Poker Mourns Loss Of Nikolay Evdakov Aged 47

On Monday, the poker world received some sad news when Russian poker pro Nikolay Evdakov’s widow announced her husband’s passing aged 47.
Nataliya released the news via Nikolay Evdakov’s Russian poker forum called CGM.ru., although no details were given as to the cause of his death. The following message can now be seen on the forum:
“On the night of February 6, Nikolay Evdakov died – a loving father and an exemplary family man, a friend of the community of poker enthusiasts, an outstanding professional player and the owner of CGM.ru. Generous, but ambitious, Nicholas won the hearts of people with kindness and sympathy, being open-hearted, he was ready to respond to the call of any of his friends and acquaintances.”
Nikolay Evdakov was one of Russia’s top poker pros, having earned $1,151,705 from tournaments since his first live cash in 2006. On that occasion he won the $500 Russian Poker Championships for $37,515 before then also taking his talent abroad and competing in various top competitions across the world.
However, 2008 was the year in which Nikolay Evdakov gained worldwide recognition after setting an all-time WSOP record by cashing in at the poker series an incredible ten times, earning $228K along the way. Remarkably, it was the first year in which he had ever cashed in at the WSOP, and in 2009 he followed up his achievement by cashing in at a further six events in a variety of disciplines including No Limit, PLO,  and Seven Card Razz.
Subsequently, in 2010 Nikolay Evdakov continued his successful run in Vegas with a 4th place finish at the $10k Seven Card Stud Championship for $110,628, and then in 2011 by finishing 7th at the $25k NL Heads-Up Championship for $138,852.
Since the news of his death, messages of condolence have been pouring in from all over the poker world. The WSOP also sent a message saying:
“Sad news today about Nikolay Evdakov’s passing. Heartfelt condolences to his family and friends in this sad time.”
In addition, US poker tournament director Matt Savage, who officiated the WSOP between 2002 to 2004 wrote:
“RIP Nikolay Evdakov, got to know him last year @LAPC where he won two events. Seemed like a great guy!”
Here at OnlinePoker.net we would also like to send our condolences to Nikolay Evdakov’s family and friends.