In the ever-competitive world of online poker, comebacks are rare, and miracles even rarer. But Denys Chufarin, a GGPoker ambassador and rising Ukrainian poker star, delivered both in one unforgettable performance.
After falling to under 10 big blinds at the final table of the GGMillion$, Chufarin fought back with perfect timing, unshakeable discipline, and a touch of good fortune to pull off an epic comeback and claim the $336,740 top prize. The streamer’s victory was a testament to both his technical mastery and mental toughness — qualities that have made him one of the most respected voices in GGPoker’s ambassador lineup.
The GGMillion$: Poker’s Ultimate Weekly Arena
The GGMillion$ stands as one of GGPoker’s most prestigious weekly events, regularly attracting a field filled with world-class talent. With its $10,300 buy-in and massive prize pools, the tournament has become synonymous with elite-level competition and cutting-edge poker strategy.
This week’s edition was no exception. The final nine featured an incredible mix of online legends and live crushers — the kind of lineup where every single hand feels like a battle of wills. Among them were Michael Addamo, widely considered one of the most dangerous tournament players alive; Mikita Badziakouski, the Belarusian high-stakes powerhouse; and Andrew Wilson, one of the most consistent European performers in recent memory.
For Denys Chufarin, sitting among these giants was nothing new — but what followed made this particular final table one for the history books.
The Final Table Lineup
| Position | Player | Payout |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Denys Chufarin | $336,740 |
| 2 | Ilya Anatski | $264,033 |
| 3 | Michael Addamo | $207,024 |
| 4 | Nikita Kalinin | $162,324 |
| 5 | Gabriel Tavares | $127,276 |
| 6 | A. Piekazewicz | $99,794 |
| 7 | M. Badziakouski | $78,247 |
| 8 | Chris Klodnicki | $61,352 |
| 9 | Andrew Wilson | $48,105 |
Down but Never Out
The early stages of the final table saw a flurry of eliminations as aggressive pre-flop wars unfolded between Addamo, Badziakouski, and Anatski. Chufarin, meanwhile, struggled to find traction. A series of tough spots and missed flops sent his stack plummeting to under 10 big blinds, leaving him in what looked like a hopeless position.
But instead of surrendering to pressure, the Ukrainian switched gears. He slowed the pace, carefully picking his shove spots and re-steals to chip back up. His understanding of ICM dynamics — a critical skill at elite final tables — allowed him to stay patient as larger stacks clashed.
As the blinds climbed, Chufarin’s confidence visibly grew. What had begun as a desperate survival mission turned into a calculated march toward victory.
The Turning Point
By the time play was down to four-handed, Chufarin had transformed from the short stack into a legitimate threat. He used his growing chip position to apply relentless pressure, picking up several uncontested pots and forcing difficult folds from players accustomed to dictating the action.
When Michael Addamo was eventually eliminated in third place, it left Chufarin heads-up against Ilya Anatski — a talented Belarusian pro known for his aggressive and unpredictable style. Both players were deep enough to make post-flop play matter, and the atmosphere in the GGPoker.TV broadcast, hosted by Jeff Gross and Joe Cada, was electric.
The Final Hand
The heads-up duel didn’t last long, but it was one for the highlight reels.
Chufarin picked up 8♠6♥ and flopped a straight on a 5♠7♥9♦ board, while Anatski held A♦2♥ — a hand that would have looked promising once the A♣ hit the turn. By the river, the 2♣ gave Anatski two pair, but it was too little, too late.
Chufarin’s straight held strong, and as the virtual chips slid his way, the chat erupted in celebration. The GGPoker ambassadors on stream were ecstatic — a teammate had just completed one of the most dramatic comebacks in GGMillion$ history.
For Chufarin, it was more than just another title; it was proof that perseverance and preparation can conquer even the steepest of odds.
Streamer, Ambassador, and Poker Visionary
Over the past few years, Denys Chufarin has built a reputation that bridges two worlds — the analytical grind of high-stakes poker and the creative art of content creation.
As a GGPoker ambassador, he represents a new generation of poker professionals: players who don’t just chase trophies, but also share their journey with a growing audience of fans and learners. His live streams, filled with humor, honesty, and deep strategic insight, have made him one of the most relatable figures in the game.
Winning the GGMillion$ only reinforces that dual legacy — he’s not just a face of the brand, but one of its fiercest competitors. The victory also places him alongside names like Benjamin Rolle and João Vieira, who have previously claimed GGMillion$ titles as ambassadors, symbolizing the blend of community, excellence, and global reach that defines GGPoker.
A Win That Resonates Beyond the Tables
In a field where the margins between victory and defeat are razor-thin, Chufarin’s GGMillion$ win stands out as an inspiring reminder of poker’s timeless truth: it’s never over until it’s over.
His underdog-to-champion story mirrors what makes the game so captivating — the constant dance between skill, variance, and sheer willpower. As he lifted the virtual trophy, fans across GGPoker’s Twitch and YouTube channels celebrated not just the win, but the story behind it.
For many, this victory symbolizes the rise of a modern poker personality — one who plays, teaches, and inspires all at once.
Final Thoughts
From the edge of elimination to the top of the mountain, Denys Chufarin’s $336,740 GGMillion$ victory will be remembered as one of the most dramatic turnarounds in recent online poker history.
Against a field stacked with legends, he combined technical expertise, fearless execution, and mental resilience to secure his biggest win yet. And for GGPoker, the triumph of one of its ambassadors serves as yet another example of how the game continues to evolve — where entertainment and excellence walk hand in hand.
For Chufarin, this win is more than just a payout. It’s a statement: a reminder that champions aren’t just built on big stacks and big hands, but on courage when the odds are against you.
About BetterPokerNews
BetterPokerNews brings you the latest updates, tournament coverage, and insights from the global poker world — spanning online high rollers, WSOP results, and regional tours.