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Another Poker Masters Champion to be Crowned on Saturday
Seven players remain in contention from 85 entries for the Event #5: $10,500 No-Limit Hold'em title at the 2026 Poker Masters, with Adrian Mateos leading the way as the final table gets underway inside the PokerGO Studio in Las Vegas.
It has been a frustrating series for the Spaniard, who has bubbled three of the first four events and finished runner-up in the other. Despite those near misses, Mateos has another opportunity to get his hands on a Poker Masters trophy, returning as the chip leader with 3,020,000 (60 big blinds). A victory would also give his hopes of winning the Purple Jacket a significant boost.
Final Table Chip Counts
| Rank | Player | Country | Chip Count | Big Blinds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Adrian Mateos | Spain | 3,020,000 | 60 |
| 2 | Nick Schulman | United States | 2,195,000 | 44 |
| 3 | Jeremy Becker | United States | 1,715,000 | 34 |
| 4 | Martin Zamani | United States | 1,540,000 | 31 |
| 5 | Robert French | United States | 1,140,000 | 23 |
| 6 | Keith Lehr | United States | 775,000 | 16 |
| 7 | Matthew Wantman | United States | 280,000 | 5.5 |
Mateos is the only player at the final table to have reached the final seven in an earlier event this series. The other six players are making their first final table appearances of the 2026 Poker Masters, and for five of them, it is also their first cash. Matthew Wantman is the only exception, having already made the money earlier in the series.
Poker Hall of Famer Nick Schulman is Mateos' closest challenger, returning with 2,195,000 (44 big blinds). Jeremy Becker sits third with 1,715,000 (34 big blinds).
Martin Zamani (1,540,000) and Robert French (1,140,000) are also well in contention, while Keith Lehr (775,000) has some work to do with 16 big blinds. Wantman faces the toughest task of the seven, returning with just 280,000 (six big blinds).
All seven finalists have locked up at least $34,000 from the $850,000 prize pool, but there is considerably more to play for, with $229,500 and the Poker Masters trophy awaiting the champion.
Remaining Payouts
| Place | Player | Country | Prize |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $229,500 | ||
| 2 | $148,750 | ||
| 3 | $106,250 | ||
| 4 | $76,500 | ||
| 5 | $59,500 | ||
| 6 | $42,500 | ||
| 7 | $34,000 |
Play resumes at 11:45 a.m. local time, with 16 minutes remaining in Level 18 and blinds at 25,000/50,000 with a 50,000 big blind ante.
The final table will be streamed on PokerGO and its YouTube channel beginning at 1 p.m. local time. As always, PokerNews will be reporting in line with the delayed stream to avoid spoilers.
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