Nick Palma claimed victory in the $10k NLH at the Poker Masters in Las Vegas. The American defeated Adrian Mateos heads-up to secure his first PGT title.
Only five players returned to the PokerGO Studio at ARIA for Day 2 of the $10,000 No-Limit Hold’em (Event #2) at the 2026 Poker Masters. The tournament reached heads-up play in the fifth blind level of the day. Michael Berk ($109,200) moved all-in short-stacked with 
, and Adrian Mateos called with 
. The board ran out 
, sending Berk to the rail.
- Nicholas Palma, 6,425,000
- Adrian Mateos, 4,075,000
- Blinds: 50,000/100,000; BB Ante: 100,000
The heads-up duel lasted more than two hours, with the chip lead changing hands several times. On the final hand, Adrian Mateos ($151,200) moved all-in preflop with 
, and Nick Palma called with the dominated 
. The board ran out 
, giving Palma a straight and the title. Along with his first PGT trophy, Palma collected $235,200 in prize money.
Poker Masters 2026
Date: October 12 to 23
Location: PokerGO Studio at ARIA Las Vegas, Las Vegas
Events: 10
Buy-Ins: $10,000 to $50,000
–> Poker Masters Schedule
Event #2
Buy-In: $10,000
Entries: 84
Prize Money: $840,000
ITM: 12
Payouts
1st: Nick Palma, $235,200
2nd: Adrian Mateos, $151,200
3rd: Michael Berk, $109,200
4th: David Coleman, $79,800
5th: Nick Seward, $58,600
6th: Christopher Par, $42,000
7th: Sam Laskowitz, $33,600
8th: Jesse Lonis, $33,600
9th: Matthew Wantman, $25,200
10th: Myles Mullaly, $25,200
11th: Victoria Livschitz, $25,200
12th: Sam Soverel, $21,000
Poker Masters 2026: Adrian Mateos Reaches for the Tournament Victory