In a stunning showdown at the Triton Super High Roller Series Jeju II, Pedro Padilha conquered an elite field to win the $50,000 NLH 8‑Handed event for $1.4 million, marking Brazil’s fourth Triton title.
Pedro Padilha’s relentless drive finally paid off. On September 11, at the Triton Super High Roller Series Jeju II, the Brazilian phenom not only captured his very first Triton title but also added a fourth in his nation’s growing legacy on poker’s most prestigious high‑stakes tour.
Breaking Through in Style
After navigating through a star‑studded field of 129 entries in the $50,000 NLH 8‑Handed event, Padilha emerged victorious with a triumphant $1,400,860 payday following an ICM deal agreed upon heads‑up with Nick Petrangelo. The Brazilian’s triumph was confirmed by PokerNews and corroborated by Card Player.
Speaking to Triton staff, Padilha summed up his elation: “It’s the best feeling, it’s an amazing event, an amazing tournament, and I’m so happy.” This candid enthusiasm echoed in both sources.
A Final Table of Legends
The final table read like a poker hall of fame manifest: Phil Ivey, Wai Kiat Lee, Eelis Parssinen, Alex Boika, and Nick Petrangelo were all seated alongside Padilha. As PokerNews recounted, early eliminations included Yoko Sasaki and Eelis Parssinen, followed by Phil Ivey—whose pocket nines succumbed to Petrangelo’s jacks—followed by Wai Kiat Lee, who had just earned a Triton title a day earlier. Card Player provides precise details on key pots and eliminations across the final table.
Heads‑Up and the Final Hand
When it was three-handed, momentum swung fiercely. With his ace‑king cracking Alex Boika’s ace‑nine, Padilha surged into a commanding heads‑up position. He and Petrangelo struck an ICM deal locking in $1,350,860 for Padilha and $1,201,140 for Petrangelo, leaving $50,000 and the title itself at stake—according to Card Player.
In the climactic final hand, Padilha’s queen‑eight bested Petrangelo’s king‑four when a turn eight sealed the deal. References from both PokerNews and Card Player confirm the hand’s details and its conclusion.
Context and Significance
This victory marks a high point in Padilha’s burgeoning high‑stakes career. Card Player reports that the $1.4 million prize ranks as his second‑largest live tournament score, behind only his runner‑up finish in last December’s WSOP Paradise Triton $100,000 Main Event where he earned $3.16 million. His win in Monte Carlo earlier in the year—just shy of €25,000—also exceeded the million‑dollar mark. With over $8.8 million in live cashes, Padilha now sits third on the Brazilian all‑time money list behind João Simão and Yuri Dzivielevski.
Further, this title makes him the fourth Brazilian player to hoist a Triton trophy, joining Simão, Alisson Piekazewicz, and Pedro Garagnani—framing this win as part of a wider national phenomenon rather than an individual breakthrough.
Looking Ahead
Padilha’s win underscores the rise of Brazilian talent on the high‑roller circuit, particularly at Triton events that demand both stamina and elite skill. With this milestone now in hand, all eyes will be on whether Padilha can continue this momentum through the remainder of the Jeju II festival—and beyond.
As he put it, “People are so happy for me. I have so many friends watching. I want to give one kiss to all Brazilian people.” If this performance is any indicator, Padilha’s ascent is just beginning.
Sources
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