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Shevliakov Wins EPT Monte Carlo for $1.07M Amid Controversy
Shevliakov wins EPT Monte Carlo for $1,07M amid controversy, turning a low-stakes $570 satellite entry into a massive $1.07 million payday amid controversy. The event drew 1,195 entries, making it the second-largest in the history of PokerStars’ prominent European series.
Held at the iconic Sporting Monte-Carlo venue in Monaco, the $5,700 buy-in event brought together top players from Europe, North America, and around the world. For Shevliakov, the win marked a career-defining moment — but it wasn't without its share of drama, as accusations of angle shooting surfaced during the final stages of play.
Key Details of the Event
- Event: 2025 PokerStars EPT Monte Carlo Main Event
- Location: Sporting Monte-Carlo, Monaco
- Buy-in: €5,300 (approx. $5,700)
- Entries: 1,195
- Prize Pool: €5,781,000 (approx. $6.2 million)
- First Prize: €1,000,000 (approx. $1.07 million)
From Satellite Seat to Seven-Figure Score
Shevliakov, 37, is an IT professional originally from Saratov, Russia, now based in Slovenia. While he’s been grinding the European live circuit for years, this is his first major title and easily his biggest score. Prior to Monte Carlo, his total live tournament earnings were just over $1 million.
This victory came after a lengthy and high-pressure final table that featured six players from six different countries. After a four-hour battle, Shevliakov defeated Ukraine’s Khossein Kokhestani heads-up.
Final Table Results
| Place | Player | Country | Prize (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Aleksandr Shevliakov | Russia | $1,070,000 |
| 2 | Khossein Kokhestani | Ukraine | $658,000 |
| 3 | Boris Angelov | Bulgaria | $469,000 |
| 4 | Enrico Coppola | Italy | $361,000 |
| 5 | Mariusz Golinski | Poland | $278,000 |
| 6 | Jamil Wakil | Canada | $214,000 |
Final Table Controversy
Shevliakov’s win was clouded by a disputed hand during six-handed play involving Jamil Wakil. After Wakil opened to $270,000, Shevliakov attempted to raise to $350,000, which was ruled invalid because it did not meet the minimum raise requirement. A correction of $420,000 was made by the tournament staff.
Wakil then moved all-in with Q♣ J♣, possibly interpreting the initial action as weakness. Shevliakov quickly called with A♣ K♣ and held, sending Wakil to the rail in sixth.
Wakil accused Shevliakov of angle shooting, stating, “I am 100% certain this was an angle.” The moment generated a lot of debate across the poker community. Some supported Wakil’s view, while others chalked it up to a misunderstanding in a high-pressure spot.
Shevliakov Responds: “I Didn’t Mean Anything By It”
Shevliakov was quick to respond after the win, telling PokerNews that there was no malicious intent: “I had no idea what to do. I didn’t mean anything by it.”
He added that he respected Wakil’s reaction but maintained his innocence. “It was a misunderstanding, not a trick. I understand the moment was intense, but I played the hand straight.”
Though the hand stirred plenty of discussion online, it didn’t derail the event, and the Russian remained composed throughout the final table.
A Breakout Win Years in the Making
Despite the controversy, Shevliakov’s performance was clinical. Throughout the middle stages of the tournament, he steadily built his stack, making few mistakes along the way. Shevliakov’s heads-up match with Kokhestani demonstrated his patience and strategic depth, lasting nearly four hours and swinging numerous times.
Qualifying through a $570 online satellite makes the win even more impressive. Turning a small investment into a seven-figure payout is the kind of dream many U.S. online poker players chase.
What’s Next for the EPT Champion?
Sheliakov hasn’t revealed what comes next, but he’s hinted at making his way to the 2025 World Series of Poker in Las Vegas. If he does, U.S. fans may get a chance to see the man behind one of the most talked-about wins of the year in action.
Whether you view it as a clean victory or a gray area moment, there is no doubt that Aleksandr Shevliakov is now a champion of the EPT with over $2 million in live earnings to his name, and momentum that shows no signs of slowing.
For more coverage of the biggest poker events, check out our latest poker news.
Photographs taken by Manuel Kovsca for PokerNews in Monte Carlo.
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