Shion SakamotoShion Sakamoto has overcome a 246-entry field and bested Masataka Ueda in a lengthy heads-up battle to claim the Mystery Bounty title for KRW 28,890,000 (~USD 21,265) and his first Spadie trophy.
Additionally, Sakamoto racked up 11 bounties en route to his victory, adding an additional KRW 12,350,000 (~USD 9,175) to his total prize.
The victory adds to Sakamoto's $32,000 in live-tourmament earnings, according to The Hendon Mob, marking a new high score in his poker resume.
Stay tuned for a recap of the final day.
Masataka UedaFollowing a series of shoves against Masataka Ueda, Shion Sakamoto shoved once more from the button and received a call from the short stack, who had dipped back down to around 1,800,000 in chips following a resurgence not too long prior.
Masataka Ueda: A♣ 3♥
Shion Sakamoto: A♦ 9♥
Ueda saw the writing on the wall as the hands were revealed, and the 4♠7♣ 9♣ flop all-but sealed his fate. The 4♥ turn card confirmed the result, and the 8♦ completed the board, eliminating Ueda in second place and awarding the title to Sakamoto.
| Player | Chips | Progress |
|---|---|---|
SS Shion Sakamoto | 7,300,000(91 BB) | 2,800,000 |
MU Masataka Ueda | busted | -2,700,000 |
| Place | Player | Prize (KRW) | Prize (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | MU Masataka Ueda | 18,400,000 | $13,545 |
Shion SakamotoShion Sakamoto raised to 200,000 on the button and Masataka Ueda called.
Ueda check-called a 150,000 bet from Sakamoto on the J♣ T♥ 7♥ flop and a 300,000 barrel from Sakamoto on the 9♥ turn.
The 8♦ river brought a straight on board and Ueda checked a final time. Sakamoto announced he was all in and Ueda snap-folded.
| Player | Chips | Progress |
|---|---|---|
SS Shion Sakamoto | 4,980,000(62 BB) | 480,000 |
MU Masataka Ueda | 2,400,000(30 BB) | -300,000 |
The first all-in-and-call of the final table favoured Masatake Ueda, with the short stack levelling the playing field once more:
Masataka Ueda: A♠3♦
Shion Sakamoto: J♣ T♦
Sakamoto's hot streak couldn't quite extinguish Ueda on the A♦ Q♣ T♣ 7♣ 3♠runout, with Ueda's ace-three making two pair and securing a vital double.
| Player | Chips | Progress |
|---|---|---|
SS Shion Sakamoto | 4,500,000(56 BB) | -1,000,000 |
MU Masataka Ueda | 2,700,000(34 BB) | 1,000,000 |
Despite Masataka Ueda closing the gap in the previous level, Shion Sakamoto has managed to extend himself to a comfortable lead with around 5,500,000, with Ueda back to around 1,700,000 in chips.
| Player | Chips | Progress |
|---|---|---|
SS Shion Sakamoto | 5,500,000(69 BB) | 1,520,000 |
MU Masataka Ueda | 1,700,000(21 BB) | -1,700,000 |
| Player | Chips | Progress |
|---|---|---|
SS Shion Sakamoto | 3,980,000(66 BB) | 180,000 |
MU Masataka Ueda | 3,400,000(57 BB) | -180,000 |
Shion Sakamoto limped on the button and called a raise to 200,000 from Masataka Ueda.
Ueda checked to Sakamoto, who took the initiative with a bet of 250,000. on the 6♣ Q♠6♥ flop. Ueda then check-raised to 775,000, which got a quick fold from Sakamoto.
| Player | Chips | Progress |
|---|---|---|
SS Shion Sakamoto | 3,800,000(63 BB) | -650,000 |
MU Masataka Ueda | 3,580,000(60 BB) | 730,000 |
Masataka UedaMasataka Ueda raised to 125,000 from the button and Shion Sakamoto called from the big blind.
Both checked the 8♣ 7♣ 6♥ flop to the 5♠turn, where Sakamoto led for 100,000. Ueda called and they headed to the river.
The 9♦ completed the board and Sakamoto checked; Ueda fired a hefty 475,000, and after a very short think Sakamoto opted to send his cards back to the dealer.
| Player | Chips | Progress |
|---|---|---|
SS Shion Sakamoto | 4,450,000(74 BB) | -230,000 |
MU Masataka Ueda | 2,850,000(48 BB) | 150,000 |
Masataka Ueda raised to 125,000 on the button and Shion Sakamoto defended his big blind.
Sakamoto check-called a 75,000 bet from Ueda on the 5♦ 9♥ 2♠flop and then both players checked on the 6♣ turn.
Sakamoto checked a final time on the A♥ river and Ueda fired a bet of 250,000 into the middle.
Sakamoto called and Ueda could only show K♣ J♣ for king-high. Sakamoto tabled A♣ 3♦ for a pair of aces and was sent a nice pot to extend his chip lead
| Player | Chips | Progress |
|---|---|---|
SS Shion Sakamoto | 4,680,000(78 BB) | 330,000 |
MU Masataka Ueda | 2,700,000(45 BB) | 1,100,000 |
Kyota HenzanKyota Henzan shoved for 475,000 on the button and it was folded to Shion Sakamoto, who snap-called from the big blind to put Henzan at risk.
Kyota Henzan: A♥ 5â™
Shion Sakamoto: Q♣ Q♦
Henzan was in need of some help against Sakamoto's ladies, but the 6♠2♣ 2♥ T♥ 9♣ runout bricked out for Henzan, eliminating him in third place.
| Player | Chips | Progress |
|---|---|---|
SS Shion Sakamoto | 4,350,000(73 BB) | -150,000 |
KH Kyota Henzan | busted | -1,200,000 |
| Place | Player | Prize (KRW) | Prize (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | KH Kyota Henzan | 12,485,000 | $9,190 |
Kodai SatoKodai Sato open-jammed his remaining ~360,000 chips from under the gun and big blind Masataka Ueda made the call:
Kodai Sato: 8♠8♣
Masatake Ueda: J♦ 7♦
"Lucky Chinese number!" Sato said as he revealed his holding. "No face card," he added.
The 2♥ J♣ 6♥ flop proved luck was on Ueda's side, however, giving him the superior pair.
The 4♣ turn nor 3♥ river were any held to Sato, and he was eliminated from the tournament in fourth place.
| Player | Chips | Progress |
|---|---|---|
MU Masataka Ueda | 1,600,000(27 BB) | 500,000 |
KS Kodai Sato | busted |
| Place | Player | Prize (KRW) | Prize (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | KS Kodai Sato | 9,600,000 | $7,065 |
Hayate UtsumiAction folded around to Shion Sakamoto, who moved all in from the small blind. Hayate Utsumi took a look at his hole cards from the big blind and committed his last 280,000 into the middle.
Hayate Utsumi: A♥ 5â™
Shion Sakamoto: A♣ 3â™
Utsumi had the best of it, even though the hand would often end in a chop.
Instead, the board ran out 3♦ 6♦ 7♥ 7♠Q♣ - pairing Sakamoto's three to come from behind and eliminate Utsumi in fifth place.

| Player | Chips | Progress |
|---|---|---|
SS Shion Sakamoto | 4,500,000(90 BB) | 300,000 |
HU Hayate Utsumi | busted |
| Place | Player | Prize (KRW) | Prize (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | HU Hayate Utsumi | 7,385,000 | $5,435 |
Genki NaganoButton Shion Sakamoto jammed his covering stack and after a short while of tanking and checking the screen for payout information, Genki Nagano put in the call from the big blind:
Genki Nagano: Q♣ Qâ™
Shion Sakamoto: Aâ™ 9â™
Nagano looked completely deflated as the dealer fanned the A♦ 3♣ 3♦ flop, giving Sakamoto the edge in yet another all-in confrontation.
No help came to Nagano on the 4♣ 4♦ runout, and he was sent to the payout desk in sixth place for KRW 5,680,000 (~USD 4,180). In addition to this, he pulled over KRW 18,400,000 (~USD 13,700) worth of bounty prizes, equivalent to a second-place finish on top of his payout. So, hard to imagine he'll be too upset with his efforts today.
| Player | Chips | Progress |
|---|---|---|
SS Shion Sakamoto | 4,200,000(84 BB) | 750,000 |
GN Genki Nagano | busted | -720,000 |
| Place | Player | Prize (KRW) | Prize (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | GN Genki Nagano | 5,680,000 | $4,180 |
Kodai Sato shoved for his last 245,000 on the button and was called by Hayata Utsumi in the big blind to be put at risk.
Kodai Sato: A♦ K♥
Hayata Utsumi: A♣ 4♥
Sato had Utsumi dominated, and stayed ahead on the 7♥ 7♦ Q♦ flop.
"No chop!" Sato shouted.
No chop came, as the A♠6♦ runout kept Sato's king-kicker best, awarding him a much-needed double up.
| Player | Chips | Progress |
|---|---|---|
KS Kodai Sato | 565,000(11 BB) | 175,000 |
HU Hayate Utsumi | 300,000(6 BB) | -100,000 |
Kodai SatoKodai Sato jammed his remaining 160,000 in from the small blind and Shion Sakamoto tossed in the call from the big blind.
Kodai Sato: A♠6♦
Shion Sakamoto: J♥ T♦
The 7♥ 7♦ 2♠flop was safe for Sato, but the 8♠turn opened up a gutshot for the table chip leader.
"No nine, ten, jack," Sato said as the dealer burned the final card, before turning over the K♦ river. Sato's ace-high stayed best and he added a lift-saving boost to his stack.
| Player | Chips | Progress |
|---|---|---|
SS Shion Sakamoto | 3,450,000(69 BB) | -100,000 |
KS Kodai Sato | 390,000(8 BB) | -170,000 |
Three ways in a limped pot, Shion Sakamoto was in the big blind, Hayate Utsumi was under the gun, and Kyota Henzan was in the cutoff.
All three players checked on the 9♠J♣ 9♣ flop and 4♣ turn, but Henzan made a bet after being checked to on the 9♥ river.
Sakamoto called and Utsumi got out of way. Henzan could only show king-high, prompting Sakamoto to table K♣ 3♣ for a flush to claim the pot.
| Player | Chips | Progress |
|---|---|---|
SS Shion Sakamoto | 3,550,000(89 BB) | 150,000 |
KH Kyota Henzan | 1,200,000(30 BB) | -200,000 |
HU Hayate Utsumi | 400,000(10 BB) | -40,000 |
Hayate UtsumiChip leader Shion Sakamoto's big stack has done yet more damage at the table, the recipient this time around being Hayate Utsumi.
Cutoff Sakamoto raised to 80,000 and Utsumi put in the sole call from the button.
Sakamoto continued for 80,000 on the J♥ T♥ 7♠flop and Utsumi swiftly made the call.
The action repeated on the 3♥ turn, this time for 175,000.
Sakamoto jammed his covering stack on the 3â™ river, sending Utsumi into the tank. After using a timebank, he opted not to make the call, and was left in the danger zone with less than 10 big blinds.
| Player | Chips | Progress |
|---|---|---|
SS Shion Sakamoto | 3,400,000(85 BB) | 600,000 |
HU Hayate Utsumi | 340,000(9 BB) | -475,000 |
Mastaka UedaKyota Henzan raised to 80,000 from the small blind and Masataka Ueda defended his big blind.
Ueda called a 50,000 bet from Henzan on the 3♦ K♠A♥ flop and then both players checked on the 2♦ river.
Henzan checked a final time after the Aâ™ paired the board on the river and Ueda cut out a bet of 200,000 and placed it into the middle.
Henzan thought a bit before calling and Ueda tabled A♦ 5♦ for trip aces. Henzan showed he held K♦ 4♦ and mucked - awarding the pot to Ueda.
| Player | Chips | Progress |
|---|---|---|
KH Kyota Henzan | 1,400,000(35 BB) | -300,000 |
MU Masataka Ueda | 1,100,000(28 BB) | 360,000 |
| Player | Chips | Progress |
|---|---|---|
SS Shion Sakamoto | 2,800,000(70 BB) | |
KH Kyota Henzan | 1,700,000(43 BB) | 550,000 |
HU Hayate Utsumi | 815,000(20 BB) | -20,000 |
MU Masataka Ueda | 740,000(19 BB) | |
GN Genki Nagano | 720,000(18 BB) | 20,000 |
KS Kodai Sato | 560,000(14 BB) | -130,000 |
Andrew ChoiSmall blind Andrew Choi jammed his remaining 570,000 chips into chip leader Shion Sakamoto, who looked him up from the big blind.
Andrew Choi: K♣ K♥
Shion Sakamoto: A♣ 8♥
"No bluff!" a tablemate said, referring to a previous hand with Choi.
Despite Choi's premium holding, Sakamoto continued his run of good form by connecting with the A♠T♦ 9♥ flop, leaving the short-stack playing catch up.
The J♥ turn offered a straight draw, but the 2♥ river bricked for Choi, sending him to the rail in 7th place.
| Player | Chips | Progress |
|---|---|---|
SS Shion Sakamoto | 2,800,000(93 BB) | 475,000 |
AC Andrew Choi | busted |
| Place | Player | Prize (KRW) | Prize (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | AC Andrew Choi | 4,690,000 | $3,450 |
Hayate Utsumi raised to 60,000 from early position and Andrew Choi defended his big blind.
Choi check-called a 60,000 bet from Utsumi on the K♣ 6♠2♣ flop and then both players checked on the T♠turn.
The 5♣ completed the board and Choi led out for 125,000. Utsumi pondered a bit, but eventually decided to stick in a call.
"Good call," Choi said as he revealed A♥ 9♥. "Ace high."
Utsumi tabled Q♥ T♣ for a pair of tens and was awarded the pot.
| Player | Chips | Progress |
|---|---|---|
HU Hayate Utsumi | 760,000(25 BB) | 110,000 |
AC Andrew Choi | 620,000(21 BB) | -150,000 |
Kyota Henzan| Player | Chips | Progress |
|---|---|---|
SS Shion Sakamoto | 2,325,000(78 BB) | -200,000 |
KH Kyota Henzan | 1,150,000(38 BB) | 485,000 |
MU Masataka Ueda | 1,000,000(33 BB) | |
AC Andrew Choi | 770,000(26 BB) | -170,000 |
GN Genki Nagano | 700,000(23 BB) | -80,000 |
KS Kodai Sato | 690,000(23 BB) | 60,000 |
HU Hayate Utsumi | 650,000(22 BB) | -70,000 |
Hyung Soo LimHyung Soo Lim shoved for his last 105,000 first to act and was called by Andrew Choi from directly behind. Everyone else folded and a showdown was held.
Hyung Soo Lim: Qâ™ 7â™
Andrew Choi: J♠T♦
It was another speculative call from Choi, but this time he was rewarded after the J♦ J♣ 6♣ T♠4♠runout left him best with a full house - eliminating Lim in eighth place.
| Player | Chips | Progress |
|---|---|---|
AC Andrew Choi | 940,000(38 BB) | 170,000 |
HS Hyung Soo Lim | busted | -100,000 |
| Place | Player | Prize (KRW) | Prize (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | HS Hyung Soo Lim | 3,910,000 | $2,880 |
Hayate UtsumiHayate Utsumi shoved from the small blind four a bit under 200,000 from the small blind and was quickly called by Genki Nagano, who held a covering stack in the big blind.
Hayate Utsumi: 7♥ 6♥
Genki Nagano: Qâ™ 7â™
Utsumi let out a groan upon seeing he was dominated, but it didn't matter in the end, as the A♣ 4♥ 2♥ K♥ 2♠runout improved him to a flush for the double-up.
On the very next hand, Andrew Choi raised to 50,000 from the hijack and Utsumi shoved for 330,000 on the button. It was folded back around to Choi, who said, "Alright, let's gamble," as he stuck in a call.
Hayate Utsumi: Aâ™ Kâ™
Andrew Choi: Q♥ 9♥
Choi's gamble didn't pay off this time, as the board ran out J♦ A♦ 3♠2♣ 2♠- leaving Utsumi best with aces-up to score another double-up.
| Player | Chips | Progress |
|---|---|---|
GN Genki Nagano | 780,000(31 BB) | -200,000 |
AC Andrew Choi | 770,000(31 BB) | -55,000 |
HU Hayate Utsumi | 720,000(29 BB) | 420,000 |
Kodai Sato and Hyung Soo LimHijack Kodai Sato jammed and cutoff Hyung Soo Lim immediately jammed behind with his covering stack. No other player got involved and the two were left to show down:
Kodai Sato: A♥ Qâ™
Hyung Soo Lim: A♣ K♣
Sato was on the ropes, needing to catch a queen to stay in the game. Fortunately the Poker Gods were on side today, as the 5♣ 3♦ Q♦ flop favoured Sato's weaker holding.
No king came for Lim on the 3♥ turn, and thr Q♣ river improved Sato to trips for good measure.
| Player | Chips | Progress |
|---|---|---|
KS Kodai Sato | 630,000(25 BB) | 235,000 |
HS Hyung Soo Lim | 100,000(4 BB) | -320,000 |
Kodai SatoMasataka Ueda opened to 100,000 on the button and just behind him, Kodai Sato moved all in for his last 135,000. Hyung Soo Lim also shoved for 555,000 total from the big blind, which got fold from Ueda after a bit of tanking to set up a showdown between Lim and Sato.
Kodai Sato: J♦ T♦
Hyung Soo Lim: A♥ K♦
The 5♥ 8♠7♦ flop kept Lim ahead, but Sato starting cheering for a nine, which immediatley came on the 9♥ turn - improving Sato to an unbeatable straight.
The Q♦ filled out the board and Sato nearly tripled his short stack.
| Player | Chips | Progress |
|---|---|---|
MU Masataka Ueda | 1,000,000(50 BB) | -250,000 |
HS Hyung Soo Lim | 420,000(21 BB) | -205,000 |
KS Kodai Sato | 395,000(20 BB) | 170,000 |
Ryu HiroiRyu Hiroi opened to 185,000 from the hijack, leaving himself just a handful of chips behind. Masataka Ueda three-bet to 375,000 from the cutoff, and it was folded back round to Hiroi, who tossed in his remaining chips to put himself at risk.
Ryu Hiroi: 6♦ 6♥
Masataka Ueda: K♣ Kâ™
Hiroi needed some serious help against Ueda's Cowboys, but the 3♠9♠T♠T♥ K♥ runout needlessly improved Ueda to a full house instead, eliminating Hiroi in ninth place.
| Player | Chips | Progress |
|---|---|---|
MU Masataka Ueda | 1,150,000(58 BB) | 260,000 |
RH Ryu Hiroi | busted | -240,000 |
| Place | Player | Prize (KRW) | Prize (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | RH Ryu Hiroi | 3,249,600 | $2,390 |
Top Row L-R: Genki Nagano, Hayate Utsumi, Andrew Choi, Shion Sakamoto | Bottom Row L-R: Kyota Henzan, Ryu Hiroi, Masataka Ueda, Kodai Sato, Hyung Soo Lim | Player | Chips | Table | Seat |
|---|---|---|---|
HU Hayate Utsumi | 300,000(15 BB) | 38 | 1 |
GN Genki Nagano | 1,155,000(58 BB) | 38 | 2 |
KH Kyota Henzan | 665,000(33 BB) | 38 | 3 |
RH Ryu Hiroi | 240,000(12 BB) | 38 | 4 |
MU Masataka Ueda | 890,000(45 BB) | 38 | 5 |
KS Kodai Sato | 225,000(11 BB) | 38 | 6 |
HS Hyung Soo Lim | 525,000(26 BB) | 38 | 7 |
AC Andrew Choi | 825,000(41 BB) | 38 | 8 |
SS Shion Sakamoto | 2,525,000(126 BB) | 38 | 9 |
| Place | Player | Prize (KRW) | Prize (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | YH Yumo Hirata | 2,830,000 | $2,085 |
| 11 | YS Yusei Shimada | 2,830,000 | $2,085 |
| 12 | NS | 2,465,000 | $1,815 |
| 13 | WT Wai Tung Cheung | 2,465,000 | $1,815 |
Yumo HirataGenki Nagano opened from the cutoff before Yumo Hirata jammed his remaining ~90,000 from the small blind. Ryu Hiroi shoved behind from the big but it was ruled as a call only. Nagano committed the remaining chips to call.
Both Nagano and Hiroi checked the entire J♦ 6♥ 8♠K♦ 2♦ runout, with Ryu announcing he had queen-high. Hirata also turned over queen-high with a ten-kicker, but it was Nagano who scooped the pot with K♣ 9♣ and knocked out Hirata in the process, setting the final table of the Mystery Bounty event.
| Player | Chips | Progress |
|---|---|---|
GN Genki Nagano | 1,200,000(60 BB) | 325,000 |
RH Ryu Hiroi | 240,000(12 BB) | -90,000 |
YH Yumo Hirata | busted | -145,000 |
| Place | Player | Prize (KRW) | Prize (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13 | WT Wai Tung Cheung | 2,465,000 | $1,815 |
| 14 | YT Yuma Tominaga | 2,140,000 | $1,575 |
| 15 | HS Hideo Sawai | 2,140,000 | $1,575 |
| 16 | HK Hiroki Karatsu | 1,865,000 | $1,375 |
| 17 | WZ Weisheng Zhao | 1,865,000 | $1,375 |
Wai Tung CheungAction folded around to the blinds, where Shion Sakamoto announced he was all in from the small blind. Wai Tung Cheung quickly called all in for a bit under 500,000 from the big blind and hands were revealed.
Wai Tung Cheung: Aâ™ Tâ™
Shion Sakamoto: 8♥ 8♦
It was another flip, but this time the 8♣ 3♦ J♣ 9♠5♦ runout favored Sakamoto after improving him to a set - eliminating Cheung and extending his chip lead.
Shortly after the hand, Neeroban Sithamparanathan was also eliminated.
| Player | Chips | Progress |
|---|---|---|
SS Shion Sakamoto | 1,900,000(119 BB) | 550,000 |
WT Wai Tung Cheung | busted | -500,000 |
NS | busted | -610,000 |
Yumo Hirata| Player | Chips | Progress |
|---|---|---|
GN Genki Nagano | 875,000(55 BB) | 400,000 |
MU Masataka Ueda | 735,000(46 BB) | 505,000 |
AC Andrew Choi | 565,000(35 BB) | 280,000 |
HS Hyung Soo Lim | 455,000(28 BB) | -154,000 |
RH Ryu Hiroi | 330,000(21 BB) | -45,000 |
KS Kodai Sato | 259,000(16 BB) | -191,000 |
YH Yumo Hirata | 145,000(9 BB) | 105,000 |
Yuma TominagaYuma Tominaga shoved for his last 204,000 from middle position and was called by Wai Tung Cheung in the cutoff to be put at risk.
Yuma Tominaga: Q♣ J♣
Wai Tung Cheung: 7♠7♥
It was a race for Tominaga's tournament life, but the 7♣ 2♥ 8♥ flop left Tominaga drawing nearly dead against Cheung's set.
The 2♦ turn left Tominaga drawing dead and the 9♥ river made his elimination official.
Meanwhile, Hideo Sawai was also eliminated.
| Player | Chips | Progress |
|---|---|---|
WT Wai Tung Cheung | 500,000(31 BB) | 334,000 |
HS Hideo Sawai | busted | -180,000 |
YT Yuma Tominaga | busted | -205,000 |
Yusei ShimadaButton Yusei Shimada shoved from the button for 112,000 and small blind Yuma Tominaga shoved behind. Chip leader Shion Sakamoto stepped aside from the big blind and the two players showed down:
Yusei Shimada: J♠9♦
Yuma Tominaga: A♦ 4♣
The T♦ 5♠8♣ flop gave the short stack an open-ender, but still left him trailing to Tominaga's ace.
The Q♠turn, however, completed his straight and secured the full double at the expense of Tominaga, with the inconsequential 3♣ river completing the board.
| Player | Chips |
|---|---|
YS Yusei Shimada | 250,000(16 BB) |
YT Yuma Tominaga | 205,000(13 BB) |
| Place | Player | Prize (KRW) | Prize (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18 | MD Meng Dian Peng | 1,620,000 | $1,190 |
| 19 | BD Bo Dou | 1,620,000 | $1,190 |
| 20 | YM Yusuke Mizuno | 1,620,000 | $1,190 |
| 21 | PQ Pin Quan Ong | 1,410,000 | $1,040 |
| 22 | YN Yashiro Naoki | 1,410,000 | $1,040 |

Hyung Soo Lim got his 197,000-chip stack in from under the gun and was called by Yumo Hirata on the button, and Ryu Hiroi committed his remaining ~120,000 chips from the big blind:
Ryu Hiroi: A♣ Q♣
Hyung Soo Lim: A♠K♥
Yumo Hirata: A♦ 4â™
Hirata was drawing to a four and four only if he was wanting to score the double knockout, whereas Lim was in prime position for a triple up.
The J♣ 6♣ 2♥ flop kept Lim ahead, but gave plenty more outs to Hiroi, who was drawing to the nut flush.
The T♥ turn was safe, although Hiroi and Lim were holding each other's outs for a straight.
The 5â™ river bricked and Lim's Big Slick was best, awarding him the full triple-up, while Hiroi scored a double through Hirata, who was left with just a few big blinds.
| Player | Chips | Progress |
|---|---|---|
HS Hyung Soo Lim | 609,000(51 BB) | 44,000 |
RH Ryu Hiroi | 375,000(31 BB) | -20,000 |
YH Yumo Hirata | 40,000(3 BB) | -450,000 |
Shion SakamotoHeads-up on a completed board of 8♥ 9♣ J♦ Q♦ 8♦ with a few hundred thousand already in the middle, Shion Sakamoto checked from the hijack and Weisheng Zhao moved all in from the cutoff for 370,000.
Sakamoto went deep into the tank, using up a couple of time extensions before sticking in a reluctant call.
Zhao revealed Q♥ J♠for top two pair, but it was no good against Sakamoto's A♠8♠for trip eights - awarding Sakamoto the massive pot and sending Zhao to the rail.
Meanwhile, Meng Dian Peng and Bo Dou were eliminated.
| Player | Chips | Progress |
|---|---|---|
SS Shion Sakamoto | 1,350,000(113 BB) | 535,000 |
MD Meng Dian Peng | busted | -309,000 |
WZ Weisheng Zhao | busted | -385,000 |
BD Bo Dou | busted |
Ryu HiroiAndrew Choi opened to 25,000 from middle position and was called by Bo Dou from the cutoff. Ryu Hiroi then shoved for 171,000 on the button, which got a fold from Choi, but a call from Dou to be put at risk.
Ryu Hiroi: A♣ Q♦
Bo Dou: K♥ 4♥
Dou was bounty hunting, but the 3♦ 8♦ 3♥ T♠T♦ runout kept Hiroi best with his ace and he was awarded the double-up.
Shion SakamotoHand 1: Shion Sakamoto raised to 50,000 from the hijack before folding to Neeroban Sithamparanathan's three-bet shove from the button.
Hand 2: Sithamparanathan opened to 25,000 from the cutoff before folding to button Hideo Sawai's three-bet jam for 150,000.
Hand 3: Small blind Yusei Shimada limped and big blind Sakamoto checked. Both checked the T♥ K♥ 9♠flop to the 2♦ turn, where a delayed continuation-bet of 16,000 was enough to award Shimada the pot.
Neeroban SithamparanathanHand 4: Kyota Henzan raised to 25,000 from the cutoff and big blind Weiseng Zhao defended. Zhao check-folded when Henzan continued for 55,000 following the 3♦ K♥ A♠flop.
Hand 5: Sithamparanathan got a walk in the big blind.
Hand 6: Sakamoto raised to 25,000 from the cutoff before folding to small blind Sithamparanathan three-bet to 61,000.
| Player | Chips | Progress |
|---|---|---|
SS Shion Sakamoto | 815,000(68 BB) | 295,000 |
NS | 610,000(51 BB) | -140,000 |
WZ Weisheng Zhao | 385,000(32 BB) | 75,000 |
YS Yusei Shimada | 327,000(27 BB) | 211,000 |
KH Kyota Henzan | 245,000(20 BB) | -4,355,000 |
HS Hideo Sawai | 180,000(15 BB) | 76,000 |
Kodai SatoKodai Sato opened to 26,000 from the cutoff and Hayate Utsumi defended his big blind.
Utsumi then proceeded to check-call bets from Sato on every street. First for 25,000 on the 9♠4♠5♣ flop, then for 50,000 on the A♥ turn, and finally for 79,000 on the K♥ river.
Sato revealed A♦ K♣ for top two pair and Utsumi sent his cards into the muck.
| Player | Chips | Progress |
|---|---|---|
KS Kodai Sato | 450,000(38 BB) | 120,000 |
HU Hayate Utsumi | 220,000(18 BB) | -180,000 |
Neeroban SithamparanathanYusuke Mizuno shoved for 123,000 first to act and it was folded to Neeroban Sithamparanathan, who looked at his hole cards one-by-one before announcing a call in the big blind with a covering stack.
Yusuke Mizuno: A♣ J♣
Neeroban Sithamparanathan: A♥ Q♣
Mizuno found himself dominated, and the 9♥ K♦ 2♥ 9♦ 5♣ runout kept Sithamparanathan best with his queen-kicker to eliminate Mizuno just before break.
| Player | Chips | Progress |
|---|---|---|
NS | 750,000(75 BB) | 360,000 |
YM Yusuke Mizuno | busted | -227,000 |
Hiroki KaratsuButton Hiroki Karatsu open-jammed his remaining 56,000 and both blinds, Genki Nagano and Andrew Choi, made the call.
Nagano and Choi checked the entire Q♦ 9♦ K♣ 3♠3♦ runout.
Choi turned over pocket fives with 5♠5♦, Nagano had 8♥ 4♦ for not much of anything, but it was Karatsu who stayed alive and secured a huge boost to his stack with K♠J♣ for top pair.
| Player | Chips | Progress |
|---|---|---|
GN Genki Nagano | 475,000(48 BB) | 60,000 |
AC Andrew Choi | 285,000(29 BB) | -75,000 |
HK Hiroki Karatsu | 185,000(19 BB) | -15,000 |
Andrew ChoiHeads-up on a flop of Q♥ J♣ 5♦, Bo Dou checked from the big blind and Andrew Choi bet 10,000 on the button. Dou then check-raised to 100,000 and Choi said, "Ahh, you just want my bounty," before moving all in for a bit over 150,000 total. Dou called and hands were revealed.
Andrew Choi: Q♣ J♥
Bo Dou: Q♠5♣
Both players had flopped two pair, but Choi held a commanding lead with top two pair.
The J♣ turn further improved Choi to a full house for a lock on the hand and the 5♦ river improved Dou to a meaningless smaller full house, awarding Choi the double-up.
At another table, Pin Quan Ong was eliminated.
| Player | Chips | Progress |
|---|---|---|
BD Bo Dou | 440,000(44 BB) | -205,000 |
AC Andrew Choi | 360,000(36 BB) | 160,000 |
PQ Pin Quan Ong | busted |
Hayate UtsumiThe action was joined on a board reading T♠K♥ 2♣ 7♥ 2♦, with around 150,000 in the pot. Big blind Hayate Utsumi had jammed his remaining 127,000-chip stack and hijack Kodai Sato was considering the call.
Eventually he put in the chips and Utsumi immediately turned over 2♥ 2♠, having rivered quads. Sato showed K♦ Q♣ for top pair, awarding Utsumi a full double and then some.
| Player | Chips | Progress |
|---|---|---|
HU Hayate Utsumi | 400,000(40 BB) | 135,000 |
KS Kodai Sato | 330,000(33 BB) | -310,000 |
Naoki Yashiro was already all in and at risk from the big blind for about 200,000 against Shion Sakamoto, who was in the cutoff, on a flop of 7♠5♦ 7♦.
Yashiro Naoki: 8♥ 7♣
Shion Sakamoto: A♠7♥
Players at the table gasped after seeing both players had flopped trip sevens, but Sakamoto was well ahead with his ace-kicker.
Neither the K♥ turn nor J♦ river changed anything and Sakamoto was sent the rest of Yashiro's chips on a cooler.
| Player | Chips | Progress |
|---|---|---|
SS Shion Sakamoto | 520,000(52 BB) | 346,000 |
YN Yashiro Naoki | busted | -176,000 |
Bo DouGenki Nagano limped from under the gun and Bo Dou limped from the cutoff. Big blind Hyung Soo Lim checked his option.
Lim checked again on the 6♣ T♠7♣ flop before Nagano led for 13,000. Do didn't take too much time before counting out a 51,000 raise, prompting a swift check-and-muck from Lim, before Nagano considered his move. He ultimately decided to return his hand to the dealer.
"Pick one," Dou said. Nagano chose the card on the right, and Dou turned over T♥.
"I had seven," Nagano said.
"Ace-ten suited," Dou replied.
| Player | Chips | Progress |
|---|---|---|
BD Bo Dou | 645,000(81 BB) | 517,000 |
HS Hyung Soo Lim | 565,000(71 BB) | -50,000 |
GN Genki Nagano | 415,000(52 BB) | -5,000 |
Genki NaganoNeeroban Sithamparanathan raised to 16,000 from under the gun and was joined to the flop by Yumo Hirata from a couple of seats over, plus big blind defender Genki Nagano.
The dealer fanned the T♠T♦ 5♠flop and all three players checked it down to the 9♠turn, where the action checked through again.
On the 2♦ river, Nagano led for 27,000, prompting a fold from Sithamparanathan. Hirata raised to 55,000, before Nagano three-bet to 85,000. Hirata quickly put in the call and turned over 2♥ 2♠for a rivered full house.
In a brutal boat-over-boat cooler, Nagano turned over T♥ 9♥ for a superior full house and scooped the pot, to the shock of the table.
"If it was me, all-in on river," Bo Dou said to Hirata.
| Player | Chips | Progress |
|---|---|---|
YH Yumo Hirata | 490,000(61 BB) | 164,000 |
GN Genki Nagano | 420,000(53 BB) | -40,000 |
NS | 390,000(49 BB) | -5,000 |
| Place | Player | Prize (KRW) | Prize (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 23 | ZJ Zicong Jiang | 1,410,000 | $1,040 |
| 24 | SO Selim Oulmekki | 1,225,000 | $900 |
| 25 | CB Chinzorig Batchuluun | 1,225,000 | $900 |
| 26 | HS Hiromasa Syuto | 1,225,000 | $900 |
| 27 | CX Changhong Xie | 1,225,000 | $900 |
Mastaka UedaMasataka Ueda moved all in for about 100,000 on the button and was quickly called by Zicong Jiang in the big blind to be put at risk.
Mastaka Ueda: Aâ™ 7â™
Zicong Jiang: 9♦ 9♥
jiang held the lead with his nines, but the 8♣ K♥ A♥ K♦ Q♣ runout paired Ueda's ace - awarding him the double-up and knocking Jiang down to just 15,000 as a result of the hand.
Jiang was eliminated shortly after the hand.
| Player | Chips | Progress |
|---|---|---|
MU Masataka Ueda | 230,000(29 BB) | 139,000 |
ZJ Zicong Jiang | busted | -309,000 |
Neeroban SithamparanathanBo Dou limped in from early position, followed by cutoff Hyung Soo Lim, button Genki Nagano and small blind Neeroban Sithamparanathan. Big blind Andrew Choi opted to check.
All five players checked the Q♥ Q♦ 7♦ flop to the Q♣ turn. Both blinds checked, followed by Dou, before Lim led for 15,000. Nagano didn't take too long before min-clicking to 30,000, prompting folds from around the table.
| Player | Chips |
|---|---|
HS Hyung Soo Lim | 615,000(77 BB) |
GN Genki Nagano | 460,000(58 BB) |
NS | 395,000(49 BB) |
AC Andrew Choi | 200,000(25 BB) |
BD Bo Dou | 128,000(16 BB) |
Selim OulmekkiSelim Oulmekki moved all in for his last 70,000 first to act and action folded around to Hayate Utsumi, who called to put Oulmekki at risk.
Selim Oulmekki: K♦ Q♥
Hayate Utsumi: A♠8♣
Oulmekki stood up from his seat to sweat the runout and quickly got some good news after the 9♦ Q♦ J♣ flop paired his queen for a commanding lead.
The 9♥ turn changed nothing, but the A♣ struck lightning on the river - pairing Utsumi's ace on the end to eliminate Oulmekki in dramatic fashion.
| Player | Chips | Progress |
|---|---|---|
HU Hayate Utsumi | 265,000(33 BB) | -65,000 |
SO Selim Oulmekki | busted | -256,000 |
| Place | Player | Prize (KRW) | Prize (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 28 | EM Evgenii Mikheev | 1,065,000 | $785 |
| 29 | HH Hua Huang | 1,065,000 | $785 |
| 30 | ML Maxim Lykov | 1,065,000 | $785 |
| 31 | KT Kazutoshi Takemoto | 1,065,000 | $785 |
| 32 | KK Kento Kinoshita | 925,000 | $680 |
Kodai SatoKodai Sato seems to be unable to lose a hand during this morning's session, and has doubled his starting stack in just over one level.
One of the more recent hands at his table saw Sato raise to 16,000 from middle position before big blind Hiromasa Syuto three-bet to 120,000 (leaving 15,000 behind). Sato made the call and the two headed to the flop.
The dealer fanned 7♦ A♦ 9♣ and Syuto committed his three remaining chips, with Sato quickly putting in the call.
Hiromasa Syuto: A♣ 9â™
Kodai Sato: 9♥ 9♦
It was a super cruel situation for Syuto, with him calling for the ace that was needed to keep him in the game.
No such miracle occurred on the 8♦ 7♥ runout, though, and he was sent to the rail.
| Player | Chips | Progress |
|---|---|---|
KS Kodai Sato | 640,000(80 BB) | 180,000 |
HS Hiromasa Syuto | busted | -188,000 |
Heads-up on a completed board of 8♣ 9♥ K♦ K♥ A♠with a large pot already in the middle, Changhong Xie had a bet of about 100,000 in front of him from the big blind and Kyota Henzan moved all in from early positon.
Xie tanked, but eventually committed his remaining stack into the middle only to be shown A♣ A♦ for aces-full from Henzan.
Xie showed he held K♠J♦ for trip kings before exiting the tournament area.
| Player | Chips | Progress |
|---|---|---|
KH Kyota Henzan | 4,600,000(575 BB) | 4,341,000 |
CX Changhong Xie | busted | -175,000 |
Genki Nagano limped from middle position and called after Andrew Choi made it 16,000 to go from the cutoff.
Nagano check-called a 12,000 bet from Choi on the 2♣ 2♦ T♣ flop and then both players checked on the A♣ turn.
The 8â™ completed the board and Nagano led out for 30,000. Choi quickly looked him up and Nagano tabled Aâ™ Tâ™ for aces and tens.
"Nice bet," Choi said as he sent his cards into the muck - conceding the pot to Nagano.
| Player | Chips | Progress |
|---|---|---|
GN Genki Nagano | 460,000(77 BB) | 337,000 |
AC Andrew Choi | 200,000(33 BB) | -56,000 |

Cutoff Konishi So got his remaining 66,000 into the middle and Weisheng Zhao jammed behind from the small blind. The big blind got out of the way the two were left to show down:
Konishi So: A♦ Qâ™
Weisheng Zhao: A♣ Tâ™
So looked primed for the double having Zhao dominated. The 7♠T♦ 7♥ flop, however, dramatically changed things and now So was playing catch up.
No help came for him on the 4â™ Jâ™ runout and the Japanese player hit the rail.
| Player | Chips | Progress |
|---|---|---|
WZ Weisheng Zhao | 310,000(52 BB) | 55,000 |
KS Konishi So | busted |
The action was joined with small blind Hua Huang all-in and at risk for 92,000 against hijack Kodai Sato:
Hua Huang: A♣ Qâ™
Kodai Sato: 5♣ 5♦
Huang was looking for high cards to stay in the game, but unfortunately the 2♦ 3♠6♦ flop only gave Sato more cards to improve his hand, opening up a gutshot.
The 8♣ turn changed little, and the 4♦ river completed the board and Sato's straight, whilst sending Huang to the rail.
| Player | Chips |
|---|---|
KS Kodai Sato | 460,000(77 BB) |
HH Hua Huang | busted |
| Place | Player | Prize (KRW) | Prize (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 33 | KS Konishi So | 925,000 | $680 |
| 34 | DY Daisuke Yamazaki | 925,000 | $680 |
| 35 | SL Sergei Li | 925,000 | $680 |
| 36 | FS Fuyuma Sagawa | 925,000 | $680 |
| 37 | LT Leslie Tsui | 925,000 | $680 |
Hyung Soo LimDaisuke Yamazaki opened from under the gun and was three-bet by Hyung Soo Lim from directly behind. Action folded back around to Yamazaki, who announced he was all in for approximately 120,000 total. Lim quickly called and a showdown was held.
Daisuke Yamazaki: A♥ K♥
Hyung Soo Lim: T♣ T♦
It was a race, but the 4♣ 2♠5♣ 6♠8♥ runout kept Lim's tens best - eliminating Yamazaki early on Day 2 and giving the chip leader a nice boost to his stack.
| Player | Chips | Progress |
|---|---|---|
HS Hyung Soo Lim | 615,000(103 BB) | 122,000 |
DY Daisuke Yamazaki | busted | -124,000 |
Action folded around to the blinds, where Leslie Tsui moved all in for his last 60,000 from the small blind. Hayate Utsumi took his time, but eventually decided to place calling chips into the middle to put Tsui at risk.
Leslie Tsui: Kâ™ 8â™
Hayate Utsumi: A♣ 6♣
Tsui would need some help, but the A♥ A♦ 9♦ flop left him drawing dead after improving Utsumi to trip aces.
The Q♦ T♣ runout made Tsui's elimination official and Utsumi added to his stack.
| Player | Chips | Progress |
|---|---|---|
HU Hayate Utsumi | 330,000(55 BB) | 69,000 |
LT Leslie Tsui | busted | -57,000 |
Weisheng ZhaoHijack Weisheng Zhao raised to 12,000 and big blind Evgenii Mikheev defended.
The action checked through the 7♣ J♣ Q♥ flop to the T♦ turn, where Mikheev fired 25,000. Zhao thought on it for a moment before eventually making the call.
The K♥ landed on the river and Mikheev led again, for only 8,000. Zhao called and Mikheev turned over J♥ T♣ for two pair, but it was no good against Zhao's turned straight with K♠9♦
| Player | Chips | Progress |
|---|---|---|
WZ Weisheng Zhao | 255,000(43 BB) | 57,000 |
EM Evgenii Mikheev | 210,000(35 BB) | -38,000 |
Will Hyung Soo Lim Capture Another Spadie Trophy?Following three opening flights, just 37 players remain from a 246-entry field in the Mystery Bounty event. Hyung Soo Lim leads the way with 493,000 chips, followed by Hiroi Ryu with 468,000 and Nerooban Sithamparanathan with 395,000. Kodai Sato and Yumo Hirata round out the top five with 338,000 and 326,000, respectively.
Lim and Hiroi are the only two players above 400,000, while the top eight are all separated by fewer than 200,000 in chips. There are also several familiar faces among the returning field, including Maxim Lykov with 158,000, Bo Dou with 128,000 and Shion Sakamoto with 174,000.
| Player | Chips |
|---|---|
HS Hyung Soo Lim | 493,000 |
RH Ryu Hiroi | 468,000 |
NS | 395,000 |
KS Kodai Sato | 338,000 |
YH Yumo Hiarata | 326,000 |
MD Meng Dian Peng | 309,000 |
ZJ Zicong Jiang | 309,000 |
YT Yuma Tominaga | 308,000 |
HU Hayate Utsumi | 261,000 |
KH Kyota Henzan | 259,000 |
The KRW 191,289,699 (~USD 140,700) prize pool will be distributed among the remaining players, with everyone guaranteed at least KRW 925,000 (~USD 680) for making it to Day 2. The eventual winner, however will take home KRW 28,890,000 (~USD 21,265) in addition to the title and PokerStars Spadie trophy.
Adding another layer to the action, every elimination on Day 2 will give the player responsible for the knockout a chance to pull one of the event's lucrative mystery bounties, meaning there will be plenty at stake beyond the regular payouts. Three seats to the APPT Korea Main Event, each valued at KRW 1,800,000 (~USD 1,329), will also be awarded as part of the prize pool.
Play resumes at 11 a.m. local time, with level lengths increased to 40 minutes each for Day 2, giving the remaining players more time to maneuver as the field plays down to a champion.
Be sure to stay tuned to Somuchpoker for continued coverage from Paradise City Incheon as the remaining players battle through Day 2 until a Mystery Bounty champion is crowned.
| Player | Chips |
|---|---|
HS Hyung Soo Lim | 493,000 |
RH Ryu Hiroi | 468,000 |
NS | 395,000 |
KS Kodai Sato | 338,000 |
YH Yumo Hiarata | 326,000 |
MD Meng Dian Peng | 309,000 |
ZJ Zicong Jiang | 309,000 |
YT Yuma Tominaga | 308,000 |
HU Hayate Utsumi | 261,000 |
KH Kyota Henzan | 259,000 |
SO Selim Oulmekki | 256,000 |
AC Andrew Choi | 256,000 |
EM Evgenii Mikheev | 248,000 |
YM Yusuke Mizuno | 227,000 |
HK Hiroki Karatsu | 200,000 |
WZ Weisheng Zhao | 198,000 |
HS Hiromasa Syuto | 188,000 |
YN Yashiro Naoki | 176,000 |
CX Changhong Xie | 175,000 |
SS Shion Sakamoto | 174,000 |
PQ Pin Quan Ong | 171,000 |
WT Wai Tung Cheung | 166,000 |
ML Maxim Lykov | 158,000 |
BD Bo Dou | 128,000 |
DY Daisuke Yamazaki | 124,000 |
GN Genki Nagano | 123,000 |
YS Yusei Shimada | 116,000 |
HS Hideo Sawai | 104,000 |
HH Hua Huang | 104,000 |
CB Chinzorig Batchuluun | 100,000 |
KT Kazutoshi Takemoto | 94,000 |
MU Masataka Ueda | 91,000 |
KS Konishi So | 87,000 |
SL Sergei Li | 84,000 |
KK Kento Kinoshita | 74,000 |
LT Leslie Tsui | 57,000 |
FS Fuyuma Sagawa | 37,000 |
| Place | Payout (KRW) | Payout (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 28,890,000 | $21,265 |
| 2 | 18,400,000 | $13,545 |
| 3 | 12,485,000 | $9,190 |
| 4 | 9,600,000 | $7,065 |
| 5 | 7,385,000 | $5,435 |
| 6 | 5,680,000 | $4,180 |
| 7 | 4,690,000 | $3,450 |
| 8 | 3,910,000 | $2,880 |
| 9 | 3,249,600 | $2,390 |
| 10 | 2,830,000 | $2,085 |
| 11 | 2,830,000 | $2,085 |
| 12 | 2,465,000 | $1,815 |
| 13 | 2,465,000 | $1,815 |
| 14 | 2,140,000 | $1,575 |
| 15 | 2,140,000 | $1,575 |
| 16 | 1,865,000 | $1,375 |
| 17 | 1,865,000 | $1,375 |
| 18 | 1,620,000 | $1,190 |
| 19 | 1,620,000 | $1,190 |
| 20 | 1,620,000 | $1,190 |
| 21 | 1,410,000 | $1,040 |
| 22 | 1,410,000 | $1,040 |
| 23 | 1,410,000 | $1,040 |
| 24 | 1,225,000 | $900 |
| 25 | 1,225,000 | $900 |
| 26 | 1,225,000 | $900 |
| 27 | 1,225,000 | $900 |
| 28 | 1,065,000 | $785 |
| 29 | 1,065,000 | $785 |
| 30 | 1,065,000 | $785 |
| 31 | 1,065,000 | $785 |
| 32 | 925,000 | $680 |
| 33 | 925,000 | $680 |
| 34 | 925,000 | $680 |
| 35 | 925,000 | $680 |
| 36 | 925,000 | $680 |
| 37 | 925,000 | $680 |