Poker pro Vitaly Lunkin Leads in Total Winnings at the 2009 WSOP

Russian poker pro Vitaly Lunkin is one of the most respected and feared poker players at the 2009 world series of poker. As of June 22nd, 2009, the Russian pro leads all WSOP participants in total cash prizes won at the different WSOP events with a total of $1, 907,661. Most of the prize money came from Lunkin's WSOP bracelet triumphed at the $40,000 buy-in cost Commemorative No Limit event, which awarded the poker pro more than $ $1.8 million.

That bracelet win was Lunkin's 2nd one, coming on the heels of his 1st World Series of Poker bracelet triumphed in the 2008 World Series of Poker, which he won in a $1,500 No Limit Holdem event. The Russian Hold'em and Omaha poker specialist is at it again, this time, cashing in at the $10K Pot Limit Omaha World Championship. Lunkin said that his chip stack is more than above average so he is very happy with his performance.

A solid finish in the $10K PLO championship will place Lunkin into a good position for the Player of the Year honors along with Jeff Lisandro, phil ivey and Ville Wahlbeck. Lunkin is not actively aiming for the Player of the award but says that he is trying to just do his best on one poker event at a time.

Lunkin added that the most difficult part in any event is playing before the final table. A WSOP bracelet win will place Lunkin amongst an elite group of players that have won two WSOP bracelets at the 2009 World Series of Poker. Phil Ivey, Jeff Lisandro and Brock Parker have all won a pair of bracelets this year and it appears that Vitaly Lunkin could be next.

July 22, 2009
Jeremy Evans