He is known in China as the "Tai Chi Master" because of his superb all-around style, both offensive and defensive.

[6] Samsonov competed at six consecutive Olympics between 1996 and 2016, placing fourth individually in 2016, in addition to equal fifth in 1996 and 2000.

[7] He started playing for European top division clubs in 1994, when he signed with Borussia Düsseldorf, then six years later joined Royal Charleroi in Belgium.

[5] He used to hold the distinction of being the player with most ITTF Pro/World Tour titles (27)[8] until Ma Long surpassed him (28).

Samsonov was awarded the Richard Bergmann Fair Play Trophy at the world championships a record three times, in 2003, 2007 and 2013.