Katchalov brought Epic Poker League to life
The buzz and excitement for a new poker tournament is there for all to see and the early leader is always going to catch the attention of people. The first Main Event of the Epic Poker League is underway and the first day leader was Euguene Katchalov who managed the rather impressive trick of turning a starting stack of 50,000 into 356,300. With just under $1m heading the way of the victor, it is certainly something worth getting excited over.
Big money is at stake in the EPL
Even though Katchalov has made over $6.5m in his career, the thought of adding another $1m to that total will be enticing for a player who has not always picked up the recognition he deserves. Anyone who has been able to make so much money from playing poker clearly has a talent for the game but Katchalov has been overlooked in comparison to many other players of his age-group. Team PokerStars understand the talent and appeal of the man but in the minds of many poker fans, Eugene is not a main contender but perhaps this may change if he takes the Epic Poker League buy storm.
Las Vegas always brings the glamour
As you would expect from an event taking place in the Palms Resort Casino in Las Vegas there has been a lot of serious poker action going on but there has also been a lot of glitz and glamour. Over 130 players are involved in the tournament with a prize-pool in excess of $3m to be shared out. Finishing in the top 18 has to be the first aim of the assembled players as this where the money places kick in, with $43,190 lined up for this level of placing.
By the end of day 2, Katchalov had slipped to 8th in the table, and although this guaranteed he would finish in the money placings, he was looking well off the pace. His stack of 418,000 looked miniscule in comparison to second day leader Sam Trickett, who had amassed 1,032,000 at the poker table. You can see that Katchalov still increased the number of chips that he had from first day to second but in the greater scheme of things, when other players increase their stack by more, the gains are not as impressive. Gaining a money placing at any tournament is always good but for the first Main Event of the Epic Poker League, there is definitely an opportunity for players to lay down a marker.