Ramin Hajiyev is an Azerbaijani professional poker player, entrepreneur, and former professional tennis player who has become the undisputed face of poker in Azerbaijan. A two-time Triton Poker Series champion, Hajiyev is renowned for his fearless high-stakes aggression and for capturing one of the largest prizes in the history of invitational poker.

Career Earnings & Biggest Results

With total live tournament earnings surpassing $14,768,000 (according to The Hendon Mob), Hajiyev is the runaway #1 on Azerbaijan’s All-Time Money List. His career-defining score of $4,122,554 came from his victory in the 2023 Triton Poker Series $200,000 Luxon Invitational in Cyprus. Hajiyev is a two-time Triton champion, having secured his second title in March 2025 at Triton Jeju in the $30,000 8-Handed event for $1,517,000. He has also been a consistent force at the World Series of Poker (WSOP), notably finishing 5th in the 2024 $5,000 8-Handed event for $196,024. His immense success in the world’s most exclusive fields contributes to an estimated poker net worth of over $15 million.

Ramin Hajiyev — Credit: Melissa Haereiti

Biography & Poker Background

Born in 1987 in Baku, Azerbaijan, Hajiyev’s competitive foundation was built on the tennis court, where he played professionally on the ITF circuit. After transitioning away from sports, he became a successful entrepreneur before finding a second calling in high-stakes poker. His rise in the poker world was characterized by extreme persistence; before his massive 2023 breakthrough, he famously endured a “brick” streak in high rollers, later remarking, “If you’re going to brick nine events and then ship a tenth, it’d better be this one.” Now a regular in the “nosebleed” games, he is credited with putting Azerbaijani poker on the map. Despite his wealth, he remains a “student of the game,” frequently appearing on poker podcasts to discuss the mental fortitude required to compete at the Triton level.

Play Style & Strategy

Hajiyev is renowned for a “fearless, high-pressure, and mathematically sound” play style that reflects his background as an elite athlete. While he classifies himself as an entrepreneur, his strategy is indistinguishable from top-tier professionals, built on a foundation of aggressive three-betting and a willingness to run massive bluffs in high-leverage spots. He is particularly effective in “Invitational” formats, where he leverages his dual identity to outmaneuver both business-minded amateurs and world-class “crushers.” His 2025 victory in Jeju was noted for its “speedy” and dominant nature, as he used his chip lead to relentlessly shove and deny equity to his opponents. Whether he is navigating a WSOP final table or a Triton Poker Series main event, Hajiyev’s strategy revolves around “staying present” and trusting the variance that comes with elite high-stakes play.

Social Media & Online Presence

Want to follow Azerbaijan’s #1 as he continues to dominate the global high-stakes circuit? You can find his profiles here:

Video Highlights:

Watch Ramin Hajiyev break down the strategy and emotion behind his massive $4.1 million Triton victory:

The Best of Ramin Hajiyev: Exclusive Poker Image Gallery