Casino Tycoon Leon Tsoukernik Recovers After Drug O.D. Coma

Posted on: February 6, 2025, 06:04h. 

Last updated on: February 6, 2025, 10:23h.

Philip Conneller @casinoorgphilc Read More
Expertise: Gaming Business, Regulation, Tribal Gaming.

Casino tycoon Leon Tsoukernik has made a full recovery after a suspected drug overdose saw him slip into a 40-hour coma last month. The Russian-Czech businessman was reportedly fighting for his life after taking the powerful intravenous anesthetic Propofol on January 14.

Leon Tsoukernik, overdose, OD, King’s Resort, WSOPE
Leon Tsoukernik, above, has expressed his undying gratitude for “a second life” after almost dying from a suspected drug overdose last month. (Image: Forbes)

The drug, which can be used to induce anesthesia or sedation, was cited as the main cause of death of pop singer Michael Jackson and is highly dangerous unless administered by a medical professional.

Tsoukernik told Forbes Česko last week that he was “absolutely fine” and felt “fantastic” after his ordeal, which included a bout of bilateral pneumonia.

However, responders who were called to his home in Chodová Planá on January 14 didn’t give the father of two much chance of survival, Forbes reported. An unconscious Tsoukernik was airlifted to the hospital by helicopter in a “critical condition,” a spokesperson for the regional ambulance service said at the time.

Police are investigating “possible illegal actions” that may have occurred at Tsoukernik’s home.

‘Miracle’ Recovery

In 2003, Tsoukernik founded the King’s Resort in Rozvadov western Czech Republic, home of Europe’s biggest poker room with more than 160 tables. It has hosted the World Series of Poker Europe since 2017. Tsoukernik sold his 60% stake in the casino last year for an estimated US$400 million.

This week, he expressed his “undying gratitude” for the “miracle” the Clinic of Anesthesiology, Resuscitation, and Intensive Care in the city of Hradec Králové had performed in saving his life.

“These wonderful people, led by Professor Beneš, gave me a second life,” he said. “At the same time, I am deeply grateful to my wife, Sandra, who spent days and nights at my bedside. I believe that played a role [in my recovery].”

Poker Champ

Tsoukernik is a well-known face in the poker world with almost $5.5 million in live tournament earnings. Career highlights include a fourth-place finish in the 2017 High Roller Bowl in Las Vegas for $1.8 million. At the 2019 WSOPE Super High Roller event at King’s Resort, he defeated the great Phil Ivey heads up for the $1.1 million first prize.

After leaving the gaming industry last year, the former antiques dealer and art collector said he would devote his time to pursuing new business ventures in the real estate sector and also to the building of a synagogue in his hometown.