Levon Zakarian

Veerab Zakarian, a native of Toronto, Canada, began making waves in the poker world with a win at the 2018 MSPT Seneca Niagara Main Event, earning $63,340. Prior to his major breakthrough, he had accumulated $496,610 in live tournament earnings according to The Hendon Mob.

Zakarian's biggest career achievement came in May 2021 when he won the $3,500 World Poker Tour (WPT) Borgata Winter Poker Open. The final table was originally scheduled for April 1, 2020, but was delayed over a year due to the pandemic. Zakarian entered as the chip leader among six players and went on to claim the $674,840 first prize, along with the Mike Sexton WPT Champions Cup. He defeated James Anderson in heads-up play after an 80-hand battle. "Everyone always wants the bracelet but these days it looks like the WPT is what everyone is chasing," Zakarian said after the win. "Winning something like this is special."

Beyond his WPT success, Zakarian has multiple cashes at the World Series of Poker (WSOP). His best WSOP result came in the 2024 WSOP Main Event, where he finished 68th out of 10,112 entries for $140,000. He also has WSOP Circuit cashes, including a 22nd-place finish in a $3,500 High Roller event for $8,209. Overall, his WSOP earnings total $186,727. In WPT events, he has additional cashes such as 193rd in the 2024 WPT World Championship ($21,600) and 168th in the 2022 WPT Seminole Hard Rock Poker Showdown ($6,250).

Zakarian is known for his aggressive and confident play, as demonstrated by his chip-leading performance at the Borgata final table. He is not afraid to take risks, such as moving all-in with 10-5 offsuit in the final hand of the tournament. His victory at the WPT Borgata Winter Poker Open cemented his reputation as a formidable tournament player, and he continues to compete at the highest levels of the game.