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Maxim Lykov is a world-renowned professional poker player from Russia and a decorated champion of both the World Series of Poker (WSOP) and the European Poker Tour (EPT). Known in the online community by his legendary handle "Decay," Lykov has been a dominant force in the game since his breakout in 2009. He made history as one of the first Russian players to capture a major EPT title and followed it up with a WSOP gold bracelet in 2011. In 2026, Lykov remains a prolific grinder on the international circuit, recently recording deep runs in the WPT World Championship and maintaining his status as one of Russia's all-time money leaders.
Career Earnings & Historic Results
With total live tournament earnings now exceeding $4,545,600 (according to The Hendon Mob), Maxim Lykov ranks 13th on the Russia All-Time Money List. His career reached a historic peak in 2011 when he won the WSOP $1,000 No Limit Hold'em event for $648,880, besting a massive field of 4,576 players. Proving his longevity, Lykov has enjoyed a resurgence in the mid-2020s, highlighted by a victory in the 2025 Wynn Summer Classic $1,100 NLHE for $230,842. His combined success across two decades of play, including over $6.4 million in online winnings, contributes to an estimated poker net worth of over $11 million.
Major Tournament Results:
Year | Event | Prize |
|---|---|---|
2011 | WSOP $1,000 No Limit Hold'em (1st – Bracelet) | $648,880 |
2009 | EPT Kyiv Main Event (1st) | $468,504 |
2025 | Wynn Summer Classic $1,100 NLHE (1st) | $230,842 |
2025 | WSOP International Circuit Cyprus $1,100 (1st – Ring) | $126,000 |
Biography & Professional Background
Maxim Lykov began his poker journey in 2005 while studying engineering in Moscow. His ascent was rapid; by 2006, he was crushing the online world, famously building a massive bankroll from just two $40 deposits. Lykov’s breakout on the live stage in 2009 saw him win the inaugural EPT Kyiv, followed by being named the EPT Player of the Year in 2010. A former member of Team PokerStars Pro, he has served as an ambassador for the game in Eastern Europe for years. In 2026, he is frequently seen competing in the PokerGO Tour (PGT) and European Poker Tour (EPT) festivals, currently residing in Moscow while traveling globally for the highest stakes.
Play Style & Strategy
Lykov is renowned for his "highly aggressive and mathematically precise" play style. His nickname, "Decay," reflects a relentless pressure-cooker approach that forces opponents into difficult post-flop decisions. His technical edge is rooted in a deep understanding of range construction and high-level bluffs, skills honed during his years as a top-tier online MTT grinder. Strategically, he is a proponent of aggressive bankroll management and volume; unlike many of his contemporaries, Lykov’s 2025 and 2026 results show a successful evolution into mixed games and high-stakes bounty formats, proving he can still out-navigate modern, solver-reliant opponents.
Social Media & Online Presence
Want to follow Maxim as he continues his run through the 2026 circuit and chases his second WSOP bracelet? You can find his official profiles and updated stats here:
Video Highlights:
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.