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Jakub Michalak is a premier Polish professional poker player and one of the most consistent high-stakes competitors in Europe. Originally from Poland and currently residing in Vienna, Austria , Michalak has established himself as a titan of the game, famously known for his historic victory at the ISPT Wembley. A respected veteran on the international circuit, he is currently ranked 4th on the Poland All-Time Money List. In 2026, he remains a dominant force, recently surpassing the $3 million live earnings milestone and adding a string of deep runs at the EPT Paris and across the European circuit to his legendary resume.
Career Earnings & Biggest Results
With total live tournament earnings now exceeding $3,083,127 (according to The Hendon Mob), Jakub Michalak is a pillar of the Polish poker community. His career reached a historic peak in 2013 when he won the ISPT Wembley Main Event for a career-best $566,226 (€436,000), a victory that remains one of the most iconic in Polish poker history. Proving his longevity, Michalak has maintained an elite presence in 2026, highlighted by a productive EPT Paris festival where he secured four cashes in February, including a deep run in the PokerStars Open Main Event. His combined success across live and online platforms (where he plays as “Olorion” with over $3.5M in earnings) contributes to an estimated poker net worth of over $6.5 million.
Major Tournament Results:
| Year | Event | Prize |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | ISPT Wembley €3,000 Main Event (1st) | $566,226 |
| 2024 | Merit Poker Carmen Series $5,300 High Roller (1st) | $174,500 |
| 2016 | EPT Malta €10,300 High Roller (1st) | $193,136 |
| 2025 | WSOP $3,000 6-Handed No Limit Hold’em (6th) | $99,913 |
| 2026 | EPT Paris €1,650 PokerStars Open Main Event (215th) | $5,281 |
Biography & Professional Background
Jakub Michalak’s journey in poker began in 2008 during a summer job in England, where a casual visit to a casino ignited a lifelong passion. Known for his “student of the game” mentality, he spent years refining his strategy through the 2EZ Poker Team and analyzing hands on PokerStrategy. His breakout 2013 victory at Wembley Stadium made him a national hero in Poland and paved the way for a decade of dominance in high-roller events, particularly in Cyprus and at EPT stops. Beyond his live accolades, Michalak is a feared online grinder under the alias “Olorion,” recognized for his deep understanding of ICM and final table dynamics. In 2026, he is regarded as an ambassador for the Polish Poker Academy, mentoring a new generation of players while maintaining his own status as a top-500 global professional.
Play Style & Strategy
Michalak is renowned for a “highly analytical and decision-oriented” play style. His greatest technical edge is his mastery of ICM (Independent Chip Model), a skill he has prioritized since his early days in $1 SNGs. Strategically, he is a proponent of adaptability and continuous growth; while many of his era relied on intuition, Michalak’s 2025 and 2026 results show a deep integration of modern solver-based theory with his legendary “feel” for live table dynamics. His approach emphasizes patience and range precision, making him one of the most difficult European veterans to out-play in grueling multi-day championship structures. He famously views money not as the goal, but as the result of making the right decisions.
Social Media & Online Presence
Follow Jakub as he continues his run through the 2026 circuit and chases his first WSOP bracelet:
