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Konstantin Puchkov
Konstantin Puchkov is a world-renowned Russian professional poker player, mathematician, and horse racing enthusiast. Recognized as a “Living Legend” of the game, Puchkov rose to international stardom by setting one of the most remarkable records in poker history. He is the fourth Russian-born player to win a World Series of Poker (WSOP) bracelet and is famous for his incredible volume and consistency across multiple variants. In 2026, the Moscow resident remains a high-stakes fixture, recently appearing in the PGT Super High Roller Bowl Mixed Games and continuing his pursuit of a second bracelet at the age of 74.
Career Earnings & Biggest Results
With total live tournament earnings now exceeding $3,226,500 (according to The Hendon Mob), Puchkov is currently ranked 25th on the Russia All-Time Money List. His career is highlighted by his 2010 victory in the WSOP $1,500 H.O.R.S.E. event, where he earned $256,820 and his first bracelet. However, he is perhaps best known for his 2012 performance, where he set a then-world record of 11 cashes in a single WSOP summer. Entering 2026, he remains highly competitive, evidenced by deep runs in the Sochi Poker Festival (SPF) Grand Final and the PokerGO Tour (PGT) circuit in Las Vegas. His long-standing success contributes to an estimated poker net worth of over $4.5 million.
Major Tournament Results:
| Year | Event | Prize |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | WSOP $1,500 H.O.R.S.E. (1st – Bracelet) | $256,820 |
| 2010 | EPT Barcelona Main Event (3rd) | $410,037 |
| 2013 | WSOP $10,000 2-7 Draw Lowball (3rd) | $99,313 |
| 2024 | WSOP $10,000 Eight Game Mix Championship (15th) | $26,277 |
| 2025 | Sochi Poker Festival (SPF) Grand Final Main Event (17th) | $8,481 |
Biography & The “Horse” Specialist
Konstantin Puchkov’s life is as multifaceted as his poker game. A former mathematician and finance director, he brought a clinical, analytical mind to the felt after transitioning from competitive chess and backgammon. He is also a passionate driver in trotting races in Russia and famously names the horses he breeds after poker terms, such as “Full House,” “Flush Royal,” and even “Full Tilt Poker.” This connection to horses is fitting, as his greatest poker achievements have come in H.O.R.S.E. and other mixed-game formats. Puchkov is a true ironman of the game; in 2026, he continues to travel between Moscow and Las Vegas, proving that age is no barrier to elite-level performance.
Play Style & Tactical Edge
Puchkov is widely considered a Mixed Game specialist. While many modern players focus exclusively on No-Limit Hold’em solvers, Puchkov’s edge lies in his mastery of 8-Game and Limit variants. His play style is characterized by extreme resilience and high-volume endurance. He is known for “calling his shot,” famously predicting his 2012 cashing record before the series began. Strategically, he relies on a deep mathematical foundation and an exploitative style developed through decades of high-stakes play. In the 2025-2026 seasons, he has successfully adapted to modern tournament structures, maintaining a top-tier GPI ranking in the senior and mixed-game categories.
Social Media & Online Presence
Follow Konstantin Puchkov as he competes in the 2026 WSOP and major European stops. Check his latest results and rankings here:
Video Highlights:
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.
