Monaco has long been a premier destination for high roller poker tournaments, and the 2025 European Poker Tour (EPT) Monte Carlo series has once again lived up to that reputation. With a schedule packed with elite-level events, it’s no surprise that the second week of the series was headlined by some of the biggest names in the game.
After a first week dominated by bounty events, the action shifted to more traditional formats, bringing out the top-tier high roller poker players. Much like Jesse Lonis’ early success in the series, American high rollers continued to make their mark at the iconic Sporting Monte-Carlo Casino, capturing major titles and millions in prize money.
As the most prestigious and lucrative events of the series reached their climax, three standout high roller poker tournaments during week two delivered thrilling outcomes.
One of the highlights was Sean Rafael’s breakthrough victory in the €25,000 Pot-Limit Omaha event. Prior to this, Rafael had posted strong finishes in high roller events around the globe but was still seeking his first title. That changed in Monte Carlo, where the Las Vegas-based pro triumphed over a 34-entry field to win $430,664 and earn 336 Card Player Player of the Year (POY) points.
Rafael outlasted Hungary’s Laszlo Bujtas in a heads-up showdown to claim the trophy. Meanwhile, Stephen Chidwick—two-time WSOP bracelet winner and renowned high roller poker tournament grinder with over $65 million in career live earnings—secured a third-place finish. Both Chidwick and Rafael’s performances propelled them into the top 100 of the 2025 POY leaderboard.
Liangce Ni also impressed, finishing fifth and notching back-to-back PLO high roller final table appearances after placing seventh in a €10,200 event earlier in the series. Italy’s Dario Alioto, another WSOP bracelet winner, rounded out the final table in sixth place.
