Winning without studying tons of theory

Is it possible to get a high rating without studying openings ? i.e not spending hours on books, courses, or youtube videos ?

The answer is YES.

You just need to exit main THEORY early on.

This position has been played million of times

Here's what I have played

either 3 Bc4 Italian Game

or 3 Bb5 Ruy Lopez. Tons of theory to learn.

Here's what Daniel Naroditsky played 

is 3 c3 a better move ? not necessarily. but your opponent will be less "prepared" against it. He/She may not know the move or if she does, she may not have as much experience and "feel" as in the Italian Game. simply because you dont often face 3 c3

now does this work under 2000 rating ? Yes

at my rating (~2500) yes. at GM level, Yes

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ok but what about the sicilian defense ?

There are plenty of moves

the most common is 3.d4 ,again lots lots of theory after this move 

3 Qe2 is less played, and 3.b4 is a gambit if Black takes you occupy the center with 4.d4

But what did @Jospem play recently against @Hikaru ?

yes 3.c3 once again

I have played my move myself once

https://www.chess.com/game/live/113516377927

but lets follow https://www.chess.com/member/jospem

https://www.chess.com/game/live/118537130295?username=jospem

What a move !

if Black takes with e pawn, e5-e6 is crushing. if Black takes with g-pawn, Bg7 is hanging