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Andrey Zaichenko
Andrey Zaichenko is a world class professional poker player from Russia who has been a top competitor for nearly twenty years. Living in Moscow, he is known as one of the most versatile players in the game, excelling in almost every poker format. Before he became a live tournament star, he was an absolute legend in the online world under his famous nickname “Zaya,” where he won millions and reached the very top of the global rankings. As a World Series of Poker bracelet winner, Zaichenko is respected for his deep knowledge of the game and his ability to stay successful as poker continues to change.
Career Earnings & Biggest Results
According to The Hendon Mob, Andrey Zaichenko has total live earnings of nearly $3.6 million. He is a permanent fixture in the top 20 of the Russia All Time Money List. His biggest single live win came in 2014 at the European Poker Tour (EPT) Prague, where he won the €10,300 High Roller for €487,190 (~$606,924).
Zaichenko is also a WSOP bracelet winner, capturing his first gold in 2016 in the $1,500 2-7 Triple Draw Lowball event for $117,947. He has also found great success in the World Poker Tour (WPT) and PokerStars Live events, including a 4th place finish in the 2025 WPT World Championship Seniors event for $66,357. His consistency has continued into 2026, where he recently secured a 7th place finish in a High Roller event at the Sochi Poker Festival for $15,108.
Biography & Poker Background
Born in 1978, Andrey Zaichenko was a highly educated professional with a degree in biology and a background in business before he discovered poker in 2006. He quickly transitioned from a hobbyist to a professional, becoming one of the first Russian players to truly dominate the online high stakes scene. He is often called “Zaya” by his friends and fans, a nickname that became synonymous with excellence in online tournaments. Zaichenko is known for being a very family oriented man who often talks about how the support of his wife and children keeps him motivated during long trips to places like Las Vegas and Barcelona. He remains a key figure in the Russian poker community, often helping and inspiring newer players from his home country.
Play Style & Strategy
Zaichenko is feared for his extreme versatility and deep technical knowledge. While many pros only specialize in No Limit Hold’em, Andrey is a master of Mixed Games, which is why he was able to win his WSOP bracelet in a specialized format like 2-7 Triple Draw. He has a very disciplined and mathematical approach to the game, but he also has the “old school” ability to read his opponents’ emotions at the table. He is known for being a very patient player who doesn’t mind waiting for the right moment to strike, a strategy that has served him well in long, high pressure tournaments. This combination of online speed and live experience makes him one of the toughest opponents in the world.
Social Media & Online Presence
Want to keep up with Andrey Zaichenko as he aims for more trophies in 2026? You can follow his career and see his latest results through these links:
My relationship with cards started thanks to my father. I was still in elementary school when he first taught me how to play Rummy, and I still remember the long evenings spent playing cards with my family. During the poker boom, I was still underage, but the televised tournaments immediately captured my attention. I became fascinated with the game and started learning different poker formats whenever I had the chance. Later in life, as an adult, I was fortunate enough to spend four years playing poker professionally. During that time, I mainly focused on Heads-Up Sit and Go games, where I found the format that suited me best. Even though my professional career was relatively short, poker remains something I’m grateful to have experienced as a major part of my life. Today, I play mostly as a hobby, while writing has become my main focus. That said, my enthusiasm for writing about poker is just as strong as my passion for playing the game once was.
