Boris Kolev

Boris Kolev is a Bulgarian professional poker player who first gained international attention with consistent deep runs in major tournaments. His early career was marked by a series of cashes on the European Poker Tour (EPT) and other high-profile events, establishing him as one of Bulgaria's leading poker talents. By the mid-2010s, he had accumulated significant live earnings and was recognized for his disciplined approach to the game.

Kolev's most notable achievement came at the 2018 World Series of Poker (WSOP) Main Event, where he finished in 9th place, earning over $1 million. This deep run catapulted him into the global spotlight and remains one of the highest finishes by a Bulgarian player in the tournament's history. His performance demonstrated exceptional endurance and skill in deep-stack structures, a hallmark of his playing style.

In 2021, Kolev captured his first WSOP bracelet in Event #88: $5,000 8-Handed No-Limit Hold'em. He defeated a field of 531 players to win $511,184. The victory solidified his status as an elite tournament player and added a prestigious title to his resume. The event was part of the 2021 WSOP held at the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas.

Beyond the WSOP, Kolev has recorded numerous six-figure cashes. Notably, he won the Wynn Winter Classic PKO Bounty for $131,548. In 2025, he achieved a career-best result by winning the Merit Millions, earning a million-dollar prize. Reports from April 2025 highlighted him as "the Million Dollar Man" after his victory in the Merit Poker Millions event. His live tournament earnings have fluctuated, but as of 2026, his total live cashes exceed $7 million, with 246 recorded cashes in The Hendon Mob database.

Kolev remains active on the tournament circuit. In 2025, he cashed for $37,021 in a February event and $12,313 in July. By June 2026, he added a $37,952 cash, bringing his total earnings to over $7 million. His consistent results illustrate his enduring competitiveness at the highest levels of poker. He continues to be a fixture at major series such as the WSOP, EPT, and Merit Poker events.

Kolev is known for a patient, disciplined style that thrives in deep-stack tournaments. He emphasizes reading opponents and leveraging positional advantage, maintaining composure under pressure. His approach to bankroll management and event selection—focusing on high-value tournaments—has contributed to his longevity and success. He is often described as a calm, analytical player who avoids unnecessary risks and capitalizes on opponents' mistakes.

As of June 2026, Boris Kolev's live tournament earnings stand at $7,063,926 from 246 cashes according to The Hendon Mob. This places him among Bulgaria's all-time leading tournament earners. His earnings have grown substantially from earlier reported figures of $4.2 million in early 2025 and $5.5 million in mid-2025, reflecting consistent success at high-stakes events. The Merit Millions victory in April 2025 remains his largest single cash.

Kolev's achievements have been covered extensively by PokerNews, which named him "the Million Dollar Man" following his Merit Millions win. He has also been featured in reports from the 2021 WSOP and the Wynn Winter Classic. His 2018 WSOP Main Event ninth-place finish was highlighted as one of the top performances by a Bulgarian player, drawing attention to the growing strength of Bulgarian poker on the international stage.

Boris Kolev is part of a wave of successful Bulgarian poker players. Notable countryman Fahredin Mustafov won the Onyx SHRS Main Event in August 2025 for $1,300,000. Kolev's own achievements, including his WSOP bracelet and main event deep run, have inspired a new generation of players from Bulgaria. The country's presence on the global circuit continues to grow, with Kolev and Mustafov among its top representatives.