Vladimir Shchemelev

Career

Shchemelev first made a mark in poker with two cashes at the 2007 World Series of Poker (WSOP). His breakthrough came in 2010 when he finished runner-up to Michael Mizrachi in the prestigious $50,000 Poker Players Championship, earning $963,375. That year, he also made three additional cashes and multiple final tables, establishing himself as a formidable player.

In 2013, Shchemelev won his first WSOP bracelet in the $3,000 Pot Limit Omaha Hi/Lo event, taking home $279,094. He secured his second bracelet in 2017 by winning the $1,500 Omaha Hi-Lo 8 or Better Mix event for $193,484. By 2014, his total live tournament winnings exceeded $1.9 million, with the vast majority coming from WSOP cashes.

Shchemelev is known for his calm demeanor at the table, especially noted during his second bracelet win when he described feeling much less pressure than in his first victory. He specializes in mixed games such as Pot-Limit Omaha Hi-Lo and HORSE, and is respected for his analytical approach and versatility across poker variants.

Personal life

Aside from poker, Vladimir Shchemelev is reported to be the owner and operator of a bank in St. Petersburg, highlighting his strong background in finance and business. He has a passion for mathematics, chess, and bridge, which complements his strategic thinking in poker. Despite his success, he reportedly does not consider himself a professional poker player but rather an intellectual with diverse interests.

Revenue

• Online earnings exceed $1.6 million.
• Live tournament winnings surpass $1.9 million, with over $1.8 million from WSOP events.
• Notable single-event earnings include $963,375 from the 2010 Poker Players Championship and $279,094 from the 2013 WSOP bracelet event.
  

Interesting facts

Shchemelev made history in 2010 by being the first WSOP player to reach three final tables in the $10,000 buy-in events during a single series.

He has a reputation for excelling in mixed poker disciplines, often considered more complex than standard Texas Hold’em.

Known for his dry humor, he once joked about “hating” all the Omaha Hi-Lo variants despite his proficiency in them.

His poker career began in local casinos in St. Petersburg and Moscow, playing seven-card stud and Omaha variants before rising to international prominence.

Legacy

Vladimir Shchemelev is regarded as one of Russia’s top poker talents, particularly in mixed games. His calm and analytical style, combined with his banking background, sets him apart as a unique figure in the poker community. His multiple WSOP final tables and bracelets have cemented his reputation as a high-stakes specialist and a respected competitor in the global poker scene.