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2026 July K Poker Cup King Poker Cup Series

2026.07.25 - 2026.08.10 Add to Calendar

K Poker Cup

Updates Chip Counts Info

Blind level

Level 13: 20,000 / 40,000 ante: 40,000

Entries

30/79

Total Chips

39,500,000

Average

1,316,667

Level 13: 20,000 / 40,000 ante: 40,000

40 minutes

Remaining Players: 30/79

JJ DuqueJJ Duque

8/7/2026, 1:01:11 PM

Volkmann's Cowboys Show Plausinaitis The Exit

Level 12: 15,000 / 30,000 ante: 30,000

Paulius Plausinaitis

Paulius Plausinaitis pushed his last 415,000 all in and was matched by Bruno Volkmann.

Paulius Plausinaitis: A♥ 4♥

Bruno Volkmann: K♠ K♦

The flop came 8♥ 6♥ 2♦, giving Plausinaitis a promising flush draw.

The K♣ turn gave Volkmann a set, reducing the ace outs of Plausinaitis. He needed a heart, but the 5♦ denied him on the river, sending him out to the exit.

Player	Chips	Progress
BV Bruno VolkmannBrazil	1,955,000(65 BB)	1,455,000
PP Paulius PlausinaitisLithuania	busted	-500,000

Denis LucindoDenis Lucindo

8/7/2026, 12:51:18 PM

Tony Lin Survives All In

Level 12: 15,000 / 30,000 ante: 30,000

Tony Ren Lin

Hongjun Zhao raised to 60,000 from the button, and Tony Lin pushed all in for 412,000 which Hongjun called.

Tony showed 3♥ 3♠, and Hongjun A♣ T♥.

With any Tony Lin table, every card revealed on the board was an event, which in this hand was: 8♥ K♦ 5♥ 9♥ Q♠.

The board dodges Hongjun's hand, and Tony Lin survives and doubles up!

Player	Chips	Progress
HZ Hongjun ZhaoChina	1,775,000(59 BB)	265,000
TR Tony Ren LinChina	839,000(28 BB)	-471,000

JJ DuqueJJ Duque

8/7/2026, 12:49:16 PM

Ye Tanks Tsai To Sleep

Level 12: 15,000 / 30,000 ante: 30,000

Ting Yi Tsai

A lucrative pot of 440,000 was in the middle with a board that showed 3♣ 8♣ 4♥ 2♠

Zhi Ye was on the small blind against Eric Tsai on the big blind.

Ye check-called the 330,000 bet of Tsai to open a T♠ on the river.

Ye checked, then Tsai threw in a time bank card before finally declaring "All in" for 728,000.

Ye pushed out a stack of time bank tokens and tried to get a read on Tsai. Some time into his tanking, Ye made a jolting pump fake move to grab some chips to riffle, trying to get a reaction from Tsai.

Tsai laughed it off, then put his shirt over his face and turtled on the table, hiding his face from Ye.

It took another three time bank tokens with Ye still in deep thought, wondered if giants used dinosaurs as pets, then ultimately gave up his hand.

Tsai woke up and stacked his chips.

Player	Chips	Progress
TY Ting Yi TsaiTaiwan	1,820,000(61 BB)	1,320,000
ZY Zhi YeChina	855,000(29 BB)	305,000

JJ DuqueJJ Duque

8/7/2026, 12:45:36 PM

Lee's Sixes Get Through

Level 12: 15,000 / 30,000 ante: 30,000

Calvin Lee

Defeng Chen was on the big blind. Calvin Lee was under the gun. Matthew Wantman was on the cutoff.

A pot around 180,000 was in the middle with a flop that showed Q♥ 8♦ 8♣

All players checked to see a 2♣ turn, then checked around again to see a 7♥ river.

No one bet.

Chen opened A♦ 2♠ for a pair of deuces to go with the two eight on the board. Lee turned over 6♦ 6♠ for a better pair of sixes. Wantman mucked.

Player	Chips	Progress
DC Defeng ChenChina	1,920,000(64 BB)	1,130,000
CL Calvin LeeUnited States of America	1,445,000(48 BB)	-525,000
MW Matthew WantmanUnited States of America	865,000(29 BB)	365,000

Level 12: 15,000 / 30,000 ante: 30,000

40 minutes

Remaining Players: 34/79

JJ DuqueJJ Duque

8/7/2026, 12:24:54 PM

Table 30 Action

Level 11: 15,000 / 25,000 ante: 25,000

Xiaoyu Li

Daniel Cates opened for 50,000 from under the gun and only Duan Bin on the big blind matched.

The flop came J♦ 7♣ 2♣

Bin checked, then folded to the 60,000 continuation bet of Cates.

In the following hand, Abraham Ceesvin raised from early position and scooped the blinds and antes when no one challenged.

After that, Xiaoyu Li opened for 50,000 on the hijack. John Perry then three-bet raised all in on the cutoff. Everyone folded and Li didn't continue as well.

Player	Chips	Progress
DC Daniel CatesUnited States of America	1,140,000(46 BB)	220,000
DB Duan BinChina	915,000(37 BB)	507,000
AC Abraham CeesvinSingapore	580,000(23 BB)	-545,000
JP John PerryAustralia	560,000(22 BB)	60,000
XL Xiaoyu LiChina	315,000(13 BB)	-1,185,000

Denis LucindoDenis Lucindo

8/7/2026, 12:23:52 PM

More Rockets Falter

Level 11: 15,000 / 25,000 ante: 25,000

Mingcong Chen

Mingcong Chen called on the button, David Miscikowski had no interest in the pot at small blind. Xiaoyao Ma raised to 81,000 from the big blind, which Mingcong Chen called.

The flop comes 6♥ 7♦ 5♠, which Xiaoyao checked, Mingcong bet 125,000 for. Xiayao then 3-bet the flop to 300,000 which Mingcong called.

Xiaoyao then pushes all in with the T♣ on the turn, and he;s called by Mingcong who shows 6♣ 7♠ and has had 2-pair from the flop.

Xiaoyao's A♠ A♥ still has a few more outs, but none of them was the river 3♥.

When asked why he called the raise, Mingcong turns to his right and says: "Tony told me to do it!"

Player	Chips	Progress
MC Mingcong ChenChina	4,150,000(166 BB)	1,350,000
XL Xiaoyu LiChina	busted	-315,000

JJ DuqueJJ Duque

8/7/2026, 12:04:21 PM

No Return

Level 11: 15,000 / 25,000 ante: 25,000

Zhengqing Zhao

The field has been reduced to 38 players. Some of those who did not re-enter and those that have just fallen after registration include:

Player	Chips	Progress
DN Daniel NeilsonAustralia	busted	-500,000
YC Yita ChoongAustralia	busted	-500,000
JC Joseph CheongUnited States of America	busted	-200,000
TJ Toby JoyceIreland	busted	-1,180,000
DW Dylan Wayne FosterAustralia	busted	-500,000
JZ Jian ZhuChina	busted	-500,000
YL Yuhan LiuChina	busted	-980,000
ZZ Zhengqing ZhaoChina	busted	-260,000
KW Kaiwen WeiUnited States of America	busted	-365,000
MH Meerwais HussainiAustralia	busted	-465,000

Denis LucindoDenis Lucindo

8/7/2026, 12:00:13 PM

Daniel Nielson First to Hit the Felt Permanently

Level 11: 15,000 / 25,000 ante: 25,000

With registration and rebuys just closed, Daniel Nielson is the first to permanently bust out of The King's Main Event Day 1B. We come to the table with him in the hand, 25,000 left in his stack against his compatriot Joshua McCully, and the board having run to the turn: 6♠ 4♥ 3♣ 5♠.

Joshua puts Daniel all in for his last chip. Daniel Flips over A♠ Q♥.

Joshua shows Q♠ K♠.

And the river comes: J♠.

Joshua hits his flush on the river and Daniel hits the showers.

Player	Chips	Progress
JM Joshua MccullyAustralia	840,000(34 BB)	340,000
DN Daniel NeilsonAustralia	busted	-500,000

JJ DuqueJJ Duque

8/7/2026, 11:57:10 AM

Last Minute Entries

Level 11: 15,000 / 25,000 ante: 25,000

Yita Choong

The total number of entries has reached 79 with 41 players still with seats. The total prize pool has reached USD 2,527,200.

Some of the late additions include and some re-entries include:

Player	Chips	Progress
JM Joshua MccullyAustralia	500,000(20 BB)
RP Ryan PlantUnited Kingdom	500,000(20 BB)
XM Xiaoyao MaChina	500,000(20 BB)
DW Dylan Wayne FosterAustralia	500,000(20 BB)
JP John PerryAustralia	500,000(20 BB)
YC Yita ChoongAustralia	500,000(20 BB)	500,000
DM David MiscikowskiUnited States of America	500,000(20 BB)	500,000
TL Tien Loon LingMalaysia	500,000(20 BB)
ML Matthew LimAustralia	500,000(20 BB)
CZ Chi Zhang 1China	500,000(20 BB)
DS Daniel SmiljkovicGermany	500,000(20 BB)

Denis LucindoDenis Lucindo

8/7/2026, 11:54:00 AM

Mingcong Cheng Continues to be Big Stack

Level 11: 15,000 / 25,000 ante: 25,000

Our scan of the tables at the break shows Mingcong Chen continuing the chip lead he had as of the last break. Other big stacks at their tables are:

Player	Chips	Progress
MC Mingcong ChenChina	2,800,000(112 BB)	320,000
DT Danny TangHong Kong	2,500,000(100 BB)	150,000
TD Tom DwanUnited States of America	1,700,000(68 BB)	880,000
TK Tsz Kin HeungHong Kong	1,570,000(63 BB)	585,000
XL Xiaoyu LiChina	1,500,000(60 BB)	1,000,000

Level 11: 15,000 / 25,000 ante: 25,000

40 minutes

Remaining Players: 41/79

Denis LucindoDenis Lucindo

8/7/2026, 11:49:44 AM

Registration Closed

Break

The Floor Director has announced that registrations and rebuys to Day 1B of The King's Main Event is now officially closed.

Break

15 minutes

Remaining Players: 33/71

JJ DuqueJJ Duque

8/7/2026, 11:33:38 AM

Cates Doubles With Jacks

Level 10: 10,000 / 20,000 ante: 20,000

The 435,000 of Daniel Cates was being doubled up by the dealer.

In front of him was J♠ J♣ and the board that showed J♥ 4♥ K♠ 8♣ 3♦

Player	Chips	Progress
DC Daniel CatesUnited States of America	920,000(46 BB)	385,000

JJ DuqueJJ Duque

8/7/2026, 11:17:21 AM

Yinan Zhou Joins The Party

Level 10: 10,000 / 20,000 ante: 20,000

China's Yinan Zhou - The 2025 WSOP Paradise Main Event champion - has just taken a seat in the King's Main Event. He just entered the fun table with Tony Ren Lin and Daniel Neilson.

Also entering late is Xiaoyu Li.

Meanwhile, firing another bullet were Paulius Plausinaitis, Bruno Volkmann and Chi Zhang

Player	Chips
YZ Yinan ZhouChina	500,000(25 BB)
XL Xiaoyu LiChina	500,000(25 BB)
BV Bruno VolkmannBrazil	500,000(25 BB)
PP Paulius PlausinaitisLithuania	500,000(25 BB)
CZ Chi Zhang 1China	500,000(25 BB)

Denis LucindoDenis Lucindo

8/7/2026, 11:14:44 AM

Tony Lin Knocks Out Bruno Volkmann

Level 10: 10,000 / 20,000 ante: 20,000

Tony Ren Lin

The action seems to follow Tony Lin. Or more accurately, Tony Lin is the action.

We rush over to table 26 to see what the hubbub was all about, to come upon Bruno Volkmann getting out of his seat, no chips in front of him, and Tony Lin collecting the pot.

In the middle of the table are Tony's cards A♣ K♣, the board of 2♠ K♠ 6♦ 5♦ 9♥.

After his 6th bullet, Tony has doubled up.

Tony turns to me and says: "You watch. After Day 1 I will be chip leader!"

Player	Chips	Progress
TR Tony Ren LinChina	1,310,000(66 BB)	810,000
BV Bruno VolkmannBrazil	busted	-365,000

JJ DuqueJJ Duque

8/7/2026, 11:02:51 AM

Crusher's Table

Level 10: 10,000 / 20,000 ante: 20,000

Hongjun Zhao

Table 25 is now the crusher's table with a who's who of high rollers on that table.

Player	Chips	Progress
MC Mingcong ChenChina	2,480,000(124 BB)	120,000
HZ Hongjun ZhaoChina	1,510,000(76 BB)	392,000
SN Seunghyun NamUnited States of America	1,185,000(59 BB)	195,000
TD Tom DwanUnited States of America	820,000(41 BB)	320,000
DC Daniel CatesUnited States of America	535,000(27 BB)	35,000
KW Kaiwen WeiUnited States of America	365,000(18 BB)	-135,000
JC Joseph CheongUnited States of America	200,000(10 BB)	-190,000

JJ DuqueJJ Duque

8/7/2026, 10:57:48 AM

Daniel Cates Makes An Entrance

Level 10: 10,000 / 20,000 ante: 20,000

Daniel "Jungleman" Cates has made an entrance in the last level of registration. Cates has over USD 19 million in total live earnings and is best known for a rare back-to-back wins of the WSOP's USD 50,000 Poker Players' Championship.

Cates won both events in 2021 and 2022.

Player	Chips
DC Daniel CatesUnited States of America	500,000(25 BB)

JJ DuqueJJ Duque

8/7/2026, 10:55:52 AM

Last Level of Registration

Level 10: 10,000 / 20,000 ante: 20,000

The tournament director has just announced that this will be the last level of registration with registration closing in 55 minutes with the break included just before Level 11 begins.

There are 62 entries so far.

Level 10: 10,000 / 20,000 ante: 20,000

40 minutes

Remaining Players: 35/61

Denis LucindoDenis Lucindo

8/7/2026, 10:51:54 AM

Danny Tang Runs Down Zhi Ye

Level 9: 8,000 / 16,000 ante: 16,000

Danny Tang

Zhi Ye raised to 40,000 from UTG+1, was called by Danny Tang on the big blind.

The board flopped T♠ 5♦ 7♦, which Danny checked, Zhi bet 25,000 which Danny called. Danny again checked the 8♦ on the turn, Zhi bet 75,000, and again Danny called. On the 9♣ on the river, Danny checks yet again, and Zhi plunks down 228,000 to bet.

Danny calls out: "Call."

A preplexed Zhi asked "Call?". "Yup" said Danny, and turns of T♣ J♠ for the higher straight compared to the ten high straight that Zhi had by way of the pocket 6♥ 6♦ he had.

Player	Chips	Progress
DT Danny TangHong Kong	2,350,000(147 BB)	380,000
ZY Zhi YeChina	550,000(34 BB)	-485,000

JJ DuqueJJ Duque

8/7/2026, 10:44:15 AM

Punsri Fires Another

Level 9: 8,000 / 16,000 ante: 16,000

Punnat Punsri

Punnat Punsri has just vacated his seat and fired another bullet at the registration booth for a fresh stack.

Player	Chips	Progress
PP Punnat PunsriThailand	500,000(31 BB)	-220,000

JJ DuqueJJ Duque

8/7/2026, 10:36:09 AM

Cimbolas Gets Lin To Fire Another

Level 9: 8,000 / 16,000 ante: 16,000

Matas Cimbolas

The cards were already on their backs and the last of Tony Ren Lin's chips were headed to Matas Cimbolas.

Lin had J♣ 8♣.

Cimbolas had Q♠ 9♠

The board showed 3♣ Q♥ J♥ T♣ 4♦

Cimbolas had a pair of queens that was enough to send Lin back to the registration counter to make another rebuy.

Cimbolas commented, "Send him back here."

True enough Lin was seated back where he came from just as Cimbolas requested.

A few moments later, he busted again and requested to be brought back to the same seat. That's two bullets in 5 minutes, but no one is counting.

Player	Chips	Progress
MC Matas CimbolasLithuania	925,000(58 BB)	120,000
TR Tony Ren LinChina	500,000(31 BB)	-110,000

JJ DuqueJJ Duque

8/7/2026, 10:20:25 AM

Ceesvin Takes Lin Out

Level 9: 8,000 / 16,000 ante: 16,000

Abraham Ceesvin

The dealer announced "Seat open!" and Tony Ren Lin was seen leaving his seat and his chips being shipped the way of Abraham Ceesvin.

Not to worry, the defending King's Main Event champion immediately fired another bullet to get back on track for a repeat.

Player	Chips	Progress
AC Abraham CeesvinSingapore	1,125,000(70 BB)	400,000
TR Tony Ren LinChina	500,000(31 BB)	-682,000

Level 9: 8,000 / 16,000 ante: 16,000

40 minutes

Remaining Players: 33/55

Denis LucindoDenis Lucindo

8/7/2026, 10:15:00 AM

Yang Ang Pulls a Few Teeth from the Tiger

Level 9: 8,000 / 16,000 ante: 16,000

Yang Siang Ang

Yang Ang raised to 32,000 from the cutoff and was called by Zhengqing Zhao at the small blind and Tony Lin at the big blind.

The flop was T♦ 6♦ 5♥ and was checked all around.

Tony bet 50,000 on the 9♦ turn, which Yang raised to 175,000, Zhengqing got out of the way, and Tony pushed the shorter stacked Yang all in, which Yang obliged.

Tony: Q♠ 4♣

Yang: 5♦ 7♦ with the flush on the turn.

Tony was drawing dead to the J♣ on the river.

A few hands later Tony takes the Floor Director's mic and says: "No gamble, no future."

Player	Chips	Progress
YS Yang Siang AngMalaysia	1,500,000(94 BB)	960,000
TR Tony Ren LinChina	610,000(38 BB)	110,000

JJ DuqueJJ Duque

8/7/2026, 10:13:40 AM

How They Stack

Level 8: 6,000 / 12,000 ante: 12,000

Joseph Cheong

Here are some random chip counts from the field

Player	Chips	Progress
DT Danny TangHong Kong	1,970,000(164 BB)	1,960,000
SN Seunghyun NamUnited States of America	990,000(83 BB)	490,000
TK Tsz Kin HeungHong Kong	985,000(82 BB)	485,000
GL Gytis LazauninkasLithuania	925,000(77 BB)	425,000
YS Yang Siang AngMalaysia	540,000(45 BB)	40,000
JC Joseph CheongUnited States of America	390,000(33 BB)	-110,000

JJ DuqueJJ Duque

8/7/2026, 10:05:50 AM

Neilson Out, Then In

Level 8: 6,000 / 12,000 ante: 12,000

Daniel Neilson

Daniel Neilson just busted out, fired another bullet and is back to the seat he just left.

Player	Chips	Progress
DN Daniel NeilsonAustralia	500,000(42 BB)	40,000

JJ DuqueJJ Duque

8/7/2026, 10:02:52 AM

Awaiting Return

Level 8: 6,000 / 12,000 ante: 12,000

Paulius Plausinaitis

Some players have recently been eliminated and are awaiting further notice for their return while registration remains open.

Player	Chips	Progress
PP Paulius PlausinaitisLithuania	busted	-257,000
JJ Jeremy Je Min ChanMalaysia	busted	-500,000
YC Yita ChoongAustralia	busted	-345,000

Denis LucindoDenis Lucindo

8/7/2026, 10:02:37 AM

Chipleader Chen Scares off Matthew Lim

Level 8: 6,000 / 12,000 ante: 12,000

Mingcong Chen was sat at the cutoff and raised to 25,000 which was called by MAtthew Lim on the big blind. The flop flips Q♠ 6♣ 2♠, which Aaron checked, Mingcong bet 15, and Matthew called.

Aaron again checked the turn K♠, Mingcong bet 50,000, and Matthew folded.

Player	Chips	Progress
MC Mingcong ChenChina	2,360,000(197 BB)	100,000
ML Matthew LimAustralia	385,000(32 BB)	-115,000

JJ DuqueJJ Duque

8/7/2026, 9:52:57 AM

Some Late Crushers

Level 8: 6,000 / 12,000 ante: 12,000

Tom Dwan

Following the dinner break, a bunch of new faces registered for the King's Main Event.

The more notable ones include Tom Dwan of the United States, who is an ever popular face in the poker scene.

Also jumping in is Tien Loon Ling of Malaysia, the recent champion of the Royal Ascent.

Player	Chips
TD Tom DwanUnited States of America	500,000(42 BB)
TL Tien Loon LingMalaysia	500,000(42 BB)
YS Yang Siang AngMalaysia	500,000(42 BB)
CZ Chi Zhang 1China	500,000(42 BB)

Denis LucindoDenis Lucindo

8/7/2026, 9:45:57 AM

Tony the Tiger Growling on Table 30

Level 8: 6,000 / 12,000 ante: 12,000

Zhengqing Zhao had raised to 25,0000 from the cutoff, But Tony Lin holding the button wouldn't have position stolen from him and 3-bet to 75,000. Zhengqing called to see the flop which was:

A♣ 5♠ 2♠

Zhengqing checked, Tony bet 60,000, and Zhengqing called.

Zhengqing again checked the 3♣ on the turn, Tony bet 100,000, and Zhengqing couldn't handle the heat and sought shelter.

Player	Chips	Progress
TR Tony Ren LinChina	1,182,000(99 BB)	232,000
ZZ Zhengqing ZhaoChina	260,000(22 BB)	-80,000

Level 8: 6,000 / 12,000 ante: 12,000

40 minutes

Remaining Players: 36/49

JJ DuqueJJ Duque

8/7/2026, 9:04:49 AM

MIngcong Chen On Chip Leader Throne

Dinner Break

Zhi Ye

Mingcong Chen leads on the dinner break with 2,260,000 chips.

These are some other random chip counts:

Player	Chips	Progress
MC Mingcong ChenChina	2,260,000	90,000
CL Calvin LeeUnited States of America	1,970,000	1,305,000
ZY Zhi YeChina	1,035,000	535,000
YL Yuhan LiuChina	980,000	480,000
TR Tony Ren LinChina	950,000	280,000
DC Defeng ChenChina	790,000	290,000
AC Abraham CeesvinSingapore	725,000	330,000
PP Punnat PunsriThailand	720,000	220,000
DN Daniel NeilsonAustralia	460,000	-40,000

Dinner Break

40 minutes

Remaining Players: 30/43

Denis LucindoDenis Lucindo

8/7/2026, 8:57:59 AM

Hongjun Zhao Crashes Paulius' Rockets

Level 7: 5,000 / 10,000 ante: 10,000

Hongjun Zhao

Chang Hwan Lee got the party started with a raise to 22,000 from the hijack, Hongjun Zhao 3-bet from the cutoff to 58,000, and Paulius Plausinaitis 4-bet to 145,000.

Having tried, and tested the hand, Chang Hwan thought it best to get out. Hongjun called the raise, and we see a flop: 8♠ 3♠ 4♣. Paulius bets 100,000 on this flop, which Hongjun flat called.

The turn 7♣ had Paulius pushing all in, Hongju quickly calling. And the call was quick, because Hongjun was holding 5♦ 6♦, and had made his straight on the turn. Paulius had rockets A♦ A♥. The inconsequential river was 9♣.

Player	Chips	Progress
HZ Hongjun ZhaoChina	1,118,000(112 BB)	788,000
PP Paulius PlausinaitisLithuania	257,000(26 BB)	-243,000

JJ DuqueJJ Duque

8/7/2026, 8:48:06 AM

USD 2 Million Reached

Level 7: 5,000 / 10,000 ante: 10,000

With a total of 43 entries so far, the total prize pool has broken the USD 2 million mark.

Registration is still open until the start of Level 11, which gives more opportunity for that amount to grow.

Denis LucindoDenis Lucindo

8/7/2026, 8:38:40 AM

Tony Lin Doubles Up on Danny

Level 7: 5,000 / 10,000 ante: 10,000

Danny Tang had raised to 20,000 from middle position, only to be met by Tony Lin going all in from the cut off.

Danny shows K♠ 3♠ to Tony's A♦ Q♣.

The board runs out to Q♥ J♣ 2♥ 8♦ 5♣ which gives Tony the par, doubles him up, and Danny with a stack of just 10,000.

Player	Chips	Progress
TR Tony Ren LinChina	670,000(67 BB)	-45,000
DT Danny TangHong Kong	10,000(1 BB)	-280,000

JJ DuqueJJ Duque

8/7/2026, 8:38:01 AM

Jackpot!

Level 7: 5,000 / 10,000 ante: 10,000

Mingcong Chen

The cards were all on their backs upon arrival. A whole preflop tug of war, ended in a three way all-in situation between Zhi Ye, Mingcong Chen and Bruno Volkmann.

Bruno Volkmann covered both Mingcong Chen and Zhi Ye. Ye was the most at risk for 170,000.

Zhi Ye: T♦ 9♥

Mingcong Chen: 7♦ 7♣

Bruno Volkmann: J♠ J♣

The flop arrived 7♥ 8♠ A♣ immediately giving Chen a jackpot with a set of sevens. Ye had some straight draws, leaving the outs of Volkmann to no use against him, but still good against Chen.

The Q♦ on the turn maintained the situation, then the 7♠ on the river gave Chen double jackpot with quads, eliminating Zhi Ye.

When the chips were counted, Volkmann had to pay Chen a straight up 1,000,000.

Ye fired another bullet and immediately returned to the same table, but on a different seat.

Player	Chips	Progress
MC Mingcong ChenChina	2,170,000(217 BB)	1,670,000
ZY Zhi YeChina	500,000(50 BB)
BV Bruno VolkmannBrazil	365,000(37 BB)	-270,000

Level 7: 5,000 / 10,000 ante: 10,000

40 minutes

Remaining Players: 31/40

Denis LucindoDenis Lucindo

8/7/2026, 8:15:46 AM

Yang Zhang Pockets a Straightening Board

Level 6: 4,000 / 8,000 ante: 8,000

Yita Choong opened the action with a raise to 16,000 from the cutoff that Yang Zhang called from the small blind.

Both checked the flop of 8♦ 7♣ 2♦. The turn 9♥ got a bet of 26,000 from Yang that Yita called.

The river was a J♥, which made for a board ripe for a straight. Zhang baits out 12,000, which Yita chose not to bite.

Player	Chips	Progress
YZ Yang ZhangChina	626,000(78 BB)	126,000
YC Yita ChoongAustralia	345,000(43 BB)	98,000

JJ DuqueJJ Duque

8/7/2026, 8:14:00 AM

Lin Removes Lazauninkas

Level 6: 4,000 / 8,000 ante: 8,000

Gytis Lazauninkas

Tony Ren Lin was under the gun with the straddle against Gytis Lazauninkas on the hijack.

There was a pot of around 220,000 with a complete board that showed 3♠ T♦ T♣ 6♠ 3♦

Lin pushed all his 332,000 chips in the middle and remarked, "I'm the best. I'm going to win this."

Lazauninkas tanked. He only had 135,000 left and was risk if he made the wrong call. After a time bank token, the Lithuanian pushed in a chip.

Lin tabled 9♣ 6♠ and commented, "Six is the best. You have an ace."

True enough, Lazauninkas showed A♠ K♦ on his way out of his seat.

Lin remarked, "GG, my friend. Rebuy and let's play again."

Lazauninkas did rebuy, but was seated at another table.

Player	Chips	Progress
TR Tony Ren LinChina	715,000(89 BB)	280,000
GL Gytis LazauninkasLithuania	500,000(63 BB)	247,000

JJ DuqueJJ Duque

8/7/2026, 8:10:42 AM

Joyce With The Pressure Again

Level 6: 4,000 / 8,000 ante: 8,000

Toby Joyce

Danny Tang was under the gun and on a straddle for 16,000. Tony Ren Lin, on the next seat, opened for 24,000.

Action fell back to Toby Joyce on the big blind, who was deciding what to do. In the middle of his action, Matthew Wantman, Tang and Lin were all in unison going, "No...no... no."

Joyce raised it up to 60,000 and pushed the chips.

To which they chorused, "Oh no!" right after the push.

Tang made the call and Lin stayed on.

Tang sang "Hit me baby one more time."

Then the flop landed A♠ 7♦ 4♥

Tang sighed, "A-ya"

Joyce continued with a bet of 64,000. Tang stayed on and Lin folded.

The turn showed an 8♦

Joyce declared "All in" with his stack covering Danny's.

Tony then went over to the back of Tang and massaged him and gave him some encouragement while he was tanking, "Come on. You are the best player in Hong Kong. I believe in you."

Tang folded.

Lin remarked jokingly, "You are so disappointing."

Player	Chips	Progress
TJ Toby JoyceIreland	1,180,000(148 BB)	280,000
TR Tony Ren LinChina	435,000(54 BB)	-65,000
DT Danny TangHong Kong	290,000(36 BB)	-210,000

JJ DuqueJJ Duque

8/7/2026, 8:07:26 AM

Lin Is Back

Level 6: 4,000 / 8,000 ante: 8,000

Tony Ren Lin busted out, fired another bullet and was returned to Table 30 to the delight of Danny Tang and Matthew Wantman, who started to clap.

Other recent busts and re-entries include Mingcong Chen and Seunghyun Nam.

Player	Chips
TR Tony Ren LinChina	500,000(63 BB)
SN Seunghyun NamUnited States of America	500,000(63 BB)
MC Mingcong ChenChina	500,000(63 BB)

Denis LucindoDenis Lucindo

8/7/2026, 8:00:22 AM

Gytis Wilts at Toby's Push

Level 6: 4,000 / 8,000 ante: 8,000

Toby Joyce

In pre-flop action on Table 30m Toby Joyce had raised to 18,000 from the hijack, only to be met by Gytis Lazauninkas at the big blind who 3-bet to 68,000.

Toby countered by pushing all in, which was a bridge too far for Gytis.

Player	Chips	Progress
TJ Toby JoyceIreland	900,000(113 BB)	400,000
GL Gytis LazauninkasLithuania	253,000(32 BB)	-362,000

JJ DuqueJJ Duque

8/7/2026, 7:52:56 AM

Noooo

Level 6: 4,000 / 8,000 ante: 8,000

Tony Ren Lin

The tournament director came over to Tony Ren Lin's table and had to move him to another table. A low unanimous hum of "Noooo..." came from Matthew Wantman, Danny Tang and Toby Joyce.

Lin echoed their sentiments - "Please no. We love each other here."

The tournament director had no choice and helped Lin with his chips.

Upon his exit, he remarked, "Sorry, my friends, you have no future here."

Level 6: 4,000 / 8,000 ante: 8,000

40 minutes

Remaining Players: 29/32

JJ DuqueJJ Duque

8/7/2026, 7:32:32 AM

Punnat Punsri and Tony Ren Lin Take A Seat

Level 5: 3,000 / 6,000 ante: 6,000

Punnat Punsri

Thailand's Punnat Punsri - the 2025 GPI Player of the Year - has taken his seat in the King's Main Event. After an unsuccessful outing in Day 1A, Punsri will look to make amends in this flight.

Punsri has nearly USD 38 million in total live earnings and holds the title as Thailand's all-time money list leader. In this series, Punsri has made three final table appearances with his best performance at a 4th place finish during the Single Day Super High Roller.

Meanwhile, despite registering early, Tony Ren Lin has just taken his seat now and is already doing Tony things by bringing that Tony energy to the table. Lin is the defending champion of the King's Main Event, lifting the trophy back in January this year.

Player	Chips
PP Punnat PunsriThailand	500,000(83 BB)
TR Tony Ren LinChina	500,000(83 BB)

Denis LucindoDenis Lucindo

8/7/2026, 7:27:18 AM

Zhi Takes from Bruno

Level 5: 3,000 / 6,000 ante: 6,000

Zhi Ye

Bruno Volkmann raised to 12,000 from UTG, Aaron Lim called from middle position, as well as Zhi Ye on the button and Mingcong Chen on the big blind.

6♣ 3♠ Q♥ made up the flop, and the table checked to Zhi on the button who bet 15,000 and only had Bruno calling.

The turn was 4♠, which both checked.

Bruno then checked the river 6♠, Zhi bet 76,000 which Bruno called to see the Q♠ T♣ that Zhi was betting with.

Player	Chips	Progress
BV Bruno VolkmannBrazil	635,000(106 BB)	85,000
ZY Zhi YeChina	500,000(83 BB)

JJ DuqueJJ Duque

8/7/2026, 7:13:04 AM

One Chen Out, Another Chen In

Level 5: 3,000 / 6,000 ante: 6,000

Mingcong Chen

China's Mingcong Chen is one of the upcoming stars in the poker scene. Chen has over USD 2.3 million in total live earnings with five prestigious titles to his name, including an APT Super High Roller and a USD 30K NLH 8-Handed Triton Super High Roller Series title, where he scored his career best cash of USD 1,143,000. Mingcong also placed third in last night's Crown Hunt event.

Meanwhile, Defeng Chen was seen exiting the poker area after busting out. Not to worry, Chen fired another bullet and is back with a fresh starting stack of chips on a new seat.

Player	Chips	Progress
MC Mingcong ChenChina	500,000(83 BB)
DC Defeng ChenChina	500,000(83 BB)	-110,000

JJ DuqueJJ Duque

8/7/2026, 6:59:22 AM

Neilson Splashes In

Level 5: 3,000 / 6,000 ante: 6,000

Daniel Neilson

Daniel Neilson of Australia, the recent champion of the Sovereign 50K has just taken a seat. Neilson is also a former APT High Roller winner.

Neilson has just jumped into a crusher's table that include the likes of Calvin Lee, Seunghyun Nam and former King Poker Cup Crown Hunt champion Matas Cimbolas.

Player	Chips	Progress
MC Matas CimbolasLithuania	805,000(134 BB)	305,000
CL Calvin LeeUnited States of America	665,000(111 BB)	45,000
DN Daniel NeilsonAustralia	500,000(83 BB)
SN Seunghyun NamUnited States of America	330,000(55 BB)	-170,000

Level 5: 3,000 / 6,000 ante: 6,000

40 minutes

Remaining Players: 23/25

Denis LucindoDenis Lucindo

8/7/2026, 6:51:38 AM

Duan Bin's Eights Hold

Level 4: 3,000 / 5,000 ante: 5,000

Duan Bin

From under the gun, Duan Bin raised to 20,000, and was called by Defeng Chen on the big blind.

The flop runs A♠ Q♦ 3♣ which Defeng checked, Bin bet 16,000 for, and Defeng called.

The turn 4♣ and 7♥ had both checking to a showdown where Defeng showed he was defending 9♠ 2♠ and Duan was holding 8♦ 8♠ that turned out to be the best hand.

Player	Chips	Progress
DC Defeng ChenChina	610,000(122 BB)	110,000
DB Duan BinChina	408,000(82 BB)

JJ DuqueJJ Duque

8/7/2026, 6:49:45 AM

Zhang Bites The Bullet

Level 4: 3,000 / 5,000 ante: 5,000

Xugang Zhang has returned, firing another bullet for his second life in this final Day 1 flight.

Player	Chips	Progress
XZ Xugang ZhangChina	500,000(100 BB)	500,000

JJ DuqueJJ Duque

8/7/2026, 6:40:44 AM

Fresh Faces With Big Names

Level 4: 3,000 / 5,000 ante: 5,000

Joseph Cheong

More registrations have poured in with some familiar faces and big names taking their seats.

WSOP bracelet winner and two-time APT Zodiac Classic winner Joseph Cheong of the United States is one of those big names. Cheong has over USD 21.3 million in total live earnings. Cheong, however, has yet to make an impact this series. He's only been able to cash once in this series for a 17th place finish during the King's Debut a few days ago.

On the other hand, Ireland's Toby Joyce has been having a wonderful series with four final table appearances. Joyce has yet to get past 6th place. Joyce has over USD 3.7 million in total live earnings, and his numerous cashes here amounting to a combined total of roughly USD 90,000.

JJ DuqueJJ Duque

8/7/2026, 6:37:20 AM

Out For Now

Level 4: 3,000 / 5,000 ante: 5,000

David Miscikowski and Xugang Zhang have been seen vacating their seats after losing all their chips. So far, they haven't re-entered.

Registration is still open until the start of Level 11, so that gives them some time to regroup and return. Meanwhile, they names are crossed out until further notice.

Player	Chips	Progress
DM David MiscikowskiUnited States of America	busted	-310,000
XZ Xugang ZhangChina	busted	-198,000

Denis LucindoDenis Lucindo

8/7/2026, 6:32:35 AM

Yita Choong Takes Down a Pot Post Flop

Level 4: 3,000 / 5,000 ante: 5,000

A smart bet of 15,0000 after a flop of 8♣ 9♦ 4♥ wins Yita Choong a modest pot. He had initiated the betting with a raise to 12,000 from under the gun bforethe flop, which was called by Gytis Lazauninkas on the button and Duan Bin on the big blind.

Player	Chips	Progress
GL Gytis LazauninkasLithuania	615,000(123 BB)	-20,000
DB Duan BinChina	408,000(82 BB)	-20,000
YC Yita ChoongAustralia	247,000(49 BB)	-253,000

JJ DuqueJJ Duque

8/7/2026, 6:17:55 AM

Calvin Lee Hunting For Another Title

Level 4: 3,000 / 5,000 ante: 5,000

Calvin Lee

Calvin Lee is in the top of South Korea's all-time money list with nearly USD 7 million in total live earnings. Formerly based in America, Lee has now made Seoul his home to be closer to family and the active Asian poker scene.

Lee holds the distinction of being a two-time APT Superstar Challenge winner, winning his first in APT Incheon 2025 then claiming a second during the APT Championship 2025 in Taipei. Lee has won two high roller K Poker Cup events.

He bagged his first in November 2024, lifting the trophy int he KPC Single Day High Roller during the Jeju Poker Festival. Then, he followed that up with another win in April2025 during Korea Poker Cup Series 2025 in Jeju, taking down the Korea Poker Cup High Roller.

JJ DuqueJJ Duque

8/7/2026, 6:16:00 AM

Table 30 Chip Counts

Level 4: 3,000 / 5,000 ante: 5,000

Gytis Lazauninkas

With two tables playing, these are the chip counts of Table 30 we found during the break:

Player	Chips	Progress
GL Gytis LazauninkasLithuania	635,000(127 BB)	135,000
CL Calvin LeeUnited States of America	620,000(124 BB)	120,000
MH Meerwais HussainiAustralia	465,000(93 BB)	-35,000
DB Duan BinChina	428,000(86 BB)	-72,000
AC Abraham CeesvinSingapore	395,000(79 BB)	-105,000
DM David MiscikowskiUnited States of America	310,000(62 BB)	-190,000

Denis LucindoDenis Lucindo

8/7/2026, 6:16:00 AM

Table 28 Chip Counts

Level 4: 3,000 / 5,000 ante: 5,000

Bruno Volkmann

Table 28 is the first expansion table of Day 1B, so many of the players had chunks bitten out of them from their original seats. Bruno Volkmann is the only player up on his starting stack

Player	Chips	Progress
BV Bruno VolkmannBrazil	550,000(110 BB)	50,000
ZY Zhi YeChina	500,000(100 BB)
YH Yifu HeUnited States of America	410,000(82 BB)	-90,000
ZZ Zhengqing ZhaoChina	340,000(68 BB)	-160,000
HZ Hongjun ZhaoChina	330,000(66 BB)	-170,000
XZ Xugang ZhangChina	198,000(40 BB)	-302,000

Level 4: 3,000 / 5,000 ante: 5,000

40 minutes

Remaining Players: 14/14

Break

15 minutes

Remaining Players: 14/14

JJ DuqueJJ Duque

8/7/2026, 5:58:45 AM

Yifu He Searches For First Big Cash In Asia

Level 3: 2,000 / 4,000 ante: 4,000

Yifu He

Yifu He of the United States has made most of his career cashes in that part of the world, particularly in the busy poker scene around Las Vegas, Nevada. With over USD 1.6 million in total live earnings, the veteran player is looking to book his first huge win in Asian soil.

This is his first foray outside of Las Vegas. So far, he's made two cashes this series, which include a 35th place finish in the King's Debut and a 23rd place min cash in the Royal Ascent. He hopes to make a final table withe the big dream of lifting an event trophy this series.

Player	Chips
YH Yifu HeUnited States of America	500,000(125 BB)

JJ DuqueJJ Duque

8/7/2026, 5:43:52 AM

It's Rolling In

Level 3: 2,000 / 4,000 ante: 4,000

Abraham Ceesvin

There are 11 registered players in Day 1B so far with the total prize pool climbing past the USD 1.5 million mark.

Among those taking their seats are former APT Main Event champion Abraham Ceesvin of Singapore, who won his main event title during APT Jeju 2025 also here at the Les A Casino. That marked Ceesvin's biggest career cash at over USD 460,000.

Ceesvin also placed 3rd in the King's Main Event earlier this January 2026 and will look for another deep run in this one. Perhaps even a championship.

China's Hongjun Zhao made a third place finish in the recent Royal Ascent even earlier in the series. Zhao also won the USD 15,000 NLH 8-Handed event during the Triton Poker Super High Roller Series Jeju in February for a career best cash of USD 818,000.

Here are other recent entries

Player	Chips
HZ Hongjun ZhaoChina	500,000(125 BB)
AC Abraham CeesvinSingapore	500,000(125 BB)
ZZ Zhengqing ZhaoChina	500,000(125 BB)
YH Yifu HeUnited States of America	500,000(125 BB)
XZ Xugang ZhangChina	500,000(125 BB)
GL Gytis LazauninkasLithuania	500,000(125 BB)

JJ DuqueJJ Duque

8/7/2026, 5:27:49 AM

Cards Are In The Air

Level 3: 2,000 / 4,000 ante: 4,000

Duan Bin

Seven players have registered with four already on the table, which means there is a quorum to get cards in the air.

Those already at their seats are:

Player	Chips
DB Duan BinChina	500,000(125 BB)
ZY Zhi YeChina	500,000(125 BB)
BV Bruno VolkmannBrazil	500,000(125 BB)
DM David MiscikowskiUnited States of America	500,000(125 BB)

Level 3: 2,000 / 4,000 ante: 4,000

40 minutes

Remaining Players: 7/7

JJ DuqueJJ Duque

8/7/2026, 5:10:24 AM

Still Waiting

Level 2: 2,000 / 3,000 ante: 3,000

David Miscikowski

There are 6 registered players, but only two who are present at the poker area. Two more players are needed at the tables to get the cards dealt.

Some of the late additions include Brazil's Bruno Volkmann who has over USD 5.3 million in total live earnings and sits 5th in Brazil's all-time money list. So far, Volkmann has made two cashes in this series with both outside of the final table.

America David Miscikowski has over USD 2.7 million in total live earnings. He made the final table of the USD 100K King's Charity Super High Roller and placed 7th.

JJ DuqueJJ Duque

8/7/2026, 4:43:00 AM

One More To GO

Level 2: 2,000 / 3,000 ante: 3,000

Danny Tang

There are three registered players so far. However, they registered remotely and have yet to show up at the tables.

One more player is needed and all four have to be at the felt to get the cards in the air.

Among the early registrants are Tony Ren Lin and Danny Tang.

Lin is the defending King's Main Event champion. Lin won this event back in January and took home the top prize of USD 600,700. Lin has over USD 20 million in total live earnings.

Danny Tang is Hong Kong's all-time money list leader with nearly USD 44 million in total live earnings. Last May, Tang won the Triton Super High Roller Series Main Event for a career best score of over USD 3.5 million in Montenegro.

Player	Chips
TR Tony Ren LinChina	500,000(167 BB)
DT Danny TangHong Kong	500,000(167 BB)

Level 2: 2,000 / 3,000 ante: 3,000

40 minutes

Remaining Players: 1/1

Denis LucindoDenis Lucindo

8/7/2026, 4:03:00 AM

Clock Starts on Level 1

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

The clock has started on Level 1 of Day 1B of The King's Main Event. Cards haven't started slinging though, as this flight waits for more participants. Registration is still open until about 9 p.m. local time.

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

40 minutes

JJ DuqueJJ Duque

8/7/2026, 2:46:20 AM

Last Chance For King's Main Event

The King Poker Cup series once again puts the spotlight on its crown jewel event with the King's Main Event kicking off its final Day 1 flight today at the Les A Casino in Jeju, South Korea.

Day 1B will have cards in the air at 13:00 local time with registration open until the beginning of Level 11, which will be at approximately 20:50 local time.

Yesterday's Day 1A flight saw 101 total entries ponying up the USD 15,000 buy-in to generate a total prize pool that stands at USD 1,418,040. Today's influx of Day 1B entries will boost that total prize pool even more.

Registered players will be given a starting stack of 500,000 with blind levels starting at 1,000/2,000 with 2,000 ante. Each level will play for 40-minutes.

Only 23 survivors from Day 1A will be moving on to Day 2. Day 1A chip leader Haohui Ma of China managed to turn his starting stack to a monstrous 5,565,000, setting the bar for today's flight to catch. He was followed by David Coleman with 4,300,000 and Ryuta Nakai with 4,030,000.

Stay glued here for all the live reports and updates as the day progresses.

Event starts 13:00 local time..