Matthew Ashton

Matthew Ashton (born 8 June 1988) is a professional poker player from Liverpool, England. He competes under the online nickname "MUSTAFABET" and has accumulated over $3.5 million in live tournament earnings, with his best cash being $1,774,089. Ashton is best known for his victory in the $50,000 Poker Players Championship at the 2013 World Series of Poker.

Ashton began playing poker in 2003. In 2009, he won a World Championship of Online Poker (WCOOP) event in Pot-Limit Omaha, earning $86,000. This early success established him as a formidable online player.

Ashton's first WSOP cash came in 2011, finishing 6th in the $10,000 H.O.R.S.E. Championship. He made a breakthrough in 2013, reaching four final tables at the WSOP:

• 2nd place in $5,000 Seven Card Stud Hi-Low Split-8 or Better (Event #13)
• 3rd place in $2,500 Omaha/Seven Card Stud Hi-Low 8-or Better (Event #5)
• 7th place in $2,500 Seven Card Stud (Event #23)
• 1st place in $50,000 The Poker Players Championship (Event #55) for $1,774,089

By winning the $50,000 Poker Players Championship, he became the youngest champion in the event's history and the first non-American to win it. The final table included bracelet winners John Hennigan, David Benyamine, Mike Wattel, Jonathan Duhamel, and Minh Ly. Ashton's victory launched him into the lead for the 2013 WSOP Player of the Year race, though Daniel Negreanu eventually reclaimed the lead after the 2013 WSOP Europe.

Ashton's total WSOP results include 6 final tables and 13 money finishes. His complete WSOP record up to 2015 is as follows:

Ashton specializes in mixed games, particularly Omaha Hi-Lo and Seven Card Stud variations. His success in the 2013 WSOP, where he made multiple final tables in stud events, highlights his proficiency in these disciplines. He is known for a disciplined and patient approach, capitalizing on complex situations.

Ashton resides in Liverpool, England. He is known for being a private individual who focuses primarily on poker. His nickname "MUSTAFABET" and his early online success have contributed to his reputation as a skilled all-around player.