Leon Tsoukernik

Leon Tsoukernik, born on November 7th, 1973, in Moscow, Russia, is a prominent Czech professional poker player, entrepreneur, casino owner, and art collector from Prague, Czech Republic. Widely recognized in the poker community, Tsoukernik is the owner of King’s Casino in Rozvadov and was honored with the prestigious title of 2014 Industry Person of the Year at the European Poker Awards. Additionally, he serves as the CEO of Vestar Group. Tsoukernik’s notable achievements include total live earnings surpassing $5.3 million. His most significant live cash reached an impressive $1.8 million.

Leon Tsoukernik: Early Life

Leon Tsoukernik was born on November 7th, 1973, in Moscow, Russia. From an early age, Tsoukernik developed a passion for various interests, including art, poker, helicopters, and classical music. Despite his diverse hobbies, he remained a local patriot. He actively engaged in sponsorships such as becoming the main sponsor of the HC Škoda Plzeň hockey team.

As a prominent figure in the world of cards, poker, and casinos, Tsoukernik took a significant step in 2002 when he purchased land in Rozvadov, situated on the border between the Czech Republic and Germany. This marked the beginning of his ambitious venture to establish his own casino. On June 26th, 2003, King’s Casino Rozvadov was officially inaugurated, and by 2009, Tsoukernik had transformed it into a poker-centric establishment. Expanding his reach, Tsoukernik, under the King’s Brand, launched additional casinos and hotels tailored for players. These included King’s Admiral Rozvadov in 2010, King’s Casino Prague in 2011, and Casino Bellevue Marienbad in 2014. The growth of King’s Casino has been substantial, solidifying its status as the largest poker room in Europe.

Leon Tsoukernik is also a family man. He resides with his partner Sandra Tsoukernik near Kings Casino Rozvadov in Western Bohemia. They have two children, Leonel and Isabelle.

Leon Tsoukernik: Poker Career

Leon Tsoukernik’s poker career is punctuated by notable achievements, showcasing his prowess in high-stakes tournaments. His debut cash in live tournament play occurred in May 2011 at the Casinos Austria Poker Tour in Innsbruck. He participated in the €2,000 No Limit Hold’em event, securing an impressive 2nd place and cashing for $47,248. This marked the commencement of a journey marked by consistent success.

In December 2016, Tsoukernik made a significant impact on the European Poker Tour in Prague. He dominated the €48,500 + €1,500 No Limit Hold’em event and claimed 1st place. It resulted in a substantial winnings of $782,453.

The momentum continued in May 2017 at the 2017 Super High Roller Bowl in Las Vegas. Tsoukernik demonstrated his skills in the $300,000 No Limit Hold’em tournament. He secured the 4th place and a cash prize of $1,800,000. His success extended to September 2017 at the partypoker LIVE – partypoker MILLIONS Russia in Sochi. He competed in the $10,000 + $300 No Limit Hold’em High Roller event. Tsoukernik finished in 4th place with a cash prize of $100,000.

Leon Tsoukernik’s Continued Dominance in Live Poker Circuits

July 2018 saw Tsoukernik emerge victorious in the €25,000 + €750 No Limit Hold’em event at the Poker EM 2018 in Velden. He claimed 1st place and a winning purse of $432,819. In March 2019, Tsoukernik showcased his skills at the partypoker LIVE – partypoker MILLIONS South America in Rio De Janeiro. He participated in the $25,000 No Limit Hold’em tournament and secured the 2nd place, accompanied by a cash prize of $109,500.

October 2019 marked another milestone as Tsoukernik triumphed in the €100,000 No Limit Hold’em Short Deck event at the World Series of Poker Europe in Rozvadov. He earned the coveted 1st place and a substantial prize of $1,231,519.

His most recent live tournament participation in September 2022 at the Triton Poker Super High Roller Series in Cyprus further solidified his standing. He achieved the 15th place in the $200,000 No Limit Hold’em event and cashing $400,000. 

Legal Battle Unfolds as Leon Tsoukernik Faces Lawsuit Over $3 Million Loan from Poker Player Matt Kirk

In 2017, a legal dispute unfolded between Czech King’s Casino owner, Leon Tsoukernik, and poker player Matt Kirk. Kirk alleged that Tsoukernik had not repaid $2 million of a $3 million loan, which had been extended during a high-stakes poker game at the Aria in Las Vegas. The initial game resulted in a $1.5 million loss for Kirk, prompting him to loan Tsoukernik $3 million for a rematch. However, Tsoukernik only repaid $1 million, leading Kirk to file a civil suit against him.

Tsoukernik, in his defense, alleged that the Aria had over-served him with alcohol, impairing his judgment during the game. He argued that the game was “unfair, dishonest, and non-competitive”. Tsoukernik retaliated by filing a countersuit against both Kirk and Aria. 

Conclusion

Leon Tsoukernik’s poker journey is a testament to his skill and success in high-stakes tournaments. From his debut in 2011 at the Casinos Austria Poker Tour to his triumph in the €100,000 No Limit Hold’em Short Deck event at the World Series of Poker Europe in 2019, Tsoukernik has consistently demonstrated his prowess on the poker table. Notably, his recent participation in the Triton Poker Super High Roller Series in Cyprus in 2022, securing the 15th place in the $200,000 No Limit Hold’em event and a cash prize of $400,000, further solidifies his standing in the poker community.

Beyond his achievements, Tsoukernik’s poker career has not been without its challenges. The legal dispute with Matt Kirk in 2017 added a layer of complexity to his narrative, with allegations of unpaid loans and claims of an unfair game. Tsoukernik’s resilience and strategic acumen are evident not only in his gameplay but also in navigating the legal intricacies of the poker world. As he continues to make his mark on the high-stakes scene, Leon Tsoukernik’s story stands as a compelling chapter in the rich tapestry of professional poker.