Anatoliy Zlotnikov

Anatoliy Zlotnikov discovered poker in 2017 after a career in organizing sports events. His athletic background includes professional training in Muay Thai and freestyle wrestling, which instilled discipline and a competitive spirit. Before poker, he worked in sports event organization, fostering a love for competition that later translated to the felt. He transitioned from online poker to live tournaments, quickly making a name for himself on the international circuit.

Zlotnikov has amassed over 120 live cashes and total earnings exceeding $6.2 million. His biggest score came in 2025 when he finished runner-up to Benjamin Rolle in the WSOP Online Main Event, earning $3,000,000 — the largest payout of his career. He is also a two-time WSOP Circuit ring winner, having claimed rings at WSOP Super Circuit Cyprus 2025 High Roller ($145,000) and other events. He has won titles in his home country of Russia and performed well at the Wynn Summer Classic in Las Vegas ($35,245). Notably, he reached the final table of the 2026 WSOP $50,000 High Roller, finishing in the top six for $340,905, narrowly missing his first bracelet. He is also a Triton champion, with multiple final-table appearances in high-roller events.

Zlotnikov gained recognition as an online poker phenom, long known in the online community before his live breakthroughs. He has a reputation for deep runs in major series, including the World Poker Tour (WPT) and European Poker Tour (EPT). He finished as runner-up in the WPT Prague Main Event and placed in the top five of the EPT Berlin Main Event. His online prowess earned him a sponsorship as a POKEROK ambassador in 2025. He has over 20 poker trophies and has won multiple high-roller tournaments, showcasing his versatility across formats.

Zlotnikov employs an aggressive, assertive style, applying pressure from advantageous positions and reading opponents' ranges effectively. He is known for his calm, stoic demeanor at the table, earning him the nickname "The Legend" (or "Legenda"), coined by fellow player Ruslan Nesiev after a series of dominant performances in Kaliningrad. He rarely displays emotion, making him difficult to read. He has described his approach as incorporating principles from chess, such as positional awareness and long-term strategy, which he enjoys as a hobby.

Outside poker, Zlotnikov is an avid chess enthusiast and regularly engages in charity work, supporting shelters for cats and dogs. He lives in Russia and maintains a low-key lifestyle despite his success. He has spoken about the importance of managing ego, advising against overconfidence. In a 2025 interview, he mentioned celebrating his WSOP Online runner-up finish with a 100-person party, reflecting his charismatic personality.

Zlotnikov continues to be a formidable force in live and online tournaments, with a current world ranking of 408th. His near-miss for a WSOP bracelet in 2026 (final table of $50K High Roller) suggests a breakthrough is imminent. He is respected for his consistency and adaptability, especially in high-pressure ICM situations. As a POKEROK ambassador, he represents a new generation of Russian poker talent, blending athletic discipline with strategic brilliance.

In the 2026 WSOP $50,000 High Roller, Zlotnikov reached the final table of six, locking up $340,905. He was just a few eliminations away from his first bracelet and the $1,922,870 first prize. The livestreamed final table featured notable players like Jason Koon and Mike Watson. Zlotnikov's deep run was widely covered by PokerNews and WSOP media, highlighting his growing presence in high-stakes live events.

Zlotnikov's nickname "The Legend" was coined by fellow Russian player Ruslan Nesiev during a series in Kaliningrad where Zlotnikov won three trophies. Nesiev repeatedly exclaimed "What a legend!" seeing Zlotnikov's massive stacks, and the name stuck. In interviews, Zlotnikov has emphasized the danger of overinflating one's ego, warning that conceit leads to poor decisions at the table. He advocates for humility and self-awareness as keys to long-term success.

Before poker, Zlotnikov worked in sports event organization, which fostered his competitive drive. He periodically donates to shelters for cats and dogs in Russia. Despite his high-profile poker career, he maintains a private lifestyle in Russia and avoids excessive publicity, focusing instead on improving his game and giving back to his community.