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Ruslan Khadartsev is an elite Russian professional poker player and a rising force on the international “Super High Roller” circuit. Known for his tactical brilliance in both Short Deck and No-Limit Hold’em, Khadartsev has transitioned from a dominant online presence to a regular fixture at the Triton Poker Series. In 2026, he remains a key figure in the high-stakes community, following a massive breakout in late 2025 where he secured back-to-back deep runs against the world’s most elite fields in Jeju. Recognized for his analytical approach and composure under pressure, Khadartsev is one of the brightest talents representing the modern Russian poker movement.
Career Earnings & Biggest Results
As of March 2026, Ruslan Khadartsev’s total live tournament earnings have surpassed $1,142,000, according to The Hendon Mob. His career trajectory shifted dramatically in September 2025 during the Triton Jeju II series, where he reached the final table of the $50,000 NLH Short Deck event, finishing 5th for $193,000. He has maintained this momentum into 2026, appearing in multiple high-stakes “One Night” events and championship structures in Asia. With a history of six-figure scores in both live and high-stakes online MTTs, his estimated poker net worth is valued at over $2.5 million.
Major Tournament Results:
| Year | Event | Prize |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Triton Jeju II $50,000 Short Deck (5th) | $193,000 |
| 2025 | WSOP Paradise $25,000 Super Main Event (Cashed) | $37,500 |
| 2026 | Triton One Jeju $2,000 One Night NLH (Cashed) | $12,400 |
| 2024 | Merit Poker Western Series $5,300 Main Event (23rd) | $14,100 |
| 2023 | WPT Prime Cyprus $1,100 Main Event (12th) | $12,500 |
Biography & Poker Background
Ruslan Khadartsev emerged from the highly competitive Russian online poker streets, where he built a foundation in high-volume multi-table tournaments (MTTs). He first gained international attention on the European circuit, particularly at Merit Royal Diamond in Cyprus, a hub for high-stakes pros. By 2025, Khadartsev had fully transitioned to the Triton Poker Series, often seen competing against legends like Mikita Badziakouski and Richard Yong . His performance in the 2025 Jeju Short Deck final table solidified his status as a dual-threat specialist. Currently, Khadartsev spends much of his time traveling between major poker hubs in South Korea, Cyprus, and the Bahamas, and is considered a staple of the “new wave” of Russian high rollers.
Play Style & Strategy
Khadartsev is recognized for a balanced and highly adaptive play style. His greatest technical edge lies in Short Deck (Ante-Only), where his understanding of the shifted equities and 36-card deck dynamics allows him to compete at the highest level. Strategically, he is a proponent of maximum pressure in late-stage tournament play, often utilizing his stack to exploit ICM (Independent Chip Model) bubbles. In 2026, his results show a mastery of foundational mechanics that remain effective against modern “solver-based” opponents, combined with a sharp intuition for live reads. He is known for a calm, stoic demeanor at the table, even when playing for six-figure pots.
Social Media & Online Presence
Follow Ruslan as he continues his run through the 2026 circuit and chases his first Triton title:
