Eugene Katchalov Returns to Both Ukraine and Poker

Connor Richards
Editor & Live Reporter U.S.
Hosts:
Connor Richards @CRichards1995
Guests:
Eugene Katchalov @EugeneKatchalov

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.

The Life Outside Poker podcast is available on major streaming platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, SoundCloud and iHeartRadio. You can also watch the interview with Eugene Katchalov by heading to the PokerNews YouTube channel.

Be sure to follow Eugene Katchalov and Connor Richards on X.

Learn More About Life Outside Poker!

Time Stamps

TIMETOPIC
0:00Intro
1:08Returning to Ukraine
5:30Breakdown of Ukraine-Russia conflict
10:09Growing up in Brooklyn
12:03How poker has changed
16:20Black Friday
17:28Esports
21:32Return to poker?
23:24Problems with poker today
27:24Online poker
32:08Book recommendation
34:24Advice for younger self
33:16Favorite life lesson from poker
37:15What makes you hopeful?
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Connor Richards
Editor & Live Reporter U.S.

Connor Richards is an Editor & Live Reporter for PokerNews and host of the Life Outside Poker podcast. Connor has been nominated for two Global Poker Awards for his writing.

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