The Asian Poker Tour (APT) is one of the most prominent poker brands in Asia and is known for hosting multiple series all across the year. From Taiwan to South Korea and Vietnam, the APT organises poker events all throughout the year, citing the ever-rising significance of poker events in Asia. Whilst APT ensures every series gets bigger and bolder, it has led to a growth in the number of professional players emerging from Asia.
There are many great Asian poker players who have been dominating tournaments across the world. In some way or another, APT has contributed in shaping their career in the poker world. So, without further ado, let’s look at some legendary Asian poker players.
John Juanda is easily one of the most successful poker players in the world from the Asian continent. The Indonesia-based poker pro has $25 Million in live tournament earnings and is among the top 30 in the All Time Money List. He ventured into the poker scene nearly two decades ago, and since has been consistently recording big cashes; having spent his early life in Indonesia before moving to the United States, the poker pro has won five World Series Of Poker (WSOP) bracelets so far.
ALSO READ: APT All Time Money List
Malaysia’s Paul Phua started playing Texas Hold’em in 2010 while recording his first tournament cash in 2012. Since then, he has recorded a total live earnings of $28,146,292 while boasting a best live cash of $3,113,429. Currently slotted 24th on the All Time Money List, Phua is ranked 1st on the Malaysia All Time Money List. With some impressive cashes and wins to his name, Phua is an inspiration.
Born in Guangzhou, China, Johnny Chan has recorded total live earnings of $8,781,704 so far along with 10 WSOP bracelets. While he currently resides in Las Vegas, United States, the China-born player is undoubtedly one of the most legendary poker players to emerge from Asia.
Scotty Nguyen left his war-torn homeland of Vietnam at the age of 14 before settling in Los Angeles. He played and dealt poker in card rooms in his early 20s before playing in small poker games in 1988-1989. Since then, he has pocketed $12,725,192 in total live earnings while sitting at the 88th spot in the All Time Money List. With a best live cash of $1,989,120, Nguyen is one of the poker gems that emerged from Asia.
Born in Canada, Elton Tsang shifted to China for business opportunities. He developed into a world-class poker player in Hong Kong and currently plays under the Chinese flag, which makes him a part of this list containing legendary Asian poker players.
He became a household name in the poker circuit after winning the €1,000,000 Monte-Carlo One Drop Extravaganza, pocketing €11,111,111 ($12,248,912), which is amongst the single-largest prize won by any Asian poker player. Elton Tsang has so far recorded $15,715,600 in total live cash earnings and sits 64th on the All Time Money List, while claiming the second spot on the Hong Kong All Time Money List.
Malaysia-based Richard Yong is one of the richest players to feature in this list, with the poker pro holding $16,398,842 in total live earnings while boasting a best live cash of $2,130,848. He occupies the 56th spot in the All Time Money List and is second on the Malaysia All Time Money List.
This list would be incomplete without giving a shout-out to Hui Chen-Kuo, better known as Kitty Kuo. She is a female poker pro who is also a Natural8 Ambassador. She is one of the best female poker pros to come up from the Asian circuit and is a solid source of inspiration for all the female poker players and enthusiasts in the world.
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Smit is a sports writer at Gutshot Magazine. After completing his Bachelor’s in Mass Media, and a Master’s degree in Sports Management, this sports fanatic uses articles as a tool to express his opinions. Bring up cricket or football and you will find this usually quiet guy speak for hours! He also co-heads the official supporters club of Chelsea FC in Mumbai, wherein he hosts screenings, football meets and other such events.
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