Andrei Kalgin Wins WPT® Prime Cambodia Championship: Results, Payouts, and Key Hands
In a tournament defined by massive overlays and high-stakes drama, one accidental "five million" bet paved the way for Andrei Kalgin’s $164,570 coronation.
WPT® Prime Cambodia has crowned its newest champion for 2026. Russian pro Andrei Kalgin outlasted a powerhouse field of 1,095 entries at NagaWorld in Phnom Penh to secure the title, a massive six-figure payday, and a coveted seat at the WPT® World Championship at Wynn Las Vegas.
As of 4 February 2026, here is the definitive breakdown of how Kalgin conquered the felt.
Event Snapshot: WPT® Prime Cambodia Championship
The numbers tell the story of a festival that significantly outperformed expectations, shattering its $750,000 guarantee to create a million-dollar prize pool.
| Venue | NagaWorld Integrated Resort, Phnom Penh |
| Buy-in | $1,100 |
| Total Entries | 1,095 |
| Total Prize Pool | $1,051,750 |
| The Champion | Andrei Kalgin |
| First Prize | $154,170 cash + $10,400 WPT® World Championship seat |
Final Table Payouts and POY Points
While Kalgin took the lion's share, the final table featured a diverse international lineup battling for critical Season 24 Player of the Year (POY) points.
| Place | Player | Prize (USD) | WPT® POY Points |
| 1st | Andrei Kalgin | $154,170 | 900 |
| 2nd | Joshua Figuerres | $103,000 | 700 |
| 3rd | Pang Kok Yong | $76,000 | 550 |
| 4th | Hwisoo Kim | $58,000 | 450 |
| 5th | Tomas Dedinas | $43,500 | 350 |
| 6th | Ilias Sagias | $33,000 | 300 |
| 7th | Jan Jason Leoncio | $25,000 | 250 |
| 8th | Rindra Norodom | $19,800 | 200 |
| 9th | Chak Hei Chan | $15,600 | 150 |
*Plus a $10,400 WPT® World Championship seat.
The Road to the Final Table
The massive 1,095-entry field was built across three intense Day 1 flights:
| Day 1A | 291 entries (36 advanced) |
| Day 1B | 380 entries (48 advanced) |
| Day 1C | 424 entries (53 advanced) |
The deep structure ensured that even in the late stages, players had the maneuverability to three-bet and apply pressure rather than relying solely on "all-in or fold" dynamics.
This high-level play saw the final 15 players whittled down to a champion in less than seven hours of final-day action.
Three Key Hands That Defined the Championship
While there was many notable hands that deserved a mention
1. The Survival Double
With three players remaining, Kalgin found himself at risk with A-K against Figuerres’ A-4. A king on the flop effectively sealed the double-up, moving Kalgin out of the danger zone and back into contention for the trophy.
2. The Five-Million-Dollar Mistake
The most pivotal moment of the tournament occurred during three-handed play. Malaysia’s Pang Kok Yong intended to announce a bet of 500,000 on a low board. Instead, he uttered "five million."
Under the strict "verbal is binding" rule, the massive overbet stood. Kalgin moved all-in, Yong was forced to call off his stack, and Kalgin’s hand held to send Yong to the rail in 3rd place ($76,000).
Malaysian poker player, Pang Kok Yong
3. The Broadway Finish
In the final heads-up hand, Joshua Figuerres three-bet with Pocket Queens. Kalgin four-bet shoved with A-J, and Figuerres called.
The flop delivered a set of Queens for Figuerres, but the turn and river completed a Broadway straight for Kalgin. The river failed to pair the board, cracking the queens and securing Kalgin the title.
What This Victory Means for Andrei Kalgin
Beyond the $164,570 total package value, this win serves as a massive springboard for Kalgin’s 2026 season. With 900 POY points, he is now a frontrunner in the WPT® Prime Player of the Year race.
More importantly, his $10,400 seat at the Wynn Las Vegas gives him a free shot at one of the largest prize pools in poker history this December.
WPT® Cambodia’s Expanding Global Footprint
NagaWorld has solidified its status as the premier destination for Asian poker. With $3.5 million in total guarantees across the 2026 series, the festival attracts a mix of international pros and local grinders.
The success of the $1,100 Prime event sets the stage for the upcoming $3,500 WPT® Cambodia Championship, which continues to draw record-breaking fields.
From Cents to Six Figures: The WPT® Global Connection
The path to Phnom Penh for many this year began online. WPT® Global’s satellite ecosystem allows non-US players to qualify for these massive live events via "Step" satellites starting at micro-stakes.
Many players in the 1,095-entry field utilized $110 qualifiers to win $4,000 live packages, proving that the "online-to-live" ladder is the most effective way to hunt for life-changing championship prizes.
A Note on Responsible Gaming
While the stories of six-figure wins are inspiring, it is vital to remember that real-money poker involves significant financial risk.
- Treat poker as entertainment, not a financial solution.
- Play only where it is legal and with funds you can afford to lose.
- Set a strict festival budget and stick to it.
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