Ivan Demidov has proven his skill in more ways than one. Not only is he part of the 2008 World Series of Poker’s November Nine, but he also made the final table of the 2008 World Series of Poker Europe’s Main Event. That is amazing! This is the first time a player has been a final tablist for both the WSOP and WSOPE Main Event. While we won’t know the results for the WSOP until November, Demidov survived some of the toughest competition to place third in Europe.
In his final hand, Demidov’s straight and flush draw was called out by John Juanda’s pocket aces. Demidov took home a nice £334,850. John Juanda now leads Stanislav Alekhin in the heads-up battle for the bracelet.
Come November 9th, Demidov will start the WSOP Main Event final table standing in second place for the chip lead. If he can keep his current standing, he’ll walk away with $5,790,024. However, second place is not what any poker player strives for. The real prize is first place for $9,119,517 and the WSOP Main Event bracelet. Just over five weeks remain until the final table can be played out.
Ivan Demidov is relatively new to the poker profession. In addition to the two Main Events, Demidov also placed in 11th place in the 2008 WSOP $1,000 No-Limit Hold’em rebuy event. His accomplishment is astounding for anyone, especially for someone that others may still refer to as a rookie. Rookie or not, Demidov has proven he has what it takes.