Henning Kosmalla

Henning Kosmalla is a German poker player based in Hamburg, known for his disciplined approach at the tables and a parallel career as a head of AI engineering and platform at Tchibo. While his poker résumé may not boast a title, his runner-up finish in a major event at the 2025 Irish Open highlights his ability to compete against strong international fields. Kosmalla's style is characterized by patience and strategic aggression, traits that serve him well in both live tournaments and his professional life.

Details of Kosmalla's early poker career are limited, but his emergence on the live scene came with solid results in European events. A notable hand from the 2025 Irish Open Main Event (Day 1b) saw Kosmalla shove with 5♠5♥ against Tero Laurila's A♠K♠. The board ran out favorably, giving Kosmalla a set of fives and a double-up, pushing him to 1,600,000 chips. This hand exemplified his willingness to take calculated risks in high-stakes spots.

Kosmalla's most significant recorded cash came in April 2025 at the Royal Dublin Society. The €550 JP Poker Masters attracted 742 entries (603 unique, 139 re-entries), generating a prize pool of €361,725. After navigating through a deep field, Kosmalla reached the final table as one of the chip leaders. He ultimately finished as runner-up, striking an ICM deal with Canada's Alexandre Pruneau. Kosmalla secured €49,021, while Pruneau took the title and €58,579. German player Jessica Marks finished third for €29,500. This result stands as Kosmalla's largest live cash to date.

Off the felt, Henning Kosmalla is a highly accomplished AI professional. According to his LinkedIn profile, he serves as Head of AI Engineering & Platform at Tchibo, a major German retail company, since October 2025. His career path includes roles as Head of Generative AI, Principal Data Scientist, and Senior Data Scientist at Tchibo, as well as a Data Scientist position at Tessella. He holds a Master's degree in Applied Statistics from the University of Göttingen (2016–2019). This technical background likely contributes to his analytical and data-driven approach to poker, enabling him to process complex situations and maintain emotional equilibrium during long tournaments.

Kosmalla's playing style can be described as tight-aggressive, with a strong emphasis on hand selection and position. He is not afraid to make big moves when the odds favor him, as seen in his shove with pocket fives against Laurila. His ability to negotiate an ICM deal at the final table also indicates a pragmatic, mathematically sound approach to tournament poker. While public records of his broader tournament history are sparse, his performance in Dublin suggests he has the discipline and skill to compete at a high level.

Although not a household name in the poker world, Henning Kosmalla represents a growing archetype: the professional who balances a demanding career with serious poker aspirations. His runner-up finish at the Irish Open proves that deep runs are attainable for part-time players who combine talent, study, and mental fortitude. As he continues to play select events, Kosmalla may well add more notable results to his resume.