Several long-time grinders helped carry the US segment in the big event
American poker pros made a strong impact during the second week of the 2025 European Poker Tour Monte Carlo, taking control of the €25,000 (US$27,500) high roller events and bringing home big wins. Held at the Sporting Monte-Carlo Casino, these events attracted elite players from around the world, but it was the US contingent that consistently came out on top.
Sean Rafael, a familiar face in high-stakes circles, finally earned his breakthrough title by winning the €25,000 (US$27,500) Pot-Limit Omaha tournament. He overcame a 34-player field and defeated Hungary’s Laszlo Bujtas in heads-up play to secure the top prize of €391,513 (US$430,664). The victory also earned him 336 Player of the Year points. Stephen Chidwick finished third, while Italy’s Dario Alioto and Liangce Ni also reached the final table.
The No-Limit Hold’em format also saw American dominance. Ben Tollerene added another trophy to his collection by winning the first €25,000 (US$27,500) NLH event. Outlasting a 72-entry field, he agreed to a heads-up deal with the UK’s Ben Heath before securing the win and a €441,751 (US$485,926) payday.
Heath took home €381,530 (US$419,683) as runner-up. Jason Koon finished third and passed $60 million in career earnings, while Adrian Mateos and Leon Sturm also made the final table.
The second €25,000 (US$27,500) NLH tournament featured another American triumph, this time from David Peters. The Ohio native topped a 67-entry field to win €421,920 (US$464,112) and picked up 504 POY points.
Peters struck a deal with Italy’s Enrico Camosci, who finished second for €399,089 (US$438,998). This marked Camosci’s third runner-up finish at the festival. Artur Martirosian and Stephen Chidwick also made another final table appearance.
With consistent deep runs and big cashes, American players have left a clear mark on Monte Carlo’s high-stakes scene this year.
