Denys Chufarin

Denys Chufarin, also known as SantaZzz, is a Ukrainian professional poker player from Kyiv, Ukraine. He currently holds total live earnings of $333.2K, with his highest live cash prize reaching $68K. Chufarin serves as the Co-Founder of Napoker.com and proudly holds the position of Ambassador for GGPoker UA. 

Denys extends his influence beyond the poker industry by creating content for a wider audience. Operating under the handle @Chufarin on YouTube, he has garnered 196 subscribers. Similarly, on Twitch, where he adopts the username santazzzua, Chufarin enjoys a considerable following of 16.8K dedicated viewers.

Denys Chufarin: Early Life

Denys Chufarin, originally from Kyiv, Ukraine, embarked on his educational journey at the Interregional Academy of Personnel Management Graphic. It was during the year 2009 that Denys first encountered the world of poker, an encounter that ignited an immediate and enduring passion within him. Over the years, he immersed himself in countless hands across a variety of poker games, ultimately finding his deepest connection with Short Deck. This particular variant not only offered him ample excitement and indelible emotional experiences but also marked a profound turning point in his life.

Since delving into professional poker in 2009, Denys has consistently honed his skills in the game. Transitioning his focus in 2020, he committed himself to the development of social and media resources centered around the realm of poker. Through creating engaging content on platforms such as YouTube, Twitch, and others, Denys has earned a distinguished reputation as one of the most prominent poker players hailing from Ukraine.

Denys Chufarin Poker Career

Denys Chufarin embarked on his poker journey in September 2011, marking the inception of his live tournament career. His debut came in the $550 + $50 THNL Ukrainian League Event during the Russian Poker Series in Kiev, hosted by PokerStars, where he secured 31st place and pocketed $1,400. This early success laid the foundation for his future exploits in the poker arena.

Fast forward to August 2016, Chufarin took part in the $2,000 No Limit Hold’em GT Live Main Event at the GipsyTeam Live Poker Festival in Famagusta. He clinched 2nd position, walking away with a substantial $44,630 in winnings.

In September 2018, Chufarin participated in the $9,500 + $500 No Limit Hold’em High Roller Event at the Merit Gangsters Poker Cup in Kyrenia. With a solid performance, he secured 6th spot and earned $54,125.

The European Poker Tour in Barcelona witnessed Chufarin’s skills in action in August 2019 when he entered the €5,300 No Limit Hold’em EPT Main Event. Despite facing formidable competition, he achieved a commendable 31st place, adding $40,647 to his growing poker portfolio.

July 2020 saw Chufarin making waves in the $10,000 Short Deck No Limit Hold’em Championship during the WSOP Online at GGPoker. Placing 17th, he seized the opportunity to cash for $23,915.

The pinnacle of Chufarin’s live poker career was reached in May 2023 during the Triton Poker Super High Roller Series in Cyprus, Kyrenia. Competing in the $20,000 No Limit Short Deck Hold’em, he secured 4th position, with an impressive cash prize of $68,000, marking his best live cash to date.

As of December 2023, he made his most recent appearance in the $5,000 + $300 No Limit Hold’em Main Event Championship at the WSOP Paradise in Paradise Island. Placing 97th, he walked away with $19,000.

Conclusion

Denys Chufarin’s poker journey is a testament to his enduring skill and success in the competitive world of live tournaments. From his debut in 2011 to his most recent appearance at the WSOP Paradise in December 2023, Chufarin has consistently demonstrated his strategic prowess and resilience on the poker circuit. Noteworthy achievements include his 2nd place finish at the GipsyTeam Live Poker Festival in 2016, a 6th place in the high-stakes Merit Gangsters Poker Cup in 2018, and an impressive 4th place at the Triton Poker Super High Roller Series in May 2023, marking his highest live cash of $68,000.

Beyond the felt, Chufarin is a prominent figure in the poker community, serving as the Co-Founder of Napoker.com and proudly representing GGPoker UA as an Ambassador. His influence extends to content creation on platforms like YouTube and Twitch, where he engages with a dedicated audience. With a blend of competitive success and community involvement, Denys Chufarin stands as a notable figure in the poker landscape, leaving an indelible mark on the game and its community.