Move over, Dumbledore—there’s a new wizard casting spells, and he’s doing it at the poker table! Vladimir Korzinin, affectionately nicknamed “Gambledore” for his spellbinding plays and signature white beard, is enchanting fans and foes alike with his daring moves and meteoric rise in high-stakes poker.
From jaw-dropping bluffs to miraculous river cards, Korzinin has proven he’s not just a flash in the pan but a force to be reckoned with. His recent exploits at the Triton Poker Super High Roller Series in Monte Carlo, including a staggering victory in the $150,000 No-Limit Hold’em 8-Handed event for $4.3 million, have solidified his status among poker’s elite. Facing off against legends like Patrik Antonius and Fedor Holz, he’s shown he can outplay the best—and look good doing it.
Let’s shuffle through some of Korzinin’s most magical hands that have left the poker world buzzing.
Flushing Out Boivin
With nine players remaining in the $150,000 event, Korzinin held Q♠10♠ and kicked off the action. Thomas Boivin defended his big blind with J♣5♥. The flop came 5♣9♦A♠—nothing too exciting yet. Both players checked, perhaps plotting their next move.
The turn brought the 5♠, giving Boivin trip fives and Korzinin a flush draw. Feeling confident, Boivin bet 300,000. But in true Gambledore fashion, Korzinin didn’t just call—he moved all in, putting Boivin to a life-or-death decision for his tournament run. Boivin called, probably thinking he’d caught Korzinin bluffing. But the river had other plans: the 7♠ completed Korzinin’s flush, sending Boivin out in ninth place with $435,000. Talk about a disappearing act!
Making Dan Smith Laugh (and Cry)
They say laughter is the best medicine, but for Dan Smith, it was a bitter pill. With six players left, Korzinin and Smith clashed in a hand that had everyone on the edge of their seats. The flop? J♦10♣Q♠. Korzinin held Q♥6♥ for top pair, while Smith had J♠10♥ for a dominating two pair.
Chips flew into the pot faster than you can say “abracadabra.” Just when it looked like Smith was set to double up, the turn revealed the 6♣, giving Korzinin a higher two pair. The river was no help to Smith, and as he was eliminated in sixth place with $1 million, all he could do was laugh at the sheer improbability of it all. Sometimes, the cards have a sense of humor!
The Seven-Deuce Shove Heard ‘Round the World
In a heads-up duel against fellow newcomer Ossi Ketola, Korzinin pulled off a move that left everyone gasping. Holding the infamous 7♠2♠—a hand many consider the worst in poker—he decided to go all in against Ketola’s K♥9♣. Commentators were stunned, viewers were glued to their screens, and Ketola probably thought he was about to double up.
But this is Gambledore we’re talking about. The flop brought both a flush and straight draw for Korzinin. By the river, he completed his straight, flipping the script entirely. This audacious play didn’t just double his stack; it shifted the momentum, paving the way for his ultimate triumph and that sweet $4.3 million prize. Who needs magic wands when you’ve got nerves of steel?
Casting a Spell on Badziakouski
During six-handed play in the $200,000 Triton Invitational, Korzinin faced off against Mikita Badziakouski. Holding K♠9♣, Korzinin opened from the cutoff. Badziakouski defended his big blind with J♣2♣. The flop? J♠2♠Q♥—giving Badziakouski two pair and Korzinin a gutshot straight draw.
Badziakouski check-raised Korzinin’s initial bet, only to be met with an all-in shove. After some deep thought, Badziakouski called, putting himself at risk. The turn was the 10♥, one of only four cards that could help Korzinin. The river didn’t change a thing, and Badziakouski was sent packing in sixth place for $1.1 million. Once again, Korzinin proved he’s got a knack for pulling rabbits out of hats—or in this case, tens out of decks.
A Four-Bet Bluff in Cyprus
Before his Triton triumphs, Korzinin was already making waves at the European Poker Tour stop in Cyprus. In the €50,000 Super High Roller Second Chance event, he tangled with Leonard Maue in a hand that showcased his fearless style.
With blinds at 1,000/2,500, Maue raised to 5,000 from under the gun. Korzinin, sitting on the button, three-bet to 15,000. Not backing down, Maue four-bet to 45,000. Korzinin called, setting the stage for some high-stakes drama.
The flop came 5♣6♥4♠. Maue bet 45,000, and Korzinin called without a flinch. The turn brought the A♣. Maue checked, perhaps sensing danger. Seizing the moment, Korzinin announced he was all in. Maue went into the tank, burning through multiple time extensions before finally folding. Korzinin scooped up the hefty pot without revealing his cards, leaving everyone—Maue included—wondering just what he was holding. Classic Gambledore!
As Vladimir Korzinin continues to dazzle and confound opponents, one thing is certain: this wizard’s tale is far from over. With his fearless approach and flair for the dramatic, “Gambledore” is redefining what’s possible in the game of poker. So keep your eyes on the table and your chips close—this is one magical journey you won’t want to miss!