Red Dragon Championship (2,500,000 KRW)

Day 1D of the Red Dragon Championship, featuring a KRW 2,500,000 (~US$1,780) buy-in and a record-breaking KRW 1,650,000,000 (~US$1.18 million) guarantee, has officially concluded at Les A Casino (formerly Landing Casino) inside Jeju Shinhwa World.

Out of 287 total entries, only 76 players have advanced to Day 2, which resumes tomorrow at 12 p.m. local time, where all remaining contenders will return to continue the battle.

Leading the pack is Yamada Kozo with 519,000 (130 BB), who currently stands as the overall chip leader across all four flights, with Day 1E still ongoing. Kozo nearly exited the tournament after registration closed when his ace-queen ran into Van Hien Dang’s pocket queens, but he spiked an ace on the turn to double up and carried that momentum to the end. In the final level, Kozo sealed the lead after winning a huge pot against Xiaochun Shi, forcing a fold with an all-in shove on the turn.

In second place is Triton Main Event Champion Roman Hrabec, who bagged 489,000 (123 BB) after a strong showing throughout the day. The Czech pro, already a well-established name on the international high-roller circuit, now positions himself as a serious threat heading into Day 2 of the Red Dragon Championship.

Right behind him is poker vlogger Chung Tang Lin, who ended the night with 416,000 (104 BB). Lin’s consistent play and well-timed bluffs allowed him to accumulate chips without risking too much in marginal spots. His growing stack and online fanbase make him one to watch as the event moves forward.

Several other notable names also secured their spots for Day 2. Renji Mao bagged 212,000 (53 BB) after rebounding from a tough start, while Hon Cheong Lee finished strong with 240,000 (60 BB). Vietnamese poker influencer Ngoc Huyen “Gemmy” Quach continued her impressive run with 214,000 (54 BB), proving that her deep finish in the Philippine Poker Millions was no fluke. Rounding out the list is poker legend John Juanda, who survived the day with 20,000 (5 BB).

That wraps up Day 1D coverage of the Red Dragon Championship.

Somuchpoker is live at the Jeju Poker Festival 2025, bringing you all the latest updates and action straight from the tournament floor.

Full chip counts will be posted when available.

That’s it for Day 1D of the Red Dragon Championship, which has come to a close. From a total of 287 entries, only 76 players have advanced to Day 2.

Stay tuned for the full recap and complete chip counts coming up shortly.

With 15 minutes left on the clock, the tournament director has announced that the last four hands will be played tonight before players bag up their chips to end Day 1D of the Red Dragon Championship.

Folded to the cutoff, Xiaochun Shi opens to 7,000, and both blinds make the call. On the flop 9♠ 5♦ 4♥ , big blind Yamada Kozo leads out for 7,500, and Shi raises to 20,000. The small blind check-folds, while Kozo responds with a re-raise to 46,500. Shi tanks for a while before making the call.

On the turn K♥ , Kozo checks, then shoves all in after Shi fires a 25,000 bet. Shi goes deep into the tank but eventually lays it down, awarding the pot to Kozo, who now moves into the chip leader position.

Facing a raise, Yang Song 3-bets to 17,000, and on his left, Ngoc Huyen "Gemmy" Quach 4-bets to 50,000. The initial raiser folds, and Song 5-bet jams for 59,000. Gemmy quickly calls.

Yang Song: Q♠ Q♣

Ngoc Huyen "Gemmy" Quach: A♠ A♦

Gemmy wakes up with rockets and stays ahead through the runout K♦ T♣ 6♦ 5♦ 9♦ , eliminating Song. After the hand, she smiled and said she thought she wouldn’t get aces today — but she did.

It’s the last level to play today. After this level, players will bag up their chips and advance to Day 2 of the Red Dragon Championship.

UTG Chunhao Zhang open shoves for 24,000, and in the big blind, Cheng Zhou, fresh from eliminating a player, sees one card, an ace, and makes the call.

Chunhao Zhang: J♣ T♦

Cheng Zhou: A♠ K♥

Zhou wakes up with a monster hand, but the flop 9♣ 8♦ 7♦ comes perfect for Zhang, giving him the nut straight and leaving Zhou drawing dead as Zhang scores a crucial double up.

After asking the tournament director about the payout structure, the floor confirmed that 15% of the field will make the money, with the bubble expected to burst on Day 2.

Moments later, Chung Yin Ho open-shoves for 28,500, and from the small blind, Cheng Zhou makes the call.

Chung Yin Ho: Q♥ Q♦

Cheng Zhou: 9♦ 9♣

Zhou, with only two outs, finds one right on the flop 9♥ 6♦ 5♦ , hitting a top set and leaving Ho with just two queens to survive. The turn K♠ and river 8♥ bring no help, and Ho is eliminated. However, he still has a shot at redemption with Day 1E currently underway.

Cutoff Bing Li opens to 4,000, and on his left is the chip leader Thi My Phuong Nguyen, who 3-bets to 13,000. Action goes back to Li, who answers with a 4-bet shove for 46,000. Nguyen, showing no fear, calls.

Bing Li: A♣ Q♣

Thi My Phuong Nguyen: 2♥ 2♦

It’s a classic flip, but Li hits a pair on the flop K♣ Q♥ 9♥ , leaving Nguyen with two outs. The turn 6♥ , however, gives Nguyen a flush draw. The river 4♦ produces no deuce or heart, giving Li a double up and a slight hit to the massive stack of Nguyen.

Another player who recently exited the Red Dragon Prestige Super High Roller, Renji Mao, has jumped straight into the Red Dragon Championship and is wasting no time building a stack.

With around 20,000 already in the middle J♠ 6♣ 4♦ 3♣ 7♠ , Junxi Guo bets 7,000 from under the gun, and a player on his left makes the call. From the button, Mao moves all in for 55,000. Guo goes deep into the tank, using a time bank before finally deciding to fold, awarding the pot to Mao without a showdown.

Van Hien Dang opens to 4,000, and on his left, Hyung Tai Kim 3-bets to 11,000. From the small blind, Yamada Kozo 4-bet shoves for 74,500. Dang tanks briefly before announcing a 5-bet jam, and Kim quickly folds, leaving the two players all in preflop.

Yamada Kozo: A♥ Q♥

Van Hien Dang: Q♦ Q♠

Kozo, with only three outs, picks up a flush draw on the flop 8♦ 8♥ 3♥ . The turn A♣ brings a pair, giving Kozo top pair and leaving Dang with just one out, as Kozo holds a queen. The river 8♠ bricks, and Kozo secures a huge double up to stay in the hunt.

Day 1D of the Red Dragon Championship has officially come to a close. From a total of 287 entries, only 151 players remain in contention. They will continue for three more levels before bagging their chips for Day 2, which resumes tomorrow at 12 p.m. local time.

Players are now on their last scheduled 15-minute break. Registration will close after this break.

Triton Main Event Champion Roman Hrabec has landed and is already making his presence felt, adding more chips to his growing stack.

Hrabec opens to 3,000, and both blinds make the call to see the flop K♠ K♣ 3♦ . Hrabec continues for 2,000, with only Qingbo Gao in the small blind sticking around.

On the turn 5♠ , Hrabec fires again for 10,000, and Gao check-calls. The river J♦ brings another barrel from Hrabec for 25,000. Gao tanks for nearly two minutes before finally deciding to lay it down, as Hrabec rakes in another healthy pot without showdown.

UTG Tien Dung Pham opens to 3,500, button Yasuyuki Tsuji calls, and the big blind also defends. On the flop K♦ 8♣ 6♣ , Pham c-bets 6,500, and Tsuji raises to 22,000. The big blind gets out of the way, and after some thought, Pham makes the call.

On the turn 8♦ , Pham leads out with a bold shove, and Tsuji snap-calls all in for 48,500.

Yasuyuki Tsuji: 8♠ 6♠

Tien Dung Pham: A♦ K♥

Tsuji flops two pair and improves to a full house on the turn, leaving Pham drawing dead as the dealer reveals the river T♥ . Tsuji scores a big double up and cripples Pham.

It’s the final level of registration for Day 1D of the Red Dragon Championship. Entries will close after this level at approximately 6:45 p.m.

For those who miss this flight, there’s still one last chance to qualify for Day 2 in Day 1E, kicking off later at 6:00 p.m. with 30-minute levels.

From the hijack, Hui Chen opens to 2,000, and both Lei Wen on the cutoff and Juhyun Lee on the big blind makes the call.

On the flop 7♦ 3♦ 2♦ , Lee checks, and Chen fires a 5,000 continuation bet. Wen calls, and Lee raises to 14,000. Chen calls the raise, but Wen moves all in, covering both opponents. Lee calls for 46,000 total, and Chen puts in his 30,000, creating a massive three-way all-in pot.

Hui Chen: 2♣ 2♠

Juhyun Lee: K♦ T♦

Lei Wen: Q♦ J♦

All three players connect with the flop, but the turn 7♥ seals it for Chen, who improves to a full house, leaving both opponents drawing dead and cracking their flushes. Chen triples up, while Lee takes the side pot with a higher flush than Wen.

Action folds to the small blind, where Chuan Shu Chen limps in. Big blind Han Xiao raises to 3,000, and Chen makes the call.

On the flop 7♦ 5♠ 4♠ , Chen check-raises to 12,000 after Xiao fires a 5,000 continuation bet. Xiao responds by announcing all in for 37,000, and Chen quickly calls.

Han Xiao: T♣ T♠

Chuan Shu Chen: 9♣ 6♠

Xiao holds an overpair, but the turn 3♦ brings in Chen’s open-ended straight, leaving Xiao drawing dead. The river T♦ improves Xiao to a set, but it’s not enough to beat Chen’s straight, as Chen drags a big pot and sends Xiao to the rail.

A battle of the blinds unfolds with 7,000 already in the middle as the flop 8♠ 5♦ 3♦ and turn 4♠ hits the felt. Small blind Luo Zheng bets 3,000, and big blind Ryusuke Kasawaki raises to 13,500. Action returns to Zheng, who shoves all in, and Kasawaki snap-calls for his 22,000 stack.

Ryusuke Kasawaki: 5♥ 3♥

Luo Zheng: 8♦ 7♦

Kasawaki flops two pair, well ahead of Zheng’s top pair, but the river 7♥ brings a higher two pair for Zheng, delivering a lucky river and sending Kasawaki to the rail.

Aside from Patrik Antonius, another poker legend has taken a seat in the Red Dragon Championship Day 1D. John Juanda, one of the most decorated players in the world, has joined the field after his exit from the Red Dragon Super High Roller.

With over $26 million in live earnings, Juanda currently sits atop the Indonesia All-Time Money List. The five-time WSOP bracelet winner has a résumé that spans decades of success, including his career-best score of US$2,870,092 for winning the Triton Main Event in Macau back in 2017.

Now, he sets his sights on adding another deep run to his storied career here at Les A Casino in Jeju Shinhwa World.

With the flop 7♣ 6♠ 4♦ already out, a pot of around 26,500 has developed. Cheng Lin Yu leads small for 3,000, and Xu Dong Jin, seated to his left, raises to 8,000. Yu makes the call to see the turn.

When the turn 8♥ lands, Yu wastes no time and shoves all in, putting Jin deep in the tank as he contemplates whether to risk his last 15,000. After a long pause, Jin decides to fold, and Yu collects the pot without showdown.

Players are now on their second scheduled 15-minute break. During this break, a chip race for the 100-denomination chips will be conducted before play resumes.

Jile Zhou continues to build his stack, actively taking out players at his table. Action folds to Zhou, who opens to 1,800, and on his left, Taimin Tian shoves for 15,300. Zhou, eager to score another knockout, makes the call.

Taimin Tian: A♠ 5♠

Jile Zhou: A♥ J♦

Tian is dominated, but the flop 7♣ 6♥ 5♦ brings one of his three outs, giving him the lead. He holds through the turn 4♣ and river Q♦ to secure a double up, surviving Zhou’s elimination attempt.

Halfway through registration, the total entries have now surpassed 200 and are still climbing, with six more levels left to join the action.

A quick recap of the earlier flights: Day 1A drew 225 entries with 57 survivors, Day 1B attracted 265 entries with 70 advancing, and Day 1C closed with 139 entries and 41 moving on to Day 2.

Defending champion Jianting Cai is having a tough time building his stack. Down to just 2,100, he shoves from the hijack. On the button, Yuanli Lee calls, and from the small blind, Yong Yi reshoves for 12,100. Lee calls once again to put both opponents at risk.

Jianting Cai: T♣ 2♣

Yong Yi: A♥ J♥

Yuanli Lee: 4♣ 4♠

The flop 5♥ 3♣ 2♦ keeps Lee ahead, though Cai picks up bottom pair. The turn K♥ brings Yi a nut flush draw, but the river T♠ falls in Cai’s favor, giving him two pair for a crucial triple up, while Lee wins the side pot to eliminate Yi.

Table 19 has just formed, and the action is already heating up.

In the first hand, Bo Jin raises to 1,200 from the hijack, and Yunpeng Bai defends his big blind. Bai check-folds after Jin fires a 1,700 continuation bet on the flop A♦ T♥ 7♦ .

In the next hand, Junqiang Lyu opens to 1,500 from the cutoff. On his left, Haoyu Xiong calls, as does big blind Zhiyi Wang. Both Xiong and Wang fold when Lyu continues with a 2,600 c-bet on the flop 7♥ 2♥ 2♠ .

In the third hand, Jin opens again to 1,200 from under the gun, and Xiong calls from the cutoff. Jin fires 1,700 on the flop Q♥ 9♣ 5♦ , and Xiong calls. Both check the turn J♠ , and on the river 4♥ , Jin check-calls 800. Xiong tables his hand, which is good, as Jin mucks.

The flop K♦ 2♦ 7♠ and turn 5♥ are already on the board with around 20,000 in the middle when Qiao Heng checks from under the gun. From the cutoff, Yuxi Huang bets 11,000, and Heng tanks before raising to 32,000.

Huang takes her time and eventually makes the call, leaving herself with just 2,500 behind. The dealer reveals the river Q♠ , and Heng quickly shoves. Huang, already sensing defeat, counts her chips but calls off the remainder.

Qiao Heng: 2♣ 2♠

Yuxi Huang: A♦ 8♦

Heng tables a bottom set, while Huang’s nut flush draw fails to connect. Heng drags a massive pot to strengthen his stack early in the session.

Vietnamese poker player, vlogger, and rising influencer Ngoc Huyen “Gemmy” Quach has just arrived at the Jeju Poker Festival 2025, taking her seat in Day 1D of the Red Dragon Championship.

Gemmy has quickly become one of the most recognizable faces on the Asian circuit, capturing fans with her charm and fearless play. She recently made headlines after reaching the final table of the Philippine Poker Millions, where she outlasted 1,354 entries to finish in 8th place, earning the admiration of the Filipino poker community.

Now, she continues her journey in Jeju, helping to promote and grow the Asian poker scene through her content and passion for the game. You can follow her journey and updates on Facebook, where she shares her experiences both on and off the felt.

From early position, Yuning Cheng opens to 1,000, the button calls, and big blind Qian Wang moves all in for 7,600. Cheng makes the call while the button folds.

Qian Wang: A♦ Q♦

Yuning Cheng: K♥ J♦

Wang pairs her ace on the flop A♠ K♦ 2♠ and holds through the runout 8♣ T♦ to score a much-needed double up. It’s a welcome change of fortune for Wang, who yesterday suffered a brutal beat when her middle set ran into an opponent’s top set.

Players are now on their first scheduled 15-minute break.

Under the gun, Keqi Tao opens to 800, and Yao Feng on his left makes the call. From the small blind, Junqiang Lyu 3-bets to 2,500, and both opponents call to see the flop 8♦ 7♣ 3♥ .

Action checks to Feng, who fires 2,500. Lyu calls, and Tao raises it up to 10,000. Feng folds, leaving it heads up between Tao and Lyu.

Both players check the turn 6♣ and proceed to the river Q♠ . Lyu leads out for 15,600, and after a long tank, Tao makes the call. Lyu turns over his hand for a straight, and Tao mucks, sending the sizable pot to Lyu.

More players are making their way into the action as Day 1D gets underway with a slow start. The field has now climbed to 82 entries and counting, with new faces taking their seats in pursuit of a spot for Day 2.

Here are the latest newcomers joining the field:

Action folds to the button where Kok Hoe Chai opens to 800. In the big blind, Jile Zhou responds with a 3-bet to 2,400.

Back to Chai, who fires back with a 4-bet to 7,400. Zhou doesn’t back down and announces a 5-bet shove for 22,400. Chai goes into the tank but eventually decides to lay it down, conceding the pot to Zhou’s relentless aggression.

Cutoff Tianjiao Fang opens to 900, the button calls, and big blind Zhaoyi Lin shows no signs of slowing down with a 3-bet to 4,500. Fang answers with a bold 4-bet to 12,500. The small blind folds, and Lin tanks for a moment before making the call.

On the flop T♦ T♣ 6♣ , Lin checks, and Fang immediately shoves for 19,800. Lin folds, and Fang proudly reveals his cards A♦ 5♠ for a pure bluff. Lin nods in acknowledgment, recognizing the fearless move.

After knocking out Jingzhong Yao earlier, Zhaoyi Lin continues to build his stack with another impressive pot.

Facing an early raise, button Jile Zhou 3-bets to 1,700. In the small blind, Lin, still riding the momentum from his bust-out hand, responds with a 4-bet to 5,500. The initial raiser folds, but Zhou fires back with a 5-bet to 11,700. Lin calls to see the flop 9♦ 8♠ 5♥ .

Zhou continues with a 10,000 c-bet, and Lin check-calls. On the turn T♣ , Lin shifts gears and leads out with a bold 28,000 overbet, forcing Zhou, who has only 9,000 behind, to fold and preserve his short stack. Lin drags another healthy pot to extend his early control.

Here are the 27 players currently seated for Day 1D of the Red Dragon Championship at Les A Casino inside Jeju Shinhwa World. More players are expected to join as registration remains open through Level 9.

Under the gun, Wang Chih Yun opens to 700, the small blind calls, and the lone woman at the table, Ying Li, 3-bets to 2,200. Yun makes the call while the small blind folds.

Both players check through the flop J♣ 6♦ 3♥ and head to the turn 5♦ , where Li check-calls a 2,500 bet from Yun. On the river 8♥ , action slows as both check again. Li tables her hand A♣ K♠ , and ace high is enough as Yun mucks his cards.

Only three players are seated at Table 34 as action begins. On the button, Mingrui Cen opens to 500, and both blinds make the call.

The flop Q♣ 9♠ 8♦ hits, and big blind Naibing Wu leads out for 800. Cen makes the call while the small blind gets out of the way. Heads up to the turn 3♠ , Wu keeps the pressure with a 1,400 bet, and Cen sticks around once more.

On the river 9♥ , Wu fires again for 1,100, and Cen snap-calls. Wu turns over top two pair, and after a quick glance at his cards, Cen mucks his hand

The Red Dragon Championship Day 1D has officially kicked off with the first 11 players already seated and ready for action.

The seats are open for the final day to qualify for Day 2 of the Red Dragon Championship as Day 1C kicks off today at 12 p.m. local time, followed by Day 1D at 6 p.m.

The grand finale of the Jeju Poker Festival continues inside Les A Casino (formerly Landing Casino) at the luxurious Jeju Shinhwa World. This marquee event carries a KRW 2,500,000 (~US$1,780) buy-in and a record-breaking KRW 1,650,000,000 (~US$1.18 million) guarantee, drawing players from all around Asia chasing the iconic Red Dragon trophy.

Players begin deep with 40,000 (200 BB) in chips and 40-minute levels throughout the day. There will be a 15-minute break every two hours. Registration closes at the end of Level 9, around 6:45 p.m. Play will continue through 12 levels, with no players reaching the money today — consistent with all five Day 1 flights. Survivors will advance to Day 2 on November 10, where the real battle for glory begins.

So far, Day 1A drew 225 entries with 57 survivors, led by Jiabao Cai holding 399,000 (100 BB). Day 1B followed with 265 entries, with 70 players advancing, topped by Tao Li with 362,000 (91 BB).

Somuchpoker is live at the Jeju Poker Festival, bringing you all the action and updates straight from the tournament floor.