Poker News

Eugene Katchalov has continued his hot streak by landing the $1,500 Seven-Card Stud event at the WSOP 2011.

The 30-year-old pro had his biggest win yet when he picked up $1.5 million at the $100,000 Super High Roller at the PokerStars Caribbean Adventure in January.

And now Katchalov, who was born in the Ukraine but now lives in New York, has followed that up by beating 376 other players to pocket $122,909 at the fifth official tournament on this year’s WSOP schedule.  

Katchalov, who plays online under the name MyRabbiFoo, said: "Stud is not one of my best games.  But I do have experience at it because I play in a lot of live Mixed Games.  That’s where my Seven-Card Stud experience comes from.  I feel comfortable with the game, in general.

"This was a tough final table.  I did not think the tournament field was that tough. But as we got closer and closer, you see the game change as the field gets tougher."

He added: "It was very, very tough.  To sit here for three straight days and not break down is not easy.  I put in a lot of work, and I am glad to see it pay off.

"I think I've made 5 or 6 final tables at the World Series over the years.  I made three final tables last year and was really, really close to winning one.  I came in this year really excited to play. 

"Now, I can’t describe how happy I am to get that monkey off my back.  It’s also great to win a gold bracelet early in the World Series.  It gives me confidence.  So now, I am ready to go!

"I think anytime you play in a big event against many good players, you are always learning something.  I think I am picking up new things all the time.  I am sure that helped me in this tournament, as well."

The runner up was Alessio Isaia, the 24-year-old winner of €380,000 at this year's WPT Venice Main Event.

Third was another big name, 2010 gold bracelet winner Eric Buchman.