Mikhail Lakhitov

Childhood

Limited information is available regarding Mikhail Lakhitov's childhood and early years. Born circa 1981 in Russia, details about his formative years remain largely private.

Career

Upon completing his military service, Lakhitov decided to pursue poker professionally. His professional journey commenced in 2010, when he traveled extensively throughout Europe to participate in various poker tournaments. This period of intensive play and experience would prove foundational for his rapid ascent in the poker world.

European Poker Tour

Lakhitov quickly established himself on the European circuit, achieving four in-the-money finishes in European Poker Tour (EPT) main events. These accomplishments demonstrated his consistent ability to perform at high levels in prestigious tournaments.

World Series of Poker

Success Lakhitov's WSOP debut came in 2010, where he secured two in-the-money finishes. His first notable WSOP cash was an impressive 8th-place finish in the 1,663-player $1,500 No-Limit Hold'em / Six Handed Event 16, earning $41,645.

The following year proved transformative for Lakhitov's career. During the 2011 WSOP, he achieved five in-the-money finishes, including two final tables. His first final table that year resulted in an 8th-place finish at the 865-player $5,000 No-Limit Hold'em Event 4, netting him $84,033.

The crowning achievement of his career came later in the 2011 WSOP when he captured his first bracelet by winning the 1,734-player $2,500 No-Limit Hold'em Event 36. This victory earned him a substantial prize of $749,610 and solidified his position among poker's elite.

By mid-2011, following his consistent WSOP performances, Lakhitov had risen to become one of the top 20 ranked poker players worldwide - a remarkable achievement given his relatively recent entry into professional play. His rising status in the poker community was further acknowledged in September 2011 when he signed a sponsorship agreement with GuruPlay Poker.

Personal life

Details about Mikhail Lakhitov's personal life remain largely private. It is known that he is married, as evidenced by the heartwarming anecdote that upon learning about the tradition and significance of the WSOP bracelet, he promised his wife he would bring one home for her - a promise he fulfilled in 2011.

Revenue

While comprehensive information about Lakhitov's total career earnings is not readily available, his documented tournament winnings provide insight into his financial success:

• $749,610 from his 2011 WSOP bracelet win
• $84,033 from his 8th-place finish at the 2011 WSOP Event 4
• $41,645 from his 8th-place finish at the 2010 WSOP Event 16

These notable cashes, along with his other tournament winnings and potential sponsorship revenue, indicate significant professional earnings during his poker career.

Interesting facts

Lakhitov was unfamiliar with the prestigious tradition of the WSOP bracelet when he first competed in 2010.

He achieved elite status in the poker world remarkably quickly, becoming one of the top 20 players globally within approximately one year of professional play.

His poker career began in an unusual setting - during his military service.

Fellow Russian poker professional Kirill Gerasimov mentored Lakhitov.

Legacy

Though information about Lakhitov's complete career trajectory is limited, his rapid rise to prominence and WSOP bracelet win have secured him a place in poker history. His story represents the potential for quick success in the poker world when skill, dedication, and opportunity align.

As one of Russia's notable poker exports, Lakhitov contributed to increasing the visibility of Russian players in international poker competitions during the early 2010s poker boom.