Billionaire Profile
Igor Bukhman
Global Rank
#218

Image: Unsplash Contributor | Unsplash License | via Unsplash

Igor Bukhman

CEO, Online games
ISRAEL
Real-Time Net Worth
$13.572B
Estimated based on Online games stock value as of April 20, 2026
0% (24h)
Age
43
Source
Online games
Industry
Technology
Citizenship
ISRAEL

Biography

Igor Bukhman, a Russian-born Israeli entrepreneur, is a co-founder of Playrix, a leading mobile gaming company. His estimated net worth is $13.6 billion, derived primarily from the success of Playrix's online games, including popular titles like Gardenscapes and Homescapes. Bukhman, 43, began his career developing games with his brother Dmitry in the early 2000s, leading to the official founding of Playrix in 2004. Playrix's rise to prominence in the media-entertainment industry has solidified Bukhman's position as a self-made billionaire. The company's global reach and revenue have allowed him to also engage in philanthropic initiatives.

Fact Checked
Verified by Editorial Team
Live Data
Updated 4/20/2026

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Igor Bukhman was born on March 29, 1982, in Vologda, Soviet Union. From a young age, he showed a keen interest in programming. In 1999, he enrolled at the Vologda State Pedagogical Institute, specializing in Applied Mathematics.

Rise to Success

In 2001, Igor and his brother Dmitry started developing and selling PC games online. In 2004, the Bukhman brothers officially founded Playrix, initially focusing on casual PC games. Their early success came from understanding market trends. Playrix's games have been downloaded billions of times. In 2020, Playrix's revenue exploded to $1.75 billion in just eight months. Playrix was valued at $8 billion in 2021.

Key Business Strategies

Playrix's success comes from its free-to-play mobile games. They generate revenue through in-app purchases. The company has expanded through acquisitions of other game studios. Playrix has a large global presence with offices in multiple countries.

Philanthropy

Igor and his brother, through The Bukhman Family Foundation, are involved in philanthropic efforts, including funding for type 1 diabetes research and supporting education and the arts.

Career Milestones

2001

Began Developing Online Games

Igor and his brother, Dmitry, started developing and selling PC games online.

2004

Founded Playrix

Officially founded Playrix, focusing on casual PC games.

2012

Shifted Focus to Mobile Games

Playrix shifted its focus to mobile games with Township.

2018

Invested in Nexters

Playrix acquired a 43% stake in Nexters.

2019

Acquired Multiple Studios

Playrix acquired the Armenian studio Plexonic and the Serbian studio Eipix Entertainment.

2023

Established the Bukhman Foundation

The Bukhman Foundation was established to support research, education, arts & culture.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Medical Research

Type 1 Diabetes Research

$125M

The Bukhman Foundation is committed to funding groundbreaking research to accelerate new treatments and a cure for type 1 diabetes.

Arts & Culture

Arts & Culture

Undisclosed

Support for the arts, including a commission at the Tate Britain gallery.

Education

Education

Undisclosed

Support for educational initiatives.

Business Philosophy & Leadership

Notable Quotes

"“We are constantly adding new stories, different game mechanics, and levels to our games, and people are playing them for years.”"

Leadership Principles

Focus on Long-Term Engagement

Creating games that constantly add new content and features to retain players for years.

Strategic Marketing

Capitalizing on lower advertising costs to increase marketing reach and attract new gamers.

Building a Strong Team

Recognizing the importance of a talented and devoted team.