Is bubble pressure the same as ICM?

Bubble pressure is one practical expression of ICM pressure, focused on the transition into paid places.

Who benefits most from bubble pressure?

Larger stacks often benefit because they can pressure stacks that do not want to bust before shorter stacks.

Poker glossary

Understand bubble pressure and why tournament players often change ranges near the money bubble.

Bubble pressure is the strategic pressure created when players are close to reaching the paid places.

Medium and short stacks may avoid marginal bustout risks near the bubble. Aggressive stacks can often use that pressure to steal more pots.

Calling off 12BB with a marginal hand can be worse near the bubble than in the middle stage because busting before the money has extra cost.

Either folding everything near the bubble or ignoring the bubble completely. Good strategy depends on stack sizes and table dynamics.