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Yuri “theNERDguy” Dzivielevski is a Brazilian poker phenomenon and arguably the most technically accomplished player to ever represent South America. A five-time World Series of Poker (WSOP) bracelet winner, he is currently ranked #1 on Brazil’s all-time money list. Renowned for his dominance in Mixed Games and his former status as the #1 ranked online player in the world, Yuri has transitioned into a global high-roller titan, recently capturing the $100,000 Super High Roller Bowl Mixed Games title in early 2026.
Career Earnings & Biggest Results
With total live tournament earnings surpassing $11,728,000 (according to The Hendon Mob), Yuri is the undisputed leader of the “Brazilian Storm.” His career-best live score of $1,409,000 was achieved in December 2025 at the WSOP Paradise Triton 8-Handed event.
Yuri’s dominance has accelerated in the 2025–2026 season:
- February 14, 2026: 1st place in the PGT $100,000 Super High Roller Bowl Mixed Games for $1,300,000.
- February 9, 2026: 1st place in the PGT Mixed Games Big Bet Mix for $262,350.
- December 11, 2025: 3rd place in the WSOP Paradise $150,000 Triton 8-Handed for $1,409,000.
- June 2024: 1st place in the WSOP $3,000 Nine Game Mix for $215,982 (Bracelet #5).
- June 2022: 2nd place in the WSOP $50,000 Poker Players Championship (PPC) for $895,614.
Combined with his legendary online success (estimated over $20 million in winnings), his total poker net worth is believed to exceed $15 million.
Biography & Poker Background
Born in Curitiba, Brazil, Yuri Dzivielevski was a musician before dedicating his life to poker at the age of 16. Initially playing to support his family, he rapidly ascended the online ranks as “theNERDguy,” eventually reaching the #1 spot in the PocketFives world rankings. He made international headlines in 2014 after finishing runner-up in the WCOOP Main Event for over $700,000, a result that catalyzed his move into high-stakes live play.
In 2019, Yuri won his first WSOP bracelet, and he has since collected four more, including titles in Mixed Games and PLO. He is a key member of the Brazilian 9-ine Poker Team and a prominent ambassador for partypoker. Known for his obsessive study habits and humble demeanor, he is often cited as a mentor to the next generation of Brazilian pros. In 2026, he solidified his legacy as a “Mixed Game God” by winning the prestigious Super High Roller Bowl Mixed Games, defeating an elite field of specialists in Las Vegas.
Play Style & Strategy
Yuri is renowned for a “deeply mathematical, versatile, and high-stamina” play style. While many Brazilians are known for their aggression, Yuri’s game is built on elite Game Theory Optimal (GTO) foundations across dozens of variants, making him one of the few players capable of competing in the $50,000 Poker Players Championship.
His strategy revolves around:
- Mixed Game Supremacy: An elite understanding of non-Hold’em variants (Razz, Stud, 2-7 Triple Draw), which has earned him three of his five WSOP bracelets.
- Multi-Table Volume: Retaining the “online grinder” mentality, Yuri is known for playing the most grueling schedules of any pro, often late-registering multiple events simultaneously.
- Analytical Study: Collaborating with PhD-level researchers (like Robert Wells) to integrate advanced game theory and financial market risk management into his poker decisions.
Social Media & Online Presence
Follow Brazil’s #1 as he continues to shatter records on the 2026 circuit:
