What is Denys Chufarin’s story?

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About Denys Chufarin – My Poker Journey

From Law to Poker – The Unexpected Career Shift

I never planned on becoming a professional poker player. In fact, before poker, I was a lawyer. I was born in Kyiv, Ukraine, in 1983, and like many, I followed a traditional career path, earning my degree and stepping into the world of law. But then came the 2008-2009 financial crisis, which changed everything.

With uncertainty looming, I decided to take a risk—one that had nothing to do with the courtroom. I had always been interested in poker, so I thought: Why not give it a real shot? I deposited $65 and started grinding single-table Sit & Go tournaments.

Grinding My Way Up – The Early Years

Poker wasn’t easy, but I quickly realized I had a unique advantage: I could sit and play for hours without losing focus. I wasn’t the most naturally gifted player, but I had what I like to call my “stone-cold endurance”—the ability to grind long sessions without burning out.

• Year 1: I turned my $65 into $30,000.
• Year 2: I pushed even harder, making $100,000.
• Years 3-6: I was grinding 24 tables at a time, playing thousands of hands daily.

For the first six years, I was all about volume and discipline. I treated poker like a job—because that’s exactly what it was for me. No distractions, no unnecessary risks—just pure grinding and bankroll building.

Transition to Short Deck & High-Stakes Play

Over the years, I explored different formats, but one game stood out: Short Deck (6+). With fewer cards in the deck, Short Deck was faster, more aggressive, and rewarded deep strategic thinking. It felt like poker on steroids—and I loved it.

I started studying the game intensely, refining my strategies, and competing in high-stakes tournaments. Eventually, I became known as one of the top Short Deck players, which led to me joining GGPoker as an ambassador.

Streaming & Sharing the Knowledge

After years of grinding, I wanted to give back to the poker community. That’s why I started streaming on Twitch and YouTube, sharing my insights, hand breakdowns, and personal experiences.

On my streams, I don’t just show the wins—I talk about the struggles, the downswings, the tough decisions, and the mindset needed to succeed. Because poker isn’t just about making money—it’s about learning, adapting, and enjoying the process.

What This Site is About

I created this site to bring everything together:

• Poker strategy – especially Short Deck (6+) insights, bankroll management, and game selection.
• Videos & hand reviews – deep dives into tournament play and cash game strategy.
• Live poker & online events – updates on where I’m playing next.
• Affiliate deals & promotions – for players looking to get extra value from their deposits.
• Personal blog – where I share my thoughts on poker, travel, and life as a pro player.

Final Thoughts

Poker has changed my life. It took me from being a lawyer in Ukraine to competing on the biggest stages and building a community around the game I love. It’s not always easy—there are bad beats, downswings, and frustrating moments—but the journey is what makes it all worth it.

If you’re here to learn, improve, or just enjoy the ride, you’re in the right place.

🚀 See you at the tables!

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