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Who Are the Best Poker Players to Come Out of Asia?

Gambling is common in Asia as most people view it as a social activity and a means to bond with other people. However, one of the most prominent card games Asians play is poker. As such, Asia is known for hosting multiple series of poker tournaments across the year. For example, the Asian Poker Tour (APT) is one of the biggest poker tournaments in Asia and has largely contributed to the rise of some legendary Asian poker players. However, there are other poker players who made their name in the industry by playing outside of Asia. Nonetheless, join us as we explore some top poker players from Asia.

Top 6 Professional Poker Players from Asia

Over the years, many great players have come and gone, but the debate remains about who the greatest poker players are to come out of Asia. For enthusiasts and newbies alike in Asia, online poker sites for Korean players provide an exciting way to be the next best. While it’s quite tricky naming the best poker players due to the nature of the game, it comes in many different formats and for various stakes. However, we’ve put together this list of top professional poker players from Asia considering their personalities, playing styles, and achievements.

1. Paul Phua – Malaysia

Paul Phua is a Malaysian businessman popular for his poker-playing skills. Phua’s passion for poker started in his 40s when he started playing Texas Hold’em. He learned from the best professional poker players of his time like Tom Dwan, Patrik Antonius, Phil Ivey, and others. Phua’s journey to success started in 2012 when he won the Aspers £100K High Roller in London after defeating Richard Yong in a heads-up play earning him $1,621,297. One of his biggest wins of all time was in September 2018, where he won the cash game pot of $2,350,000 against Tom Dwan. Phua has won hundreds of thousands and millions in several tournaments such as:

• Big One for One Drop event
• One Drop Extravaganza
• Aussie Millions
• Triton Series

As of 2024, Phua has won a total of $29,900,000 in live tournament cashes.

2. John Juanda – Indonesia

John Juanda is an Indonesian professional poker player popular for winning four World Series of Poker titles and a World Poker Open Championship title. His poker career kicked off in 2001 and 2002 where he was player of the year in Card Player Magazine’s tournament. Also, Juanda has made it to up to seven WPT final tables including a runner-up finish in the Five Diamond World Poker Classic in 2002/2003. Juanda earned his first largest cash at the Macau High Stakes Challenge Super High Roller, finishing fifth place and earning him HK$12,765,000 which is approximately worth $1,645,756, As of 2023, Juanda has made a total live tournament earnings of over $25,600,000.

3. Daniel Chi Tang – Hong Kong

Daniel Chi Tang is a Hong Kong pro poker player with a wealth of experience and success in the poker industry. As one of the best-ranking Asian poker players, Daniel has competed in some of the world’s most prestigious poker events like the Asia Pacific Poker Tour, World Series of Poker, and more. In 2019, Daniel earned his first-ever seven-figure payout finishing second place in the Triton Poker Super High Roller Series, earning him $1,800,000. He also won the World Series of Poker in 2019, making him the second Hong Kong player to win this bracelet. As of today, Daniel has a total live earning of $25,025,056.

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4. Aaron Shu Nu Zang – China

Aaron Shu Nu Zang is a professional Chinese poker player. Zang’s venture into poker was through his university friend, and began playing professionally in 2007 in Macau. In 2019, Zang entered into the No Limit Hold’em Triton Million tournament, which has the largest scheduled single payout in poker tournament history with first place set to receive $23,100,000. However, Zang finished second in the tournament earning him $16,775,820. However, Zang made a comeback winning the 2019 Triton Million event earning him $18,346,673, which is the third-largest single payout in poker tournament history. As of August 2020, Zang has won over $17,600,000 in live poker tournaments, overtaking Elton Tsang as the most successful Chinese poker player in live tournaments.

5. Punnat Punsri – Thailand      

Punnat Punsri is a Thai professional poker player and an ambassador for Natural8. He has won two High Roller titles and is a regular participant on the PokerGO Tour. Punnat’s rise to popularity in the poker industry started in 2020 when he started playing high-stake live poker tournaments. He won his first six-figure prize in 2022 by winning the PokerGO Tour High Roller earning him $118,037. In 2022, he participated in the World Series of Poker but narrowly missed out on winning his first bracelet, finishing second in the Poker Hall of Fame Bounty. To date, Punsri has over $8,100,000 in live tournament earnings and is showing no signs of slowing down.

Asia has produced some of the most talented poker players globally, with their skills and achievements leaving a lasting impact on the poker community. As the region continues to foster exceptional talent, these players inspire a new generation to pursue the game passionately.

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