Stoyan Madanzhiev

Stoyan Madanzhiev is a Bulgarian professional poker player who has accumulated a commendable total of $274.2K in live earnings, with his highest live cash standing at $49.7K. Moreover, he has clinched a WSOP online bracelet by triumphing in the 2020 WSOP Online Main Event cashing for an impressive $3.9 Million, the event was hosted on GGPoker. Madanzhiev is also engaged in a charity project, Eightofhearts.org, aiming to bridge poker and philanthropy.

Stoyan Madanzhiev: Early Life

Stoyan Madanzhiev’s poker journey began during his school days when a classmate organized a tournament, sparking his interest in the game. After exploring different formats, he found success in Spin&Gos, eventually transitioning to teaching others. Madanzhiev’s breakthrough came with his historic victory in the 2020 WSOP Online Main Event, securing a $3.9 million prize and changing his life both professionally and personally.

Beyond poker, Madanzhiev is engaged in a charity project, Eightofhearts.org, aiming to bridge poker and philanthropy by allowing players to contribute to charity campaigns through their poker activities without sacrificing their winnings or rakeback. Madanzhiev remains open to participating in events elsewhere, reflecting on the challenges, controversies, and triumphs that have defined his poker career.

Stoyan Madanzhiev Expresses Discontent Following WSOP Online Main Event Falling Short of Guarantee

Following his victory in the WSOP event, controversy arose when WSOP organized another Main Event, leading Madanzhiev to criticize the organization, denouncing it as a scam. The 2020 WSOP Online Main Event champion, Stoyan Madanzhiev, criticized GGPoker after this year’s tournament failed to meet its $20 million guarantee. He sparked a debate with a tweet that showed the differences between the two WSOP title wins, a contentious $5k versus $10k battle extending into 2021. Despite receiving support from the poker community, WSOP did not reach out or offer an apology.

Stoyan Madanzhiev’s Poker Career

Stoyan Madanzhiev embarked on his live poker tournament journey in July 2013 at the Eureka Poker Tour EKA Bulgaria in Varna. Participating in the €1,000 + €100 No Limit Hold’em Main Event, he secured 41st position, earning a respectable $2,654.

However, it wasn’t until August 2020 that Madanzhiev truly made a mark in the poker world. In the WSOP Online 2020 at GGPoker, he triumphed in the $5,000 No Limit Hold’em Main Event, claiming the top spot, winning a WSOP bracelet, and securing an impressive $3,904,686.

Stoyan Madanzhiev: 2023’s Live Poker Triumphs

Maintaining his momentum, Madanzhiev participated in the WSOP ONLINE 2021 at GGPoker in August 2021. In the $1,000 No Limit Hold’em event, he secured 5th position, adding $200,986 to his poker bankroll.

The following month, in September 2021, he took part in the $525 No Limit Hold’em event. Madanzhiev came in 4th place and cashed for $28,165.

In May 2023, Madanzhiev transitioned to the live scene. He participated in the $25,000 No Limit Hold’em event at the Triton Poker Super High Roller Series in Kyrenia, Cyprus. Despite finishing in 20th place, he managed to cash for $49,700. 

In July 2023, he ventured to Las Vegas for the prestigious WSOP Main Event. He secured 520th place and earned $35,000 in prize money.

Madanzhiev concluded the year 2023 with notable performances in live tournaments. He competed in the $2,750 + $250 No Limit Hold’em event in December. It took place at the WPT World Championship at Wynn Las Vegas. Madanzhiev finished in 54th and added $11,484 to his growing list of winnings.  

Conclusion

Stoyan Madanzhiev’s poker journey has been marked by both triumph and controversy. His groundbreaking victory in the 2020 WSOP Online Main Event catapulted him into the poker spotlight, securing a WSOP bracelet and a substantial cash prize. However, the aftermath revealed a clash with the WSOP organization over the subsequent Main Event, exposing dissatisfaction and sparking a heated debate within the poker community.

Beyond the controversies, Madanzhiev has consistently demonstrated his skill and competitiveness in live tournaments, securing commendable positions and adding substantial amounts to his poker bankroll. Whether it be the online felt at GGPoker or the live tables in prestigious events like the Triton Poker Super High Roller Series and the WSOP Main Event, Madanzhiev’s journey reflects the resilience and versatility required in the dynamic world of professional poker. As he continues to navigate the highs and lows of the poker scene, Stoyan Madanzhiev remains a formidable force with the potential for further triumphs on the horizon.