One of poker’s most enduring couples gambles on the future as a permanent couple
Two of poker’s most recognizable figures have officially tied the knot — and in true nontraditional fashion. Liv Boeree and Igor Kurganov, long regarded as one of the game’s ultimate power couples, were married at Burning Man, the annual counterculture festival in Nevada’s Black Rock Desert.
We got married at our favourite place on earth: Burning Man. Will post the “official” pro pics in due course but in the meantime here are a few candids 😉 pic.twitter.com/0tHoINagZU
— Liv Boeree (@Liv_Boeree) September 1, 2025
The couple’s wedding reflected the eccentric spirit of the event, with photos circulating on social media showing Boeree wielding a flamethrower in her bridal attire and Kurganov dressed in an outfit reminiscent of a steampunk circus ringleader. The ceremony fit perfectly with their reputation for doing things differently, blending the worlds of poker, science, art, and adventure.
Both Boeree and Kurganov left a lasting mark on the poker world before stepping into broader roles beyond the felt. Boeree, who won the European Poker Tour Sanremo Main Event in 2010, became one of the most visible ambassadors in poker, using her platform to discuss strategy, science, and eventually larger societal issues. In recent years, she has focused on public outreach in the science and technology space, speaking out about the risks of artificial intelligence.
Kurganov, meanwhile, was an early fixture in the high roller scene, earning millions in tournaments worldwide and co-founding Raising for Effective Giving (REG), a poker-driven charity initiative. More recently, he has taken on a role overseeing philanthropic projects for Elon Musk.
The two are no strangers to sharing success together. In 2017, they captured World Series of Poker Tag Team bracelets as partners, a moment many fans joked was a bigger commitment than marriage itself. Boeree has also kept a competitive edge in poker, finishing fourth in the 2024 WSOP Paradise Main Event for $2.8 million — the largest tournament score ever by a female player at the time.
