Igor Kurganov (born 5 May 1988) is a Russian born German professional poker player, angel investor and philanthropist. He is the co-founder of Raising for Effective Giving, a philanthropic organisation that promotes a rational approach to philanthropy often referred to as effective altruism,[1] and provides advice on choosing charities based on certain criteria.[2][3]
| Igor Kurganov | |
|---|---|
 Igor Kurganov in 2015 | |
| Nickname(s) | lechuckpoker |
| Born | 5 May 1988 Saint Petersburg |
| World Series of Poker | |
| Bracelet(s) | 1 |
| Final table(s) | 1 |
| Money finish(es) | 7 |
| World Poker Tour | |
| Money finish(es) | 3 |
| European Poker Tour | |
| Money finish(es) | 4 |
Poker career
editKurganov's first tournament was the 2010 PokerStars Caribbean Adventure where he finished in 119th place for $20,000. In April 2012, he won the EPT High Roller in Monte Carlo for $1,425,874. He made three final tables in the 2013 Aussie Millions cashing for over $1,000,000.[4] Kurganov finished 6th in GuangDong Asia Millions cashing for over $1,000,000 and later in the year played his first World Series of Poker event winning an additional $70,000.[5][6]
Kurganov plays online under the nickname lechuckpoker.[7]
In April 2016, he teamed with the London Royals in the Global Poker League. As of 2020, Kurganov's live tournament winnings exceed $18,500,000.[8]
In November 2019, Igor Kurganov announced on Twitter, that he has left Team Pokerstars.[9]
World Series of Poker bracelets
edit| Year | Event | Prize Money |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | $10,000 Tag Team No Limit Hold'em Championship | $273,964 |
Personal life
editKurganov was born in St. Petersburg and immigrated with his family to Germany at an early age. Kurganov has been dating British poker player Liv Boeree since 2014. Together they founded the charity project Raising for Effective Giving, an organization that educates poker players about effective altruism,[1] and fundraises for specifically selected highly effective charities.[10][2] As of July 2020, Raising for Effective Giving has raised over $14,000,000 for its supported charities.[11] Kurganov himself expressed particular interest in supporting organizations that work on existential risk research.[12] Kurganov lived for a time in Munich and then London and most recently was reported to have moved to Austin, Texas.[13]
Association with Elon Musk
editThis section needs expansion. You can help by adding to it. (July 2022) |
A Wall Street Journal article in July 2022 details some of Kurganov's connection to Elon Musk. Kurganov did charity coordination work with Musk for a period in 2021–2022.[13]
References
edit- ^ a b Carter, Barry (8 April 2017). "Liv Boeree on Effective Altruism". PokerStrategy.com. Retrieved 22 October 2022.
- ^ a b "About". Raising for Effective Giving. Retrieved 22 October 2022.
- ^ "Igor Kurganov". Global Poker Index. Retrieved 23 May 2016.
- ^ Fast, Erik (1 May 2012). "Igor Kurganov Beats Daniel Negreanu For European Poker Tour €25,000 High Roller Title". CardPlayer. Retrieved 23 May 2016.
- ^ Dacey, Rick (5 January 2013). "PCA 2013: $100,000 Super High Roller sets the pace". PokerStars. Retrieved 23 May 2016.
- ^ Bell, Josh (7 June 2013). "Niklas Heinecker Wins GuangDong Ltd Asia Millions Main Event for $4.4 Million". PokerNews Global. Retrieved 23 May 2016.
- ^ Pitt, Matthew (20 May 2014). "Ivan "vandir4rek" Soshnikov Wins $10,300 SCOOP Main Event". flushdraw.net. Retrieved 23 May 2016.
- ^ "Igor Kurganov's profile on The Hendon Mob". The Hendon Mob Poker Database. Retrieved 25 November 2023.
- ^ "Liv Boeree and Igor Kurganov leave Team Pokerstars". pokersuperagent.com. 21 November 2019. Archived from the original on 13 February 2020. Retrieved 3 December 2019.
- ^ PokerListings.com (21 October 2014). "Liv Boeree: "Making Money is Fine, but It's Time to Give It Back"". PokerListings. Retrieved 22 May 2016.
- ^ "Accomplishments". Raising for Effective Giving. Retrieved 29 November 2017.
- ^ "News: Liv Boeree & Igor Kurganov talk team work". PokerStrategy.com. 27 June 2017. Retrieved 29 November 2017.
- ^ a b Copeland, Rob (16 July 2022). "Elon Musk's Inner Circle Rocked by Fight Over His $230 Billion Fortune". Wall Street Journal. ISSN 0099-9660. Retrieved 20 July 2022.