Belonging at the Summit: Aliaksandr Shylko's Journey to Success - "It's All About Having Faith in Yourself"
Living the Poker Dream: Aliaksandr Shylko's Journey in Monte Carlo
PokerStars European Poker Tour Monte Carlo is a beacon of ambition for poker dreamers worldwide, and none more so than Aliaksandr Shylko. A familiar face in the poker sphere, this Belorussian pro is taking on the €100,000 Super High Roller tournament, marking a significant leap in his career.
Once a common sight in low-stakes tournaments across Eastern Europe, Shylko's victory at the 2023 PokerStars Players Championship (PSPC) set him apart from the pack. But it's his recent foray into high-buy-in events that hints at the next chapter of his poker story.
The EPT Monte Carlo €100,000 Super High Roller is Shylko's second dance with six-figure tournaments, and he admits that his first foray was a special one. "My heart raced," he confessed to PokerNews. "But after playing countless mid-stakes tournaments, it's just numbers anymore."
Sure, the figures may seem daunting, but for Shylko, it's the players that matter. "It's the same human opponents, with differing skillsets, of course. And once you realize that even the best can blunder, it's easier to trust yourself," he explains.
From PokerStars Players Championship glory to rubbing shoulders with the poker elite, Shylko never envisaged his career would take this trajectory. "You never know where life will take you," he says. "But I've always aimed for the stars, and poker has been my constant companion."
Stepping into the high-stakes arena isn't about bankroll, it's about preparation. "It's not all about the skills, mate," Shylko admits candidly. "Many of these chaps are damn fine players, but you need more than skill to thrive here."
What sets Shylko apart is his focus on the intangibles: discipline, inner peace, and self-belief. "You need emotional control, awareness, and belief in your abilities," he explains. "If you can hold your ground through every hand, you have a shot at victory, even against the best in the game."
Playing in the big leagues is about more than just riches and fame. For Shylko, it's about growth, learning, and proving to himself that he can compete with the best in the world. "I'm here to learn from the best, to grow, and to show the world I belong," he concludes.
Based in the UK, Will has been part of the PokerNews team since 2015, first as a freelance live reporter, and now as a Managing Editor. He graduated from the University of Kent in 2017 with a B.A. in German and holds an NCTJ Diploma in Sports Journalism.
Behind the Scenes:
Like many poker greats, Shylko didn't start at the top. He paid his dues in low-stakes tournaments across Eastern Europe, gradually building his skills and confidence. Today, he stands amongst the poker elite, competing in high-stakes tournaments like the Monte Carlo event.
Shylko's victory at the PSPC marked a significant turning point in his career. Since then, he's continued to push himself, taking on increasingly challenging tournaments and honing his skills. His focus on mental fortitude and personal growth sets him apart from many players in the competitive world of poker.
Sources:[1] PokerNews report on Aliaksandr Shylko's interviews and experiences at the European Poker Tour Monte Carlo €100,000 Super High Roller.
- Aliaksandr Shylko, now a familiar face in high-stakes tournaments, is participating in the PokerStars European Poker Tour Monte Carlo's €100,000 Super High Roller tournament, marking another milestone in his career.
- In an interview with PokerNews, Shylko revealed that his first high-buy-in tournament was a special experience, despite his heart racing, acknowledging that it's just numbers for him now.
- Shylko admits that his success in poker isn't solely about skills; he also emphasizes the importance of discipline, inner peace, and self-belief in thriving in the high-stakes arena.
- Having begun in low-stakes tournaments across Eastern Europe, Shylko has reached the stage where he competes with the likes of the poker elite, aiming to learn from them, grow and show the world he belongs among the best.
