Michael Sklenička is a Czech professional poker player from Slaný who has rapidly climbed the ranks to become one of the most successful players in his country’s history. Known for his incredible confidence and a talent for finishing strong in massive fields, Sklenička first gained international attention with a deep run in the 2017 World Series of Poker Main Event. Since then, he has proven that he can compete at the highest level, culminating in one of the most dramatic tournament victories in recent memory. He currently sits comfortably in the top 5 of the Czech Republic all time money list.
Career Earnings & Biggest Results
According to The Hendon Mob, Michael Sklenička has won over $5.1 million in live tournament earnings. His most incredible victory happened in July 2025 when he won the $10,400 Wynn Summer Championship in Las Vegas. He outlasted a huge field of 1,537 entries to take home a career best $2,339,200, sealed by a legendary final hand where he hit runner runner quads to win.
Sklenička has a history of performing well on the biggest stages. In late 2023, he finished as the runner up in the inaugural WSOP Paradise Main Event in the Bahamas, earning a massive $1,200,000. He also made a name for himself in 2017 when he finished 26th in the WSOP Main Event for $263,532. His resume includes a victory at partypoker LIVE MILLIONS North America in 2018 and numerous deep runs in European Poker Tour (EPT) events across Prague and Barcelona. Most recently, in early 2026, he has been active at EPT Paris and is scheduled for several major stops across Cyprus and the United States.
Biography & Poker Background
Born in the early 1990s, Michael Sklenička grew up in Slaný, Czech Republic. He began his poker journey as a dedicated online player, where he built a solid foundation under the name “SmallKindB.” His online success, which includes over $5.1 million in earnings, gave him the bankroll and experience to transition into the live arena. Sklenička is known for his unwavering belief in his own game; before his big win at the Wynn in 2025, he famously told friends and reporters that he was 100% sure he would win the tournament even when 80 players were still left. This mental strength and self assurance have become his trademarks as he continues to represent the Czech Republic at high stakes tables around the world.
Play Style & Strategy
Sklenička is known for a fearless style of play. He is not afraid to put his entire stack at risk if he believes he has even a small edge, a strategy that has led to his massive scores in large field tournaments. Coming from a heavy online background, his game is rooted in modern mathematics, but he also relies heavily on his intuition and “feel” for the table. He is particularly effective at the end of long tournaments, where his stamina and ability to stay aggressive allow him to steamroll opponents who may be playing more timidly. His victory at the Wynn showed his willingness to “go for the win” rather than just ladder up for a better prize.
Social Media & Online Presence
Want to follow Michael Sklenička as he continues his 2026 run in the WPT and WSOP events? You can track his latest stats and tournament cashes here:
