Viktor Kudinov
Viktor Kudinov, also known as “Enlight,” is a poker player from Russia. He has won a total of $776,814 in live poker tournaments, with his biggest win being $164,000.
Viktor Kudinov: A Year in the Blink of an Eye
He lived his entire 2020 as if it were just one day, rushing through breakfast and spending most of his time gaming. He barely took breaks, only stopping for 10 days in the whole year. By the end of each day, his hands hurt from all the gaming, but his mind was still buzzing, making it hard to sleep. Looking back, he laughs at how he ignored his neck pain for four months, only taking occasional painkillers. It took six months for him to realize something was wrong and seek help. Finally, doctors in Moscow found out he had depression, which was causing his physical pain, even though he didn’t feel sad.
A Steady Anchor in Stormy Seas: Viktor’s Wife’s Support
Viktor Kudinov remembers when his wife, who doesn’t know much about poker, saw him win a big tournament on TV. That’s when she understood that he’s kind of famous in the poker world. When Viktor faces tough times, he feels like he’s letting his loved ones down. So, he talks to his wife about his losses and worries. She always stays calm and supportive, even when he’s upset about losing money. At first, he was annoyed by how calm she was. He’d complain about the money he lost, but she’d just ask him calmly if he doubted his skills. Her belief in him, even when he’s doubting himself, is what helps him.
Viktor Kudinov: Poker Achievements
Viktor Kudinov’s journey in the world of professional poker began with a bang on February 26th, 2015, at the Mini UPS Oracul February event in Azov-City, Russia. In this tournament, he showcased his skills and emerged victorious in the ₽30,000 No Limit Hold’em Main Event, claiming the 1st place prize of $3,226.
His success continued to soar as he made his mark in various prestigious tournaments. On May 20th, 2017, at the PokerStars Championship Sochi held in Sochi, Russia, he achieved a notable 3rd place finish in the ₽66,000 No Limit Hold’em – PokerStars National Championship #1 event, earning $90,018.
Viktor’s talent for poker was further highlighted on December 13th, 2017, during the Eurasian Poker Tour – EAPT Prague presented by partypoker in Prague, Czech Republic. Here, he demonstrated his prowess in the €5,300 No Limit Hold’em – EAPT High Roller 8-Max event, securing the 4th place spot and earning $58,788.
Viktor Kudinov: Triumphs and Trials
However, his crowning moment came on July 21st, 2022, at the Sochi Poker Festival – SPF High Roller event in Sochi, Russia. In this high-stakes tournament, he emerged victorious in the ₽700,000 No Limit Hold’em – Super High Roller event, claiming the prestigious 1st place prize of $131,658.
Despite his remarkable victories, Viktor faced challenges along the way. On September 6th, 2022, during the Triton Poker Super High Roller Series Cyprus in Kyrenia, Cyprus, he participated in the TRITON PKRGO $30,000 No Limit Hold’em – 6-Handed (Event #2). Although he displayed his skills, he finished in 7th place, earning $164,000.
His journey in poker continued with ups and downs. His latest appearance was on December 4th, 2023, during the Asian Poker Tour – APT Hanoi Billions event in Hanoi, Vietnam. Despite his best efforts, he finished in 51st place in the ₫35,000,000 No Limit Hold’em – APT Main Event (Event #26), earning $7,900.
