Rafael Loiola's APL Main Event 2026 Finish | Prize Money and Results

In early March 2026, Brazilian poker professional Rafael Loiola achieved a significant milestone by securing a third-place finish in the Ace Poker League (APL) Red Horse Main Event. This impressive performance earned him a career-best prize of $410,241, marking a notable highlight in his poker journey.

The APL Red Horse Main Event: A Prestigious Tournament
Rafael Loiola's Path to the Podium
Final Table Results and Payouts
The Significance of This Achievement
Conclusion

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The APL Red Horse Main Event: A Prestigious Tournament

The APL Red Horse Main Event is a cornerstone of the Ace Poker League series, attracting a diverse and competitive field of players from around the globe. The 2026 edition was no exception, featuring a buy-in of $295 (approximately ¥2,206) and drawing an impressive 11,973 entries. This substantial participation resulted in a prize pool totaling $4,097,458 (around ¥28,100,458), underscoring the event's prominence in the international poker calendar.

Rafael Loiola's Path to the Podium

Rafael Loiola's journey to the podium was marked by strategic play and resilience. As a member of the Standard Backing team, he navigated through a vast and challenging field to reach the final table. Entering the final day with the third-largest chip stack, Loiola demonstrated his skill and composure under pressure.

His tournament run concluded in a pivotal hand where he moved all-in with pocket threes (3♠3♦) from the big blind. He was called by the Thai player "Folk Folk," who held A♠4♠ on the button. The board unfolded 8♣K♦9♠9♦A♥, giving "Folk Folk" a higher two pair and ending Loiola's impressive run in third place. This finish not only showcased his deep run in a major tournament but also added a significant sum to his poker earnings.

Final Table Results and Payouts

The final table of the APL Red Horse Main Event featured a mix of international talent, each vying for the top prize. The results were as follows:

1st Place: "Folk Folk" (Thailand) – $389,100 (¥2,669,219)
2nd Place: "KTO_Poker" – $422,700 (¥2,899,673)
3rd Place: Rafael Loiola (Brazil) – $410,241 (¥2,813,635)
4th Place: Ricky Mao – $236,800 (¥1,624,260)
5th Place: "Y Cappetti" – $182,600 (¥1,252,517)
6th Place: "mm1993" – $140,800 (¥965,863)
7th Place: "yyde999" – $108,600 (¥744,921)
8th Place: Nikolay Ivanov – $83,730 (¥574,377)

These payouts reflect the competitive nature of the tournament and the substantial rewards available to top finishers.

The Significance of This Achievement

Rafael Loiola's third-place finish in the APL Red Horse Main Event is a testament to his dedication and skill in the game of poker. Achieving a podium finish in such a prestigious event not only enhances his reputation on the international stage but also serves as an inspiration to fellow Brazilian players. This accomplishment highlights the growing presence and success of Brazilian professionals in the global poker community.

Conclusion

Rafael Loiola's performance in the 2026 APL Red Horse Main Event stands as a significant achievement in his poker career. Securing third place and earning over $410,000 in a field of nearly 12,000 entrants underscores his strategic acumen and resilience. This milestone not only elevates his standing in the poker world but also contributes to the rising prominence of Brazilian players on the international circuit. As the poker landscape continues to evolve, performances like Loiola's serve as a beacon for aspiring players aiming for success on the global stage.