APT Incheon: Stephen Pang Reigns Supreme in Unprecedented Main Event Showdown

This year's APT Incheon Main Event, with a buy-in of 2.5 million KRW, made history by attracting a record 1,393 entries. The original guarantee of 1.5 billion KRW was shattered, with the final prize pool soaring to 3,008,540,000 KRW (~$2,148,960).

In total, 207 players shared the financial rewards, with each finalist guaranteed at least $27,560. Alongside the massive cash prize, the top three players also secured entry to the December APT Championship in Taipei, worth $10,000.

Miraculous Heads-up and the 'Immortal' Zhang

The final showdown for the title between Stephen Pang and Chinese player Shoumin Zhang delivered one of the most unbelievable comebacks in APT series history. At one point, Zhang found himself at an absolute low with just 700,000 chips, which was less than a single big blind.

This followed a dramatic moment when Pang, having just won a pot, began celebrating with friends on the rail, believing the match was over. However, the floorman called in to count the chips discovered Zhang still had hope with the remaining 700,000, shocking the entire room.

Zhang then accomplished a remarkable feat by doubling his stack four times in an 'all or nothing' situation, thrusting himself back into the title race.

The resolution came about an hour later when Zhang pushed another all-in with K h T c, and Pang called with pocket 9 s 9 h. The board 8 h J s 3 s 7 s 4 h failed to save Zhang this time, and Stephen Pang, who joked after the tournament that he had to win the Main Event twice, sealed his career-defining success.

You can watch the entire electrifying finale on the official Asian Poker Tour YouTube channel:

Results of the APT Incheon 2026 Main Event Final Table:

*ICM deal

Sources: APT, YouTube

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