Seat 6: Timur Bubnov, 38, Vladivostok/Russia, PokerStars Spin & Go qualifier - 783,000
Russian recreational poker player Timur Bubnov was one of the dozens of players who secured their PokerStars Championship Sochi Main Event seats through a $10 Spin & Goes online at PokerStars. While Bubnov didn't need to leave his country to arrive in Sochi, the tournament doesn't exactly take place in his backyard. The 38-year-old hails from Vladivostok, a city located in the far east of Russia, more than 7,000 kilometres away from Sochi. Bubnov is married with two children and his significant one arrived in Sochi with him.
Bubnov made sure their long trip would be worth those hours on a plane by becoming the last Spin & Go qualifier standing. Making the final table already secures Bubnov a giant return on his tiny investment as he's set to receive at least RUB 3,540,000 ($62,637).
Bubnov started playing poker nearly a decade ago, but the game is rather a hobby for him as he plays only occasionally. Bubnov has played at WSOP several times, trying to test his skills against the American players. He also competed in Macau in the Red Dragon series but his performance in the PokerStars Championship Main Event is by far his biggest achievement. Bubnov said he was having a great time here in Sochi, enjoying his game and playing for his own pleasure. After reaching the money, all pressure got away from him. Being relaxed might be his advantage on the final table.