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Vasileios Panagiotidis is a prominent Greek professional poker player who has become the face of Greek poker on the international stage in 2026. Hailing from Thessaloniki, Panagiotidis is a seasoned veteran of the European circuit, known for his deep technical knowledge and explosive tournament runs. As of April 2026, he is currently in the midst of a career-defining performance, sitting in the top 5 chip counts as the field narrows down to the final three tables in the 2026 World Series of Poker Europe (WSOPE) Main Event in Prague.
Career Earnings & 2026 Breakthrough
While Vasileios Panagiotidis has been a consistent presence in live tournaments for over a decade, with total live earnings previously recorded at $312,857 (according to The Hendon Mob), his 2026 performance is set to shatter his personal records. His biggest previous live score was a victory in the 2016 WSOP Circuit Paris High Roller for $124,145. However, entering Day 5 of the 2026 WSOPE Main Event, he holds 9,275,000 chips (58 big blinds), placing him 5th overall. With a €2,000,000 top prize on the line, Panagiotidis is currently positioned to become one of Greece's all-time highest earners in a single event.
Major Tournament Results:
Year | Event | Prize/Status |
|---|---|---|
2026 | WSOPE €5,300 Main Event (Prague) | Top 5 (Final 25) |
2023 | WSOP $10,000 Super Turbo Bounty (Vegas) | $29,725 |
2016 | WSOPC Paris €2,500 High Roller (1st) | $124,145 |
2013 | Greek Poker Cup III €660 Main Event (1st) | $82,477 |
Biography & Tournament History
Panagiotidis first made his mark in the early 2010s, winning the Greek Poker Cup in 2013 and establishing himself as a local hero in Loutraki. Over the next decade, he became a "road warrior," traveling to EPT, WPT, and WSOP stops across Europe and the United States. His breakthrough in 2026 has been marked by a series of spectacular hands, including an unforgettable clash where he flopped quad jacks to eliminate the reigning back-to-back Ladies Champion Shiina Okamoto. This high-variance, high-reward approach has made him one of the most exciting players to watch on the 2026 PokerNews live stream.
Play Style & Strategy
Vasileios is characterized by an "unpredictable and fearless" aggressive style. He is particularly adept at Post-Flop manipulation, often taking lines that defy traditional GTO solvers to exploit the tendencies of his opponents. During his 2026 WSOPE run, he has demonstrated a uncanny ability to find "hero folds" and "monster bluffs" in high-pressure spots. Analysts have noted his aggressive 3-betting range from the blinds, which often forces opponents into uncomfortable decisions. His strategy revolves around maximum pressure, making him one of the most difficult opponents to play against in short-handed final table scenarios.
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.