Paulo Jorge Dos Santos Castelo

Paulo Jorge Dos Santos Castelo is a Portuguese poker player who has made a significant impact on the live tournament scene, particularly in the CNP (Circuito Nacional de Poker) series. While he has also recorded cashes in WSOP Circuit events, his recent string of high-stakes victories has propelled him to the top of the PokerPT Live Tournament Ranking.

Castelo's early tracked results come from WSOP Circuit events at Casino de Marrakech. In January 2020, he finished 2nd in a Short Handed event for د.م.132,000 (~€12,000) and also cashed in a High Roller (30th) and a Deepstack (28th). In January 2023, he placed 28th in the €600 Monster Stack for €1,400. These results established his presence in the European live poker circuit.

In June 2025, Castelo won the Main Event of the CNP High Roller Edition at Casino Estoril. The tournament attracted 70 entries, generating a €57,330 prize pool. After a heads-up deal, Castelo took home €16,110 and the trophy, defeating Marco Polido. He eliminated key opponents including André Matias and Jorge Miguel Carvalho en route to victory.

In July 2026, Castelo travelled to Murcia, Spain, for the CNP Murcia stop. He won the €1,100 High Roller, which drew a record 163 entries. After a heads-up deal, he secured €35,000 (including an extra €5,000 for the win) and the CNP trophy. This victory was highlighted as the largest High Roller in the history of the Murcia stage.

Also in 2025, Castelo finished 2nd in the High Roller at CNP Lisboa, earning 261.20 ranking points. This result, combined with his Main Event wins, helped him rise to number one in the PokerPT Live Tournament Ranking as of October 2025, with 1,626.07 points from four scored tournaments.

While detailed analysis of his playing style is limited, Castelo's results indicate a strong all-around game, capable of deep runs in both large-field and high-roller events. He is particularly noted for his performance in heads-up scenarios, having secured deals or outright wins in several final tables. His consistent presence in CNP events suggests a preference for the circuit's structure and competition.

Paulo Castelo has established himself as one of Portugal's top live tournament players in the mid-2020s. His ability to win major CNP events and lead the national ranking underscores his skill and dedication. As he continues to compete, he is likely to add further accolades to his resume.