News - Backgammon Champion Wins EPT Tournament in Prague

By Jon Marier
December 11, 2007

The Hilton in Prague, Czech Republic hosted its first ever European Poker Tour tournament from December 10-14, 2007 and the turnout was excellent. 555 players made the trip to Prague for the €5000 buy-in event that created a total prize pool of €2,530,240.

The heads-up match featured Arnaud Mattern, 28, from France, and Gino “El Diablo” Alacqua, 46, from Italy. For the last hand Alacqua raised all-in pre-flop with QT and Mattern quickly called with AK. Mattern “begged away” the daemons and won the hand when a King appeared on the turn. First place netted Mattern a cool €708,400 plus a free €10,000 entry into the EPT Grand Final which will take place in Monte Carlo in the spring of 2008. Alacqua takes home €407,300 for his second place finish.

Prior to poker Mattern saw success by winning the French Backgammon Championship. Mattern can now be added to the list of Harrington, Seidel, McEvoy, and Laak as backgammon players turned successful poker player. Mattern also has realized who so many backgammon players have made the transition to Poker. During the post tournament interview Mattern stated: "This is the best result I've ever had. I did win the French Backgammon Championship but that was only €5,000!” Mattern’s previous big score was $51,000 in 2006 at the Gutshot Poker Masters.