South Korea, LES A CasinoEVENT #33

2026.02.02 - 2026.02.03Add to Calendar

Asian Poker Tour

Blind level

Level 14: 8,000 / 16,000 ante: 16,000

Entries

19/49

Total Chips

12,250,000

Average

644,737

LIVE UPDATES BY APT

SMPSMP

2/2/2026, 4:49:52 PM

Tony Ren Lin Leads, Targets Another APT Title in Superstar Challenge

Level 14: 8,000 / 16,000 ante: 16,000

Chip Leader Tony Ren Lin

The KRW 35,000,000 (~USD 25,000) Superstar Challenge has wrapped up drawing a total of 49 entries (39 unique), a 22% increase from last year’s Jeju edition, and creating a total prize pool of KRW 1,609,950,000 (~USD 1,118,020).

From the first shuffle to the final bag, it was unyielding pressure and elite-level poker inside LES A Casino. Now, just 16 players remain, and standing tallest at the summit is none other than newly crowned APT Super High Roller champion Tony Ren Lin from China, who closed the day with a commanding 1,480,000.

He is within striking distance of poker’s most coveted prize on this stage: the APT Black Stealth Lion, along with the KRW 465,270,000 (~USD 323,100) top payout.

Superstar Challenge Day 1 Top Ten Chip Counts:

Player	Chips
TR Tony Ren LinChina	1,480,000(93 BB)
JC Joseph CheongUnited States of America	1,195,000(75 BB)
PP Paulius PlausinaitisLithuania	1,015,000(63 BB)
WP Weiran PuChina	915,000(57 BB)
LE Lester EdocPhilippines	900,000(56 BB)
KA Khoa Anh NgoViet Nam	835,000(52 BB)
FK Fendy KosasihIndonesia	765,000(48 BB)
HD Huu Dung NguyenViet Nam	760,000(48 BB)
TY Ting Yi Eric TsaiTaiwan	735,000(46 BB)
QM Quang Minh NguyenViet Nam	715,000(45 BB)

Lin arrives with momentum and a clear target on his back. Just one day earlier, he authored a remarkable comeback in the KRW 15,000,000 APT Super High Roller, clawing his way back from the brink with just two big blinds to claim the APT Pewter Lion.

Returning to battle once more, Lin entered late yet again and still emerged with the chip lead. The defining moment came in a pivotal coin flip against Japan's Jun Obara, when Lin’s pocket fours spiked a set, sending his stack surging toward the top.

Hot on his heels is a familiar force. American Joseph Cheong bagged 1,195,000, continuing his reign atop the APT All-Time Money List. A two-time winner of the Superstar Challenge and two-time Zodiac Classic champion, Cheong is once again deep, once again dangerous, and now positioned to chase history as he eyes a potential third title in this very event.

Joseph Cheong

Completing the top three is Lithuanian Paulinus Plausinaitis with 1,015,000, the final player to eclipse the one-million-chip mark. Ranked fourth on Lithuania’s All-Time Money List, Plausinaitis has lived on the brink of APT glory before. The lion has slipped from his grasp more than once but with chips in hand and opportunity knocking, this could finally be his moment.

Lester Edoc (900,000) from the Philippines has already captured multiple APT titles and sits comfortably fifth on the chip leaderboard. Despite entering the tournament late, Edoc steadily accumulated chips through grit and well-timed decisions to finish inside the top ten.

His stack received a crucial boost in the final six hands of the day, when his pocket jacks extracted maximum value in a key pot against Cheong. It would come as little surprise if Edoc continues to methodically climb the counts on the final day in pursuit of yet another APT title.

Natural8 Amabassador Eric Tsai

Taiwan’s Ting Yi Eric Tsai (735,000), also known as 6-Poker, is the last remaining Natural8 Ambassador in the field and sits ninth in chips. Tsai put together a consistently strong performance, building his stack incrementally by carefully choosing his spots and gradually wearing down his opponents.

Several notable names fell short of Day 2 as play drew to a close. Former APT champion Martin Sedlak from Germany was eliminated by Taiwan's Nevan Chang, who would also fail to advance to the final day.

Despite Sedlak holding the advantage with ace-jack against Chang’s ace-six, Chang connected on the turn and improved to two pair on the river, sending Sedlak to the rail less than an hour before the end of play.

Thailand's Punnat Punsri also fell short of Day 2 after the dinner break, when his pocket jacks were cracked by Vietnamese Khoa Anh Ngo’s pocket nines, which turned into a set on the river.

Meanwhile, Thai Nirunrut Rachburom, the lone woman remaining in the field, was eliminated during the final six hands of the day.

Final Table Payouts:

Place	Payout (USD)
1	$323,100
2	$328,140
3	$159,320
4	$120,190
5	$85,530
6	$63,730
7	$50,870
8	$41,370
9	$35,780

The final day begins at 11:15 a.m. (KST) at LES A Casino. Play resumes at Level 15 with 40-minute levels and will continue until a new champion is crowned.

Join us tomorrow for more high-level, riveting poker action as we continue to bring you live updates straight from the floor.

SMPSMP

2/2/2026, 2:49:28 PM

Play Concludes

Level 14: 8,000 / 16,000 ante: 16,000

The remaining 16 players are now bagging and tagging for the day.

Stay tuned for a recap of Day 1 of the Superstar Challenge.

SMPSMP

2/2/2026, 2:47:26 PM

The Rose Among the Thorns Falls

Level 14: 8,000 / 16,000 ante: 16,000

Nirunrut Rachburom

With the last few hands before the day ends, Nirunrut Rachburom had all her chips worth 126,000 in the middle against Ting Tsai in an all-in showdown.

Nirunrut Rachburom: A♣ 6♣

Ting Tsai: A♥ 8♠

Rachburom was so anxious to be eliminated Tony Ren Lin went over her side and started cheering her on, calling the six to come down on the board. The board ran T♠ K♦ 9♦ 4♠ J♣ for a split pot.

Rachburom started cheering as Lin assured her there was nothing to worry about as long as he called the board. Unfortunately, Rachburom didn't make it and got eliminated a few hands after.

Player	Chips
TT Ting TsaiTaiwan	740,000(46 BB)

SMPSMP

2/2/2026, 2:27:27 PM

Edoc Gets Paid With Jacks

Level 14: 8,000 / 16,000 ante: 16,000

Lester Edoc

Lester Edoc opened to 32,000 from early position and was called by Joseph Cheong in the big blind.

Cheong checked to Edoc, who continued for 35,000 on the 5♦ 4♦ 9♣ flop. Cheong then raised to 90,000 and Edoc called.

Edoc then called a 75,000 bet from Cheong on the 5♥ turn and fired 170,000 into the middle after being checked to on the 4♥ river.

Cheong didn't take long to stick in a call and Edoc tabled J♥ J♣ . Cheong sent his hand into the muck upon seeing it and Edoc was sent the large pot as play winds down for the day.

Player	Chips
LE Lester EdocPhilippines	950,000(59 BB)
JC Joseph CheongUnited States of America	900,000(56 BB)

SMPSMP

2/2/2026, 2:25:29 PM

Enough Juice for Cheong

Level 14: 8,000 / 16,000 ante: 16,000

Joseph Cheong

It was a battle of the under the guns - Ryuta Nakai and Joseph Cheong - both of whom were trying to win the nice juicy pot of 210,000 chips beside the 8♣ 6♦ 7♦ 5♥ board.

Nakai made the attempt with a 60,000 bet but Cheong didn't want to give up that easily and made the call.

The river 2♥ fell and once again Nakai tried with a 170,000 bet. Not will to be shaken off, Cheong called once again. Nakai tabled A♥ 3♥ for ace-high and Cheong, the victor, turned over A♦ 8♦ for a pair.

Player	Chips
JC Joseph CheongUnited States of America	1,025,000(64 BB)
RN Ryuta NakaiJapan	545,000(34 BB)

SMPSMP

2/2/2026, 2:17:15 PM

Last Six Hands

Level 14: 8,000 / 16,000 ante: 16,000

The floor has announced that the players are on their last six hands before the day ends.

SMPSMP

2/2/2026, 2:07:59 PM

Pu Takes a Pot; Lin Takes the Lead

Level 14: 8,000 / 16,000 ante: 16,000

Ren Lin

Weiran Pu opened from the hijack and Artem Vezhenkov defended his big blind.

Vezhenkov checked on the 5♣ T♥ 4♥ flop and Pu continued for 30,000. Vezhenkov then check-raised to 100,000, which got a quick call from Pu.

Vezhenkov went back to checking on the Q♠ turn and Pu took back the initiative with a bet of 155,000. Vezhenkov wanted no part of it and laid his hand down.

At another table, Ren Lin and Jun Obara got into a massive preflop flip.

According to Lin, Obara held ace-king against Lin's pocket fours and Lin ended up hitting a set of fours to eliminate Obara.

Player	Chips
TR Tony Ren LinChina	1,600,000(100 BB)
WP Weiran PuChina	800,000(50 BB)
AV Artem VezhenkovRussia	530,000(33 BB)
JO Jun ObaraJapan	busted

Level 14: 8,000 / 16,000 ante: 16,000

40 minutes

Remaining Players: 19/49

SMPSMP

2/2/2026, 2:03:42 PM

Nakai's Straight Beats Edocs Two-Pair

Level 13: 6,000 / 12,000 ante: 12,000

Ryuta Nakai

Lester Edoc in the big blind and Ryuta Nakai in the cutoff were both looking at a 4♣ 7♣ 9♥ flop with around 70,000 chips beside it.

Edoc passed the action to Nakai, who bet 21,000. Edoc decided to hang on and see the next street.

Edoc once again check-called Nakai's 70,000 bet on the T♥ turn, unfazed by the increasing pressure the latter was applying.

On the river K♦ , Edoc took over the reins and fired 125,000 sending Nakai to the tank.

After burning a time bank, Nakai decided to take back control by raising to 285,000, this time forcing Edoc to mull things over. Edoc pushed his time bank forward, knowing that he would need time to consider what to do next.

He set the chips aside to call but continue to weigh things up. After getting the extra time he needed, he decided to call.

Nakai showed 6♥ 8♥ for a straight, and despite knowing he was beat, Edoc turned over K♥ 7♥ for a two pair on the river.

Player	Chips
RN Ryuta NakaiJapan	920,000(77 BB)
LE Lester EdocPhilippines	400,000(33 BB)

SMPSMP

2/2/2026, 1:48:58 PM

Nguyen Gets Thin Value From Obara

Level 13: 6,000 / 12,000 ante: 12,000

Action folded around to the blinds, where Jun Obara called from the small blind and Huu Dung Nguyen checked his option in the big blind.

Obara check-called a 15,000 bet from Nguyen on the 3♠ 6♣ 4♠ flop and then both players checked on the T♣ turn.

Obara checked a final time on the Q♥ river, prompting a 30,000 bet from Nguyen.

Obara thought a bit before deciding to look up Nguyen, who tabled 9♥ 6♥ for a pair of sixes.

Obara nodded his head and rapped the table before sending his cards into the muck.

Player	Chips
HD Huu Dung NguyenViet Nam	700,000(58 BB)
JO Jun ObaraJapan	405,000(34 BB)

SMPSMP

2/2/2026, 1:27:15 PM

Nguyen Join His Fallen Comrades

Level 13: 6,000 / 12,000 ante: 12,000

Nang Quang Nguyen

Ryuta Nakai raised to 24,000 on the button and big blind Nang Quang Nguyen decided to shove all-in for 83,000. Nakai snap-called putting Nguyens tournament life on the line.

Nang Quang Nguyen: K♣ T♠

Ryuta Nakai: A♣ 9♦

Nguyen was looking at a potential boost in his stack when the flop dropped 2♦ K♠ 2♠ for a two-pair on a paired board.

The turn 6♣ maintained his lead but his hopes were dashed when the A♦ fell on the river, giving Nakai the higher two-pair.

Nguyen left the table quietly, along with the other players that were quickly falling off nearing the end of the day.

Player	Chips
RN Ryuta NakaiJapan	540,000(45 BB)
NQ Nang Quang NguyenViet Nam	busted

SMPSMP

2/2/2026, 1:18:33 PM

Chang Eliminates Sedlak

Level 13: 6,000 / 12,000 ante: 12,000

Nevan Chang

After managing to run his stack up from the brink of elimination, Martin Sedlak shoved for his last 71,000 from middle position and it was folded to Nevan Chang, who asked for a count before tossing in a call from the big blind.

Martin Sedlak: A♠ J♠

Nevan Chang: A♦ 6♣

It looked as though Sedlak would continue his comeback with a dominating ace, but the Q♣ 5♠ K♦ 6♠ A♣ runout paired Chang's six on the turn to end Sedlak's run on a bad beat.

Player	Chips
NC Nevan ChangTaiwan	285,000(24 BB)
MS Martin SedlakGermany	busted

Level 13: 6,000 / 12,000 ante: 12,000

40 minutes

Remaining Players: 20/49

SMPSMP

2/2/2026, 1:16:27 PM

Nguyen's Kings Hold, Cripples Sedlak, Eliminates Park

Level 12: 5,000 / 10,000 ante: 10,000

Nevan Chang opened to 20,000 in cutoff and got an all-in shove from button Christopher Park for 156,000. Martin Sedlak in the small blind shoved all-in as well, putting Park's tournament llife in jeopardy. Big blind Quang Minh Nguyen, covered by Sedlak as well, shoved all-in.

Chang, surprised, immediately got out of the way to safely watch the three-way all-in showdown.

Christopher Park: A♠ 9♠

Quang Minh Nguyen: K♦ K♠

Martin Sedlak: A♣ J♠

The flop came Q♣ 7♦ J♦ . Nguyen's king held but still needed to navigate two streets for a potential double up and a chance to eliminate Park. The runout came T♦ 7♣ . With no ace on the board, Nguyen doubled up while Sedlak got crippled and Park sent to hit the rails.

Player	Chips
QM Quang Minh NguyenViet Nam	760,000(76 BB)
NC Nevan ChangTaiwan	260,000(26 BB)
MS Martin SedlakGermany	13,000(1 BB)
CP Christopher ParkUnited States of America	busted

SMPSMP

2/2/2026, 1:07:15 PM

Ngo Drills the River to KO Punsri

Level 12: 5,000 / 10,000 ante: 10,000

Khoa Anh Ngo

Khoa Anh Ngo opened to 20,000 from the cutoff and action folded to Punnat Punsri, who shoved for a bit under 200,000 from the big blind.

Ngo called to put Punsri at risk and hands were revealed.

Punnat Punsri: J♦ J♣

Khoa Anh Ngo: 9♠ 9♣

Punsri was poised to double and remained that way on the A♣ 4♣ 7♥ flop and 5♦ turn.

However, the 9♥ river spiked Ngo's two-outer for a set and Punsri was knocked out for the second and final time late in the evening.

At another table, Calvin Lee was also eliminated.

Player	Chips
KA Khoa Anh NgoViet Nam	880,000(88 BB)
PP Punnat PunsriThailand	busted
CL Calvin LeeUnited States of America	busted

SMPSMP

2/2/2026, 12:56:29 PM

Bottom Pair Is Good Enough for Edoc

Level 12: 5,000 / 10,000 ante: 10,000

Lester Edoc

A complete board showed 8♥ 6♣ T♣ 2♠ 7♥ and 160,000 chips beside it and three players trying to win it.

Lester Edoc in the big blind bet 60,000 pushing Yita Choong out of the picture. Joseph Cheong called and mucked his hand. Edoc showed 9♥ 2♥ for bottom pair.

Player	Chips
JC Joseph CheongUnited States of America	910,000(91 BB)
LE Lester EdocPhilippines	640,000(64 BB)
YC Yita ChoongAustralia	170,000(17 BB)

SMPSMP

2/2/2026, 12:55:03 PM

Juanda Doubles With Rockets; Leaves Lee With Crumbs

Level 12: 5,000 / 10,000 ante: 10,000

John Juanda

John Juanda was already all in preflop from the hijack for a bit under 400,000 against Calvin Lee, who had Juanda slightly covered on the button.

John Juanda: A♣ A♦

Calvin Lee: T♦ T♥

It was a dream scenario for Juanda, and the Q♥ Q♠ 3♣ 2♦ 9♠ runout provided Juanda with a sweat-free runout to earn him the massive double up and leave Lee with just a handful of big blinds

Player	Chips
JJ John JuandaIndonesia	900,000(90 BB)
CL Calvin LeeUnited States of America	35,000(4 BB)

SMPSMP

2/2/2026, 12:53:43 PM

Chen Back from the Break, Out for Good

Level 12: 5,000 / 10,000 ante: 10,000

Mingcong Chen

Play had just resumed when Mincong Chen was spotted about to leave the table, with 215,000 of his remaining chips being pushed toward Guoliang Wie. The board was retrieved before it was cleared.

Mingcong Chen: : Q♣ 5♠

Guoliang Wei: A♦ 3♠

The board showed 5♦ Q♦ 3♦ J♦ 7♣

Chen flopped two-pair on a monochromatic board that gave Wei a flush draw. The turn completed Wei's flush eliminating Chen from the tournament.

Player	Chips
GW Guoliang WeiChina	540,000(54 BB)
MC Mingcong ChenChina	busted

SMPSMP

2/2/2026, 12:52:41 PM

Plausinaitis Keeps Climbing

Level 12: 5,000 / 10,000 ante: 10,000

Paulius Plausinaitis opened to 20,000 first to act and was three-bet to 50,000 by Yosuke Miki from directly behind. Action folded back to Plausinaitis, who called.

Plausinaitis check-called a 35,000 bet from Yosuke on the T♠ 7♦ T♦ flop and then both players checked on the 3♠ turn.

The 7♥ completed the board and Plausinaitis bet enough to put Miki all in for his last 150,000. Miki tanked a bit before letting his hand go and Plausinaitis added to his stack.

Player	Chips
PP Paulius PlausinaitisLithuania	1,150,000(115 BB)
YM Yosuke MikiJapan	150,000(15 BB)

SMPSMP

2/2/2026, 12:24:56 PM

Back in Action

Level 12: 5,000 / 10,000 ante: 10,000

Players have returned from dinner break and cards are back in the air!

Level 12: 5,000 / 10,000 ante: 10,000

40 minutes

Remaining Players: 27/48

SMPSMP

2/2/2026, 11:26:09 AM

Dinner Break

Level 11: 4,000 / 8,000 ante: 8,000

The remaining 23 players have been sent on a 75-minute dinner break.

Action will get back underway at approximately 9:20pm local time.

Late registration will remain open through dinner break before closing at the start of Level 12.

SMPSMP

2/2/2026, 11:23:19 AM

Punsri Out, Then Back Again

Level 11: 4,000 / 8,000 ante: 8,000

Punnat Punsri

Haruhiko Shinohara in the small blind, Punnat Punsri in the big blind and under the gun Joseph Cheong had built a 50,000 pot when the dealer flopped 7♦ 5♥ 3♠ .

After a check, Punsri fired 20,000 and got called by Cheong and Shinohara. The turn 6♥ fell and Shinohara checked again. Punsri kept the pressure with 40,000 which Cheong immediately called. Shinohara, unable to take much more, folded his hand.

On the river 4♠ , Punsri put maximum pressure by going all-in for 116,000. Cheong snap-called. Punsri tabled 6♣ 6♠ for set on the turn but Cheong showed 8♦ 8♥ for a straight.

Eliminated, Punsri immediately walked straight to the registration counter to re-enter.

Player	Chips
JC Joseph CheongUnited States of America	950,000(119 BB)
HS Haruhiko ShinoharaJapan	750,000(94 BB)
PP Punnat PunsriThailand	250,000(31 BB)

SMPSMP

2/2/2026, 11:20:34 AM

Wei Doubles After Waking up With Kings

Level 11: 4,000 / 8,000 ante: 8,000

Guoliang Wei

Action folded around to the blinds, where Paulius Plausinaitis moved all in from the small blind to put Guoliang Wei all in for his last 147,000 in the big blind.

Wei took a peek at his hole cards and snap-called to put himself at risk.

Guoliang Wei: K♣ K♥

Paulius Plausinaitis: 9♠ 5♠

It was bad timing from Plausinaitis, who took a small hit to his stack after the 9♣ 4♥ Q♠ 7♥ Aa runout left Wei's Cowboy's best for a double up.

Player	Chips
PP Paulius PlausinaitisLithuania	1,100,000(138 BB)
GW Guoliang WeiChina	315,000(39 BB)

SMPSMP

2/2/2026, 10:46:53 AM

Juanda Catches Punsri's Hand in the Cookie Jar

Level 11: 4,000 / 8,000 ante: 8,000

John Juanda

Punnat Punsri opened to 16,000 from the cutoff and found one caller in John Juanda in the big blind.

Juanda check-called an 11,000 bet from Punsri on the K♣ 3♣ Q♠ flop and then both players checked on the 2♣ turn.

The 9♣ river brought four cards to a flush on board and Juanda checked a final time. Punsri put a bet of 33,000 into the middle and Juanda counted out a call and pondered a bit before deciding to look Punsri up.

Punsri tabled T♠ 7♠ and Juanda revealed K♥ T♥ for a pair of kings to claim the pot.

Player	Chips
PP Punnat PunsriThailand	420,000(53 BB)
JJ John JuandaIndonesia	315,000(39 BB)

SMPSMP

2/2/2026, 10:44:14 AM

Luck Is On Chen's Side

Level 11: 4,000 / 8,000 ante: 8,000

Defeng Chen

Defeng Chen had a real rollercoaster ride during the Superstar Challenge. With only around 55,000, Chen went all-in under the gun and waited as action folded around to the big blind Guoliang Wei.

Wei decided to make the call, evoking somewhat of an eager cheer from Chen, whose tournament life was in jeopardy.

Defeng Chen: Q♠ 2♠

Guoliang Wei: A♥ T♦

Chen got on his feet and started talking to his railbirds in their native language. A♠ he did so, he started to pick up his things as the dealer dealt the flop A♦ 8♦ Q♥ . Hitting top pair, Wei's lead was strengthened.

as the K♦ turn fell, Chen continued chatting but with a slight change in his tone seemingly disappointed about his potential elimination. The river 2♥ fell on the river, evoking a cheer and fist pump from Chen he sat back down while Wei shuffled his remaining chips visibly disappointed.

SMPSMP

2/2/2026, 10:38:11 AM

Cheong Picks Up Some Chips

Level 11: 4,000 / 8,000 ante: 8,000

Joseph Cheong

There was 40,000 in the pot beside a 3♦ 8♠ 6♣ flop. Joseph Cheong, in the big blind, check-called Atsushi Yokoyama's bet of 20,000.

The turn 2♠ dropped and the action went check-check leading them to a free river.

Cheong restarted action with a 45,000 bet which was enough to push Yokoyama out of the hand.

Player	Chips
JC Joseph CheongUnited States of America	460,000(58 BB)
AY Atsushi YokoyamaJapan	170,000(21 BB)

SMPSMP

2/2/2026, 10:36:09 AM

Plausinaitis Takes the Lead

Level 11: 4,000 / 8,000 ante: 8,000

Paulius Plausinaitis

Paulius Plausinaitis and Defeng Chen were heads-up on a completed board of 5♥ A♣ Q♦ 7♠ 4♥ with several hundred thousand already in the middle.

Plausinaitis had already moved all in for 421,000 from the cutoff and the action was on Chen, who went deep into the tank from the small blind.

Chen eventually stacked up his chips and shouted, "Call!" as he moved them into the middle, having Plausinaitis covered.

Plausinaitis tabled A♦ 5♠ for two pair, and a disappointed Chen showed he held A♠ 8♥ for a lone pair of aces, awarding the massive double up to Plausinaitis, who now sits with over a million in chips.

Player	Chips
PP Paulius PlausinaitisLithuania	1,100,000(138 BB)
DC Defeng ChenChina	180,000(23 BB)

Level 11: 4,000 / 8,000 ante: 8,000

40 minutes

Remaining Players: 26/43

SMPSMP

2/2/2026, 10:23:44 AM

Small Bet, Big Pot for Punsri

Level 10: 4,000 / 8,000 ante: 8,000

Punnat Punsri

A hefty 100,000-chip pot was there for the taking, but which player would claim it remained to be seen.

A flop had already been dealt and Punnat Punsri was in the big blind. Joseph Cheong was under the gun and both awaited the dealer to peel the turn.

The turn showed a 9♦ and Cheong folded his hand after Punsri bet 30,000 into the pot - a small price to pay for the massive return.

Player	Chips
PP Punnat PunsriThailand	620,000(78 BB)
JC Joseph CheongUnited States of America	420,000(53 BB)

SMPSMP

2/2/2026, 10:22:07 AM

Too Expensive for Choong

Level 10: 4,000 / 8,000 ante: 8,000

Yita Choong

Yita Choong opeend to 16,000 under the gun and got a three-bet to 40,000 from Huu Dung Nguyen. Choong made the call to see what the board may bring.

Both players checked the 5♦ K♣ 8♠ flop.

Choong resumed the action with a 70,000 bet on the 4♠ turn. Nguyen called leading them to the river.

Choong checked the river 8♥ and after deciding his strategy at the cost of a time bank, Nguyen fired 200,000 which was too pricey for Choong to see a showdown.

Player	Chips
HD Huu Dung NguyenViet Nam	460,000(58 BB)
YC Yita ChoongAustralia	430,000(54 BB)

SMPSMP

2/2/2026, 10:20:27 AM

Lee Ships it on Punsri

Level 10: 4,000 / 8,000 ante: 8,000

Calvin Lee

Heads-up on a flop of K♠ 8♦ 8♠ , Calvin Lee checked from the big blind and Punnat Punsri bet 15,000 from the hijack. Lee then check-raised to 48,000 and Punsri called.

The K♣ turn brought two pair on board and Lee reduced his wager to 32,000. Punsri again called.

The dealer brought the K♦ on the river for a full house board. Lee bet 206,000 after a bit of thought, leaving himself a single t-1,000 chip behind.

Punsri shook his head and sent his hand into the muck, conceding the sizable pot to Lee.

Lee, who will be looking for redemption after bubbling the Super High Roller final table last night, currently sits with an above-average stack of about 430,000.

Player	Chips
PP Punnat PunsriThailand	500,000(63 BB)
CL Calvin LeeUnited States of America	430,000(54 BB)

Level 10: 4,000 / 8,000 ante: 8,000

40 minutes

Remaining Players: 26/40

SMPSMP

2/2/2026, 9:35:27 AM

Break Time

Level 9: 3,000 / 6,000 ante: 6,000

Players have been sent on their third 15-minute break of the day.

The field has grown to 40 entrants (including five reentries). Of those, 26 players remain in contention.

SMPSMP

2/2/2026, 9:32:22 AM

Plausinaitis Straight Ends Mendoza's Run

Level 9: 3,000 / 6,000 ante: 6,000

Paulinus Plausinaitis

A huge pile of 140,000 chips was in the middle of the table beside a 6♥ 5♦ 7♦ 8♠ 2♦ . Action was on James Mendoza in the small blind, mulling over his next move.

He decided to go all-in for 110,000. Paulinus Plausinaitis, his heads-up opponent, made the call taking them to showdown and putting his life at risk. James Mendoza tabled K♣ K♥ and immediately stood up when Plausinaitis showed J♣ 9♣ for a straight.

Mendoza left the tournament floor as Plausinaitis scooped the pot as he talked about the hand with his seat mate.

Christopher Park was also witnessed leaving the tournament.

Player	Chips
PP Paulius PlausinaitisLithuania	775,000(129 BB)
CP Christopher ParkUnited States of America	busted
JM James MendozaPhilippines	busted

SMPSMP

2/2/2026, 9:22:15 AM

Wei (Correctly) Doesn't Believe Chen

Level 9: 3,000 / 6,000 ante: 6,000

Guoliang Wei

Guoliang Wei opened to 12,000 from the hijack and was called by Defeng Chen in the cutoff.

Both players checked on the J♦ 7♦ 2♦ flop and Wei checked again after the Q♠ fell on the turn. Chen wagered 25,000 and Wei called.

The 6♠ completed the board and Wei checked a final time. Chen sized up for a bet of 60,000 and Wei tanked a bit before tossing in a single chip to indicate a call.

Chen shrugged and turned over A♥ 5♥ for just ace-high and Wei revealed A♣ Q♣ for a pair of queens to claim the pot.

Player	Chips
DC Defeng ChenChina	650,000(108 BB)
GW Guoliang WeiChina	310,000(52 BB)

SMPSMP

2/2/2026, 9:21:36 AM

Chen Leaves Wei Surprised

Level 9: 3,000 / 6,000 ante: 6,000

Guoliang Wei

In the battle of the blinds, Guoliang Wei completed his blind but Defeng Chen defended y raising to 16,000. Wei stayed to see the flop with a call.

The flop came 2♠ 5♦ 2♥ which got knuckled by both players. The 6♠ fell and Wei resumed action with a 25,000 bet. Chen increased the heat and made it 60,000. Wei, unfazed, called.

On the river T♣ , Wei checked giving Chen the opportunity to fire another bullet worth 75,000. Wei called and mucked after Chen tabled A♣ 2♣ for trips on the flop.

Absolutely surprised with how events turned out, Wei started talking to Chen in their native language.

Player	Chips
DC Defeng ChenChina	640,000(107 BB)
GW Guoliang WeiChina	241,000(40 BB)

SMPSMP

2/2/2026, 9:20:05 AM

Ngo Takes From Sedlak

Level 9: 3,000 / 6,000 ante: 6,000

Heads-up with over 100,000 already in the middle on a flop of 7♥ Q♣ 2♦ , Martin Sedlak bet 25,000 from the big blind and Khoa Anh Ngo called from early position.

Both players checked on the 5♣ turn and Sedlak checked again on the 9♠ river. Ngo took over the initiative with a bet of 135,000, which got a quick fold from Sedlak to send the pot Ngo's way.

Player	Chips
KA Khoa Anh NgoViet Nam	360,000(60 BB)
MS Martin SedlakGermany	205,000(34 BB)

Level 9: 3,000 / 6,000 ante: 6,000

40 minutes

Remaining Players: 26/40

SMPSMP

2/2/2026, 8:58:08 AM

Plausinaitis Boat Cripples Park

Level 8: 2,000 / 5,000 ante: 5,000

Paulius Plausinaitis

A pile of 200,000 chips sat beside a completed board of 7♥ Q♣ 2♣ 9♥ 7♦ with two players engaged in an intense battle.

Christopher Park took his time before he decided to check the action to Paulius Plausinaitis. Plausinaitis fired 154,000 leaving one 1,000-chip behind. Park announced all in and Plausinaitis threw in his last chip for a call.

Park showed 9♦ 9♣ for a set on the turn that improved to a full house on the river. Unfortunately for him Plausinaitis tabled Q♠ 7♠ for a two-pair which also improved on the river.

Park got on his feet ready to go when Plausinaitis stopped him and asked the dealer to count the chips as he was fairly sure, he was the one covered. Sure enough, Park covered Plausinaitis by 9,000 and went back to his seat severely crippled.

Player	Chips
PP Paulius PlausinaitisLithuania	530,000(106 BB)
CP Christopher ParkUnited States of America	9,000(2 BB)

SMPSMP

2/2/2026, 8:53:55 AM

Punsri Puts Juanda to the Test

Level 8: 2,000 / 5,000 ante: 5,000

Punnat Punsri

Atsushi Yokoyama opened to 10,000 first to act and was called by John Juanda from directly behind. It was then folded to Punnat Punsri, who squeezed to 78,000 from the small blind. Yokoyama let his hand go, but Juanda called for a bloated heads-up pot.

Juanda called a 45,000 bet from Punsri on the 7♠ 3♦ 2♦ flop, but laid his hand down after Punsri bet enough to put Juanda all in for his remaining 220,000 on the 8♣ turn.

Player	Chips
PP Punnat PunsriThailand	550,000(110 BB)
AY Atsushi YokoyamaJapan	450,000(90 BB)
JJ John JuandaIndonesia	220,000(44 BB)

SMPSMP

2/2/2026, 8:51:08 AM

Nguyen's Two Pair Needles Chen

Level 8: 2,000 / 5,000 ante: 5,000

Nang Quang Chen

Mincong Chen made a pot sized bet of 25,000 on a board of 2♣ 9♠ Q♠ K♥ . His heads-up opponent, Nang Quang Nguyen, joined the ride to the last street.

The river 2♥ fell and both players tapped the table. Nguyen showed K♦ Q♣ for a two pair on the turn. Chen shook his head as he threw his cards to the muck pile.

Player	Chips
NQ Nang Quang NguyenViet Nam	235,000(47 BB)
MC Mingcong ChenChina	205,000(41 BB)

SMPSMP

2/2/2026, 8:46:54 AM

Nakai Busts as Chen's Swingy Day Continues

Level 7: 2,000 / 4,000 ante: 4,000

Defeng Chen

Defeng Chen has had quite a day after being one of the first players to get over 500k in chips before being eliminated, only to reenter, get short, and then get back to an average stack.

In a recent hand, Chen opened from under the gun and just behind him, Ryuta Nakai shoved for his remaining short stack. Action folded back to Chen, who called to put Nakai at risk.

Ryuta Nakai: T♥ T♦

Defeng Chen: 3♥ 3♣

Nakai was a big favorite to double up and remained that way on the 2♣ 7♣ 8♠ flop, but the 3♠ turn improved Chen to a set of threes, leaving Nakai drawing to two outs.

The A♥ river bricked out and Nakai was forced to surrender his stack over to Chen.

Player	Chips
DC Defeng ChenChina	325,000(81 BB)
RN Ryuta NakaiJapan	busted

SMPSMP

2/2/2026, 8:29:37 AM

Punsri Stacks It Up

Level 7: 2,000 / 4,000 ante: 4,000

Punnat Punsri

John Juanda opened for 10,000 in hijack and got Ting Tsai in cutoff to call. When action folded to the big blind, Punnat Punsri took his time to call making Juanda smile.

The flop came Q♣ A♣ A♥ and the three players checked through the J♥ turn. When the river 4♦ fell Punsri fired 37,000 ushing Juanda out of the pot. Tsai called to see a showdown.

Punsri tabled A♦ 9♣ for trips on the flop prompting Tsai to muck his hand.

Player	Chips
JJ John JuandaIndonesia	360,000(90 BB)
PP Punnat PunsriThailand	270,000(68 BB)
TT Ting TsaiTaiwan	203,000(51 BB)

SMPSMP

2/2/2026, 8:19:11 AM

No Need to Show for Nguyen to Win

Level 7: 2,000 / 4,000 ante: 4,000

Action was picked up on a flop of 4♦ 5♣ K♦ beside a pot of 60,000, and with Defeng Chen and Nang Quang Nguyen waiting for the turn.

The turn fell J♥ and Chen fired 30,000 which Nguyen called. Chen checked the river 7♠ . When Nguyen checked after, Chen didn't even wait to be asked to show his cards.

He immediately threw his hand to the muck pile as Nguyen was about to show. Nguyen stopped himself and instead allowed the dealer to push the chips towards his direction before letting go of his hand.

Player	Chips
NQ Nang Quang NguyenViet Nam	320,000(80 BB)
DC Defeng ChenChina	51,000(13 BB)

SMPSMP

2/2/2026, 8:17:09 AM

Juanda Forces a Fold From Edenata

Level 7: 2,000 / 4,000 ante: 4,000

John Juanda

Zhuzhai Wang raised to 8,000 first to act and was called by John Juanda in the cutoff and Rudy Edenata in the big blind.

The action checked to Juanda, who bet 10,000 on the Q♥ 9♣ J♥ flop. Edenata called and Wang got out of the way.

The 6♥ fell on the turn and Edenata led out for 20,000. Juanda raised to 50,000 and Edenata called after a bit of thought.

Edenata went back to checking after the 6♦ paired the board on the river and Juanda bet enough to put Edenata all in for his last 45,000 behind. Edenata wanted no part of it and let his hand go.

Edenata was eliminated for the second time shortly after the hand, which means he can no longer reenter.

Player	Chips
ZW Zhuzhai WangChina	775,000(194 BB)
JJ John JuandaIndonesia	375,000(94 BB)
RE Rudy EdenataIndonesia	busted

SMPSMP

2/2/2026, 8:09:11 AM

Choong Takes Chips from Punsri’s Fresh Stack

Level 7: 2,000 / 4,000 ante: 4,000

The pot had already been built by Punnat Punsri and Yita Choong to around 100,000 on a board of 8♥ 2♥ A♥ T♠ 6♥ .

Action was on Punsri who was taking his time to decide what to do next. He fired 136,000 making Choong consider his options. Choong decided to shove all in for around 300,000.

With only 110,000 behind, Punsri didn't waste any time folding his hand. The table joked that he had just entered the tournament and was already down in chips, with the option to reenter still available.

Player	Chips
YC Yita ChoongAustralia	620,000(155 BB)
PP Punnat PunsriThailand	110,000(28 BB)

SMPSMP

2/2/2026, 7:53:46 AM

Choong Sends Chen Out; Punsri and Juanda Hop in

Level 7: 2,000 / 4,000 ante: 4,000

Yita Choong

Zengxiang Chen opened to 8,000 from middle position and just behind him, Yita Choong called in the hijack for a heads-up pot.

Chen check-called a 15,000 bet from Choong on the 8♦ 2♥ 8♠ flop and checked again after the 4♦ landed on the turn.

Choong continued for 25,000 and Chen moved all in for 85,000 total. Choong quickly called and Chen shook his head sensing he was behind.

Zengxiang Chen: 6♠ 6♣

Yita Choong: T♣ T♠

Chen was indeed in rough shape against Choong's tens, and the 4♥ river changed nothing to send Chen out and to reenter should he choose.

Meanwhile, poker legend John Juanda and the number one GPI-ranked player for 2025, Punnat Punsri, took their seats.

Player	Chips
YC Yita ChoongAustralia	370,000(93 BB)
JJ John JuandaIndonesia	250,000(63 BB)
PP Punnat PunsriThailand	250,000(63 BB)
ZC Zengxiang ChenChina	busted

SMPSMP

2/2/2026, 7:46:49 AM

Yokoyama's Eights Eliminates Papazian

Level 7: 2,000 / 4,000 ante: 4,000

Alexandru Papazian

Alexandru Papazian was caught just as he was about to leave the table, having been eliminated by Atsushi Yokoyama.

The board was retrieved before it was fully cleared, and with the players recounting the action, it was established that Yokoyama raised, Papazian moved all in, and Yokoyama called, sending the hand to showdown.

Alexandru Papazian: 4♥ 4♠

Atsushi Yokoyama: 8♦ 8♣

The dealer ran a board of K♣ T♠ 3♦ 2♥ 9♣ . Without anyone hitting the board, Yokohama's eights held eliminating Papazian from the tournament.

Player	Chips
AY Atsushi YokoyamaJapan	360,000(90 BB)
AP Alexandru PapazianRomania	busted

Level 7: 2,000 / 4,000 ante: 4,000

40 minutes

Remaining Players: 26/30

SMPSMP

2/2/2026, 7:32:56 AM

Time for a Breather

Level 6: 1,500 / 3,000 ante: 3,000

Players have been sent on another 15-minute break.

The field is now up to 30 entrants. Of those, 26 remain in contention.

SMPSMP

2/2/2026, 7:30:39 AM

Sedlak Doubles Through Nakai

Level 6: 1,500 / 3,000 ante: 3,000

Martin Sedlak

Martin Sedlak was already all in and at risk from the hijack for a little under 200,000 against Ryuta Nakai, who had Sedlak covered in the small blind.

Matin Sedlak: A♠ A♥

Ryuta Nakai: A♦ K♦

It was a cooler for Nakai, but the J♠ 7♦ 8♦ flop gave him a sweat with a flush draw.

However, the Q♠ turn and 5♥ river bricked out — awarding Sedlak the double and leaving Nakai with just 46,000.

Player	Chips
MS Martin SedlakGermany	400,000(133 BB)
RN Ryuta NakaiJapan	46,000(15 BB)

SMPSMP

2/2/2026, 7:13:06 AM

Chang Takes the Rest of Chen's Chips

Level 6: 1,500 / 3,000 ante: 3,000

Nevan Chang

Defeng Chen opened to 15,000 from the hijack and was called by Fendy Kosasih on the button. Nevan Chang then squeezed to 60,000 from the big blind and Chen moved all in for his last 120,000 total. Kosasih got out of the way and a showdown was held.

Defeng Chen: A♣ 2♣

Nevan Chang: A♥ T♥

Chen appeared eager to double up or bust, but got the latter after the 9♦ J♦ 6♦ 7♥ J♠ runout left Chang best with his ten-kicker.

Chen immediately reentered, however, and sat back down with a fresh stack of 250,000.

Player	Chips
FK Fendy KosasihIndonesia	520,000(173 BB)
NC Nevan ChangTaiwan	405,000(135 BB)
DC Defeng ChenChina	250,000(83 BB)

SMPSMP

2/2/2026, 7:09:16 AM

Kosasih Doubles Through Frustrated Chen

Level 6: 1,500 / 3,000 ante: 3,000

Fendy Kosasih

Fendy Kosasih opened to 7,000 and got Martin Sedlak in the small blind to call. Defeng Chen, in the big blind, defended by raising to 30,000. Kosasih called while Sedlak deided to get out of the way leaving the two players head-up.

The flop came 6♥ 2♠ 6♠. Chen fired 100,000 sending Kosasih to the tank. He finally decided to go all-in for 108,000. After asking for a count, Chen called putting Kosasih's tournament life at risk.

Fendy Kosasih: J♥ J♠

Defeng Chen: K♣ 7♥

Chen started muttering to himself in his native language. The dealer continued with a 4♥ turn and a 8♦ and without Chen's king hitting the board, Kosasih scored a double. Visibly frustrated, Chen continued muttering while Kosasih scooped the pot.

Player	Chips
FK Fendy KosasihIndonesia	291,000(97 BB)
MS Martin SedlakGermany	181,000(60 BB)
DC Defeng ChenChina	113,000(38 BB)

Level 6: 1,500 / 3,000 ante: 3,000

40 minutes

Remaining Players: 23/27

SMPSMP

2/2/2026, 6:44:24 AM

Nakai Gains as Chen Continues to Slip

Level 5: 1,000 / 2,500 ante: 2,500

Ryuta Nakai

Heads-up on a board of 2♠ 7♠ 4♥ 9♦ with a large pot already in the middle, Defeng Chen checked from middle position and Ryuta Nakai bet 50,000. Chen called.

The K♥ completed the board and Chen checked once more. Nakai bet 157,000, leaving himself a single t-25,000 denomination chip behind, and Chen went deep into the tank.

Chen burned up a time extension before folding 9♠ 2♠ face up for a busted flush draw that turned pair of nines. Nakai collected the pot without showing.

Player	Chips
RN Ryuta NakaiJapan	325,000(130 BB)
DC Defeng ChenChina	255,000(102 BB)

SMPSMP

2/2/2026, 6:39:09 AM

Battle of the Blinds

Level 5: 1,000 / 2,500 ante: 2,500

Alexandru Papazian completed his small blind and Zhuzhia Wang defended by raising to 6,000. Papazian called to see a flop.

The flop came T♦ 7♥ 4♥ . Papazian fired 7,000 and Wang decided to hang on a bit to see more of the board. The turn fell 5♣ and both players checked.

The river 8♥ got Papazian to bet 31,000 which was enough to push Wang out of the hand.

Player	Chips
ZW Zhuzhai WangChina	515,000(206 BB)
AP Alexandru PapazianRomania	450,000(180 BB)

SMPSMP

2/2/2026, 6:32:29 AM

Lee Picks Up Some Chips

Level 5: 1,000 / 2,500 ante: 2,500

On a pot of 50,000 and a flop of 6♦ K♠ 2♥ , Calvin Lee bet 13,000 after a check from Huu Dung Nguyen. Nguyen called to see the turn.

The J♣ turn fell and Lee fired 30,000 which was enough to make Nguyen fold his hand.

Player	Chips
CL Calvin LeeUnited States of America	235,000(94 BB)
HD Huu Dung NguyenViet Nam	125,000(50 BB)

SMPSMP

2/2/2026, 6:15:18 AM

Miao Flips His Way to a Double up

Level 5: 1,000 / 2,500 ante: 2,500

Chen Xiang Miao just recently entered and has already doubled up thanks to a classic race that went his way.

In the hand, Miao opened from early position and was three-bet by Defeng Chen, who was on the button. Action folded back to Miao, who four-bet. Chen quickly announced he was all in, which was enough to put Miao all in for 235,000. Miao called to put himself at risk and a showdown was held.

Chen Xiang Miao: Q♦ Q♠

Defeng Chen: A♠ K♠

It was a nearly even matchup between two premium hands, but the T♠ T♣ 3♥ Q♣ J♦ runout left Miao best with a full house and he was awarded the massive double up.

Player	Chips
CM Chenxiang MiaoChina	480,000(192 BB)
DC Defeng ChenChina	350,000(140 BB)

Level 5: 1,000 / 2,500 ante: 2,500

40 minutes

Remaining Players: 22/24

SMPSMP

2/2/2026, 6:01:38 AM

Wang's Full House Eliminates Edenata

Level 4: 1,000 / 2,000 ante: 2,000

Zhuzhai Wang

Action was on Alexandru Papazian, who was momentarily distracted by his lunch. Once alerted it was his turn, Papazian opened to 5,500, perhaps not realizing what he had just set in motion. On his left, Zhuzhai Wang on the button, three-bet to 13,000 and got four-bet by Rudy Edenata to 61,000.

Papazian folded and went back to his meal while still keeping an eye on the escalating action. Wang went into the tank to mull over his actions. After burning two time banks, he announced all-in for 236,500. Edenata, covered, made a one-chip call.

Rudy Edenata: A♠ K♣

Zhuzhai Wang: K♦ K♠

The flop came K♥ 8♠ 5♣ , strengthening Wang's lead with a set. Upon seeing this, Edenata got on his feet, picked up his thing and left the table as the dealer completed the board with a 6♦ 6♠ . Edenata didn't even wait to see Wang's hand improve to a full house.

The dealer following protocol counted Wang's chips and Edenata's in his absence, making sure that he was properly covered by Wang's stack.

Player	Chips
ZW Zhuzhai WangChina	420,000(210 BB)
RE Rudy EdenataIndonesia	390,000(195 BB)

SMPSMP

2/2/2026, 5:58:30 AM

Plausinaitis Jousts With Pu

Level 4: 1,000 / 2,000 ante: 2,000

Paulius Plausinaitis

Weiran Pu opened to 4,500 from the hijack and just behind him, Paulius Plausinaitis three-bet to 16,000 from the cutoff. Action folded back around to Pu, who, undeterred, made it 40,000 to go. Plausinaitis called for a bloated heads-up pot.

The flop came 5♠ 9♣ Q♠ and Pu continued for 20,000. Plausinaitis didn't take long to put in a raise to 55,000, which got a quick fold from Pu.

Meanwhile, Rudy Edenata became the second player to hit rail after being eliminated.

Player	Chips
WP Weiran PuChina	350,000(175 BB)
RE Rudy EdenataIndonesia	330,000(165 BB)

SMPSMP

2/2/2026, 5:55:57 AM

Chang Bombs the River

Level 4: 1,000 / 2,000 ante: 2,000

Yu Chung Chang opened to 4,000 from the hijack and was called by Defeng Chen on the button and Fendy Kosasih Fendy in the big blind for a three-way pot.

Kosasih checked to Chang, who continued for 5,000 on the Q♣ Q♠ 2♠ flop. Both Chen and Kosasih called.

Action checked through on the T♦ turn. However, Chang fired 20,000 into the middle after being checked to on the 7♦ river.

Both Chen and Kosasih quickly let their hands go and Chang collected a nice pot without a showdown.

Player	Chips
DC Defeng ChenChina	580,000(290 BB)
NC Nevan ChangTaiwan	275,000(138 BB)
FK Fendy KosasihIndonesia	165,000(83 BB)

SMPSMP

2/2/2026, 5:54:47 AM

Papazian's Stack Grows with Flopped Trips

Level 4: 1,000 / 2,000 ante: 2,000

The pot was around 15,000 beside the flop of A♦ J♦ Q♥ . Rudy Edenata in the big blind, checked the action to Alexandru Papazian on the button, who fired 10,500. Edenata called.

The turn 7♠ was peeled and Edenata check-called again as Papazian turned up the heat with a bet of 27,500. On the river 4♥ , Papazian made it 75,500 keeping the pressure after another check from Edenata.

Edenata stared at Papazian for a few seconds before putting the chips in. Papazian showed J♠ J♣ prompting Edenata to muck his hand, disheartened.

Player	Chips
AP Alexandru PapazianRomania	445,000(223 BB)
RE Rudy EdenataIndonesia	258,000(129 BB)

Level 4: 1,000 / 2,000 ante: 2,000

40 minutes

Remaining Players: 19/21

SMPSMP

2/2/2026, 5:11:16 AM

Break Time

Level 3: 1,000 / 1,500 ante: 1,500

Players have been sent on their first 15-minute break of the day.

The field is now up to 17 players.

SMPSMP

2/2/2026, 5:10:16 AM

Wang River Bet Forces a Fold

Level 3: 1,000 / 1,500 ante: 1,500

Rudy Edenata opened to 3,000 under the gun and got called by the big blind Zhuzhai Wang .

The flop came A♥ 2♦ K♥ .

Wang check-called Edenata's continuation bet of 1,500 to see the turn. The turn dropped the 3♣ .

The same thing happened again after Edenata bet 6,000. On the river 3♥ , however, Wang took the reins and fired out a bet of 11,000. Edenata took some time figuring what Wang might have but ultimately folded his hand.

Player	Chips
RE Rudy EdenataIndonesia	380,000(253 BB)
ZW Zhuzhai WangChina	280,000(187 BB)

SMPSMP

2/2/2026, 5:01:25 AM

More for Chen; Liu Out

Level 3: 1,000 / 1,500 ante: 1,500

Zengxiang Chen

Heads up in a three-bet pot on a flop of 2♥ 2♣ 5♥ , Zengxiang Chen was in the hijack and check-called a 13,000 bet from Weiran Pu, who was on the button.

Chen check-called a 30,000 bet from Pu after the T♣ fell on the turn, but then both players checked down on the 8♣ river.

Chen tabled 9♠ 9♣ for nines and deuces and Pu sent his cards into the muck, conceding the pot to Chen.

At another table, Yuhan Liu was the first player eliminated.

Player	Chips
ZC Zengxiang ChenChina	380,000(253 BB)
WP Weiran PuChina	315,000(210 BB)
YL Yuhan LiuChina	busted

SMPSMP

2/2/2026, 4:49:07 AM

Edenata Catches Papazian's Bluff

Level 3: 1,000 / 1,500 ante: 1,500

Rudy Edenata

Action was picked up on the A♦ 9♠ J♠ flop with around 10,000 chips beside it. Two players were in the hand - Rudy Edenata on the big blind and Alexandru Papazian on the button.

Edenata check-called Papazian 8,000 b et to see the turn. The turn 8♣ fell and both players checked.

Edenata checked the river Q♣ once againand Papazian bet 21,000. Edenata wasn't sure what the bet was at first and had to ask the dealer. Papazian shouted over that it was 21,000 and after a few seconds of consideration, Edenata called.

Papazian showed K♠ 7♠ before Edenata tabled A♥ 2♦ for the winning hand. Papazian threw over the 21,000 chips towards Edenata's direction as he scooped the pot.

Player	Chips
RE Rudy EdenataIndonesia	370,000(247 BB)
AP Alexandru PapazianRomania	290,000(193 BB)

Level 3: 1,000 / 1,500 ante: 1,500

40 minutes

Remaining Players: 17/17

SMPSMP

2/2/2026, 4:22:38 AM

Pu Gains at Cheong's Expense

Level 2: 500 / 1,000 ante: 1,000

Weiran Pu

Joseph Cheong opened from under the gun and was called by Zengxiang Chen on the button. Weiran Pu then squeezed to 15,000 from the big blind, which got a call from Cheong and a fold from Chen.

Cheong called a 20,000 bet from Pu on the 9♥ 5♠ 8♠ flop and a 35,000 bet from Pu on the K♥ turn.

Both players checked on the 2♣ river and Pu revealed Q♣ Q♦ . Cheong couldn't beat it and mucked — awarding a nice pot to Pu.

Player	Chips
WP Weiran PuChina	370,000(370 BB)
ZC Zengxiang ChenChina	250,000(250 BB)
JC Joseph CheongUnited States of America	160,000(160 BB)

SMPSMP

2/2/2026, 4:19:47 AM

Chen Flops a Flush

Level 2: 500 / 1,000 ante: 1,000

Zengxiang Chen and Yita Choong had already built a pot of around 60,000 in a battle of the blinds. The board showed 8♠ T♠ 2♠ Q♦ 9♥ .

Action was on Chen, who was trying to mull over his next move. He threw in 30,000 which Yita snap-called with a chip. Chen showed J♠ 4♠ for a flush on the flop.

Choong, visibly frustrated, threw his hand in the muck pile and picked up the chips to match the bet.

Player	Chips
ZC Zengxiang ChenChina	260,000(260 BB)
YC Yita ChoongAustralia	134,000(134 BB)

SMPSMP

2/2/2026, 4:07:04 AM

Papazian Keeps His Foot on the Gas

Level 2: 500 / 1,000 ante: 1,000

Alexandru Papazian

Alexandru Papazian opened from the cutoff and found only one caller in Fendy Kosasih, who was on the button.

Koasasih called a 2,500 bet from Papazian on the K♦ Q♦ 6♥ flop and a hefty 19,000 bet from Papazian after the 2♣ fell on the turn.

The A♥ filled the river and Papazian increased his wager to 42,000. This time, Koasasih thought better of it and let his hand go.

Papazian, who is a poker veteran with multiple titles to his name and over $4,000,000 in live-tournament earnings, is off to a good start in his bid to capture his first APT trophy and currently sits with a little over 300,000 in chips.

Player	Chips
AP Alexandru PapazianRomania	310,000(310 BB)
FK Fendy KosasihIndonesia	170,000(170 BB)

SMPSMP

2/2/2026, 4:03:13 AM

Chang's Snowmen Stands Tall

Level 2: 500 / 1,000 ante: 1,000

Nevan Chang

Fendy Kosasih started the action with a 2,000 bet which was re-raised by Nevan Chang to 7,000. Kosasih called to see the flop.

The flop came 4♣ 6♣ 6♥. Kosasih check-called Chang's continuation bet of another 7,000. Both players checked the 9♦ turn and the Q♥ river.

Kosasih tabled 5♥ 5♠ while Chang showed 8♥ 8♦ to take the pot down.

Player	Chips
NC Nevan ChangTaiwan	280,000(280 BB)
FK Fendy KosasihIndonesia	230,000(230 BB)

SMPSMP

2/2/2026, 4:00:20 AM

Pu's Aggression Pays Off

Level 2: 500 / 1,000 ante: 1,000

Action was on Takashi Ogura after Weiran Pu, under the gun, four-bet to 35,000 following Ogura’s three-bet to 10,500. He made the call to see the flop.

The flop came 8♣ K♣ 4♣ . Pu continued with 16,500 which was enough to get Oguro out of the hand.

Player	Chips
WP Weiran PuChina	305,000(305 BB)
TO Takashi OguraJapan	220,000(220 BB)

Level 2: 500 / 1,000 ante: 1,000

40 minutes

Remaining Players: 15/15

SMPSMP

2/2/2026, 3:50:52 AM

Edenata Makes the Right Call

Level 1: 500 / 1,000 ante: 1,000

Joseph Cheong opened to 2,500 from the hjijack and was called by Rudy Edenata in the cutoff, Calvin Lee in the small blind, and Zengxiang Chen in the big blind for a four-way pot.

The flop came 6♥ 8♣ A♣ and action checked to Edenata, who wagered 4,000. Lee folded, but Chen then check-raised to 13,000. Cheong got out of the way and Edenata tossed in a call.

Both players checked on the K♥ turn and then Chen fired 35,000 into the middle after the J♦ completed the board.

Edenata didn't take long to call and Chen could only show T♦ 9♣ for a busted gutshot draw. Edenata tabled A♦ 4♣ for a pair of aces and was awarded the sizable pot.

Player	Chips
RE Rudy EdenataIndonesia	340,000(340 BB)
CL Calvin LeeUnited States of America	280,000(280 BB)
JC Joseph CheongUnited States of America	245,000(245 BB)
ZC Zengxiang ChenChina	220,000(220 BB)

SMPSMP

2/2/2026, 3:40:24 AM

Chen Takes It Down

Level 1: 500 / 1,000 ante: 1,000

Zengchiang Chen opened to 2,500 from under the gun and got three callers in cutoff Joseph Cheong, Button Rudy Edenata, and small blind Takashi Ogura.

The flop came T♦ 4♠ 6♦. Ogura started with 3,000 and Chen called after. Both Cheong and Edenata had seen enough and folded.

Ogura checked the turn 5♥ giving Chen the opportunity to bet it with 13,000. Ogura folded conceding the pot to Chen.

Player	Chips
TO Takashi OguraJapan	278,000(278 BB)
ZC Zengxiang ChenChina	265,000(265 BB)
RE Rudy EdenataIndonesia	260,000(260 BB)
JC Joseph CheongUnited States of America	245,000(245 BB)

SMPSMP

2/2/2026, 3:12:07 AM

Ogura Gets Value From Choong

Level 1: 500 / 1,000 ante: 1,000

Takashi Ogura opened to 2,500 first to act and was called by Yita Choong in the cutoff and Rudy Edenata in the big blind for a three-way pot.

Edenata checked to Ogura, who continued for 3,000 on the 9♦ 4♠ 9♠ flop. Choong called and Edenata folded.

Choong then called a 7,000 bet from Ogura on the 6♥ turn and a 10,000 bet from Ogura on the K♣ river.

Ogura confidently turned over J♣ J♥ for jacks-up and Choong sent his hand into the muck — awarding a nice pot to Ogura.

Player	Chips
TO Takashi OguraJapan	275,000(275 BB)
RE Rudy EdenataIndonesia	240,000(240 BB)
YC Yita ChoongAustralia	216,000(216 BB)

SMPSMP

2/2/2026, 3:11:46 AM

Early Entrants

Level 1: 500 / 1,000 ante: 1,000

Player	Chips
FK Fendy KosasihIndonesia	250,000(250 BB)
NC Nevan ChangTaiwan	250,000(250 BB)
JC Joseph CheongUnited States of America	250,000(250 BB)
YC Yita ChoongAustralia	250,000(250 BB)
RE Rudy EdenataIndonesia	250,000(250 BB)
CP Christopher ParkUnited States of America	250,000(250 BB)
RP Ryan PlantUnited Kingdom	250,000(250 BB)
WP Weiran PuChina	250,000(250 BB)
MS Martin SedlakGermany	250,000(250 BB)
CL Calvin LeeUnited States of America	250,000(250 BB)
YL Yuhan LiuChina	250,000(250 BB)
TO Takashi OguraJapan	250,000(250 BB)
AP Alexandru PapazianRomania	250,000(250 BB)

Level 1: 500 / 1,000 ante: 1,000

40 minutes

Remaining Players: 14/14

SMPSMP

2/2/2026, 3:07:08 AM

Shuffle Up and Deal

The dealers are ready, players are in and now the cards are in the air. The APT Superstar Challenge has begun. Registration remains open until the end of dinner break at approximately 9:20pm (KST).

SMPSMP

2/2/2026, 1:58:35 AM

Day 1 of the Superstar Challenge Begins at Noon

Superstar Challenge Trophy

With the 2026 Asian Poker Tour (APT) Jeju Classic now in full swing at the Les A Casino inside Jeju Shinhwa World resort, it's time for the highest of rollers to take their shot in the KRW 35,000,000 buy-in (~$25,000) Superstar Challenge. The prestigious event has consistently attracted some of the biggest names in poker, and past champions have included the likes of Biao Ding, Calvin Lee, Matthew Wakeman, and Danny Tang, who was the most recent player to win after besting a 40-entry field in Jeju last September.

The action is set to get underway at 12 p.m. local time. Players will begin with 250,000 in chips and Level 1 features 500/1,000 blinds with a 1,000 big-blind ante. Levels will last 40 minutes each and 15-minute breaks will be held at the end of every third level. An extended 75-minute dinner break will take place at the end of Level 11 (~8:05 p.m.)

Each player will be allowed one reentry before late registration closes at the start of Level 12 (~9:20 p.m.) Players who wish may forfeit their stack prior to the end of registration in order to reenter.

Be sure to follow along for all the action leading to the latest Superstar Challenge champion!

Event starts 12:00 local time