Second Russian National to Win a World Series of Poker Gold Bracelet
Although fairly new to the professional world of poker Lunkin has had a lot of success as well. Up to this point he has made over $725,000 and has won a World Series of Poker gold bracelet. His biggest achievement was accomplished in the 2008 World Series of Poker Event 27, which was the $1,500 no-limit Hold’em event.

The tournament attracted a record 2,706 players. The final three ended up being Lunkin, Bobby Firestone, and Brett Kimes. It wasn’t until after an hour that there was a dramatic change when Lunkin put Firestone all in post flop. Lunkin was able to complete a straight to send Firestone home. This set a final epic battle up between Kimes and Lunkin.

The match started up slowly with a few swings between the two players. The blinds were up to 60,000/120,000 and Lunkin played the flop slow by calling and Kimes raised it to 620,000 to go. Lunkin decided to call it and the flop gave him a straight. The river brought luck for Kimes as it gave him what he needed to take the hand and put Lunkin in a devastating spot. However, Lunkin wasn’t going out that easily. The final hand came way after 1am. After 11 hours of grueling play Lunkin put Kimes down. Lunkin was holding A-J while Kimes was holding 10-8. The flop was J-2-4 and an 8 came on the turn. Lunkin decided to bet 1million and Kimes re-raised all in and Lunkin instantly called. Kimes even decided to ask Lunkin if he had a jack after the fact and Lunkin just nodded. The river was a king that changed nothing sending Kimes home.

Lunkin won $628,417 for the tournament along with his first World Series of Poker gold bracelet. This achievement also makes him the second Russian national in the World Series of Poker history to win a bracelet. Ironically Alex Kravchenko, who was the first Russian national to win, is the one who recommended Lunkin to play in the tournament. Although Lunkin prefers Omaha and cash games it is likely he’ll be seen in other tournaments as well.