APPT Main Event

It was redemption for Filipino player Christopher Mateo at APPT Cambodia as he overcame the runner up hump to finally hoist the coveted Main Event title and PokerStars shard trophy. Coming into the final table as chip leader, Mateo maintained his big stack throughout then ran circles around Donghyup Kim at heads up to claim what he was denied back in 2023.

“I feel so good. I am so nervous and happy. This is so special to me because in 2023 I finished second in Manila and now I finally did it. I got the trophy!”

At six handed, Mateo admitted to switching to a tight strategy noticing everyone was overly active and aggressive. By four handed, he flipped the script, raking in more pots than he had all day. After Kim knocked out the remaining players, it was heads up with Mateo in the lead and never relinquished.

“Kim was aggressive but I was more aggressive. I knew how to play him. I grinded him down until he was short and I did it. I finally won the event.”