Perhaps no nation has experienced the poker boom more recently or in a bigger way than Russia. The big bear is one of poker’s fastest-growing markets. Millions of Russians from St. Petersburg to Vladivostok are now playing poker, both online and in live casinos. A new Russian Poker Tour is scheduled to begin play later this year.

It’s no surprise then that many Russian poker players are enjoying great tournament success in the West. Notable poker champions are Yevgeny Kafelnikov, Alex Kravchenko, Kirill Gerasimov, and Ralph Perry (who now lives in the U.S.). Last year’s WSOP Main Event runner up was Ivan Demidov, another very talented Russian player. Now, add the name “Max Katz” to the list.

Katz, a 24-year-old poker professional from Moscow won the latest World Series of Poker Circuit event held at Caesars Palace Las Vegas. He topped a highly-competitive field of 227 players who entered the $500 buy-in No-Limit Hold’em tournament. For his victory, Katz won $26,699. He was also presented with his first gold ring, the top prize for winning on the WSOP Circuit. In fact, Katz is the first Russian citizen to win a gold ring in the five-year history of the Circuit.

Katz put on a dominant performance. He began final table play on day two second in chips but seized the advantage about mid-way through the finale en route to a most convincing victory. Katz spoiled what would have otherwise been a reunion of Chicago poker players. Three finalists were from Chicago, and a fourth was born in the windy city. In the end, the Russian blew everyone away with his first American win, after previous victories in his native country.

____________________

by Nolan Dalla