Norbert Szécsi

Norbert Szécsi, also recognized online as “Balkan500”, is a Hungarian professional poker player based in Budapest. He has accumulated over $4.7 million in live tournament earnings and has secured three WSOP gold bracelets and one WSOPC gold ring. His largest live cash of $731,716 was earned during the European Poker Tour in Barcelona in August 2018. Currently, he is ranked 3rd on the Hungary All-Time Money List.

In addition to his success on the live circuit, Szécsi is also active in online poker, where he has amassed over $823,200 in total online earnings. His highest online winnings amount to $288,850, which he earned during a WSOP Online event.

Norbert Szécsi: Live Tournament Participation

Norbert Szécsi began his live poker career in November 2010. He participated in a €200 + 20 No Limit Hold’em tournament at the Pokerstars Kosice Open. Szécsi placed 10th and pocketed $1,401.

Subsequently, in June 2013, Szécsi won his first WSOP gold bracelet at the $1,000 No Limit Hold’em event during the 44th WSOP in Las Vegas. He finished in 1st place and won $345,037.

Moving forward, in August 2018, Szécsi achieved his best live cash at the European Poker Tour in Barcelona. There, he competed in a €10,300 No Limit Hold’em High Roller event. He finished 2nd and earned $731,716.

In October 2018, Szécsi secured his second WSOP gold bracelet by winning the €1,500 + 150 Pot Limit Omaha / No Limit Hold’em Mixed Event at WSOP Europe in Rozvadov. He finished in 1st place and received $100,162 in prize money.

Most recently, in December 2023, Szécsi participated in a $9,800 + 600 No Limit Hold’em event at the WPT World Championship held at Wynn Las Vegas. He finished 64th and cashed for $80,700.

Balkan500 on Online Poker

Norbert “Balkan500” Szécsi’s online poker career features several notable accomplishments. In May 2020, he clinched victory in a $5,000 + $200 No Limit Hold’em High Roller event at the WPT Online Championship hosted by partypoker. He took 1st place and secured $194,657.

Then, on June 5th, 2022, Szécsi triumphed in a $5,300 No Limit Hold’em High Roller Freezeout at WSOP Online. He finished 1st and won $288,850, capturing his third WSOP gold bracelet.

A few weeks later, on June 21st, 2020, Szécsi competed in Event #1 of the $10,000 + $300 Pot Limit Omaha High Roller at the PokerGO Poker Masters Online PLO Series. He finished in 3rd place and pocketed $86,400.

On the same day, June 21st, 2020, he also played in Event #1 of the $1,000 + $50 Pot Limit Omaha Mini event at the Poker Masters Online PLO Series. He ended up in 3rd place again and added $14,880 to his growing online earnings.

Most recently, in December 2023, Szécsi claimed victory in the $2,000 No Limit Hold’em Super High Roller 6-Max Online Ring Event at the WSOP Online Super Circuit. He finished in 1st place and took home $45,030, along with a gold ring.