South Korea, LES A CasinoEVENT #17

2026.01.06 - 2026.01.11Add to Calendar

K Poker Cup

Blind level

Level 17: 4,000 / 8,000 ante: 8,000

Entries

48/380

Total Chips

11,400,000

Average

237,500

Callum JuryCallum Jury

1/6/2026, 4:55:33 PM

Chuntao Zhou Leads Day 1a of KPC x LPT Main Event

Level 17: 4,000 / 8,000 ante: 8,000

Chuntao Zhou

After more than 11 hours of intense poker inside the LES A Casino here in Jeju, South Korea, Day 1a of the KPC x LPT Main Event has concluded, with China's Chuntao Zhou leading the charge. He rose atop a field of 380 entrants and bagged up a hefty 685,000 to take into Day 2 on Saturday, January 10th.

The Main Event serves as the crown jewel of this historic collaboration between the King Poker Cup (KPC) and the Long Poker Tour (LPT). The centrepiece of a 16-day festival, the tournament features a KRW 880 Million (~USD 660,000) guarantee, drawing a dynamic field of local and international talent to the island.

While only having one logged cash on The Hendon Mob, fittingly here in Jeju exactly one year ago, Zhou has positioned himself perfectly to secure a deep run and add a significant new score to his resume in this premier event.

Top 10 Counts

Player	Chips
CT Chun Tao ZhouChina	685,000(86 BB)
QZ Quan ZhouChina	582,000(73 BB)
RN Ryuta NakaiJapan	576,000(72 BB)
CS Chuan Shu ChenChina	572,000(72 BB)
QM Quang Minh NguyenViet Nam	510,000(64 BB)
LZ Lijun ZhangChina	484,000(61 BB)
QP Quoc Phu NgoViet Nam	433,000(54 BB)
HZ Haiyang ZhangChina	415,000(52 BB)
WL Weihong LiuChina	413,000(52 BB)
RS Ranno SootlaEstonia	400,000(50 BB)

Taking second place is Chinese poker legend Quan Zhou, with a hefty 582,000. Fourth on China's All-Time Money list and a third-place in the KPC Super High Roller event here in Jeju in november, there's no doubt Zhou will be able to leverage his stack and convert it into a deep run on Day 2.

Hot on Zhou's heels is Japan's Ryuta Nakai, who occupies third place with a stack of 576,000. With a string of deep runs in the region and a top-three chip count to his name, Nakai has put himself in a prime position to challenge for the lead when the field returns for Day 2.

Shengyong Wang

ITM Bubble and Day 2 Bubble

With a 380-entry field, the money bubble was officially set at 57 places. However, with the floor announcing only 48 bags available for the night, the remaining players had a second hurdle to clear before reaching Day 2.

Shengyong Wang became the Day 1a bubble boy after a brutal collision with Phi Bang Vo. Wang committed his final 100,000 chips with kings, only to be crushed by Vo’s pocket eights when an eight appeared on the flop. The turn and river provided no help for Wang, sealing his exit in 58th place and ensuring the remaining 57 players moved into the money.

From there, over an hour elapsed while the field thinned from 57 to 49, leaving the remaining players on the Day 2 bubble. A series of double-ups occurred, including a bold shove from Yayun Li with king-five offsuit from the button, only to run into Vo's queens, who was in the big blind. A miracle king landed on the board, securing the double.

The day came to its conclusion when Enzhi Shen, who was down to just 3,000 in chips, got his three yellow discs into the middle, holding queen-ten versus Wen Chen Sing's jack-four. Amazingly, Shen made a straight by the time the turn had hit, securing a double and keeping him hanging on. A few hands later, having chipped up to around 30,000, his chips were back in against the same opponent, holding queen-eight versus king-nine. It seemed another double-up was imminent for Shen as a queen hit the flop, but Sing found his king on the turn, officially ending the day and leaving the field ready to battle in Day 2.

That conclude's Somuchpoker's coverage for Day 1a. Tune back in tomorrow at 12:00 when Day 1b kicks off!

Level 17: 4,000 / 8,000 ante: 8,000

40 minutes

Remaining Players: 48/380

Zoe ChangZoe Chang

1/6/2026, 4:11:55 PM

Shengyong Wang’s Cowboys Fall, Bubble Bursts

Level 16: 3,000 / 6,000 ante: 6,000

Shengyong Wang

Shengyong Wang raised to 25,000 in the hijack, only to face a shove from Phi Bang Vo in the small blind with his covering stack. Wang called off his remaining 100,000, putting himself on the line.

Phi Bang Vo: 8♣ 8♥

Shengyong Wang: K♠ K♦

Wang was far ahead with pocket kings against Vo's pocket eights, but Vo took over the dominance on the 5♥ 6♠ 8♦ flop, improving him to a set and leaving Wang drawing thin.

The dealer revealed a T♥ on the turn, while Wang was still looking for a king to stay alive. Unfortunately, the 2♦ river bricked out, sending him out of the field with the most unwanted title of the day, Bubble Boy.

Player	Chips
PB Phi Bang VoViet Nam	372,000(62 BB)
SW Shengyong WangChina	30,000(5 BB)

Level 16: 3,000 / 6,000 ante: 6,000

40 minutes

Remaining Players: 59/380

Break

15 minutes

Remaining Players: 59/380

Zoe ChangZoe Chang

1/6/2026, 3:24:00 PM

Two Pair for Vo to Take It Down

Level 15: 2,500 / 5,000 ante: 5,000

Quoc Phu Ngo raised the small blind to 10,000, and Phi Bang Vo defended his big blind.

Ngo continued for 10,000 on the Q♥ T♣ 5♥ flop, and Vo stuck around to see the 8♠ turn, where Ngo check-called a 32,000 bet from Vo.

When the 9♥ showed on the river, Ngo sent a 20,000 bet, and Vo made the call.

Ngo tabled a flopped pair of tens with A♠ T♦, but it was overtaken by Vo's two pair with Q♦ 8♣.

Player	Chips
PB Phi Bang VoViet Nam	372,000(74 BB)
QP Quoc Phu NgoViet Nam	129,000(26 BB)

Callum JuryCallum Jury

1/6/2026, 3:20:53 PM

Cowboys Let Huang Down

Level 15: 2,500 / 5,000 ante: 5,000

Chi Lun Huang

Chi Lun Huang raised to 85,000 from under the gun, leaving 25,000 behind, before calling hijack Ryuta Nakai's three-bet shove to 257,000.

Chi Lun Huang: K♥ K♦

Ryuta Nakai: 9♠ 9♣

Huang was set for a double, and the 7♠ 3♠ 2♦ flop kept him ahead. But a disastrous 9♥ landed on the turn, and the J♥ river sealed Huang's elimination just a few spots from the money.

Player	Chips
RN Ryuta NakaiJapan	340,000(68 BB)
CL Chi Lun HuangChina	busted

Zoe ChangZoe Chang

1/6/2026, 3:18:24 PM

Zhang Flushes Lee Out

Level 15: 2,500 / 5,000 ante: 5,000

Haiyang Zhang raised the button to 10,000, only to face a shove from Kyun Min Lee in the big blind for around 50,000. Zhang dropped in the call after thinking for a while.

Kyun Min Lee: A♠ 7♠

Haiyang Zhang: A♦ T♥

Zhang was in front with a stronger ten kicker and held control on the 3♦ 9♥ 6♥ flop. Another heart, the 2♥, came on the turn, giving Zhang a flush draw and leaving Lee drawing thin.

The 5♥ river completed Zhang's flush, showing Lee the way out.

Player	Chips
HZ Haiyang ZhangChina	267,500(54 BB)
KM Kyun Min LeeUnited States of America	busted

Level 15: 2,500 / 5,000 ante: 5,000

40 minutes

Remaining Players: 80/380

Zoe ChangZoe Chang

1/6/2026, 2:25:38 PM

Liu's Bullets Terminate Zhu's Run

Level 14: 2,000 / 4,000 ante: 4,000

Weihong Liu made it 8,000 to go from early position and Wei Zhu three-bet to 24,000 from middle position. Liu then four-bet to 50,000, which didn't deter Zhu from moving all in for 107,500. Liu took no time to announce the call.

Wei Zhu: J♥ J♦

Weihong Liu: A♠ A♥

Zhu's pocket jacks ran straight into Liu's pocket aces and received little help from the dealer on the 7♦ K♥ 5♦ flop. The 2♣ came on the turn, leaving Zhu drawing nearly dead.

Luck wasn't on Zhu's side as the 7♣ river bricked out, sending him to the rail and adding one more name to Liu's victim list.

Player	Chips
WL Weihong LiuChina	415,000(104 BB)
WZ Wei ZhuChina	busted

Zoe ChangZoe Chang

1/6/2026, 2:15:47 PM

Lin's Ace Holds for a Double-Up

Level 14: 2,000 / 4,000 ante: 4,000

Chung Tang Lin open-shoved from early position for 41,500 and was called by Ryuta Nakai in the hijack.

Ryuta Nakai: K♠ Q♣

Chung Tang Lin: A♠ K♦

Lin’s ace-high was ahead of Nakai’s king-high and stayed in front on the 8♦ 5♠ 9♦ flop. The T♠ on the turn gave Nakai some extra outs to stake Lin.

Fortunately for Lin, the K♥ river changed nothing, locking up a much-needed double-up.

Player	Chips
RN Ryuta NakaiJapan	130,500(33 BB)
CT Chung Tang LinTaiwan	85,000(21 BB)

Callum JuryCallum Jury

1/6/2026, 2:06:22 PM

Table 18 Action and Counts

Level 14: 2,000 / 4,000 ante: 4,000

Xiaochuan Zhang

Hand 1

Yuhan Wang raised to 8,000 and received a lone call from big blind Phi Bang Vo.

Both players checked through the 4♠ 6♠ 7♥ J♣ 7♦ runout. Wang's ace-high with A♣ 5♣ bested Vo's Q♣ T♠ to take the pot.

Hand 2

Cutoff Martin Sedlak raised to 8,000 and was joined to the flop by blinds Vo and Yuning Cheng.

All three checked the 6♦ K♥ A♣ flop. On the 4♣ turn, Cheng bet 12,000, which was enough to shake both opponents off the pot.

Hand 3

Wang's min-raise from early position was enough to collect the blinds.

Hand 4

Yayun Liu raised to 8,000 from the hijack, then folded to Duc Thanh Nguyen's three-bet shove for around 100,000.

Hand 5

Sedlak raised to 8,000 from early position then faced a 24,000 three-bet by Nguyen on the button. Both folded when Xiaochuan Zhang four-bet to 80,000.

Hand 6

Liu's shove for around 24,000 was met with folds around the table.

Player	Chips
MS Martin SedlakGermany	220,000(55 BB)
YC Yuning ChengChina	160,000(40 BB)
PB Phi Bang VoViet Nam	140,000(35 BB)
XZ Xiaochuan ZhangChina	115,000(29 BB)
DT Duc Thanh NguyenViet Nam	110,000(28 BB)
YW Yuhan WangChina	108,000(27 BB)
SW Shengyong WangChina	30,000(8 BB)
YL Yayun LiuChina	29,000(7 BB)

Level 14: 2,000 / 4,000 ante: 4,000

40 minutes

Remaining Players: 83/380

Zoe ChangZoe Chang

1/6/2026, 1:47:50 PM

Li Versus Li

Level 13: 1,500 / 3,000 ante: 3,000

Youkan Li opened to 6,000 from under the gun and Dong Li defended his big blind.

Dong Li check-called a 10,500 bet from Youkan Li on the 7♠ J♥ 8♣ flop to see the K♠ turn, where Dong Li check-called again, this time for 20,000.

Action went check-check on the T♣ river. Dong Li tabled 8♥ 7♠ for two pair and Youkan Li mucked his cards, conceding the pot.

Player	Chips
DL Dong LiChina	159,000(53 BB)
YL Youkan LiChina	143,000(48 BB)

Zoe ChangZoe Chang

1/6/2026, 1:31:06 PM

Ten on the Flop Sends Efimov Home

Maksim Efimov

Liangjian Chen raised the hijack to 6,500 and Maksim Efimov shoved for around 85,000. Chen snap-called to put his tablemate at risk.

Liangjian Chen: A♥ T♠

Maksim Efimov: A♠ Q♠

Efimov was ahead with a stronger queen kicker, but Chen took over the lead on the A♣ 7♣ T♣ flop by pairing his ten. The 9♥ on the turn left Efimov still needing a queen to survive.

The 4♣ river changed nothing, sealing Efimov’s fate and shipping the pot to Chen.

Player	Chips
LC Liangjian ChengChina	160,000
ME Maksim EfimovRussia	busted

Callum JuryCallum Jury

1/6/2026, 1:26:57 PM

Ngo Eliminates Two

Level 13: 1,500 / 3,000 ante: 3,000

Yan Lin Li

Mingzi Wang raised to 6,000 from early position before being three-bet to 15,000 by Quoc Phu Ngo one seat over. Small blind Tsz Kin Lo four-bet shoved for 30,000, and Wang called. Wang then called when Ngo shoved to put him all-in as well.

Tsz Kin Lo: A♣ A♦

Mingzi Wang: A♥ 5♥

Quoc Phu Ngo: Q♦ Q♠

Wang had the worst of it and failed to connect on the 9♦ 4♣ K♦ flop. He was drawing dead on the J♠ turn, and the 2♥ river gave Lo a near triple-up, while Ngo collected the side pot. Wang was sent to the rail.

In the very next hand, Ngo raised to 6,000 from under the gun and then called Yan Lin Li's three-bet shove for 23,000.

Yan Lin Li: A♥ J♠

Quoc Phu Ngo: J♥ J♦

Ngo was ahead once more with back-to-back premiums and held on the 9♣ 5♠ 6♥ 2♠ 5♣ runout, eliminating another player consecutively.

Player	Chips
QP Quoc Phu NgoViet Nam	280,000(93 BB)
TK Tsz Kin LoHong Kong	95,000(32 BB)
YL Yan Lin LiTaiwan	busted
MW Mingzi WangChina	busted

Level 13: 1,500 / 3,000 ante: 3,000

40 minutes

Remaining Players: 99/380

Break

15 minutes

Remaining Players: 99/380

Zoe ChangZoe Chang

1/6/2026, 1:07:02 PM

Li Shoves on the Straight Board, Lau Folds

Level 12: 1,500 / 2,500 ante: 2,500

Kevin Lau opened the cutoff to 5,000 and Dong Li defended his big blind.

Li led out for 5,000 and Lau stuck around on the 5♠ 3♦ 4♥ flop. Action went check-check on the 2♥ turn.

The 6♦ filled out the board, completing a straight on the board. Li then shoved all in for around 50,000, prompting a snap-fold from Lau.

Player	Chips
DL Dong LiChina	63,500(25 BB)
PH Pak Hei Kevin LauHong Kong	50,000(20 BB)

Zoe ChangZoe Chang

1/6/2026, 12:49:18 PM

Chen Shows the Strength, Rivers Trips

Level 12: 1,500 / 2,500 ante: 2,500

Chuan Shu Chen

Yang Zhao raised to 5,000 from under the gun and Chuan Shu Chen defended his big blind.

The duo tapped the table on the 5♠ 7♥ 4♥ flop to see a Q♦ turn, where Chen bet 4,000 and Zhao stuck around.

The river brought another Q♣, and Chen sent another barrel of 28,000. Zhao laid it down after thinking for a while.

Chen revealed a Q♥ before he returned his cards to the dealer, showing he wasn’t bluffing.

Player	Chips
CS Chuan Shu ChenChina	123,500(49 BB)
YZ Yang ZhaoTaiwan	47,000(19 BB)

Callum JuryCallum Jury

1/6/2026, 12:38:59 PM

Table 20 Action and Counts

Level 12: 1,500 / 2,500 ante: 2,500

Shan Chen

Hand 1

Liangjian Cheng shoved his 32,000-chip stack in and got it through.

Hand 2

Nevan Chang raised to 21,000 from under the gun leaving 3,000 behind, and received a call from cutoff Leibing Wang.

On the Q♥ 4♣ A♥ flop, Wang moved all-in blind and Chang stuck his last 3,000 in. They showed their hands:

Nevan Chang: K♣ J♦

Leibing Wang: T♣ T♦

Chang found no help on the Q♣ 5♣ runout, sending him to the rail.

Hand 3

Maskim Efimov raised to 6,000 from the button and collected the blinds.

Hand 4

Xu Ding limped from under the gun, as did Shan Chen in the hijack. Cutoff Efimov raised to 10,000 before Cheng shoved for 36,000 from the big blind. It folded back around to Efimov, who also decided to let his hand go after a minute or so in the tank.

Hand 5

Efimov limped from the hijack before calling cutoff Feng Qu's 6,500 raise.

Player	Chips
SC Shan ChenChina	170,000(68 BB)
LW Leibing WangChina	160,000(64 BB)
FQ Feng QuChina	140,000(56 BB)
HZ Haiyang ZhangChina	135,000(54 BB)
XD Xu DingChina	110,000(44 BB)
ME Maksim EfimovRussia	85,000(34 BB)
LC Liangjian ChengChina	52,000(21 BB)
NC Nevan ChangTaiwan	busted

Zoe ChangZoe Chang

1/6/2026, 12:33:04 PM

River Queen Sees Liu Out

Level 12: 1,500 / 2,500 ante: 2,500

Haiwei Liang

Yin Liu open-shoved in the cutoff for 44,000 and was put at risk by Haiwei Liang from the small blind.

Yin Liu: K♥ J♣

Haiwei Liang: A♣ 9♣

Liu trailed with king-high against Liang's ace-high and took over the lead on the J♦ T♠ 2♠, improving him to a pair of jacks. The dealer then revealed an 8♥ turn, giving Liu a sweat as Liang picked up an open-ended straight draw.

Much to Liu's dismay, the Q♠ river came to complete Liang's straight, sending him out of the field.

Player	Chips
HL Haiwei LiangChina	184,000(74 BB)
YL Yin LiuChina	busted

Level 12: 1,500 / 2,500 ante: 2,500

40 minutes

Remaining Players: 121/380

Callum JuryCallum Jury

1/6/2026, 12:20:04 PM

Table 21 Action and Counts

Level 11: 1,000 / 2,000 ante: 2,000

Michael Allen

Hand 1

Jianfeng Sun raised to 4,000 from the button and received a call from small blind Wen Chen Sing.

Sing check-called Sun's 14,000 continuation-bet following the 2♦ J♦ 5♣ flop.

Action went check-check on the 9♣ turn to the T♥ river, where Sing check-raised Sun's 5,500 bet up to 50,000. Sun didn't hold on to his cards for long.

Hand 2

Sing opened to 4,000 from the button and received one call from big blind Michael Allen.

Allen checked the 6♥ 2♥ 4♦ flop and Sing checked behind. On the Q♣ turn, Allen led for 16,500, prompting a swift fold from Sing.

Hand 3

Hon Cheong Lee opened to 4,000, before folding to Sing's 10,500 three-bet.

Player	Chips
ZW Ziwei WangChina	180,000(90 BB)
SW Sing Wen ChenTaiwan	164,000(82 BB)
MA Michael AllenUnited Kingdom	128,000(64 BB)
JS Jianfeng SunChina	92,000(46 BB)
JJ Jan Jason LeonicioPhilippines	68,000(34 BB)
CH Chengxu HuChina	52,000(26 BB)
CH Chih Hua HsuTaiwan	44,000(22 BB)
HC Hon Cheong LeeHong Kong	24,000(12 BB)

Zoe ChangZoe Chang

1/6/2026, 12:17:39 PM

Zhou Rivers Ace to Knock Out Hu

Level 11: 1,000 / 2,000 ante: 2,000

Mengting Hu

Quan Zhou opened to 4,000 from under the gun, only to face a shove from Mengting Hu for 16,500 in the hijack. Zhou announced the call after thinking for a while.

Quan Zhou: A♣ 5♣

Mengting Hu: J♠ J♣

Hu started strong with her pocket jacks against Zhou's ace-high, but the tension increased on the 2♣ Q♥ 4♣ flop as Zhou picked up a flush and straight draw.

The 8♦ on the turn gave Hu hope, but she still had many outs to fade to stay alive. Unfortunately for Hu, the A♦ river connected with Zhou's ace, sending her out of the field.

Player	Chips
QZ Quan ZhouChina	114,500(57 BB)
MH Mengting HuChina	busted

Zoe ChangZoe Chang

1/6/2026, 12:11:09 PM

Kong and Huang Split the Pot with Full Houses

Level 11: 1,000 / 2,000 ante: 2,000

Tianzhi Kong

Tianzhi Kong opened to 4,000 from under the gun, and Weiwei Huang defended his big blind.

The duo checked through the 5♦ 5♠ A♣ flop to see a 6♣ turn, where Huang fired 4,000. Kong raised it to 8,000, and Huang called.

On the 5♥ river, Huang checked to Kong, who jammed for 21,500. Huang called instantly.

Kong tabled a full house with A♠ 6♦, while Huang also revealed a boat with A♥ K♣. The pot was chopped between the two.

Player	Chips
WH Weiwei HuangChina	54,000(27 BB)
TK Tianzhi KongChina	37,000(19 BB)

Level 11: 1,000 / 2,000 ante: 2,000

40 minutes

Remaining Players: 142/380

Zoe ChangZoe Chang

1/6/2026, 11:48:03 AM

Li Raises Chang Off River to Take the Pot

Level 10: 1,000 / 1,500 ante: 1,500

Youkan Li

Nevan Chang limped from the small blind and Youkan Li checked in the big blind.

Chang led out for 1,500 on the 9♥ K♠ 3♣ flop and Lo stuck around to see the board-pairing K♦ fall on the turn, where both players tapped the table.

When seeing a 9♦ river, Chang sent a 2,500 bet, and Li cranked it up to 16,000. Chang laid it down.

Player	Chips
YL Youkan LiChina	100,000(67 BB)
NC Nevan ChangTaiwan	40,000(27 BB)

Callum JuryCallum Jury

1/6/2026, 11:37:54 AM

Better Luck Next Time

Level 10: 1,000 / 1,500 ante: 1,500

Jason Li among those not cashing in Day 1A

Here is a look at some of the players who hit the rail shortly after registration closed.

Player	Chips
JL Jason LiCanada	busted
WL Wenjun LongChina	busted
AC Abhijith CherukuIndia	busted
WL Wenchao LiuChina	busted
YW Yilong WangChina	busted
LZ Ledong ZhouChina	busted
SW Shunping WangTaiwan	busted
CM Che Ming LinTaiwan	busted

Zoe ChangZoe Chang

1/6/2026, 11:36:20 AM

Heung Cruises Past Zhang with Lucky River Queen

Level 10: 1,000 / 1,500 ante: 1,500

Hengji Zhang opened to 3,000 from under the gun, only to face a shove from Tsz Kin Heung in early position for 27,000. Zhang called, putting his tablemate at risk.

Hengji Zhang: A♣ J♠

Tsz Kin Heung: T♦ T♠

Heung started strong with his pocket tens, overcoming Zhang's ace-high and maintaining his lead on the 4♦ J♦ K♥ flop. The A♠ on the turn gave Zhang a pair of aces, while Heung picked up a gutshot straight draw.

Luck was on Heung's side as the Q♥ landed on the river, completing his straight and shipping a crucial double-up.

Player	Chips
HZ Hengji ZhangChina	59,000(39 BB)
TK Tsz Kin HeungHong Kong	42,000(28 BB)

Callum JuryCallum Jury

1/6/2026, 11:36:07 AM

Registration Closed!

Level 10: 1,000 / 1,500 ante: 1,500

The floor has confirmed the total number of entries for Day 1A of the Main Event at 380. With the bubble set at 15% of the field, 57 players will secure a cash from today's flight. Out of those 57 in the money, only the top 48 players will bag up and return for Day 2.

Callum JuryCallum Jury

1/6/2026, 11:27:25 AM

Cao Backs Off on the River

Level 10: 1,000 / 1,500 ante: 1,500

Tingjia Cao

Tingjia Cao raised to 3,500 from the cutoff, receiving calls from both blinds, Chung Tang Lin and Quang Minh Nguyen.

The dealer fanned the 2♥ 2♠ 3♠ flop. Lin check-called and Nguyen check-folded when Cao continued for 2,500.

Both players opted to check when the 8♥ landed on the turn.

The 3♣ completed the board and Lin led out for a whopping 25,000. Cao thought on it for a moment before deciding to give up the hand.

Player	Chips
CT Chung Tang LinTaiwan	110,000(73 BB)
TC Tingjia CaoChina	106,000(71 BB)
QM Quang Minh NguyenViet Nam	30,000(20 BB)

Zoe ChangZoe Chang

1/6/2026, 11:13:02 AM

Zhang’s Pocket Queens Hold

Level 10: 1,000 / 1,500 ante: 1,500

With 10,000 chips in the pot, the dealer spread the 4♣ 2♥ 6♠ flop, where both Jung Leong in the big blind and Hengji Zhang from middle position checked.

Action checked through again on the K♠ turn before a 9♣ landed on the river, where Leong check-called a small 3,000 bet from Zhang.

Zhang revealed his winning hand, Q♥ Q♦, and took down the pot as Leong mucked.

Player	Chips
HZ Hengji ZhangChina	64,500(43 BB)
JL Juns LeongMalaysia	58,000(39 BB)

Level 10: 1,000 / 1,500 ante: 1,500

40 minutes

Remaining Players: 176/378

Dinner Break

60 minutes

Remaining Players: 151/352

Callum JuryCallum Jury

1/6/2026, 10:30:32 AM

Lu Takes Out Shen

Level 9: 600 / 1,200 ante: 1,200

Short-stacked Xianchao Shen moved all-in for 6,500 from late position, and Yibin Lu re-shoved for around 20,000. Once the action folded around, the two players showed their hands:

Xianchao Shen: A♦ 2♦

Yibin Lu: J♣ J♦

Shen found no joy on the 6♥ 6♠ Q♠ 9♠ 3♦ runout, failing to improve against the pocket jacks. Lijun Fang, seated at the same table, mentioned after the hand that she had folded the nuts.

Player	Chips
YL Yibin LuChina	26,000(22 BB)
XS Xianchao ShenChina	busted

Zoe ChangZoe Chang

1/6/2026, 10:28:32 AM

Shen Steals Small Pot with Big Slick After Wang Mucks Big Slick

Level 9: 600 / 1,200 ante: 1,200

Tong Lin Shen

Yucheng Wang opened to 2,400 from under the gun, and Qizhouhang Wang three-bet the button to 7,500. Tong Lin Shen called from the small blind, as did Yucheng Wang.

The trio went to the river on a 3♠ 2♣ Q♥ A♦ 9♥ board, where Shen fired a small 20,000 bet. Yucheng Wang folded, and Qizhouhang Wang thought for a few seconds before open-mucking his A♣ K♠.

Shen then revealed her A♠ K♦ before returning it to the leader, scooping the small pot.

Player	Chips
TL Tong Lin ShenTaiwan	81,500(68 BB)
QW Qizhuohang WangChina	77,500(65 BB)
YW Yucheng WangChina	40,000(33 BB)

Level 9: 600 / 1,200 ante: 1,200

40 minutes

Remaining Players: 153/340

Zoe ChangZoe Chang

1/6/2026, 10:06:40 AM

Zheng’s Consecutive Quads Leave Luo Drawing Dead

Level 8: 600 / 1,200 ante: 1,200

Jia Lin Luo

Kai Lun Chuang raised to 5,000 in the cutoff, only to face a shove from Jia Lin Luo on the button for 27,400. Xiaosheng Zheng also moved all in for around 65,500. Chuang stepped aside, leaving Luo heads-up against Zheng.

Jia Lin Luo: 7♥ 7♣

Xiaosheng Zheng: 8♥ 8♠

Zheng held the lead with pocket eights, besting Luo’s pocket sevens. He extended his dominance on the 5♣ K♣ 8♦ flop, hitting a set. The dealer then sent another 8♣ on the turn, upgrading Zheng to quad eights and leaving Luo drawing dead.

The J♠ river came as merely a formality, shipping the pot to Zheng and sending Luo to the rail.

According to Zheng's tablemate Kyun Min Lee, it was Zheng’s second consecutive quads hand.

Player	Chips
XZ Xiaosheng ZhengChina	83,500(70 BB)
JL Jia Lin LuoTaiwan	busted

Zoe ChangZoe Chang

1/6/2026, 9:51:29 AM

Chang Wins Cheap Showdown, Zhang Bows Out to Wang's Shove

Level 8: 600 / 1,200 ante: 1,200

Nevan Chang

Nevan Chang limped from the small blind, and Che Ming Lin checked his big blind.

The duo then tapped the table throughout the runout of 6♠ Q♠ 4♣ T♥ 8♥ and took it to a free showdown.

Chang tabled ace-high with A♠ 7♠, which was good for the pot as Lin mucked.

At another table, Hengji Zhang opened the cutoff to 2,500, and Qizhuohang Wang called on the button, as did Chen Yu Sung from the big blind.

On the A♦ K♣ 7♣ flop, Sung checked to Zhang, who continued for 5,200. Only Wang called to see the 9♥ turn. Zhang then fired 11,000, only to be jammed on by Wang for around 54,500. Zhang laid it down.

Player	Chips
QW Qizhuohang WangChina	86,000(72 BB)
CM Che Ming LinTaiwan	52,000(43 BB)
NC Nevan ChangTaiwan	51,500(43 BB)
HZ Hengji ZhangChina	27,000(23 BB)

Level 8: 600 / 1,200 ante: 1,200

40 minutes

Remaining Players: 166/301

Zoe ChangZoe Chang

1/6/2026, 9:12:08 AM

Leoncio Sniffs Out Kong’s Bluff on the River

Level 7: 500 / 1,000 ante: 1,000

Jan Leoncio

Jan Leoncio raised to 2,000 from under the gun and Tianzhi Kong defended his big blind.

Kong check-called a 1,500 continuation bet from Leoncio on the J♥ 7♦ Q♣ flop, then both players checked the board-pairing J♠ turn.

When the 4♥ landed on the river, Kong checked and Leoncio fired 2,500. Kong check-raised to 3,000, and Leoncio quickly called.

Kong tabled his bluff with A♠ 5♦, which was no match for Leoncio’s flopped pair of queens with K♥ Q♥.

Player	Chips
JL Jan LeoncioPhilippines	39,000(39 BB)
TK Tianzhi KongChina	17,000(17 BB)

Zoe ChangZoe Chang

1/6/2026, 9:03:14 AM

Sedlak’s River Lead Forces Fold From Nguyen

Level 7: 500 / 1,000 ante: 1,000

Duc Thanh Nguyen made it 2,000 to go from the cutoff, and Matin Sedlak three-bet from the small blind to 7,700. Nguyen called.

Both players checked the 8♠ 5♦ J♥ flop, bringing the 3♣ on the turn, where Sedlak check-called a 6,000 bet from Nguyen.

Sedlak then fired out 8,500 on the J♣ river, sending his tablemate into the tank. After burning one time-bank card, Nguyen eventually let it go.

Player	Chips
MS Martin SedlakGermany	100,000(100 BB)
DT Duc Thanh NguyenViet Nam	45,000(45 BB)

Zoe ChangZoe Chang

1/6/2026, 8:57:50 AM

Nguyen Rivers a Boat, Sailing Wang Out

Level 7: 500 / 1,000 ante: 1,000

Duc Thanh Nguyen limped from the small blind, only to face a shove from Zexuan Wang in the big blind for around 31,000. Nguyen snap-called to put his tablemate at risk.

Zexuan Wang: A♦ 9♠

Duc Thanh Nguyen: A♥ A♠

Nguyen was far ahead with pocket aces against the big blind’s ace-high and extended his dominance on the 6♦ 5♦ A♣ flop, improving to a set. The T♠ landed on the turn, leaving Wang drawing dead.

The board-pairing 5♠ on the river ended the hand in even more satisfying fashion for Nguyen, upgrading him to a full house and sending Wang out of the tournament.

Player	Chips
DT Duc Thanh NguyenViet Nam	55,000(55 BB)
ZW Zexuan WangChina	busted

Callum JuryCallum Jury

1/6/2026, 8:55:16 AM

Table 26 Counts

Level 7: 500 / 1,000 ante: 1,000

Tom Verbruggen

Player	Chips
LD Lu DaiChina	51,000(51 BB)
KM Kyun Min LeeUnited States of America	48,000(48 BB)
TV Tom VerbruggenNetherlands	36,000(36 BB)
XZ Xiaosheng ZhengChina	35,000(35 BB)
JL Jia Lin LuoTaiwan	22,000(22 BB)
YH Yang HaiboChina	18,000(18 BB)
LZ Lante ZhangChina	18,000(18 BB)

Callum JuryCallum Jury

1/6/2026, 8:46:40 AM

Lee Pressured Off the River

Kyun Min Lee

Kyun Min Lee raised to 2,200 and received a sole call from big blind Xiaosheng Zheng.

Action went check-check on the 5♣ 6♠ T♦ flop, taking them to the 3♦ turn, where Zheng led for 2,800, which Lee called.

On the 3♠ turn, Zheng upped it to 7,200 and Lee couldn't find the call.

Player	Chips
KM Kyun Min LeeUnited States of America	48,000
XZ Xiaosheng ZhengChina	37,000

Level 7: 500 / 1,000 ante: 1,000

40 minutes

Remaining Players: 195/283

Break

15 minutes

Remaining Players: 195/283

Zoe ChangZoe Chang

1/6/2026, 8:04:43 AM

Zhang's Fives Scoop a Double-Up

Level 6: 400 / 800 ante: 800

Jinze Zhang

Jinze Zhang open-shoved for 11,000 on the button and was put at risk by Hung Yu Tsoi in the small blind.

Hung Yu Tsoi: A♠ J♠

Jinze Zhang: 5♦ 5♣

Zhang started strong with his pocket fives facing off against Tsoi's ace-high and maintained his advantage on the Q♠ Q♥ 6♦ flop. The dealer sent a 4♣ on the turn, leaving Tsoi still needing an ace or a jack to crack Zhang.

Fortunately for Zhang, the 8♦ on the river bricked out, shipping a tournament-saving double-up his way.

Player	Chips
JZ Jinze ZhangChina	24,000(30 BB)
HY Hung Yu TsoiHong Kong	21,000(26 BB)

Callum JuryCallum Jury

1/6/2026, 7:49:08 AM

Three Hands at Table 29

Level 6: 400 / 800 ante: 800

Abhijith Cheruku

Hand 1

Abhijith Cheruku shoved his 12,600 stack from late position and found no takers around the table.

Hand 2

Yuning Cheng raised to 1,600 from under the gun and both blinds, Mingzi Wang and Xiaolu Yang, made the call.

Wang and Yang checked the 8♦ 7♦ T♣ flop. Cheng bet 4,000, Wang called, and then Yang raised to 13,000. Cheng shoved for 27,700, and only Yang called, putting himself at risk.

Xiaolu Yang: 8♠ 6♦

Yuning Cheng: Q♣ Q♦

Yang completed his draw on the 9♥ turn and 5♣ river, securing more than a double-up and leaving Cheng with less than a big blind.

Hand 3

From the previous hand, Cheng was forced all-in by the blinds. Hijack Yuhao Zhang raised to 1,600 and cutoff Mengqing Lou three-bet to 4,200, which Zhang called.

Zhang check-shoved after Lou bet 3,000 on the 7♥ 4♣ 3♣ flop, and Lou eventually called with the covering stack. All three players tabled their hands:

Yuning Cheng: J♥ 8♥

Yuhao Zhang: A♠ 3♠

Mengqing Lou: K♣ 9♣

Zhang was ahead on the flop, but the T♥ turn and 4♥ river gave Cheng a flush to take the main pot. Zhang's pair of threes was good for the side pot, giving his stack a significant boost through Lou.

Player	Chips
XY Xiaolu YangChina	52,800(66 BB)
YZ Yuhao ZhangChina	42,000(53 BB)
ML Mengqing LouChina	22,000(28 BB)
AC Abhijith CherukuIndia	15,000(19 BB)
MW Mingzi WangChina	12,000(15 BB)
YC Yuning ChengChina	3,200(4 BB)

Level 6: 400 / 800 ante: 800

40 minutes

Remaining Players: 145/181

Callum JuryCallum Jury

1/6/2026, 7:19:48 AM

So Long, Long

Level 5: 300 / 600 ante: 600

Mengqin Wu raised from middle position and received a call from cutoff Xu Dong Jin. Small blind Wenjun Long then three-bet shoved for 20,500. After confirming the count, Wu made the lone call with the covering stack.

Wenjun Long: 7♣ 7♦

Mengqin Wu: A♦ Q♦

Wu flopped the best of it as the dealer fanned 2♠ Q♠ J♠. The T♦ landed on the turn, and Long found no salvation on the 8♥ river, sending him to the rail.

Player	Chips
MW Mengqin WuChina	43,000(72 BB)
WL Wenjun LongChina	busted

Callum JuryCallum Jury

1/6/2026, 7:16:32 AM

Wu Flops a Set

Level 5: 300 / 600 ante: 600

Mengqin Wu

Mengqin Wu raised to 1,200 and received calls from button Xu Dong Jin and big blind Wenjun Long.

Following the 2♥ K♥ A♣ flop, Long check-called while Jin folded to Wu's 1,200 continuation bet.

The 6♦ landed on the turn, and Long check-called once more, this time for 2,700.

The 4♥ completed the board, and both players opted to check. Long tabled A♠ 8♦ for top pair, but it was bested by Wu's 2♦ 2♣ for a flopped set.

Player	Chips
MW Mengqin WuChina	43,000(72 BB)
XD Xu Dong JinChina	25,000(42 BB)
WL Wenjun LongChina	21,000(35 BB)

Level 5: 300 / 600 ante: 600

40 minutes

Remaining Players: 145/181

Callum JuryCallum Jury

1/6/2026, 6:41:26 AM

Bai Backs Down Back-to-Back

Level 4: 300 / 500 ante: 500

Mingzi Wang raised to 1,000 from early position and received calls from Fan Wu in the hijack and big blind Yunpeng Bai.

Bai checked the A♣ 8♦ 9♦ flop. Wang slid 1,200 into the middle, but both players folded once Wu raised to 3,600.

In the next hand, button Yi Qin raised to 1,200 and received a sole call from Bai in the small blind.

Bai checked the Q♣ 5♥ 2♥ flop. Qin fired a bet of 1,500 and, after a brief pause, Bai let the hand go.

Player	Chips
FW Fan WuChina	44,000(88 BB)
YQ Yi QinChina	38,000(76 BB)
MW Mingzi WangChina	27,000(54 BB)
YB Yunpeng BaiChina	24,000(48 BB)

Callum JuryCallum Jury

1/6/2026, 6:14:18 AM

Sedlak Dispatches Bao

Level 4: 300 / 500 ante: 500

Martin Sedlak

Dylan Foster limped from middle position, as did button Kanwen Du, and big blind Quang Anh Phan checked his option.

All three opted to check the 9♠ 7♣ 4♦ flop, taking them to the 5♣ turn, where Phan led out for 700. Both opponents called.

The Q♥ completed the board and all three checked; Foster turned over A♠ 8♠ and Phan showed 8♥ 3♦, but Du took the pot with a pair of fives holding K♠ 5♠.

In the next hand, Martin Sedlak raised to 1,000 from the hijack, and only big blind Yu Bao called.

Bao check-called Sedlak's 1,100 continuation-bet on the J♦ T♠ 6♠ flop.

Action went check-check on the T♣ turn, sending them to the 8♦ river where Bao checked once more. Sedlak bet 6,000, putting Bao all-in. Bao quickly called but mucked when he saw Sedlak flick over K♥ J♥, sending him to the rail.

Player	Chips
MS Martin SedlakGermany	35,000(70 BB)
QA Quang Anh PhanViet Nam	31,000(62 BB)
DW Dylan Wayne FosterAustralia	29,000(58 BB)
KD Kanwen DuChina	10,000(20 BB)
YB Yu BaoChina	busted

Level 4: 300 / 500 ante: 500

40 minutes

Remaining Players: 95/107

Break

15 minutes

Remaining Players: 95/107

Callum JuryCallum Jury

1/6/2026, 5:47:54 AM

Sevens for Zhai

Level 3: 200 / 400 ante: 400

Ho Yat Chung raised to 1,100 and received four callers.

On the 7♦ 4♣ J♦ flop, small blind Yunhui Liu checked, as did Yu Shang in the big blind. Chung checked, before Xianming Zhai bet 1,500. Only Liu and Chung stuck around.

The A♣ landed on the turn and both Liu and Chung checked again. Zhai upped the bet to 8,000 and only Chung made the call.

The K♦ completed the board and Chung led out for 15,000. Zhai made a relatively quick call only to see Chung table A♦ Q♣. Zhai flicked over 7♣ 7♥ for a flopped set to scoop the massive pot.

Player	Chips
XZ Xianming ZhaiChina	52,000(130 BB)
YS Yu ShangChina	36,000(90 BB)
YL Yunhui LiuChina	21,000(53 BB)
HY Ho Yat ChungHong Kong	20,000(50 BB)
JL Jason LiCanada	18,000(45 BB)

Callum JuryCallum Jury

1/6/2026, 5:29:30 AM

Top Pair Good for Zheng

Level 3: 200 / 400 ante: 400

Xiaosheng Zheng raised to 800 from the button and both blinds, Chuan Shu Chen and Guangdong Dai, called.

The dealer fanned A♥ 9♠ 7♦. Chen check-called and Dai check-folded when Zheng continued for 900.

The 6♠ hit the turn and Chen led for 1,500, which Zheng promptly called.

Both players opted to check the board-pairing 7♣ river. Chen turned over 8♦ 6♦, but it was bested by Zheng's flopped top pair with A♦ 2♣.

Player	Chips
GD Guangdong DaiChina	38,000(95 BB)
CS Chuan Shu ChenChina	35,000(88 BB)
XZ Xiaosheng ZhengChina	32,000(80 BB)

Level 3: 200 / 400 ante: 400

40 minutes

Remaining Players: 57/59

Callum JuryCallum Jury

1/6/2026, 4:55:02 AM

Huang and Lee Get the Best of Du

Level 2: 200 / 300 ante: 300

Hijack Jun Yu Du raised to 600 before calling cutoff Peng Huang's three-bet to 1,800, as did button Keliang Xie.

Du opted to check the 8♥ 8♦ 6♠ flop, and Huang fired a 2,800 continuation bet, shaking off Xie. Du pondered for a moment before deciding to let the hand go as well.

In the next hand, now acting from under the gun, Du opened once again to 600 and received calls from blinds Sen Yu

and Kyun Min Lee.

All three players checked the 2♥ 8♠ 4♠ flop.

On the 6♠ turn, Yu led for 600, before Lee raised to 5,000. Both Du and Yu mucked.

Player	Chips
PH Peng HuangChina	32,000(107 BB)
KX Keliang XieChina	30,000(100 BB)
SY Sen YuChina	26,000(87 BB)
KM Kyun Min LeeUnited States of America	22,000(73 BB)
JY Jun Yu DuTaiwan	20,000(67 BB)

Callum JuryCallum Jury

1/6/2026, 4:41:13 AM

More Fresh Faces

Level 2: 200 / 300 ante: 300

Player	Chips
YB Yu BaoChina	30,000(100 BB)
MA Michael AllenUnited Kingdom	30,000(100 BB)
SY Sen YuChina	30,000(100 BB)
XL Xudong LuChina	30,000(100 BB)
YL Yongjia LinAustralia	30,000(100 BB)
SW Shengyong WangChina	30,000(100 BB)
LJ Long JinChina	30,000(100 BB)
SB Shuang BaoChina	30,000(100 BB)
CS Chuan Shu ChenChina	30,000(100 BB)

Level 2: 200 / 300 ante: 300

40 minutes

Callum JuryCallum Jury

1/6/2026, 4:30:16 AM

Zhang Takes Two from Chen

Level 1: 100 / 200 ante: 200

Lijun Zhang raised to 500 from early position and received a call from Cheng Chen in the big blind.

Action went check-check on the 4♣ A♥ 2♠ flop. When the 4♠ landed on the turn, Chen checked again, before folding to Zhang's 800 bet.

In the next hand, Zhang raised from under the gun to 500 and received four callers.

Blinds Chen and Quang Anh Phan checked the J♥ A♠ K♠ flop, as did Zhang. Lu Dai then fired a bet of 600. After button Wenjun Long folded, Chen check-raised to 2,500. Phan folded, and only Zhang stuck around with a call.

The T♠ landed on the turn and Chen led for 3,000. Zhang raised to 8,000, sending Chen deep into the tank. After utilizing two timebanks, Chen ultimately decided to give up the hand.

Player	Chips
LZ Lijun ZhangChina	35,000(175 BB)
LD Lu DaiChina	32,000(160 BB)
WL Wenjun LongChina	26,000(130 BB)
QA Quang Anh PhanViet Nam	25,000(125 BB)
CC Cheng Chen (17)China	22,000(110 BB)

Callum JuryCallum Jury

1/6/2026, 4:10:50 AM

Early Birds

Level 1: 100 / 200 ante: 200

Player	Chips
CC Cheng Chen (17)China	30,000(150 BB)
HC Huanyu ChenTaiwan	30,000(150 BB)
GD Guangdong DaiChina	30,000(150 BB)
YD Yuanfeng DaiChina	30,000(150 BB)
LD Lu DaiChina	30,000(150 BB)
HH Haoshan HuangTaiwan	30,000(150 BB)
HH Huiyu HuangChina	30,000(150 BB)
KM Kyun Min LeeUnited States of America	30,000(150 BB)
KL Kai Li (2)China	30,000(150 BB)
ZL Ziwen LiuChina	30,000(150 BB)

Level 1: 100 / 200 ante: 200

40 minutes

Callum JuryCallum Jury

1/6/2026, 3:58:31 AM

Cards in the Air!

Level 1: 100 / 200 ante: 200

Day 1A of the KPC x LPT Main Event is officially underway!

Callum JuryCallum Jury

1/6/2026, 3:23:55 AM

The Hunt for the KPC x LPT Main Event Title Begins

The excitement continues at the Les A Casino in Jeju, South Korea, as the KPC (King Poker Cup) x LPT (Long Poker Tour) Series 2026 shifts its focus to the crown jewel of the festival. Today marks the beginning of the KRW 1,300,000 buy-in KPC x LPT Main Event, a marquee tournament featuring a massive KRW 880 Million guaranteed prize pool.

The journey to the title begins with Day 1A at 13:00 local time, featuring 40-minute levels that provide plenty of room for deep-stack manoeuvring. Players will start with a 30,000 starting stack, equivalent to 150 big blinds at the opening level. Late registration remains open until the end of Level 9 at approximately 20:10. This is the first of six opening flights, all leading toward Day 2 on January 10th.

With a total festival guarantee exceeding KRW 2 Billion, the Main Event is the central attraction for players seeking a major score. Here is the schedule for Main Event:

Jan 6: Day 1A – 13:00 (40-min levels)
Jan 7: Day 1B – 12:00 (40-min levels)
Jan 7: Day 1C (Turbo) – 19:30 (20-min levels)
Jan 8: Day 1D – 12:00 (40-min levels)
Jan 9: Day 1E – 12:00 (40-min levels)
Jan 9: Day 1F (Turbo) – 19:30 (20-min levels)
Jan 10: Day 2 – 12:00 (60-min levels)
Jan 11: Day 3 – 12:00 (60-min levels)

Stay tuned as we provide live updates directly from the floor of the Les A Casino as the KPC x LPT Main Event gets underway!

Event starts 13:00 local time..