Poker is of course one of the most popular games today, played all over the world.
Making at least some money playing Poker is relatively easy - but being a pro is a different matter altogether.
That said, there are a handful of Finnish players who have managed to build up a successful career, not to mention a very healthy bankroll, at the Poker tables.
Let’s look at some of the top Finnish players of the moment…
Patrick “Pate” Antonius kicks off our list with total career wins of $5,134,761. In fact Antonius is considered to be one of the best online players in the world right now.
He started out both as a male model and tennis coach, before making the switch to Poker in 2002.
Just a couple of years later in 2005 he had an incredible year, winning big in 8 important tournaments, including the prestigious European Poker Tour (EPT). Antonius is now based in Monaco (naturally!).
Next up is the massively talented Juha Helppi, with total winnings of $4,096,281 to date.
Helppi’s career began on the other side of the table, working as a dealer, after which he seamlessly transitioned to being a player back in 2000. With 12 victories to his name, he is the only Finnish World Poker Tour winner to date.
In 3rd place comes Jani “Hellraiser” Sointula, who has won a total of $2,119,638, including his winnings from the Monte Carlo Millions when he beat Juha Helppi (see above) in the process.
Sointula came away with $400,000 after this memorable heads-up between the 2 champs.
In 4th place is Kimmo Kurko, a youthful prodigy who has already amassed $1,980,608 for himself.
Internationally recognized for his calm and collected style, he won the EPTÂ in 2013, cashing out a whopping 750,000 (note - Euros).
One of the most popular online player is without a doubt Ilari Sahamies, aka “Ziigmund”.
Famous for his aggressive style of playing, this legendarily unpredictable player boasts $1,770,830 to his name, and thus takes up his place at 5th on our list.
In  6th place comes the first Finnish representative of PokerStars Pro, Ville Wahlbeck.
Wahlbeck has cashed-out 12 times playing in the World Series of Poker (WSOP) and his biggest single win up to now has been $10,000.
Making up the rest of our Top Ten Finnish Poker Money Winners is, in order of winnings, Joni Jouhkimainen with $1,647,285, Jens Kyllönen ($1,504,266), Thomas Wahlroos ($1,436,020) and finally the indomitable Kalle Niemi with a total of $1,318,323.