Leon Tsoukernik, Poker Player, Ex-Casino Owner ‘Fighting for Life’ after Drug Overdose
Posted on: January 14, 2025, 05:42h.
Last updated on: January 15, 2025, 09:48h.
The Russian-born Czech poker player and former owner of King’s Resort, Leon Tsoukernik, is fighting for his life after a suspected drug overdose, according to local media reports.

Tsoukernik, 51, is believed to have collapsed after taking the powerful intravenous anesthetic Propofol. The drug can be used to induce general anesthesia or sedation, and is highly dangerous unless administered by a medical professional.
Serious Condition
Tsoukernik founded the King’s Resort in Rozvadov western Czechia, which claims to be Europe’s biggest cardroom with more than 160 tables. He sold his 60% stake in the business last year for an estimated US$400 million.
Responders were called to Tsoukernik’s home in Chodová Planá on Tuesday night where they found the businessman unconscious, according to Novinky.cz, the online arm of Czech national newspaper Právo.
He was airlifted to the hospital where he remains in a “serious condition,” according to Andrea Divišová, a spokesperson for the regional ambulance service.
Police said they had launched an investigation into “possible illegal actions” that may have occurred at Tsoukernik’s home.
The police commissioner has initiated criminal proceedings on suspicion of the commission of a particularly serious crime of grievous bodily harm. All circumstances of the case are subject to further investigation,” a spokesperson said.
When improperly administered, Propofol has been known to cause severe respiratory and cardiovascular complications. It was determined that Michael Jackson died of acute propofol intoxication, which was exacerbated by a cocktail of other drugs administered by Conrad Murray, his personal physician. Murray was later convicted of involuntary manslaughter in connection to the pop singer’s death.
Poker Champ
Tsournernik is a well-known face in the poker world, both as the former owner of King’s Resort, and as a player himself. Founded in 2003, the venue has hosted the World Series of Poker Europe since 2017.
Tsoukernik has almost $5.5 million in live tournament earnings. Career highlights include finishing fourth in the 2017 High Roller Bowl in Las Vegas for $1.8 million. And at the 2019 WSOPE at King’s Resort, he found himself heads up against one of the G.O.A.T.s, beating Phil Ivey in the NLH Short Deck Super High Roller event for $1.1 million.
The father of two is a former antiques dealer and art collector who, after leaving the gaming industry, said he would devote his time to pursuing new business ventures in the real estate sector. Tsoukernik also plans to finance the building of a synagogue in his hometown.
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Last Comment ( 1 )
Wishing you a swift recovery soon Such a visionary legendary Man!