Ivo Donev

Ivo Donev is a Bulgarian professional poker player and chess player with over $2.3 million in live tournament earnings. Throughout his impressive career, Ivo made his mark by winning his first bracelet at the 31st WSOP in April 2000. His best live cash of $419,337 came when he finished in 4th place at the 48th WSOP in July 2017.

Ivo Donev: Early Life

Born on December 25, 1959, Ivo developed a deep passion for chess at a young age. His early exposure to the game led him to pursue it seriously, and in 1987, he graduated from the National Sports Academy “Vasil Levski” in Sofia, Bulgaria, with a degree as a chess coach. Ivo quickly rose through the competitive chess scene, showcasing remarkable talent that earned him the prestigious title of International Master.

During his youth, he was known for his disciplined approach to the game, which later helped him in both chess and poker. He spent much of his time studying chess theory and competing in various tournaments, eventually becoming one of the top players in Bulgaria. As a coach, he also passed on his knowledge to future generations of chess players.

However, as his career progressed, Ivo realized that the financial rewards in chess were limited, especially for those not ranked among the top 50-60 players in the world. This realization led him to transition to poker, where he saw greater opportunities for financial success. Even though he chose poker and stopped playing in the top leagues and no longer coaches chess, he still plays occasionally to keep his skills sharp.

Ivo Donev: Live Tournament Participation

Ivo Donev’s first recorded live cash occurred in April 1999 at the Mini World Series of Poker in Vienna. He finished in 1st place in a ATS1,000 Limit Hold’em, winning $2,338.

Year later, in April 2000, Ivo entered in a $1,500 + 70 Limit Omaha at the 31st WSOP in Las Vegas. As a result, he clinched victory and bagged $85,800.

In August 2007, he played in a €1,500 No Limit Hold’em during the Bodensee Poker Championships. He finished in 2nd place and earned $67,174.

Then, Ivo joined in a £2,500 + 150 Limit H.O.R.S.E. at the WSOPE London in September 2008. He finished in 2nd place and pocketed $87,525.

Fast forward to July 2017. At the 48th WSOP, he secured his biggest live cash of $419,337. In this event, Ivo engaged in a $50,000 Poker Players Championship – 6 handed #62 and finished in 4th place.

Ivo was eliminated in 3rd place at the partypoker LIVE event in December 2018, which earned him a prize of $60,930 in the €200 + 20 No Limit Hold’em – Grand Prix Germany Event #1.

In October 2024, Ivo competed in a €345 + 35 No Limit Hold’em – Main Event at the Italian Poker Sport 1 Million in Rozvadov. He ended up in 271st place, earning $822.