Alexandros Theologis, the Greek high-stakes poker regular, made a name for himself at the 2025 PokerStars European Poker Tour (EPT) Malta, claiming victory in the €100,000 buy-in No-Limit Hold’em Super High Roller. His performance not only earned him a remarkable $908,154 but also secured his first major live tournament win—a milestone he had been chasing for years.
Theologis, a player who regularly dominates online poker’s biggest events, had previously amassed over $8 million in lifetime earnings, but this victory on the Pokerstar’s EPT stage marked a new chapter in his illustrious career. His journey to this victory was a thrilling one, full of intense hands, strategic maneuvers, and the kind of high-pressure moments that make poker a compelling spectacle.
A Monumental Achievement
“I’ve never actually won a high-stakes live tournament before, especially with a trophy,” Theologis admitted with a smile after the victory, reflecting on the significance of this win. His largest previous success came in the online arena, where he triumphed in the 2021 World Series of Poker (WSOP) Online’s $25,000 High Roller event, earning more than $1.2 million and a coveted WSOP bracelet. However, the golden spade trophy and the live photoshoot with this win signified an entirely new achievement for the seasoned professional.
The victory in Malta, part of the EPT’s prestigious festival, marked a high point in Theologis’s live tournament career. The event attracted a relatively small but elite field of 16 entries, creating a prize pool of just over $1.8 million. Only the top three players earned a share of the pool, which ensured that every decision carried immense weight, and the stakes were as high as they could get.
Tough Competition and a Stunning Final Table
As the tournament progressed into its second day, Theologis faced fierce competition from some of poker’s best-known high-stakes professionals. Among them was Turkish bracelet winner Orpen Kisacikoglu, who would go on to finish as the runner-up. Theologis started the heads-up portion with a slim chip lead, with 2.25 million in chips to Kisacikoglu’s 1.77 million. This heads-up duel would showcase Theologis’s composure and strategic play.
The first elimination on Day 2 saw Spanish regular Juan Pardo becoming the unfortunate bubble boy. Pardo, who had been a consistent threat in high-stakes tournaments, found himself all-in with A♦J♥, facing an open shove from Kisacikoglu with K♦5♣. Despite being behind, Kisacikoglu connected with a flop that left Pardo on the rail empty-handed, earning a payout of $363,191 for his efforts.
In a classic preflop race, Ben Heath also made a significant showing, committing his stack with 8♠8♦ against Theologis’s K♦Q♠. The hands developed in favor of Theologis, who hit top two pair on the river, sending Heath to the rail in third place for $363,191. With nearly $35.8 million in lifetime earnings, Heath’s experience was evident throughout the tournament, though it wasn’t enough to secure him the title.
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Heads-Up: A Battle of Wits
With just two players left, Theologis was in a commanding position, but Kisacikoglu wasn’t going to go down without a fight. The crucial hand came when Kisacikoglu, holding K♠3♥, limped for 50,000 on the button. Theologis, with A♣J♣, raised to 175,000 and received a call. The flop came down K♣6♣2♠, giving Theologis a nut flush draw. He led out with 75,000, and Kisacikoglu called. The 3♦ turn improved Kisacikoglu to a pair of kings, but Theologis check-shoved over a 200,000 bet from his opponent. Kisacikoglu called, but Theologis completed his flush on the river with the 8♣, taking down the final pot and the title.
In the end, Kisacikoglu earned $544,869 for his runner-up finish, a commendable result that pushed his career earnings over $22.2 million. Despite the loss, Kisacikoglu’s performance was nothing short of exceptional, demonstrating why he remains one of the top players in the game.
A New Milestone for Theologis
For Theologis, this victory marks more than just another cash. It is the culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and skill honed in both live and online poker events. “It feels very good,” Theologis said. “Especially because I haven’t actually won any high-stakes live tournaments before, especially with a trophy.” With this win, he secures a spot among the top names in high-stakes poker, and as his career continues to unfold, we can expect to see much more from this rising star.
FAQs
1. What was the buy-in for the 2025 EPT Malta €100,000 High Roller?
The buy-in for the 2025 EPT Malta €100,000 High Roller was €100,000 (approximately $108,000 USD).
2. How many entries were there in the tournament?
There were 16 entries in the €100,000 buy-in No-Limit Hold’em Super High Roller.
3. How much did Alexandros Theologis win?
Alexandros Theologis won $908,154 for his victory in the tournament.
4. Who finished as the runner-up in the event?
Orpen Kisacikoglu finished as the runner-up, earning $544,869.
5. What was Theologis’s largest previous win?
Theologis’s largest previous win came in the 2021 WSOP Online $25,000 High Roller, where he earned over $1.2 million and a WSOP bracelet.
Source: CardPlayer
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