Vladimir Korzinin

Vladimir Korzinin, born in Estonia, is a reclusive figure in the poker world. Despite his sudden rise to prominence, he has repeatedly declined media interviews, leaving much of his personal history unknown. What is known is that he is 69 years old and has a background in mathematics and business. Reports indicate he holds several patents related to stock trading technologies, suggesting a career in financial innovation. An unverified Reddit claim asserts he worked for NASA and has numerous patents, but this has not been confirmed. Nevertheless, his participation in high-stakes tournaments implies a substantial net worth accumulated outside of poker.

Before November 2024, Korzinin was virtually unknown in the poker world. His first recorded cash came in October 2024 at the EPT Cyprus, where he finished third in a $10,200 Mystery Bounty event for $45,800. He then appeared at the 2024 EPT Barcelona, but it was at the Triton Poker Super High Roller Series Monte Carlo that he truly exploded onto the scene.

In the $200,000 NLH Triton Invitational, Korzinin outlasted legends such as Phil Ivey and Stephen Chidwick, finishing as the runner-up to Patrik Antonius. That heads-up battle earned him $3,470,000—a career-best at the time. Just days later, in Event #12: $150,000 NLH 8-Handed, he topped a field of 122 entrants to win $4,350,000. The final table included elite players like Fedor Holz, Bryn Kenney, Stephen Chidwick, Dan Smith, and Sam Greenwood. Korzinin defeated Finland's Ossi Ketola heads-up to secure his first Triton title. This one-two punch of seven-figure scores vaulted him to the top of Estonia's all-time money list, surpassing all other Estonian players by a wide margin. His total live earnings now exceed $8 million, according to The Hendon Mob.

Korzinin's playstyle is anything but conventional. He has been described as the ultimate "GTO-killer," employing a chaotic, hyper-aggressive approach that disregards standard solvers and charts. Known for massive over-bets and fearless all-in moves with unorthodox holdings, he often leaves world-class professionals baffled. He jokingly claims to have "100% equity" once he decides to move all in. Despite his aggressive tendencies, he maintains a joyful demeanor, frequently smiling at the table whether winning or losing. This has made him a fan favorite and earned him the nickname "Gambledore" (or "Gambledor"), a reference to his white beard and wizard-like resemblance to Harry Potter's Dumbledore. While Korzinin is reportedly not fond of the moniker, the poker community has embraced it.

• 2024 Triton Poker Series Monte Carlo – $200,000 Special Triton Invitational: 2nd place – $3,470,000
• 2024 Triton Poker Series Monte Carlo – $150,000 NLH 8-Handed (Event #12): 1st place – $4,350,000
• 2024 PokerStars EPT Cyprus – $10,200 Mystery Bounty: 3rd place – $45,800

These three cashes account for virtually all of his tournament earnings, making his run one of the most explosive in poker history.

Vladimir Korzinin's story is a modern poker fairy tale. In less than two months, he went from an unknown amateur with minimal live experience to a multi-millionaire superstar, captivating the high-stakes community. His unorthodox style and cheerful attitude have drawn comparisons to other recreational players who defied the odds. Despite his success, he remains elusive, declining interview requests and maintaining a private life. He continues to play in Triton events, showing that his breakthrough was no fluke—in 2025, he was spotted at Triton Montenegro. Korzinin's legacy is still being written, but he has already secured his place as Estonia's greatest tournament earner and one of the most entertaining characters in modern poker.