Yuliyan Nikolaev Kolev

Yuliyan Nikolaev Kolev (Bulgarian: Юлиян Николаев Колев) is a professional poker player from Sofia, Bulgaria. He is a two‑time World Series of Poker (WSOP) bracelet winner and the first Bulgarian to achieve that feat. As of 2026, his recorded live tournament earnings exceed $4.6 million, placing him among the top Bulgarian players on the all‑time money list.

Before turning to poker, Kolev was a professional arm wrestler. The discipline and mental toughness he developed in that sport translated well to the poker felt. He first appeared in live tournament results in January 2010 with a cash in Venice at the Italian Poker Tour. He soon began traveling regularly to Las Vegas for the WSOP, building a reputation as a steady and patient competitor.

Kolev’s first WSOP bracelet came in 2021 during an online event: the $777 Lucky 7’s No‑Limit Hold’em, where he earned $146,163. His second – and most famous – bracelet arrived in 2022 at the WSOP $1,500 Millionaire Maker. Outlasting a massive field of 7,961 entries, he won the top prize of $1,125,189. To celebrate, he famously wore an upside‑down KFC bucket on his head, a moment that became an iconic poker meme.

In addition to his two wins, Kolev has multiple deep runs at the WSOP. Notable finishes include:

• 5th place in the 2017 $1,500 Monster Stack for $281,800
• 4th place in a 2025 $3,000 No‑Limit Hold’em event for $300,649
• 7th place in the 2025 $10,000 6‑Handed Championship for $111,338

Beyond the WSOP, Kolev has performed well on other major tours:

• 2018 Wynn Summer Classic – 2nd place in a $1,600 No‑Limit Hold’em event for $283,796
• 2025 EPT Monte Carlo – 5th place in a €3,000 Mystery Bounty for $164,042
• EPT Paris – deep finish in the PokerStars Open High Roller for $19,675 (2026)

His total cashes exceed 187 according to available data, with consistent scores across both the World Poker Tour (WPT) and European Poker Tour (EPT).

Kolev is known for a patient, disciplined approach. He excels in deep‑stack structures, waiting for profitable spots rather than forcing action. Observers praise his ability to read opponents and maintain composure under pressure, traits likely honed during his arm wrestling days.

• He is widely recognized as the first Bulgarian player to win a WSOP bracelet (2021 online, 2022 live).
• His celebratory KFC bucket during the 2022 Millionaire Maker win became a hallmark of his personality and a viral poker moment.
• In the poker community, he is described as a “gentleman of poker” for his polite demeanor at the table.
• As of 2026, he ranks in the top 700 on the All Time Money List and is 8th on the Bulgaria All Time Money List.

Yuliyan Nikolaev Kolev’s journey from professional arm wrestler to two‑time WSOP bracelet winner and millionaire is a testament to his adaptability and mental strength. With a growing résumé and a calm, focused style, he continues to represent Bulgaria on the global poker stage.