Olga Iermolcheva: Literature Student Transforms to Live Poker Pro

With her signature calm demeanor and razor-sharp mind, Olga has become a force at the tables. She boasts multiple top-three finishes, including a runner-up at the 2023 WSOP Shootout, and has earned over $800,000 in live tournament winnings. Her six-figure cashes and deep runs show she’s playing her way up the ranks. “It was kind of a hook for me, and I’m still there,” Olga reflected. “I’m very passionate about the game.”

Here’s a summary of key details about Olga:

• Full Name: Olga Iermolcheva
• CoinPoker Username: Olga_Iermolcheva
• DOB: December 18, 1992
• Net Worth: Unknown.
• Live Poker Earnings: $837,638
• Playing Style: Calm, calculated No-Limit Hold’em tournament specialist, known for her bold, well-timed moves.

Olga doesn’t just bring a strong track record to the table—she’s also a passionate advocate for CoinPoker, helping drive the rise of crypto-powered online poker. As the top female player from Ukraine, her impact is widely felt in the poker world, from media circles to her deep connection with the player base. You can follow Olga’s journey and insights on social media, primarily on Instagram at @olga_iermolcheva.

What Was Olga Doing Before Poker?

Olga was born in 1992, grew up in Cherkasy, Ukraine, and never dreamed of becoming a professional poker player. She initially pursued higher education in the hopes of becoming an English professor, studying at the Bohdan Khmelnytsky National University of Cherkasy.

During her university years, she took on various part-time jobs. She’s mentioned that the most challenging aspect of these early work experiences was feeling that she had to rely on others, hinting at the independent spirit that would later drive her poker career. It was during this time that a classmate introduced her to poker, which quickly captivated her. This set her on an entirely new, unexpected, and ultimately rewarding path.

How Olga Became a Pro Player Over a Decade Ago

Her desire for independence fueled Olga Iermolcheva’s journey to professional poker. “My passion for poker started 12 years ago,” she recounts, adding, “I never wanted to work at the office, so it was my salvation”.

She started playing poker in 2011, focusing on No-Limit Hold’em cash games and tournaments. While she did enjoy some early successes, such as her first cash in 2012, her final commitment to the professional ranks solidified around 2015.

This period also marked a turning point, as Olga started reaping the rewards of her coaching with Ukrainian poker icon Eugene Katchalov. Although she was already playing at a high level, this guidance gave her a significant boost and helped elevate her game. Her appearance on “Game of Gold” in 2023 further cemented her status as a household name, showcasing her skill and unique playing style to a broader audience.

Olga’s Best Poker Moments and Biggest Wins

Olga Iermolcheva has forged an impressive poker career, marked by several significant scores and deep runs that showcase her consistency and skill. Her “breakthrough performance” truly arrived in May 2015 at the LAPT Panama Main Event, where she secured a runner-up finish, earning a substantial $113,580. This pivotal moment cemented her commitment to poker as a full-time profession.

Following that initial six-figure score, Olga has continued to rack up notable cashes. In July 2023, she came tantalizingly close to a coveted WSOP bracelet, placing 3rd in the $1,500 No-Limit Hold’em Shootout for $109,780.

Other significant achievements include a 4th-place finish in the $2,000 Venetian DeepStack Championship Ultimate Bounty in June 2022, netting her $95,494. She’s also won 2nd place at the $1,000 WPT Ladies World Championship in December 2022, adding $70,008 to her impressive live earnings. By consistently reaching final tables, Olga carved out a reputation as a relentless force and someone no opponent could take lightly.

What’s Olga’s Poker Playing Style?

Olga is widely known for her calm and calculated playing style, particularly in No-Limit Hold’em tournaments. She’s not one for reckless aggression. Instead, her approach is often deliberate, aiming to exploit her opponents’ tendencies. A key aspect of her strategy, highlighted by Daniel Negreanu on “Game of Gold,” is her ability to leverage being underestimated.

She’s adept at making bold, unexpected moves, such as a 3-bet with a seemingly weak hand or a large calldown with a marginal holding, which often catches opponents off guard. Her ability to make bold, unconventional moves when the moment calls for it sets her apart from the rest of the field. Combined with her calm, confident table presence, this makes her a dangerous opponent who’s quick to punish anyone who underestimates her.

Joining CoinPoker and Becoming an Ambassador

At EPT Barcelona in September 2024, the big news broke that Olga was set to become an ambassador for CoinPoker. “CoinPoker is where poker meets the future,” she said, reflecting her bold vision for the game. Our brand has also attracted elite names, such as Mario Mosböck and BenCB, reinforcing its growing reputation at the top levels of the sport.

This partnership highlights Olga’s growing influence as a global ambassador for the game, allowing her to represent the future of poker through a crypto-first lens. In this role, she engages with a worldwide audience and champions her skills on the online felt. She also plays an active part in promoting innovation across the poker landscape. It’s a collaboration that perfectly aligns with her passion for advancing the game.

What’s Olga’s Plan for the Future?

Olga Iermolcheva’s future in poker is less about a rigid five-year plan and more about continuous evolution within a game she deeply loves. She views poker not just as a profession, but as a space where “people from all walks of life come together to share a passion for competition.” It’s a clear expression of her drive to keep growing as a player, while staying deeply connected to the community that fuels her passion for the game.

We expect Olga to remain a prominent figure on the tournament circuit, actively engaging with fans and continually pushing the limits of her own game. At the same time, she fully embraces the lifestyle that poker has to offer. Her advice to new players, “Don’t be afraid to make mistakes and play more and more hands,” captures the spirit of her journey and reflects her belief that growth comes through fearless experience and relentless practice.