


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.
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
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.
1st - Andrei Kalgin ($154,170), 900 Points
2nd - Joshua Figuerres ($103,000) 700 Points
3rd - Pang Kok Yong ($76,000) 550 Points
4th - Hwisoo Kim ($58,000) 450 Points
5th - Tomas Dedinas ($43,500) 350 Points
6th - Ilias Sagias ($33,000) 300 Points
7th - Jan Jason Leoncio ($25,000) 250 Points
8th - Rindra Norodom ($19,800) 200 Points
9th - Chak Hei Chan ($15,600) 150 Points
*Plus a $10,400 WPT® World Championship seat.
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.
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).

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.
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.
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.
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.