The Unibet DeepStack Open (UDSO) returned to the picturesque town of Pornic, France, from March 31 to April 5, 2026, drawing a record-breaking field of 384 entrants for its €550 Main Event. Local player Valentin Guillot emerged victorious, claiming the coveted UDSO championship belt and a top prize of €30,000. (texapoker.net)
Table of Contents
- A Record-Breaking Turnout in Pornic
- Valentin Guillot's Triumphant Victory
- Final Table Results
- The Evolution of UDSO Pornic
- Looking Ahead: The Future of UDSO
- Conclusion
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A Record-Breaking Turnout in Pornic
The 2026 UDSO Pornic Main Event set a new attendance record for the Loire-Atlantique region, with 384 participants generating a substantial prize pool of €180,633.60. This impressive turnout underscores the growing popularity of the UDSO series and the allure of its player-friendly structures. (texapoker.net)
The Main Event featured a €550 buy-in, providing players with a deep starting stack and generous blind levels, ensuring ample play and strategic depth. The tournament's structure and the scenic location of Pornic contributed to its appeal, attracting both local grinders and players from across the region.
Valentin Guillot's Triumphant Victory
Valentin Guillot, a familiar face at the Casino de Pornic, showcased his poker prowess by navigating through the competitive field to secure his most significant live tournament victory to date. Guillot's previous notable achievement was winning the UDSO Silver €200 event at the same venue three years prior. (texapoker.net)
In the heads-up battle, Guillot faced Yilmaz Altinsoy, who put up a formidable fight before settling for the runner-up position and a prize of €20,500. The final table was a display of skill and determination, with each player vying for the top spot and the accompanying accolades.
Final Table Results
The final table payouts for the UDSO Pornic 2026 Main Event were as follows:
| Position | Player | Prize Money |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | Valentin Guillot | €30,000 |
| 2nd | Yilmaz Altinsoy | €20,500 |
| 3rd | Fadi Khadori | €15,300 |
| 4th | Yoan Poupel | €11,643.60 |
| 5th | Clément Prevault | €8,900 |
| 6th | Gildas Beaumont | €6,800 |
| 7th | Stéphane Navard | €5,210 |
| 8th | Chahreddine Mcharek | €4,040 |
| 9th | Mickael Tambuté | €3,200 |
These results highlight the competitive nature of the tournament and the substantial rewards awaiting those who reach the final stages.
The Evolution of UDSO Pornic
The UDSO series has seen significant growth over the years, with the Pornic stop becoming a staple in the circuit. In 2023, the Main Event attracted 353 participants, with Hamid El Khayati taking home €32,000 for his victory. (fr.pokernews.com) The following year, in 2025, Aurélien Mahot claimed the title and €31,700, besting a field of 348 entrants. (lamateurdepoker.fr)
The consistent increase in participation and prize pools reflects the UDSO's commitment to providing high-quality tournaments that appeal to a broad spectrum of players. The Pornic event, in particular, has become a favorite among players for its well-structured events and the charm of its coastal location.
Looking Ahead: The Future of UDSO
The success of the 2026 UDSO Pornic Main Event sets a promising precedent for future stops on the tour. With each event, the UDSO continues to build on its reputation for offering accessible buy-ins, deep structures, and a welcoming atmosphere for players of all levels.
As the series progresses, players can look forward to upcoming events in various locations, each promising the same level of excitement and competition that has become synonymous with the UDSO brand.
Conclusion
Valentin Guillot's victory at the 2026 UDSO Pornic Main Event is a testament to his skill and dedication to the game. The record-breaking turnout and substantial prize pool highlight the growing appeal of the UDSO series. For poker enthusiasts, the UDSO continues to offer opportunities to compete in well-structured tournaments in attractive locations, making it a must-attend series on the European poker calendar.
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