Russian poker pro Aleksandr Shevliakov emerged victorious in the 2025 PokerStars European Poker Tour (EPT) Monte-Carlo Main Event, claiming the €1,000,000 first prize and the coveted Golden Shard trophy. But his triumph wasn’t without its share of drama.
Shevliakov’s journey to victory was marked by an intense focus that rivalled some of the greatest sports icons. Much like Ivan Drago from Rocky IV, Shevliakov seemed to be a man without emotion, taking control of the final table from the moment it began and never looking back. His steely resolve helped him overcome a number of close calls, but it was his near-perfect gameplay that ultimately delivered the title.
Tension at the Final Table
As the final table got underway, all eyes were on Shevliakov, who had dominated the earlier stages of the tournament. The Russian pro swiftly seized the chip lead and showed little sign of any nerves, despite the mounting pressure. At the other end of the table was Ukrainian amateur Khossein Kokhestani, who had stunned the poker world by making it this far. However, even as the heads-up match began, it was clear that Shevliakov’s experience and composure would make him a formidable adversary.
Kokhestani, despite playing brilliantly throughout the tournament, found himself at a disadvantage as Shevliakov methodically broke down his stack and capitalised on every misstep. The final hand came quickly, and after a tense few minutes, Shevliakov’s winning hand was revealed—making him the last player standing after an epic contest.
A Shadow of Controversy
However, the victory did not come without controversy. Some observers had raised questions about Shevliakov’s previous tournament history, with murmurs surrounding certain actions and decisions he had made in earlier events. These allegations didn’t seem to faze Shevliakov, who remained silent amidst the whispers and focused solely on his poker game.
Poker professionals and fans alike had hoped for an exciting and clean competition, but the tournament was clouded by some accusations about Shevliakov’s conduct in earlier hands. Despite this, the Russian kept his cool, focusing on his cards and pushing forward with no sign of the storm brewing in the background.
The Final Hand
When it finally came to the heads-up duel, Shevliakov and Kokhestani were both aware of the stakes. The crowd gathered at the Monte-Carlo casino knew this was going to be an intense finale. Kokhestani, playing aggressively to try and close the gap, looked set to pull off a surprising comeback.
However, Shevliakov’s superior poker IQ prevailed. He kept his aggression in check and played with unmatched precision. A final river card sealed the fate of both players, with Shevliakov’s straight flush pushing him over the top to claim the €1,000,000 prize and the EPT title.
Celebration and the Future
After the victory, Shevliakov was presented with the Golden Shard trophy, a symbol of his prowess in the game. He posed for the customary winner’s photo, but his emotions were tempered—no tears, no smiles, just a calm, collected nod of acknowledgment. It’s clear that Shevliakov is a player who thrives under pressure and doesn’t let the weight of the moment cloud his focus.
The victory at Monte-Carlo solidifies Shevliakov’s place among the elite in poker, further cementing his reputation as a player to watch. Whether his win will quiet the critics or fuel further controversy remains to be seen. But for now, the poker world is watching closely as Shevliakov sets his sights on future tournaments and challenges.
Poker’s Newest Champion
For Khossein Kokhestani, the runner-up finish is still an impressive feat. The 28-year-old amateur from Ukraine played a brilliant game but was ultimately undone by Shevliakov’s precision and poise. He took home a €600,000 prize, which will undoubtedly go a long way in helping him continue to improve his game.
In terms of the 2025 PokerStars European Poker Tour Monte-Carlo Main Event, this was a tournament to remember. From Shevliakov’s dominant performance to the last-minute controversies that seemed to swirl around him, this event was as dramatic as it was exciting.
Will this be the beginning of a new era for Shevliakov? Only time will tell. But for now, he is the proud owner of the coveted Golden Shard trophy, €1,000,000 richer, and one of the most talked-about players on the poker circuit.
