Life Outside Poker is a new podcast for PokerNews hosted by Connor Richards that seeks to pull back the curtain on poker players and allow viewers and listeners to get to know them on a personal level.
In the 19th episode, Connor speaks with former poker pro Eugene Katchalov, one of Ukraine's all-time money leaders who fled the country in 2022 after Russia's invasion and has since returned to the war-torn region with his family.
Katchalov, a former PokerStars ambassador, talked about growing up in New York City, his poker glory days and 2007 Doyle Brunson Five Diamond World Poker Classic victory for $2.5 million, returning to Ukraine and misconceptions about the longstanding conflict with Russia. He also discussed his venture into esports and new plans to get back into poker with a project aimed at leveling the playing field between pros and recreationals.
Nick Marchington took three consecutive pots with pre-flop raises before Joel Micka limped in from the small blind. Marchington then raised to 420,000 with 7♣4♥ and Micka folded A♣7♠ as Marchington took down another pot.
Action folded to Nick Marchington in the small blind who raised to 420,000 with 9♥4♥. Curt Kohlberg defended A♥Q♦.
The 9♦3♥2♥ flop gave Marchington top pair and a flush draw, and he continued for 240,000. Kohlberg called to see the K♦ turn, where Marchington bet another 430,000. Kohlberg quickly folded this time.
Jeff Madsen opened to 255,000 on the button with K♦J♠ and Nick Marchington defended in the big blind with J♣6♠.
Marchington checked on the flop of J♦7♥2♠ and Madsen continued for 205,000. Marchington called.
Marchington checked again on the 6♦ turn and Madsen checked back. Marchington then bet 345,000 on the blank river and Madsen called as he saw the bad news.
Joel Micka raised to 240,000 on the button and Nick Marchington moved all in from the small blind with K♦10♦. Micka, with 3,800,000 remaining, quickly folded J♣10♠.
