Leon Tsoukernik’s serious problems: Why did the former owner of King’s end up in the hospital?

In mid-January, Leon Tsoukernik ended up in the hospital. The media reported at the time that the businessman had overdosed on the same drug that was administered to Michael Jackson.

About two weeks ago, news of Leon Tsoukernik’s serious condition spread through the media. The Czech businessman ended up in the hospital after collapsing at his home. News outlets reported at the time that this had resulted from the unprofessional administration of the drug proponol, the same drug that killed Michael Jackson. The Czech police investigated Tsoukernik’s drug overdose, suspecting that some illegal activity had taken place.

40 hours in a coma

Czech media have now reported that Tsoukernik woke up after spending 40 hours in a coma. This happened around January 17. Apparently, he felt very well and even… remembered things he had not recalled in a long time. Tsoukernik thanked the doctors at the University Hospital in Pilsen for saving his life. "These wonderful people gave me a second life. I would like to thank Professor Benes above all. I would also like to thank my wife Sandra, who spent days and nights by my side. That certainly had a major impact."

Leon Tsoukernik has not been the owner of King’s for several months now. He sold it in the summer of 2024 for approximately €400 million. Poker continues as normal at the casino. Tournaments are held there, including the World Series of Poker Europe. Tsoukernik was once called the "king of casinos." He has some poker results of his own. He is fourth on the Hendon Mob list for the Czech Republic, behind Martin Staszko, Roman Hrabec, and Martin Kabrhel. He has $5.4 million in cashes.

It is possible that we will see the Czech player at the poker tables again someday. In September of last year, he finished fourth in a $25,000 tournament at the WSOPE in Rozvadov, earning €98,200. After selling King’s in Rozvadov, he said that he did not intend to continue operating in the gaming sector, but would pursue other business ventures.