Vladimir Geshkenbein

Vladimir Geshkenbein was born on September 6, 1988, in Russia and later became a Swiss citizen. He studied economics and resides in Zurich. Geshkenbein began playing online poker on PokerStars under the nickname 'Beyn', and his first notable online success came in June 2009 when he finished third in the Sunday Warm-up.

Geshkenbein's first live tournament cash came in late August 2009 at the Asia Pacific Poker Tour (APPT) in Macau, where he won the High Roller event against 63 opponents, earning approximately $270,000. In October 2009, he won the PKR Heads Up Grand Slam in London for $120,000. His biggest triumph came in March 2011 when he won the European Poker Tour (EPT) Snowfest Main Event in Saalbach-Hinterglemm, Austria, taking home €390,000. In November 2016, he won the APPT Macau Main Event, securing a first prize of approximately $730,000.

Despite his early success, Geshkenbein faced financial difficulties. During the 2013 World Series of Poker, he publicly declared that he was broke and would end his professional poker career. He borrowed money to play the WSOP Main Event that year and finished 62nd, earning over $120,000. After that, he continued playing but with fewer major results. In August 2016, he finished fourth in the Estrellas High Roller at EPT Barcelona for nearly €150,000.

Since 2016, larger tournament successes have eluded Geshkenbein. He has appeared multiple times on the German poker show German High Roller, broadcast on Sport1. In recent years, he has shifted his focus away from full-time poker and now operates a sushi restaurant in Switzerland. his total live tournament earnings exceed $2.5 million, including 27 WSOP cashes but no bracelet.

Geshkenbein is known for an aggressive and exploitative style, often applying constant pressure on opponents. He is adept at adjusting his strategy based on table dynamics, particularly in deep-stacked situations. His online background contributed to a solid theoretical understanding, allowing him to make bold bluffs and well-timed plays.

Geshkenbein first cashed at the World Series of Poker (WSOP) in 2010, finishing in the money in two No Limit Hold'em events: a $2,500 Six-Handed tournament and a $1,000 event. Over his career, he has amassed 27 WSOP cashes, with his best Main Event finish coming in 2013 when he placed 62nd out of 6,352 entrants, earning $123,616. Despite numerous deep runs, a WSOP bracelet has eluded him. His total WSOP earnings exceed $500,000, reflecting consistent performance in Las Vegas.

In a 2017 interview with Sport1, Geshkenbein candidly discussed his financial struggles, admitting he "handled money poorly" during his peak years. He revealed that his lavish spending on travel, dining, and high-stakes cash games depleted his winnings, leading to his declaration of bankruptcy at the 2013 WSOP. Geshkenbein noted that the experience taught him valuable lessons about bankroll management and humility. After his 2016 APPT win, he adopted a more conservative approach, setting aside funds for the long term. He now focuses on his sushi restaurant in Switzerland, viewing poker as a secondary income source rather than a primary career.

Beyond the German High Roller show, Geshkenbein has been featured in poker media outlets such as PokerNews and Pokerstars Blog. He is known for his straightforward demeanor in interviews, often sharing honest insights about the highs and lows of professional poker. His biography is included in major poker databases like the Hendon Mob and Global Poker Index, and he is recognized as one of the few players to have won both an EPT and an APPT Main Event.