Ilari Sahamies
| Name | Illari Sahamies |
| Nickname | Ziigmund |
| Nationality | Finnish |
| Age | 42 |
| Socials | |
| Streams on |
High Stakes Poker
Poker After Dark
|
| Type |
Illari Sahamies is a Finnish professional poker player. He has accumulated earnings exceeding $2 million from live tournaments, with his highest live cash totaling $773,682.
In addition, he co-founded CoinFlip, an online poker hub, with his fellow Finnish poker pro Sami Kelopuro and he is sponsored by PowerPoker. He has also appeared on High Stakes Poker.
Illari Sahamies: Early Life
Sahamies, who first played poker at the age of 15 in a home game hosted by Finnish professional poker player Patrik Antonius, was also a skilled billiards player with two Finnish junior championships to his name. Growing up, he worked various jobs including at a gas station, as an oil driller, construction worker, and telephone operator.
Samahies also appeared in season 2 of the Finnish adaptation of the international reality TV show “Survivor.” The show pits contestants against each other in a series of physical and mental challenges.
Illari Sahamies: Journey on High Stakes Poker
He debuted on March 22nd, 2007 in HSP S5 Episode 4. He participated in a $400/800 + $200 ANTE No Limit Hold ’em with Daniel Negreanu, Tom Dwan, Eli Elezra, and others. Sahamies lost $43,000.
In a subsequent appearance on March 8th, 2009 in HSP S5 Episode 2, Sahamies played in a $400/800 + $200 ANTE No Limit Hold ’em alongside Doyle Brunson, Daniel Negreanu, Barry Greenstein, and others. He incurred his most substantial loss of $241,400.
In his most recent appearance on April 8th, 2009 in HSP S5 Episode 6, he participated in a $400/800 + $200 ANTE No Limit Hold ’em with Doyle Brunson, Daniel Negreanu, Barry Greenstein, and others. In this episode, he also got his biggest win amounting to $94,150.
Sahamies’ Journey at Poker After Dark
He debuted on September 7th, 2009 in PAD S5 Episode 16. He participated in a $200/400 + $800BBA No Limit Hold ’em with Patrik Antonius, Phil Ivey, Tom Dwan, and others. Sahamies lost $106,800.
In a subsequent appearance on September 10th, 2009, in PAD S5 Episode 19, Sahamies played in a $200/400 + $800BBA No Limit Hold ’em alongside Eli Elezra, Phil Ivey, Tom Dwan, and others. He incurred his most substantial loss of $116,600.
On September 17th, 2009, during PAD S5 Episode 24, Sahamies was seated at the table with Eli Elezra, Phil Ivey, Tom Dwan, and others. They played a $200/400 + $800BBA No Limit Hold ’em. He achieved his biggest live cash of $276,600.
In his most recent appearance on September 18th, 2009, in PAD S5 Episode 25, he participated in a $200/400 + $800BBA No Limit Hold ’em with Patrik Antonius, Phil Ivey, Tom Dwan, and others. He won $19,800.
Sahamies: Live Tournament Participation
Sahamies’ first recorded live cash occurred in December 2001 where he placed 4th in a FIM 200 + 200 Pot Limit Omaha at the Helsinki Freezeout. He cashed $4,966.
During the European Poker Tour in Barcelona in August 2012, he secured his biggest live cash of $773,682. He finished 2nd in a €5,000 + 300 No Limit Hold’em – EPT Main Event.
In March 2024, he finished in 120th in a €1,150 No Limit Hold’em – Main Event #11 at the Irish Poker Open in Dublin. He took home $4,445.
Ziigmund Other Achievements
- October 13th, 2002: $500 + 45 No Limit Hold’em at the Caribbean Poker Classic in Palm Beach (1st place, $6,630)
- October 14th, 2002: $500 + 45 No Limit Hold’em at the Caribbean Poker Classic in Palm Beach (1st place, $4,270)
- September 2004: $500 + 40 No Limit Hold’em at the Ultimatebet.com Poker Classic in Palm Beach (1st place, $24,250)
- November 2004: $200 Pot Limit Omaha at the St Maarten Open (1st place, $31,270)
- October 2016: €1,050 No Limit Hold’em – High Roller Turbo at the Finnish Championships in Helsinki (1st place, $20,006)
- June 2023: €1,120 Pot Limit Omaha at the Midnight Sun in Helsinki (1st place, $27,579)
Conclusion
Born on January 1st, 1983, Sahamies learned to play poker at the age of 15. During his youth, he worked various job and pursued poker who has made over $2 million from live poker tournaments. Beyond the tables, Sahamies co-founded CoinFlip and has achieved victories in various poker events, reflecting his skill and enduring presence in the poker world.
