In the 19th episode of Life Outside Poker, 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.