user17678: I need to know how start to become a professional chess player so that I can participate in tournaments.
I first tried to find someone who knows how to play, but didn't find anyone. 
So I started looking through the web.

user17563: You would probably need to be 2600+ and play a lot of tournaments in order to make a living, and don't expect to get rich. I'm from the Netherlands though, and the prize pool in most tournaments isn't as high as in the US for example.
I know several strong grandmasters who play poker because you can earn a lot more. Even Hikaru Nakamura used to play poker a lot (though I'm not sure if money was the main reason there).
If you want to make a living in chess, you need to either be really good, or do coaching on the side.

user825: To become a professional player who makes a living from tournaments, you really need a GM+ level. Even as a GM, you might find yourself struggling for your bills.
Raise your FIDE to 2500, come back then we talk.

user12523: You don't need to be a professional to participate in a tournament, you just have to sign up for the tournament (as long as it's not by invitation only or has minimum rating requirements). You may need to register with your national chess federation first.
As for becoming a professional, I'm not one but I guess the old "practice, practice, practice!" rule is a start. Of course, it also helps to start young, have talent and a good mentor.

17678: <p>I need to know how start to become a professional chess player so that I can participate in tournaments.</p>

<p>I first tried to find someone who knows how to play, but didn't find anyone. 
So I started looking through the web.</p>
 17563: <p>You would probably need to be <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chess_rating_system#Elo_rating_system" rel="nofollow noreferrer">2600+</a> and play a lot of tournaments in order to make a living, and don't expect to get rich. I'm from the Netherlands though, and the prize pool in most tournaments isn't as high as in the US for example.</p>

<p>I know several strong grandmasters who play poker because you can earn a lot more. Even <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hikaru_Nakamura" rel="nofollow noreferrer">Hikaru Nakamura</a> used to play poker a lot (though I'm not sure if money was the main reason there).</p>

<p>If you want to make a living in chess, you need to either be really good, or do coaching on the side.</p>
 825: <p>To become a professional player who makes a living from tournaments, you really need a GM+ level. Even as a GM, you might find yourself struggling for your bills.</p>

<p>Raise your FIDE to 2500, come back then we talk.</p>
 12523: <p>You don't need to be a professional to participate in a tournament, you just have to sign up for the tournament (as long as it's not by invitation only or has minimum rating requirements). You may need to register with your national chess federation first.</p>

<p>As for becoming a professional, I'm not one but I guess the old "practice, practice, practice!" rule is a start. Of course, it also helps to start young, have talent and a good mentor.</p>
