Ilari Sahamies biography
Ilari Sahamies was born on 2 February 1983 in Helsinki. He first played poker at 15 in a home game at Patrik Antonius's house, won two Finnish junior billiards titles and became a professional poker player at about 20, a couple of years after his first visit to Grand Casino Helsinki.
Under the online screen name Ziigmund on Full Tilt Poker, and as Ilari FIN on PokerStars, he became one of the best-known high-stakes pot-limit Omaha cash game players of the online boom, with tracked profits of about $3.7 million by 2012. His swings were famous: he has said he lost more than $3 million over four years by playing while drinking, including $700,000 in a single day. He also appeared on High Stakes Poker and Poker After Dark and became known for his trash talk at the table.
In tournaments he has made three European Poker Tour final tables and has about $2.1 million in live earnings. He co-founded the poker site Coinflip.com with Sami Kelopuro, and in 2014 he paid €50,000 at an online auction to join the Finnish hip hop group Teflon Brothers.
Career summary
Known online as Ziigmund, Finland's Ilari Sahamies is a high-stakes pot-limit Omaha cash game player famous for his swings and his trash talk.
Ilari Sahamies playing style
Sahamies is a hyper-aggressive pot-limit Omaha player who thrives on huge pots and psychological pressure.
Cash games
High-stakes pot-limit Omaha cash game regular online, with tracked profits of about $3.7 million on Full Tilt Poker and PokerStars by 2012; appeared on High Stakes Poker and Poker After Dark.
Business & sponsorships
Co-founder of the poker site Coinflip.com with Sami Kelopuro.
Why Ilari matters
Ilari Sahamies, known online as Ziigmund, became one of the most colourful characters of the online high-stakes boom, famous for huge pot-limit Omaha swings and trash talk.
FAQ about Ilari Sahamies
What is Ilari Sahamies' online nickname?
Ziigmund on Full Tilt Poker; he has also played as Ilari FIN on PokerStars.
What game does Ilari Sahamies play?
Mainly high-stakes pot-limit Omaha cash games.
How much has Ilari Sahamies won playing poker?
Ilari Sahamies has won $2,100,000+ in live tournament earnings.
How many WSOP bracelets does Ilari Sahamies have?
Ilari Sahamies has not won a WSOP bracelet yet.
