Vitaly Lunkin plays online at Full Tilt Poker.

Originally a backgammon player and Renju champion, Russian player Vitaly Lunkin was first introduced to poker by a friend. He established himself as one of Russia’s most prominent professional poker players, earning several national records including reaching five consecutive final tables in domestic championship events between November 2007 and April 2008.

Vitaly made his first WSOP cash finish in 2006, where he went deep in the Main Event to take home $15K. In 2008, Vitaly claimed his first WSOP bracelet in the $1.5K No-Limit Hold ‘em event for $630K. A couple of weeks later, he took 5th place in the $2K No-Limit Hold ‘em event at the Bellagio Cup IV, adding another $17K to his career earnings.

In 2009, Vitaly won his second WSOP bracelet and his biggest tournament payday in the special one-off $40K buy-in 40th Annual No-Limit Hold ’em Event. He bested 200 players – one of the toughest fields assembled in any No-Limit Hold ‘em event – to win more than $1.8 million in prize money. This victory boosted his career tournament earnings to over $3 million and moved him into 3rd place on the Russian All Time Money List.

While he’s an aggressive opponent at the table, Vitaly is known as a reserved, quiet character outside of the tournament environment. Born and raised in Moscow, he’s actively involved in developing the Russian poker scene, working as a professional poker trainer and coach for Poker Moscow.

Look for Vitaly working on his game online at Full Tilt Poker.