Theologis grabs first EPT trophy in style with Super High Roller victory at EPT Malta
This was a breakout win on the European Poker Tour (EPT), but one that surprised absolutely no one familiar with one of high-stakes poker’s enduring online crushers.
Alexandros Theologis, known as “Pwndidi” on PokerStars, has been a regular in the biggest buy-in online tournaments for years, racking up tens of millions in cashes. Around two years ago, he began travelling the high roller circuit, putting the same focus on live tournaments as he always had on the virtual felt.
It paid off, massively. Theologis had chalked up around $4.5 million in cashes in that time, but a big win on the EPT had remained out of reach.
That changed at EPT Malta when the 32-year-old from Thessaloniki, Greece (now residing in the poker hotbed of Vienna, Austria) took down the €100,000 EPT Super High Roller at Casino Malta for €776,200, defeating a 16-entry field made up of the game’s elite.
He almost got his hands on a trophy two days prior, finishing runner-up to Chris Nguyen in the €25,000 Super High Roller Warm Up, a result worth €199,900.
“I’m very fortunate, what can I say?” Theologis told PokerNews after his victory. “It feels very good… because I haven’t actually won any high-stakes live tournaments before, especially with a trophy.”
This is Theologis’ first victory on the EPT
FINAL DAY ACTION
The tournament concluded in two days, with only three players making the money. Theologis began the final day seventh in chips, but pulled off a big bluff against Ben Heath to take the chip lead.
The likes of Adrian Mateos, Mikita Badziakouski, and Samuel Mullur all fell before Juan Pardo burst the bubble. The Spaniard happily called Orpen Kisacikoglu’s small blind shove with A♥J♦, but lost to K♦5♣ after Kisacikoglu flopped two pair.
Pardo sees the bad news as he bursts the bubble
The final three consisted of Theologis, Kisacikoglu and Heath, and an interesting hand took things heads-up. Theologis opened, Heath committed most of his stack, and Kisacikoglu shoved all in. Theologis folded what he later told PokerNews was a “strong ace”, and Heath made the call, his 8♠8♦ up against Kisacikoglu’s K♠Q♠. A king and queen hit the board, and Heath left with €310,420.
Theologis then chipped away and took the lead heads-up. The final saw Kisacikoglu limp the small blind and then call a raise, taking them to a 6♣K♣2♠flop. Theologis continued and was called before checking the 3♦ turn. Kisacikoglu took the betting lead only for Theologis to jam all-in, which was quickly called.
Kisacikoglu had the goods with K♠3♥ for two pair, while Theologis had a flush draw with A♣J♣. The 8♣ completed the draw, and that was all she wrote.
Event #27: €100,000 EPT Malta Super High Roller
Dates: October 5-6, 2025
Entries: 16 (inc. 1 re-entry)
Prize pool: €1,552,320
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