Life Outside Poker: Eugene Katchalov Returns to Both Ukraine and Poker
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 , and . You can also watch the interview with Eugene Katchalov by heading to the .