King of Casinos Has ‘Second Life’ After Alleged Overdose Led to 40-Hour Coma

_{Former King’s Resort owner, Leon Tsoukernik, still recovering after a 40-hour coma. (Image: Wikipedia)}

A prominent former casino destination owner who reportedly took an overdose of the same drug that killed pop legend Michael Jackson has said that he is feeling ‘fantastic’ after emerging from a 40-hour coma.  

Leon Tsoukernik Former King's Resort owner collapsed at his home earlier this month and was hospitalised in a critical condition. The resort has been home to the World Series of Poker Europe (WSOPE). 

The casino boasts a wide selection of over 15 live casino games at 40 tables, such as craps, roulette, blackjack and over 300 slots.

Businessman Thanked Doctors for Saving his Life 

In an interview with Zdravko Krstanov, the editor in Chief of the Czech publication Forbes Cesko, the businessman said he felt ‘better than before.’

It is understood that he was hospitalised on January 14 following an incident in which there was an improper administration of the drug ‘propofol. The 51-year-old businessman awoke from the coma on January 17.

Tsoukernik reportedly told the Czech publication that he had ‘memories of things he had long forgotten. He thanked doctors at the Clinic of Anaesthesiology, Resuscitation and Intensive Care Medicine at the University Hospital Pilsen for saving his life.

Drug Used Believed to be Same That Killed Pop Idol Michael Jackson 

On June 25, 2009, the American singer Michael Jackson died of acute propofol intoxication in Los Angeles, California, at the age of 50. Dr. Conrad Murray was convicted of involuntary manslaughter in 2011.

Police are now investigating the possibility of ‘illegal behaviour’ relating to Tsoukernik's overdose. 

Police spokesperson Iva Vršecká said, "We are investigating possible illegal behaviour that may have occurred at an undetermined time in Chodová Planá."  

The former resort owner told the publication that his wife, Sandra, had stayed at his bedside the entire time and that the doctor had given him a ‘second life.’

Success as Businessman and Poker Player 

Tsoukernik, who is a long-standing businessman and poker player, sold his stake in the European poker venue for around €400 million in July 2024.

The man given the title of "the King of Casinos" is said to have amassed over $5.4 million in Hendon Mob tournament earnings. His winnings placed him at fourth on the Czech Republic all-time money list.