Koray Aldemir

Childhood

Aldemir grew up in the Berlin-Friedenau district. His academic aptitude was evident early on, as he skipped a grade and graduated from high school ahead of schedule. Following a voluntary social year working in a Berlin kindergarten, he moved to Cottbus to study business administration at Brandenburg Technical University, although he did not complete this degree. Later, he also began studying psychology at the University of Vienna but eventually left to pursue poker professionally.

Career

Koray Aldemir first encountered poker at a New Year's Eve party in 2006 when he was 16. He began his poker career playing freeroll tournaments on PokerStars once he turned 18. His first recorded live tournament cash came in January 2012 in a €200 event in Berlin. In 2013, while playing in Rozvadov, Czech Republic, Aldemir experienced a setback when his PokerStars account was locked for four years due to a security issue involving another player using his computer to transfer money. Around this time, he moved to Vienna and intensified his focus on poker, inspired by meeting fellow professional player Fedor Holz.

Aldemir's career milestones include a third-place finish in the $111,111 One Drop High Roller at the 2016 WSOP, earning him $2.1 million. That same year, he was runner-up in the Summer Solstice event. He won the Triton Super High Roller Series Main Event in the Philippines in 2017 for $1.3 million and secured a victory at the 2019 U.S. Poker Open. His most significant achievement came in 2021 when he won the WSOP Main Event, taking home $8 million. This victory elevated his career earnings beyond $20 million, placing him fourth on Germany's all-time money list in poker.

In 2022, Aldemir continued to demonstrate his prowess by finishing third in the WSOP Player of the Year race and making a deep run in the Main Event, finishing 75th out of 8,663 competitors while defending his title.

Personal life

Koray Aldemir lives in Vienna in a shared apartment with other professional poker players. He keeps details about his personal life beyond his residence and academic pursuits private, reflecting a focus on his professional career.

Revenue

Aldemir has amassed over $22.5 million in live tournament earnings, making him one of the most successful German poker players. His earnings include major tournament wins and high-roller event cashes, with the 2021 WSOP Main Event win contributing $8 million to his total revenue.

Interesting facts

• Aldemir's first poker experience was at a friend's New Year's Eve party in 2006.
• He initially played freerolls online before transitioning to live tournaments.
• His PokerStars account was locked for four years due to a security breach involving another player using his computer.
• He was motivated to pursue professional poker after meeting Fedor Holz, a top player.
• Aldemir has won prestigious events such as the Triton Super High Roller and the U.S. Poker Open.
• He is noted for his strategic skill and composure at the final tables of major tournaments.
  

Legacy

Koray Aldemir's rise in the poker world exemplifies the journey of a dedicated and intelligent player who combined natural talent with rigorous study and experience. His 2021 WSOP Main Event victory is a highlight in German poker history, and his consistent high-level performances continue to inspire aspiring players worldwide. Aldemir's success has contributed to the growing recognition of German players on the global poker stage.