The waves of the Mediterranean lapped gently against the rocky shores of Monte Carlo as a new name etched itself into the annals of poker greatness. For Chris Nguyen, this wasn’t just another final table—it was the culmination of years of grinding, studying, and dreaming. As the sun dipped below the skyline of Monaco, Nguyen sat under the bright lights at the European Poker Tour Monte Carlo Super High Roller final table, holding his breath, staring at the final river card. Moments later, with the pot pushed his way, he wasn’t just a poker player anymore—he was a champion.
Nguyen’s extraordinary run through one of the most prestigious tournaments on the calendar marked a defining moment in his career. With surgical precision and unshakable composure, he battled through a field brimming with elite talent to seize the EPT Monte Carlo Super High Roller title and the whopping €2,030,000 (approx. $2.3 million) top prize.
The Event: A Clash of Titans
The 2025 European Poker Tour (EPT) Monte Carlo Super High Roller carried a €100,000 buy-in, drawing 46 entries and creating a prize pool of over €4.4 million. As expected from an event of this caliber, the field was a who’s who of the poker elite—Daniel Dvoress, Mikita Badziakouski, Steve O’Dwyer, and Adrian Mateos, just to name a few.
But it was Chris Nguyen, a name less familiar to casual poker fans but well-respected among high-stakes regulars, who carved a path through this minefield of sharks. Nguyen showed the perfect blend of patience, aggression, and psychological stamina—a true masterclass in tournament poker.
The Final Table: Nguyen’s Composure Under Pressure
Nguyen entered the final table facing stiff competition. With Daniel Dvoress looking to lock up another EPT title and Adrian Mateos, one of the most feared players in Europe, eyeing the crown, the stakes couldn’t have been higher.
Nguyen, however, played like a man possessed. He picked his spots with pinpoint accuracy, avoiding unnecessary showdowns and taking control of key pots. His final heads-up opponent, Steve O’Dwyer, is a veteran with over $38 million in lifetime earnings, but even O’Dwyer couldn’t crack Nguyen’s armor.
The final hand was symbolic. O’Dwyer moved in with a short stack holding queen-jack, only to be called by Nguyen’s dominant ace-jack. The board ran clean, and with a fist pump and a relieved smile, Nguyen was crowned champion.
Payouts and Final Table Results
Here’s a breakdown of the final payouts from the EPT Monte Carlo Super High Roller:
- 🥇 Chris Nguyen – €2,030,000 (~$2.3 million)
- 🥈 Steve O’Dwyer – €1,263,000
- 🥉 Adrian Mateos – €882,000
- 4th: Mikita Badziakouski – €669,000
- 5th: Pascal Lefrancois – €519,000
- 6th: Daniel Dvoress – €408,500
This victory catapults Nguyen into the spotlight and significantly boosts his career earnings, marking his largest cash to date.
Chris Nguyen: The Silent Grinder Who Roared
Before this breakout win, Chris Nguyen was better known in poker circles than in headlines. Quiet, focused, and meticulous in his preparation, Nguyen had been working tirelessly behind the scenes, grinding high-stakes events and learning from each one.
His win at Monte Carlo isn’t just a big payday—it’s validation. It’s the proof that hard work, humility, and unwavering discipline still matter in an era where flashy bluffs often dominate the highlight reels.
What This Means for the Global Poker Scene
Nguyen’s triumph is another sign of the increasing depth and talent in the global poker pool. The European Poker Tour Monte Carlo 2025 was not short on star power, but it was a lesser-known name that rose above them all. This changing of the guard could signal a new era of poker, where emerging talents regularly challenge the old guard.
Moreover, the success of the EPT Monte Carlo underscores poker’s thriving status in Europe. With luxurious venues, record-breaking prize pools, and a competitive field, poker in Europe remains a beacon for both amateurs and professionals.
Final Thoughts
Chris Nguyen’s story isn’t just one of victory; it’s one of perseverance, calculated risk, and belief. In a tournament stacked with giants, he stood tallest. As the poker world looks ahead to the next major events, Nguyen’s name will now be mentioned in the same breath as the game’s greats.
His win is a reminder that in poker—as in life—grit, patience, and perfect timing can change everything.
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News and image Source – cardplayer
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