Ihar Soika is a powerhouse of the Belarusian poker scene and a world-renowned tournament specialist. Hailing from Minsk, Soika cemented his place in poker history in 2014 with a record-breaking victory on the European Poker Tour (EPT). Known for his composure and elite technical ability, he has remained a persistent threat in the world’s most prestigious high-roller events for over a decade. In 2026, he continues to represent Belarus at the highest level, consistently recording deep runs in the PokerGO Tour (PGT), EPT, and the World Series of Poker (WSOP), where he remains a top-five earner in his country's history.
Career Earnings & Legendary Milestones
As of March 2026, Ihar Soika’s total live tournament earnings exceed $4,542,700 (according to The Hendon Mob), ranking him 5th on the Belarus All-Time Money List. His career-defining moment occurred at the 2014 EPT Barcelona €10,300 High Roller, where he defeated American legend Jason Mercier heads-up to claim a staggering $984,193. Proving his longevity, Soika has maintained a heavy presence in the mid-2020s, highlighted by a runner-up finish in the 2025 EPT Malta €2,200 Deep Stack and a deep run in the 2025 WSOP $10,000 6-Handed Championship. His estimated poker net worth, bolstered by high-stakes online results, is valued at over $7.5 million.
Major Tournament Results:
Year | Event | Prize |
|---|---|---|
2014 | EPT Barcelona €10,300 High Roller (1st) | $984,193 |
2025 | EPT Malta €2,200 Deep Stack (2nd) | $71,965 |
2024 | WSOP $25,000 High Roller 8-Handed (24th) | $53,169 |
2025 | Wynn Summer Championship $10,400 (118th) | $26,209 |
Biography & Rise to Prominence
Ihar Soika emerged from the highly competitive Minsk poker circles to become a global ambassador for Belarusian poker. His breakout year in 2014 wasn't just about the money; it was the caliber of opposition he defeated in Barcelona, including Jason Mercier, Stephen Chidwick, and Juha Helppi, that established him as a world-class talent. Unlike many players who favor a loud presence, Soika is known as a "silent assassin" at the table, relying on observation and clinical execution. In 2026, he remains an active traveler on the PokerGO Tour (PGT) and European Poker Tour (EPT), often seen competing in the Mediterranean and Asian circuits as well.
Play Style & Strategy
Soika is renowned for a "meticulous and mathematically balanced" play style. He is particularly dangerous in High Roller formats, where his ability to adjust to small, elite fields is considered a major technical edge. Strategically, Soika is a proponent of maximum pressure in late-stage play, often utilizing his stack to exploit ICM (Independent Chip Model) bubbles. His 2025 and 2026 results show a mastery of Mystery Bounty and 6-Handed dynamics, proving that his foundational mechanics remain effective against modern, solver-heavy opponents. He is widely cited as one of the most difficult players to "read" due to his unwavering physical composure.
Social Media & Online Presence
Want to follow Ihar as he continues his run through the 2026 circuit and the upcoming 57th Annual WSOP? Connect with his official stats here:
About the Editor
Derick Elomina is Somuchpoker's Lead Content Writer and Interview Specialist, reporting live from WSOP bracelet events and Asia Pacific poker festivals such as TMT, APT, RDPT and APL Jeju, alongside player features and interviews for the site's Stories section. He discovered poker at 14 playing home games with friends, and by 21 he had entered the industry as a field reporter, starting as a hand reporter before building his current role on the tournament floor.