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EPT MONTE-CARLO 2025 : The crowning of a man on fire?
2025-05-09 - Fabien RICHARD
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In the legendary setting of the Sporting Club de Monte-Carlo, the dream of a million euros is drawing closer for eighteen die-hard poker gladiators.

He started in the shadows of the pack… Russian player Aleksandr Shevliakov has emerged as the boss of the tournament. An unexpected run, ice-cold composure, and here he is as the chipleader heading into Day 5.

 

A legendary straight run for Shevliakov, Angelov chases legacy

 

 

If one had to embody resilience and flair in a single day of poker, Aleksandr Shevliakov’s performance would be the perfect example. Far from being a favorite at the start of Day 4, the Russian played flawlessly to climb to the top with 4 million chips, or 100 big blinds as bags were sealed.

The turning point? A brutal showdown with Kestutis Jungevicius, where his aces held for a crucial double-up. From there, it snowballed: a successful bluff against Stoyan Obreshkov, a fat value paid off by Charles La Boissonnière, and finally the symbolic elimination of early chip leader Matthew Davenport.

Behind him, Italian player Diego De Martino stayed close with 3,650,000, thanks to a miraculous river one-outer against Jungevicius — a lone king left in the deck. Ukrainian Khossein Kokhestani completed the provisional podium with his classic, efficient style.

But many eyes are on a familiar name: Boris Angelov. Last year's runner-up, the Bulgarian is hungry for redemption and currently sits 4th with 3,450,000 chips. A model of consistency, he endured a six-hour heads-up marathon in 2024. Can he go all the way this year and finally lift the trophy?

Other serious contenders include Enrico Coppola (5th) and Andreas Goeller (6th), who both clawed their way back from difficult spots. Goeller, in particular, was nearly out on Day 3 before surging back into the top six.

Lower in the chip counts, Mateusz Moolhuizen, Artem Shaganov, and Jamil Wakil will have to battle with shorter stacks, but remain dangerous opponents.

Frenchman Malcolm Franchi, the last remaining tricolour, is 14th with 1,030,000 chips, carrying the hopes of a nation still waiting for the next ElkY.

Among the notable eliminations: Sebastian Malec (42nd), the 2016 EPT champion, Nacho Barbero (31st), and Juan Pardo (19th), who fell to a rising Coppola.

There were 1,195 players at the start. Now only 18 remain, still dreaming of the €1,000,000 top prize. All have locked up a minimum cash of €34,600, but each one is chasing greatness.

Day 5 begins on Friday, May 9 at noon, with blinds at 25000/50000/50000. The goal: reach the final six players before the ultimate battle at the final table.

 

FULL CHIP COUNT – END OF DAY 4:

Aleksandr Shevliakov (Russia) – 4,000,000

Diego De Martino (Italy) – 3,650,000

Khossein Kokhestani (Ukraine) – 3,590,000

Boris Angelov (Bulgaria) – 3,450,000

Enrico Coppola (Italy) – 3,180,000

Andreas Goeller (Italy) – 3,100,000

Miguel Capriles (Venezuela) – 2,205,000

Mateusz Moolhuizen (Netherlands) – 1,990,000

Artem Shaganov (Russia) – 1,615,000

Jamil Wakil (Canada) – 1,560,000

Leon Zeaiter (Germany) – 1,255,000

Kestutis Jungevicius (Lithuania) – 1,080,000

Mariusz Golinski (Poland) – 1,045,000

Malcolm Franchi (France) – 1,030,000

Mykhailo Demydenko (Ukraine) – 930,000

Stanislav Petriv (Ukraine) – 860,000

Manuel Cortada (Spain) – 845,000

 

All live chip counts and results on the Google Play app HERE or App Store HERE 

(Photo credit: PokerStars)

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