Originally from the Lake District, UK, I’ve spent the last few years living and breathing the Southeast Asian poker circuit. Since 2025, I’ve been a fixture on the floor at the APT, PokerStars, and WSOP events, serving as a lead reporter and media specialist for Somuchpoker. My work is about more than just recording action; I manage the social media and digital content that brings action rail to the fans. By combining a business education and creative background, I aim to look past the technical hand histories to capture the actual human grit and drama that happens during a deep run.

Updated: 2026.03.29

Zuriel Vankevich is a Canadian poker player who recently made headlines in the Asian circuit with a title-winning performance at the 2026 Manila Megastack.

Career Earnings & Biggest Results

With total live earnings approaching $5,000, Zuriel Matthew Vankevich is a fresh name on the international circuit who has quickly found success in the Philippines. His breakout moment occurred in March 2026 at Manila Megastack 24, where he captured his first major trophy by winning the ₱15,000 No Limit Hold’em Super Stack Turbo for $4,364. During the same series, he recorded multiple additional cashes, including an 8th-place finish in the Ultra Stack Hyper Turbo and another 8th-place finish in the Last Chance Super Hyper Turbo. These results in highly competitive PokerStars Live fields have provided a strong initial foundation for his poker net worth as he begins his journey on the professional tour.

For a detailed breakdown of all his tournament cashes, you can view the Zuriel Vankevich Hendon Mob Profile.

Biography & Poker Background

Originally from Canada, Vankevich transitioned to the Asian live circuit in early 2026, traveling to the Philippines to compete in major regional festivals. He appears to travel and compete alongside family, notably finishing at the same final table as Samuel Vankevich during his title win in Manila. Vankevich is part of a growing number of North American players who have recognized the high value and action-heavy nature of the Asian Poker Tour and PokerStars regional events. His immediate success in the Manila “Turbo” structures suggests a background in fast-paced tournament formats and a disciplined approach to short-stack navigation.

Play Style & Strategy

Vankevich is recognized for a highly effective “Turbo” tournament strategy, showing a particular aptitude for the high-pressure, late-stage dynamics of fast-structured events. His play style is characterized by decisive pre-flop aggression and a refined understanding of “Push/Fold” ranges, which allowed him to dominate the final table of the 2026 Super Stack Turbo. By navigating large, aggressive fields with a focus on tactical stack leverage, he has proven his ability to outlast seasoned regional regulars. This calculated approach, combined with a resilience to variance in high-speed formats, makes him a dangerous “closer” in any mid-stakes No Limit Hold’em event.

Recent Attendances