With a proposal of valuing past champions, the UAEJJF came up the King of Mats, inviting most athletes that had success in World Professional Championship and Grand Slams held by the organization.
Having two months of preparation, Samuel has been among ten names who were going to compete in 69kg division, undoubtedly the most disputed of the event. The athletes were divided by two groups of five, fighting against all in the group, qualifying the two best to the next stage.
In his first fight Samuel caught Jose Luis (GF Team) through a toe hold, the second one against Leonardo Saggioro (BTT) loss by 8-0, the third and most intense challenge was a 2-2 with Isaque Paiva (Saikoo) staying ahead by one advantage. The third fight and already without much chance of qualifying for both athletes had Samuel winning with a beautiful knee bar against Hiago George (Cicero Costha).