Poker in Russia is not as popular as it is in the United States. In fact the most popular card game in this northern country is Doorak. It is translated very simply – “a fool.” However, poker begins conquering faraway countries and more and more skilful European gamblers appear.
Kirill Gerasimov is of course no fool. He is the most famous and it seems the only really professional Russian poker player. His Coach Kirill Gerasimov is young but already a successful player. Before deciding to play poker for living he was an insurance agent in his hometown which is Moscow, Russia. But once he read a legendary “Super/System” by Doyle Brunson. Was the book so perfect (which is true for sure) or Kirill had a talent (which is true also) but after reading it he became a successful player. He just created an account at a gambling site and began making money. “The strongest part of my game is the ability to read people,” boasts Kirill. “When I play online this element is obviously less of a factor. I'm forced to work on other parts of my game. Online games have helped me to develop what I believe to be a strong all-round game." His Success So he often plays in different tournaments and uses his useful ability. This “young russkiy” does not have a long gambling experience but has already won several tournaments in Europe and received the Rookie of the Year title in the 2002 European Awards. He has a very aggressive playing style which makes him adored by the audience – people like a thrilling action at the table. One of his most remarkable achievements is the fact that he made it to the final table and finished second on the World Poker Tour in the first episode at the Bellagio. He won $500,000 then. His Student Kirill coaches one more very famous Russian guy – Evgeny Kafelnikov – a former tennis player who wants to become a gambler. And -- who knows what kind of players these guys would be in a couple years?
