Ivan Demidov

Ivan Demidov (Russian: Ива́н Деми́дов; born 1981 in Moscow, Russia) is a professional poker player. Before transitioning to poker, he was a competitive Warcraft III player, competing under the name "SouL." His background in real-time strategy games likely contributed to his analytical and patient approach at the poker table.

Demidov's poker career reached new heights in 2008 when he made the final table of the World Series of Poker (WSOP) Main Event as one of the original "November Nine." He navigated through a massive field and reached heads-up play against Peter Eastgate of Denmark. Despite a valiant effort, Demidov finished as runner-up, earning $5,809,595 — by far his largest live cash. His performance put Russia on the global poker map.

Later that same year, in October 2008, Demidov reached the final table of the WSOP Europe Main Event in London. He finished in third place, adding another six-figure sum to his earnings. In doing so, he became the first player in history to reach the final table of both the WSOP and WSOP Europe Main Events in the same calendar year. This feat was later matched by James Akenhead and Antoine Saout in 2009. Demidov's combined results in 2008 made him one of the most talked-about players in the poker world.

Earlier in 2008, Demidov finished 11th in a $1,000 no-limit Texas hold'em rebuy event at the WSOP. Throughout his career, he has recorded four cashes at the WSOP (including his Main Event cash) and four cashes on the European Poker Tour (EPT). As of 2025, his total live tournament earnings exceed $6,915,800, placing him 267th on the all-time money list and 7th on the Russia all-time money list. Notably, as of 2012, Demidov was the highest-ranking member of the WSOP All-Time Money List who does not own a WSOP bracelet. He has earned two WSOP final tables and ten total WSOP money finishes.

Demidov is known for a patient and disciplined playing style, particularly effective in deep-stack tournament structures. He tends to avoid unnecessary risks early on, focusing on position play and hand reading to accumulate chips methodically. His ability to remain calm under pressure and adapt to opponents' tendencies was key to his deep runs in major events.

Demidov earned the prestigious Rookie of the Year award in 2008, recognizing his outstanding debut season. He is also remembered for his unusual backing arrangement: after his $5.8 million payday, he revealed that he shared his winnings with a Russian financial supporter who had bankrolled his earlier tournaments, with the backer receiving a larger share than Demidov. This story highlighted the behind-the-scenes realities of tournament poker. Despite not winning a bracelet, Demidov's accomplishments paved the way for future Russian players and remain a benchmark for consistency at the highest level.

Throughout his career, Demidov has amassed 10 WSOP money finishes, including two final tables. His only WSOP final table aside from the Main Event was in 2008 when he finished 11th in a $1,000 rebuy event. As of 2012, he was the highest-ranked player on the WSOP All-Time Money List without a bracelet. His WSOP earnings total $6,468,381, with the Main Event runner-up accounting for the vast majority.

Demidov has recorded four cashes on the European Poker Tour (EPT), though he never reached an EPT final table. His best EPT result came in 2008 when he finished 11th in the EPT Dortmund Main Event. Additionally, he has earned lifetime live tournament earnings exceeding $6.9 million, placing him 267th on the all-time money list and 7th among Russian players. He was also awarded the Rookie of the Year honor in 2008 by The Hendon Mob.