This tournament had a little bit of everything.
The PokerStars European Poker Tour (EPT) Monte-Carlo Main Event recently wrapped up with some unexpected drama. With a buy-in of approximately $5,890 USD (€5,300 EUR), the tournament saw 1,195 hopefuls compete for a prestigious title.
Russian player Aleksandr Shevliakov took home that title and the $1,110,000 USD (€1,000,000 EUR) first place prize after defeating Khossein Kokhestani. PokerStars posted video of the win on its X account.
The post's description read: "The €1,000,000 moment. ICYMI: This is how PokerStars qualifier Aleksandr Shevliakov took down the EPT Monte-Carlo Main Event."
However, the events at the final table caught everyone’s attention. There never seems to be a dull moment during a PokerStars tournament.
Jamil Wakil's Exit and Allegations of Angle Shooting
Canadian poker player Jamil Wakil put up a strong performance, finishing in sixth place and taking home roughly $221,380 USD (€199,750 EUR). Unfortunately, his deep run was overshadowed by a controversial hand involving Shevliakov.
The apparent issue arose when Wakil found himself in an uncomfortable situation. He decided to move all in, potentially misled by the perception that Shevliakov only had the big blind behind him. Shevliakov promptly called, leading to Wakil's elimination when his queen-high hand couldn't hold up.
As Wakil left the table, he congratulated the remaining players but couldn't shake off a nagging suspicion. You can watch the whole thing play out for yourself via a post on the PokerStars Live X account. It's the second video in the post.
He directly confronted Angelov, one of the other players, asking if Shevliakov had pulled similar moves before. Angelov replied affirmatively, hinting that Shevliakov might have bent the rules against other players during the tournament.
Understanding "Angle Shooting" in Poker
This brings us to the heart of the controversy: "angle shooting."
In the world of poker, angle shooting refers to utilizing borderline unethical tactics to gain an edge over opponents, although these tactics do not cross the line into outright rule-breaking. While such moves might be technically legal, they're often perceived as unfair by the poker community.
Common Examples of Angle Shooting in Poker
Angle shooting comes in various forms, such as:
- Concealing high-value chips to deceive competitors about one's stack size.
- Feigning an action, like pretending to place chips into the pot, to influence the opponent's response.
- Using misleading verbal cues to provoke a misjudged move from rivals.
While angle shooting might not breach official poker rules, it is usually regarded with disdain.
Community Attitudes Toward Angle Shooting
Many poker players and fans consider it a form of poor sportsmanship, focusing on the game's ethical spirit rather than mere technicalities.
The allegations against Shevliakov are a stark reminder of the thin line between clever gameplay and unfair exploitation in poker.
They also highlight the ongoing debate within the community about whether the rules should be tightened to curb these tactics. While every player seeks a competitive edge, maintaining the integrity of the game is crucial for its continued respect and enjoyment worldwide.
Hone Your Skills by Playing Poker Online
You can sharpen your poker skills by playing at legal online casinos or sweepstakes casinos.
These platforms let you practice and learn in real-game situations with different opponents. But it's important to gamble responsibly. Set limits on how much time and money you spend, and never gamble more than you can afford to lose. This way, you can enjoy playing poker online while keeping it fun and safe for your finances.
