Aleksejs Ponakovs
| Personal Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | 12, September, 1991 |
| Place of Birth | Riga, Latvia |
| Current Residence | Riga, Latvia |
| Nationality | Latvian |
| Nickname | Aleks Ponakovs on GGPoker. APonakov at PokerStars, 888poker & WSOP.com. BluffAlexPLV on PokerStars.FR. DamagePON at partypoker. INACT1VE at Americas Cardroom. |
| Total Live Winnings | $14,900,000 |
| Last Results | $10,000 MAIN EVENT No-Limit Hold’em World Championship – 120th place. $10,000 Super Turbo Bounty No-Limit Hold’em Freezeout – 36th place. $50,000 High Roller No-Limit Hold’em (8-Handed) – 22nd place. $5,300 No-Limit Hold’em High Roller Championship – 4th place. $25,000 High Roller No-Limit Hold’em 8-Handed Online – 10th place. |
Aleksejs Ponakovs Biography
Aleksejs Ponakovs is a professional poker player from Riga, Latvia. Known for his strategic acumen, Ponakovs has made a significant mark in both online and live poker tournaments. His journey into the world of poker began at the age of 18 when he started playing online, primarily on PokerStars.
Ponakovs’ prowess became evident as he amassed over $1.8 million in cashes on PokerStars alone. However, his most substantial online success came on GGPoker, where he plays under his real name. Although specific figures are not publicly disclosed, it is known that he has won more than $4.5 million on the platform, profiting $1.8 million.
Like many, Ponakovs spent the COVID-19 lockdowns honing his skills online. His dedication paid off in August 2021 when he secured his first WSOP bracelet by winning an event on GGPoker for $432,491. This victory marked a significant milestone in his career.
Following the resumption of live poker, Ponakovs quickly adapted to high-stakes environments. He made a splash in the Super High Roller events, finishing fourth in one such event in May 2022, which earned him €888,000. This result was a precursor to his second WSOP bracelet victory in Las Vegas in 2023, where he took home $1,897,363, marking his first seven-figure win.
Ponakovs continued to perform impressively in European tournaments upon returning from the WSOP. He reached two final tables in €25,000 and €50,000 buy-in high rollers, adding another €830,340 to his bankroll. His largest tournament cash to date came in August 2023 when he finished fourth in the $262,000 buy-in Triton Poker Super High Roller Series London, earning $2,540,000.
Despite his considerable success, Ponakovs maintains a low profile and rarely gives interviews. His private nature extends to his personal life, though it’s known that he married Anastasia Ignatieva in November 2022 at The Ritz-Carlton in Tenerife. Socials media posts reveal glimpses of their wedding, but otherwise, Ponakovs keeps his personal life out of the public eye.
Poker Career
Aleksejs Ponakovs, a professional poker player from Latvia, has established himself as a formidable presence in both online and live poker arenas. Ponakovs started his poker journey at the age of 18, primarily playing on PokerStars. His longest poker session lasted tens of hours, which helped the player hone his skills. Over time, he transitioned into live poker, where his strategic insights and calm demeanor have earned him significant respect and substantial winnings.
Live Poker Achievements
Aleksejs Ponakovs has an impressive track record in live poker, marked by several key victories and high placements:
- 2021: Won his first WSOP bracelet on GGPoker, earning $432,491.
- May 2022: Finished fourth in a Super High Roller event, winning €888,000.
- July 2022: Claimed his second WSOP bracelet in Las Vegas, with winnings of $1,897,363.
- 2023: Reached final tables in €25,000 and €50,000 buy-in high rollers, accumulating €830,340.
- August 2023: Secured a fourth-place finish in the $262,000 buy-in Triton Poker Super High Roller Series London, earning $2,540,000.
- Overall: Total live tournament earnings exceed $14.9 million.
Online Poker Achievements
Ponakovs has also excelled in online poker, gaining recognition and substantial cashes across various platforms:
- PokerStars: Over $1.8 million in cashes.
- GGPoker: Accumulated more than $4.5 million in winnings, with a profit of $1.8 million.
- August 2021: Nearly won the $10,000 No-Limit Hold’em Heads-Up Online Championship, finishing second.
- Later in 2021: Won a WSOP bracelet event on GGPoker for $432,491.
Top Five Career Cashes
Aleksejs Ponakovs has achieved remarkable success in his poker career, with several high-stakes wins that have solidified his status as one of the top players in the world. He participated in many tournaments that broke the world record for the most prize money in poker. Below is a table outlining his top five career cashes, highlighting the significant victories that have defined his journey.
| Rank | Event | Year | Winnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $262,000 Triton Poker Super High Roller Series London | 2023 | $2,540,000 |
| 2 | WSOP $100,000 No-Limit Hold’em High Roller | 2022 | $1,897,363 |
| 3 | €25,000 No-Limit Hold’em European Poker Tour | 2023 | €888,000 (approx. $1,042,000) |
| 4 | WSOP Online $10,000 Heads-Up No-Limit Hold’em Championship | 2021 | $432,491 |
| 5 | €50,000 No-Limit Hold’em High Roller | 2023 | €415,170 (approx. $486,340) |
Aleksejs Ponakovs Socials
Aleksejs Ponakovs, a Latvian poker player, keeps a low profile despite his impressive achievements in the world of poker. Although he is not very active on social media, his professional presence can still be tracked through his Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/lexa_dmg/.
FAQ
Is Aleksejs Ponakovs good at poker?
Yes, Aleksejs Ponakovs is highly regarded in the poker community. He has won two World Series of Poker (WSOP) bracelets and has accumulated over $14.9 million in live tournament earnings. His strategic acumen and consistent performance in high-stakes events highlight his exceptional skills.
How old is Aleksejs Ponakovs?
Aleksejs Ponakovs was born on November 8, 1992. As of July 2024, he is 31 years old. Despite his relatively young age, he has already achieved significant success in the world of professional poker.
Does Aleksejs Ponakovs still play poker?
Yes, Aleksejs Ponakovs continues to actively participate in both live and online poker tournaments. He remains a formidable competitor, frequently appearing in high-stakes events and maintaining a strong presence in the poker community. Stats of his recent performances show that he is still at the peak of his form.
What is Aleksejs Ponakovs’ IQ score?
Aleksejs Ponakovs has an IQ score of 123, which places him in the top tier of intellectual capability. This high IQ may contribute to his impressive strategic thinking and decision-making skills in poker. However, his success is more accurately attributed to a combination of intelligence, experience, and dedication to the game.
What is Aleksejs Ponakovs’ Nickname?
Aleksejs Ponakovs uses several nicknames in the online poker world. On GGPoker, he plays under his real name, Aleks Ponakovs. He also uses aliases such as APonakov on PokerStars, 888poker, and WSOP.com, and BluffAlexPLV on PokerStars.FR.
What is Aleksejs Ponakovs’ net worth?
While exact figures for Aleksejs Ponakovs’ net worth are not publicly disclosed, his career earnings from live poker tournaments alone exceed $14.9 million. Additionally, he has won more than $4.5 million in online poker. These substantial earnings suggest a significant net worth reflective of his successful career.