12th Out of 797… Getting Closer or Just Another Near Miss?

12th place out of 797 players.

So now I have to ask myself—and honestly, all of you—am I getting closer… or just circling the final table without breaking through?

This tournament felt different from the start.

I wasn’t just playing, I was aware. Every decision felt more calculated, every move more intentional. I wasn’t relying on good cards alone; I was reading situations better, picking my spots, and managing my stack with more confidence.

And it showed.

Outlasting over 700 players in an MTT isn’t something that just happens randomly. It takes patience, discipline, and the ability to adjust as the game evolves. From the early stages to the middle grind, I stayed composed and avoided unnecessary risks.

But the deeper I got… the tougher it became.

The competition tightened. Mistakes became more costly. Every pot mattered more. And when you’re that close to the final table, the pressure hits differently.

Then came the moment.

A hand where I had to make a decision, commit or step back. I went with my read, trusted my play… but this time, it didn’t go my way. Someone had the better hand, and just like that, my run ended in 12th place.

So close.

Close enough to taste the final table… but still short of it.

And that’s the part that stays with you.

Not the loss—but the realization that you’re improving. Back-to-back deep runs like this aren’t luck anymore. They’re signs. Signs that the game is starting to make more sense, that the decisions are getting sharper, and that the breakthrough is getting closer.

Still, there’s work to do.

Because in tournaments like this, the difference between 12th and the final table isn’t huge, but it matters. It’s about refining those late-stage decisions, handling pressure better, and knowing when to take the right risks.

So is this progress?

Absolutely.

But it’s also motivation.

Because now, it’s not just about going deep…

It’s about finishing the job.