The champagne had barely dried on the winner’s check when the whispers began. It should’ve been Aleksandr Shevliakov’s crowning moment — triumphing at the EPT Monte Carlo 2025 Main Event, pocketing a life-changing €1,000,000+ payday, and etching his name into European poker history. But as cameras rolled and fans celebrated, a controversial moment during heads-up play ignited debate across the poker world.
A hand that looked routine to the untrained eye quickly spiraled into a flashpoint. Accusations of angle shooting surfaced, turning Shevliakov’s victory lap into a defensive press run. But in the true spirit of a champion, Shevliakov didn’t dodge the heat — he met it head-on.
What Happened at the EPT Monte Carlo Final Table?
With just two players left at the star-studded EPT Monte Carlo 2025 final table, Aleksandr Shevliakov faced off against Jonathan Pastore for the title. The tournament had drawn elite talent from across the globe, and after days of grueling play, only these two remained.
In a crucial hand, Shevliakov made a gesture that sparked controversy. After facing a river bet from Pastore, Shevliakov appeared to motion toward calling — a subtle forward motion with chips — before pulling them back. He paused, then eventually made the call, winning the hand.
Many watching saw this as a possible angle shoot — an unethical attempt to extract information from an opponent by feigning a move. In a high-stakes moment like this, the perception of unfair advantage struck a chord with the poker community.
Shevliakov’s Response: “No Angles, No Tricks”
After the win, Shevliakov took the high road. Rather than deflect, he openly addressed the controversy in a post-victory interview:
“There were no angles, no tricks. It wasn’t my intention to mislead. I had a tough decision, and I was in the middle of processing it. I made a motion, sure, but I wasn’t trying to fake or manipulate.”
He added that the pressure of the moment and the enormity of the pot led to an involuntary gesture — one that any poker player could empathize with. His statement struck a balance between transparency and sincerity, something that resonated with many seasoned pros.
What Is Angle Shooting in Poker — And Why Does It Matter?
Angle shooting is one of the most debated topics in the poker world. While not always explicitly against the rules, it walks the fine line between clever strategy and unethical behavior. Common forms include fake folds, misrepresenting chip counts, or false gestures like fake calls — exactly what Shevliakov was accused of.
In professional poker, especially in marquee events like the European Poker Tour, players are held to a higher ethical standard. The integrity of the game — and the trust between competitors — is paramount.
What makes this particular case complex is that intent matters more than action. Was Shevliakov trying to deceive Pastore? Or was he simply caught in a difficult spot, his body language betraying inner tension?
Community Reaction: Divided But Civil
Poker Twitter and Reddit lit up almost immediately after the final hand aired. While some labeled Shevliakov’s move a textbook angle shoot, others jumped to his defense.
Several high-profile players chimed in:
- Daniel Negreanu tweeted, “Tough spot. We’ve all made weird gestures under pressure. Doesn’t look like an intentional angle to me.”
- Others, like poker coach Matt Berkey, urged for clearer rulings on forward chip motion during televised events to avoid future confusion.
The community, while split, largely agreed that clarity in rules and better dealer enforcement could help prevent such incidents from escalating.
What This Means for Poker’s Image
The incident underscores an ongoing challenge for the poker industry: how to balance gamesmanship with integrity, especially on the game’s biggest stages. Poker, unlike chess, has a psychological dimension. Players use timing, posture, and even silence as tools of strategy. But when those tools edge into deception, the line becomes blurry.
EPT and PokerStars officials declined to comment on the specific hand but reiterated their commitment to maintaining the highest standards of fairness.
This controversy, while unfortunate, also reveals the maturity of the poker community. Rather than a toxic pile-on, most responses were measured, seeking understanding over outrage.
A Champion’s Journey, Not Just a Controversy
Let’s not forget what Aleksandr Shevliakov accomplished. The Russian grinder battled through one of the toughest fields in Europe, with legends and rising stars alike standing between him and the trophy.
Throughout the tournament, Shevliakov demonstrated discipline, stamina, and world-class decision-making. He earned his title through sharp reads and fearless play — not trickery. And in addressing the incident immediately and with humility, he showed the kind of character the game needs more of.
Final Thoughts: Poker’s Ongoing Evolution
As poker continues to evolve — both online and live — the spotlight on player behavior will only grow brighter. Incidents like this remind us that the game isn’t just about cards and chips. It’s about trust, ethics, and respect between players.
Aleksandr Shevliakov’s victory at EPT Monte Carlo 2025 will be remembered not just for the cards he played, but for the way he handled the aftermath. “No angles, no tricks,” may just become a new mantra for champions who win with both skill and integrity.
Sources:
- PokerNews
- Twitter reactions from Daniel Negreanu and Matt Berkey
- EPT Monte Carlo 2025 coverage
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