Leon Tsoukernik, owner of King’s Resort, Europe’s largest poker venue and home of the World Series of Poker Europe (WSOPE), has announced his departure from the casino business. He has sold the King’s Resort Rozvadov, King’s Resort Hotel, King’s Casino Prague, and the Admiral Casino Rozvadov.
As reported by the prominent German poker site Hochgepokert, the Czech entrepreneur sold most of his estimated 60% share to other stakeholders, including Scott Hanna, a long-time member of the King’s team since its inception in 2003. According to reports, the deal is worth between €300 and €400 million.
Tsoukernik is now looking forward to having more family time and starting a new business. However, his journey with the casino business has ended for now, but he will continue playing poker at King’s.
As per a press release by King’s Resort, Tsoukernik plans to dedicate his time to focusing on the real sector and fulfilling his long-time dream of constructing a Jewish synagogue in Mariánské Lázně.
Scott Hanna met Tsoukernik in 1993 and quickly became friends. In 2002, both of them founded Kings Entertainment with Tsoukernik leading the company. Just after a year, they opened Kings Casino Rozvadov. Tsoukernik played a big role in the growth of kings. It has become one of the largest casinos in Europe, and the hub of European poker action.
Future of World Series of Poker Europe
King’s hosted the first WSOPE in 2017. The connection between King’s Resort, Tsoukernik, and WSOP dates back to 2015, when the casino hosted the WSOP Circuit Stop for the first time.
Despite the recent changes, the World Series of Poker Europe will return this year from September 18 to October 9, featuring 15 bracelet events and €15 million in guaranteed prize pools.
Tsoukernik remains active in the poker scene, with over $5.3 million in live tournament earnings and a bracelet win in the 2019 WSOPE €100,000 Short deck event.
Image Credit: King’s Resort & Cardschat
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