2009 PokerStars.com EPT Vilamoura

Antonio Matias Wins the PokerStars.com EPT Vilamoura (€404,793)

He may have missed the football game that he was so keen to get out of here to see earlier, but 54-year-old Portuguese native Antonio Matias must be taking at least some consolation in the fact that he has beaten an extraordinary 322-strong, pro-spattered field to take the inaugural Portuguese EPT title.

He came into the final day as huge chip leader, and although he did find himself out of the top spot a couple of times, he got it all back in the end to pick up an incredible payday, as well as the coveted EPT title and trophy.

Seldom playing live poker, and even more rarely playing tournaments, the travel agency director felt that he couldn't miss the first EPT in his home country and bought in for fun - but was clearly taking it very seriously, and it was a thoroughly well-deserved win.

Many congratulations to Mr. Matias, and, indeed, all the final tablists. As players and railers alike start to trickle out of the Casino Vilamoura and into the many and various drinking and leisure establishments of the town, all that's left to say is a resounding goodbye from all at PokerNews, PokerStars and the Casino Vilamoura. From the PokerNews team out here in Portugal, it's over and out.

Tags: Antonio Matias.

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