Leon Tsukernik: Poker is as much a business as football

Leon Tsukernik, a prominent figure in the poker world, has an intriguing backstory. Born in Moscow, Tsukernik's family moved to Israel, then Canada, and eventually to the Czech Republic, where he has lived for the past 21 years.

Tsukernik's journey into poker began in the Czech Republic after he became involved with casino games. He opened his casino in Rozvadov in 2003, which features 70 poker tables and a variety of other games. The casino offers numerous amenities, including restaurants, affordable accommodation, and proximity to the spa town of Marianske-Lazne.

One of the key attractions of Tsukernik's casino is its guaranteed poker tournaments, which started in 2006. Initially, these tournaments resulted in financial losses, but they eventually stabilized and became a significant draw for players. Tsukernik compares poker to football, stating that it becomes profitable once it attracts a critical mass of players. The casino draws players from across Europe, with over 50% coming from Germany. Many of these German players have become professionals thanks to the platform provided by Tsukernik's casino, which offers ideal conditions for training and building bankrolls.