Eugene Katchalov No Longer A Team PokerStars Pro

After five years as a Team PokerStars Pro, Ukrainian pro Eugene Katchalov has now parted ways with the world’s biggest online poker site. At the time of his signing back in March 2011, Katchalov boasted $6,104,132 in live tournament earnings, with his list of accomplishments including winning the 2007 WPT $15k Doyle Brunson Classic for $2,482,605, and the 2011 PCA $100k Super High Roller for $1.5 million. At the time of his joining, Daniel Negreanu welcomed Katchalov by commenting:
“Eugene has always flown under the radar, but among his peers, his game is well-respected and he is considered one of the best in the world, both in tournaments and cash games. I’m thrilled to see Eugene as part of the team. He’s a great guy and an excellent poker ambassador.”
Five years later, and the 35 year-old now makes his exit having raised his total tournament earnings to $8,669,109, with his biggest score over the past couple of years being a runner-up finish at the 2014 EPT Deauville Main Event for €379,500 ($518,981).
Katchalov announced his departure from PokerStars via twitter, and in his message he expressed his appreciation of the site’s past support, and stated that it had “been an absolute pleasure and honor” representing PokerStars. Katchalov said he was now looking forward to continuing his independent poker career, and stated that he would also continue in his quest to help the game “become fully and properly legalized in Ukraine.
Katchalov can be seen back in action at the 2016 WSOP currently underway in Las Vegas, with the pro already having captured a gold bracelet in 2011 at the $1,500 Seven Card Stud event for $122,909. The Ukrainian has also been competing in the Global Poker League (GPL) as a member of team LA Sunset, and can be next seen in action on June 6th against the Paris Aviators. Katchalov’s fellow teammates include Fedor Holz, Olivier Busquet, Chance Kornuth, Maria Ho,and Breaking Bad star Aaron Paul.