With over USD 1,300,000 in total live earnings, Uzbek poker player Valeriy Pak emerged one of the most prolific on the felt in 2023. Pak’s most notable win occurred at the 2023 PokerStars European Poker Tour Cyprus, where he went face-to-face against Takahiro Tsugu and Alexander van der Swaluw for nearly 17 hours. Pak left victorious and USD 338,460 richer, crowning himself a force to be reckoned with in international poker.
Pak began notably gracing the poker stage in 2016 earning small victories until he championed the 2018 WPTDeepStacks Korea Main Event for his first major title. Despite the win, Pak’s love for cash games superseded. In the next four year, he was seldomly seen on the tournament floor until 2023 rolled in.
Valeriy Pak wins WPT Korea Main Event for KRW63,620,000 (US$57,058)
Pak started dominating Asian tournaments finishing deep at numerous events: WPT Korea Jeju – Main Event runner up for USD 197,750 and 3rd at High Roller for USD 91,400. He had a similar run at APT Incheon Korea – Main Event 4th for USD 83,700 and 2nd at High Roller 8 Max for USD 87,900.
In October Pak claimed his first High Roller win at EPT Cyprus then closed off the 2023 poker season in 6th at the WPT Prime Championship at Wynn Las Vegas for another USD 290,000.
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