Aleksejs Ponakovs

Born in 1991 and hailing from Riga, Latvia, Ponakovs first made a name for himself in the online poker world under the screen name “APonakov.” He quickly established himself as a world-class MTT (Multi-Table Tournament) specialist, reaching the #1 spot in the global online rankings. His transition to the live high-roller scene was seamless, characterized by a rapid climb through the stakes. Unlike many players who focus on a single format, Ponakovs has proven his versatility by winning at the highest levels of both No-Limit Hold’em and Short Deck. Today, he remains the most successful player in Latvian history and a fixture at the most exclusive final tables globally.

Ponakovs is recognized for a “hyper-aggressive and innovative” play style that frequently puts his opponents in incredibly difficult situations. His strategy is deeply rooted in modern solver-based theory, but he is uniquely gifted at finding creative, non-standard lines that deviate from the “standard” GTO (Game Theory Optimal) approach. Known for his composure and relentless pressure, he excels in high-stakes, deep-stack environments where his ability to balance ranges and execute massive bluffs makes him a nightmare to play against. In 2026, he continues to push the boundaries of tournament strategy, utilizing advanced study to maintain his edge in the ever-evolving high-stakes meta.

Aleksejs Ponakovs has total live tournament earnings of approximately $34,500,000 (according to The Hendon Mob). His career-defining moment came in 2022 when he won the WSOP $100,000 High Roller No-Limit Hold’em event, defeating Phil Ivey heads-up to claim $1,897,363 and his second gold bracelet. He is also a consistent force in the Triton Poker Series , with massive scores including a $2.5 million victory in the 2023 Triton Monte Carlo $200k Invitational. His sustained success against the world’s best players contributes to an estimated poker net worth of over $15 million. Credit: Triton Poker Series