Actually, most of the tournaments are rather small by on-line standards. Usually less than 200 entrants. Out of interest, I have been keeping tabs on the pro success rate at FTP and I must say, it's deplorable.
And, I'm not confusing anything with anything. I understand the luck factor in tournaments. Mason Malmuth never plays tournaments for this very reason. He doesn't believe that tournament success is a good gauge for determining true skill. But, most of these so called pro's have done nothing to earn their red name status but win a couple of high profile tournaments. A feat which I believe many GOOD amateur players are capable of.
I'm not talking about the Chris Fergusens, Daniel Negreanus or Dan Harringtons. The real pro's can keep it up year after year at the tables. Many never play a tournament and therefore, never reach celebrity status. They don't get the endorsements, the beer commercials, or the guest host spots. They just make a living and can kick our asses. But sorry, I'm not gonna run in fear from Andy Bloch or Richard Brodie.
So what does it take to reach this level?
Independence-If your married with kids you can just about forget it. Unless your a selfish, neglectful douchebag.
Time - Gotta real job? That'll make it hard.
Bankroll- Are you planning on honing those mad poker skills at the $.50/$1.00 tables? lol
Patience- Can you wait it out for the right combination of hand, opponent and position. HOP. It could take hours. Or never.
Temperment- This is why I believe that Mike Matusow is a complete fraud.
Intelligence- If you don't have this, it doesn't matter how much time or money you invest.
Introspection- How much time each day do you spend away from the game,thinking, reading and writing about poker? This is key. The big difference between pro and amateur is the ability to think quick. While it is impossible to assess every possible situation, many are similar enough to be worthy of rumination. The time for analysis is in the car or bed or on the crapper or while walking or jogging or wherever your best able to free your mind from the grind. It is NOT while sitting at a $20/$40 table.
Oh, one more thing. You have got to love the game. If it feels like a job, you will never give it the attention required for real success.