Veselin Karakitukov is a premier Bulgarian professional poker player and a top-tier specialist in Pot-Limit Omaha (PLO). Hailing from Plovdiv, he has emerged as one of the most consistent and formidable figures in the global high-stakes circuit. Known for his technical brilliance and calm demeanor at the tables, Karakitukov is currently ranked 9th on Bulgaria’s all-time money list and is widely regarded as one of the best PLO minds in Europe.

Career Earnings & Biggest Results

With total live tournament earnings surpassing $4,060,000 (according to The Hendon Mob), Karakitukov is a heavyweight of the Bulgarian poker community. His career-best live score of $868,220 was achieved with a stellar 4th-place finish in the 2024 WSOP Paradise $100,000 Pot-Limit Omaha Super High Roller in the Bahamas.

Karakitukov has proven to be a perennial threat at the World Series of Poker (WSOP), where he has recorded multiple final tables, including a 4th-place finish in the 2022 $50,000 PLO High Roller for $458,016 and a 5th-place finish in the 2021 $25,000 PLO High Roller for $276,870. His momentum has carried through 2025 and 2026, highlighted by a victory in the PokerGO Tour (PGT) PLO Series II $15,000 event for $348,300. His consistent success in high-roller arenas contributes to an estimated poker net worth of over $4.5 million.

Veselin Karakitukov — Credit: Hayley Hochstetler

Biography & Poker Background

Born in Plovdiv, Bulgaria, Karakitukov represents the elite “Bulgarian Wave” of players who have dominated the international scene over the last decade. Unlike many who focus solely on No-Limit Hold’em, Karakitukov dedicated himself to the intricacies of Pot-Limit Omaha, a choice that has paid off with numerous high-stakes titles and deep runs.

Beyond his play, he is a respected figure in the European poker community, often found competing in the World Poker Tour (WPT) and EPT events. His transition into the ultra-high-roller ranks was fueled by years of grinding online and live mid-stakes, eventually becoming a “nosebleed” regular who travels the globe from Las Vegas to Cyprus and Prague. His 2026 schedule continues to reflect his status as a global competitor, with scheduled appearances at major stops across the [Asian Poker Tour (APT)](/events-calendar/tour/asian-poker-tour) and the [Triton Poker Series](/events-calendar/tour/triton-poker-series).

Play Style & Strategy

Karakitukov is renowned for a highly technical, clinical, and disciplined play style. As a PLO specialist, his strategy is deeply rooted in modern equity analysis and a master-level understanding of post-flop dynamics. He is widely respected for his ability to remain composed in the most high-pressure situations, making world-class decisions in the world’s most exclusive tournaments.

His strategy revolves around:

PLO Technical Accuracy: An elite understanding of hand ranges and equity distribution in four-card poker.
Composition and Focus: Maintaining a “zen-like” presence at the table, allowing him to navigate grueling multi-day high-roller events without mental fatigue.
Exploitative Adjustments: While fundamentally sound, he is adept at identifying and punishing the tendencies of world-class opponents in the highest stakes.

Social Media & Online Presence

Want to follow the Bulgarian master as he continues to climb the all-time money list and chase a WSOP bracelet? You can find his profiles and stats here:

Full Veselin Karakitukov Poker History: Earnings, Cashes & Rankings