![Czech Republic [CZE]](/assets/images/flags/1x1/cz.svg "Czech Republic [CZE]"){kind=small}
Martin Staszko is a professional poker player from the Czech Republic who became a household name during the 2011 poker boom. Best known for his calm presence and his signature flannel shirts, Staszko made history as the first Czech player to reach the final table of the World Series of Poker Main Event. While he started as a high-level chess player, he successfully moved those strategy skills to the poker table, becoming his country’s all-time money leader for many years.
Career Earnings & Biggest Results
With total live tournament earnings of over $6.3 million (according to The Hendon Mob), Staszko remains one of the most successful players in European history. His career-defining moment happened in 2011 at the WSOP $10,000 No Limit Hold’em Main Event. He navigated a field of thousands to finish as the runner-up, taking home a life-changing $5,433,086.
Beyond his massive World Series score, Staszko has proven he can win in various formats. In 2011, he won a €2,500 Eureka Poker Tour event in Prague for $102,959. He also showed his skills in Omaha by finishing 2nd in a $1,500 Pot Limit Omaha event at the 2015 WSOP, earning $140,056. Even years after his big breakout, he continues to cash regularly in events across Europe and Las Vegas.
Biography & Poker Background
Born in Trinec, Czech Republic, Staszko did not start his career in card rooms. He was originally a dedicated chess player and worked in a car manufacturing plant. This background in logical thinking helped him when he discovered poker. He began playing online, where he built a solid reputation under the screen name “filunio.”
His transition to live poker was steady, but everything changed during his incredible run in Las Vegas in 2011. Despite the pressure of playing for millions of dollars on international television, he stayed humble. He famously wore the same style of checkered flannel shirts throughout the tournament, which became his lucky charm and a symbol of his down-to-earth personality.
Play Style & Strategy
Staszko is known for a very patient and disciplined style of play. Because of his chess background, he looks at poker as a series of logical puzzles. He rarely gets emotional at the table, a trait that helped him survive the long, grueling days of the WSOP Main Event.
While many modern players rely on aggressive tricks, Staszko is respected for his solid fundamentals and his ability to read his opponents. He is a versatile player who is just as comfortable playing Pot Limit Omaha as he is playing No Limit Hold’em. His peers often describe him as a “silent assassin” because he stays quiet while slowly collecting all the chips on the table.
Social Media & Online Presence
Want to follow Martin Staszko as he continues to compete in major European tours and the WSOP? You can track his latest stats and updates here:
