure in poker is often a stepping stone to growth. Many fans are now wondering—what’s next for Rampage? Will he attempt another challenge, perhaps with a more measured approach? Or will he focus on refining his game and avoiding the high-variance swings that plagued him this time around?
Yau has yet to confirm his next move, but one thing is certain: his journey, win or lose, continues to captivate poker fans worldwide.
