Poker boom in Russia

Poker Gains Popularity in Zavidovo

Poker is rapidly gaining popularity in Russia, and Zavidovo is set to become a key destination for poker enthusiasts. The Russian government has officially recognized poker as a sport, similar to soccer or baseball, which has significantly eased regulations and facilitated the growth of poker in the country. The upcoming event at Zavidovo is sanctioned by the government, marking a milestone for the poker community.

Expanding Poker Scene in Moscow

Moscow's poker scene is thriving, with new casinos opening almost every month. These venues offer luxurious settings and a range of gaming options. Exclusive establishments like the Golden Ring Club are invitation-only, while others, such as Shangri La, are open to the public and host daily tournaments with a $500 buy-in and unlimited rebuys. For newcomers or those with smaller budgets, several clubs offer more affordable options.

Prominent Poker Clubs and Figures

In Moscow, Korona and Metelitsa are among the most popular poker clubs, drawing around 100 players daily. Korona, owned by Australian poker pioneer John Kockbek, is a notable player in the scene. Other influential figures include Reese Jones from New Zealand, the general manager of Poker House, and Tony Powell from England, who co-owns the Poker Club Management Company. Additionally, Le Poker Club, a poker-only venue, recently hosted its first-ever live-broadcast poker tournament.

Major Poker Event at Zavidovo

The Zavidovo resort is set to host a major poker event featuring some of the biggest names in the international poker scene. The Russian economy's growth, partly driven by the casino industry, has attracted high-profile players. One of Russia's top players observed a pot-limit stud game with a $2,000 ante, where pots can exceed $1 million. Tony G, a prominent poker player who once won a single pot of over $3 million, will participate, along with Patrick Antonius and Phil Ivey. The event is expected to attract around 90 participants and will be the largest poker event ever held in Russia. Other notable participants include WSOP record-holder Nikolay Edvakov, WSOP 2008 final-tablist Ivan Demidov, and bracelet winners Vitality Lunkin and Alex Kravchenko.

Sponsorship and Media Coverage

The increasing appeal of the Russian poker market has led major online poker rooms, such as PokerStars, to sponsor top players like Demidov and Kravchenko. In addition to the Main Event, which will span five days and be televised on the final day, Zavidovo will host numerous holdem events, further enriching the poker experience for participants and viewers alike.