Vitaly Lunkin

Childhood

Born on May 7, 1971, in Moscow, Russia, Vitaly Lunkin’s early life remains largely undocumented. However, before poker, he excelled in backgammon and renju, showcasing his analytical mind and competitive spirit—traits that later defined his poker career.

Career

Lunkin’s poker career took off in 2006 when he debuted at the WSOP Main Event, finishing 829th. His breakthrough came in 2008 when he won his first WSOP bracelet in the 1,500 No-Limit Hold ’em event, earning 629,417.

The following year, he solidified his reputation by:

• Winning the 40,000 No-Limit Hold ’em 40th Anniversary Event (2009), securing his second bracelet and 1.89 million.
• Finishing runner-up in the 10,000 Pot-Limit Omaha Championship (2009), earning 419,832.

Beyond the WSOP, Lunkin has:

• Won the Russian Poker Tour - Moscow and the European Poker Tour (EPT) Barcelona Super High Roller for $1.3 million.
• Amassed over $6.4 million in live tournament earnings as of 2024.
  

Personal life

Lunkin maintains a private personal life. He resides in Moscow and has expressed mixed feelings about Las Vegas, stating in 2014 that he had "had enough of the desert" after years of WSOP participation.

Revenue

Lunkin’s career highlights include: Total live earnings: $6,444,768 (as of 2024).

Interesting facts

• Backgammon Champion: Before poker, Lunkin was a backgammon and renju champion.
• EPT Comeback: In 2014, he turned a losing streak into a €180,400 win at the EPT Grand Final Turbo Six-Max.
• Coaching Career: He trains aspiring players in Moscow, sharing his expertise.
  

Legacy

Lunkin is regarded as one of Russia’s top poker players. He is known for his mathematical precision and adaptability. His two WSOP bracelets and deep runs in high-roller events have inspired a generation of Russian players.