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Boris Kolev is a professional poker player from Bulgaria who has become one of the most successful names in the international high-stakes circuit. Originally from Plovdiv, Kolev has built a career defined by massive tournament scores and a rare collection of two World Series of Poker bracelets. His steady rise through the ranks has earned him a top 5 spot on Bulgaria’s all-time money list, making him a true powerhouse in the global game.
Career Earnings & Biggest Results
With total live tournament earnings of over $6.6 million (according to The Hendon Mob), Kolev is a frequent winner on the world stage. His biggest career payday came in 2025 at the Merit Poker Classic in Cyprus, where he won the $10,400 Merit Millions event for a huge $1,000,000. This victory was historic as he became the first player in the tour’s history to take home a seven-figure prize.
Kolev is also a two-time World Series of Poker (WSOP) champion. He won his first gold bracelet in 2021 in a $5,000 No Limit Hold’em event for $511,184, notably the last bracelet ever awarded at the Rio in Las Vegas. He followed this up in 2023 by winning his second bracelet at WSOP Paradise in the Bahamas, taking down the $3,000 Six-Max event for $424,550.
Biography & Poker Background
Boris Kolev hails from Plovdiv, Bulgaria, and has spent years mastering the complexities of tournament poker. He first started gaining major attention in the mid 2010s, building his bankroll through a mix of live events and online success. His journey is marked by incredible perseverance; in 2024, he famously won the EA Poker Tour Grand Final in Cyprus for $437,000 after starting the final table with only six big blinds. This “never give up” attitude has seen him transform from a local talent into one of the most feared Bulgarian players on the planet.
Play Style & Strategy
Kolev is known for a clinical and dominant style of play, especially when he gets a chip lead. He is often seen as a specialist in Short-Handed No Limit Hold’em, where his ability to apply constant pressure on his opponents shines the most. During his million-dollar run in 2025, he was praised for his ability to systematically dismantle final tables by winning pot after pot. Despite the high stakes, Kolev keeps a good sense of humor, once jokingly saying that winning a million dollars just means he has “more problems”.
Social Media & Online Presence
Want to follow Boris Kolev as he continues his 2026 run in major High Roller series? You can track his latest stats and tournament updates here:
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