South Korea, LES A CasinoEVENT #S1

2026.01.11 - 2026.01.13Add to Calendar

K Poker Cup

Blind level

Level 16: 25,000 / 50,000 ante: 50,000

Entries

23/148

Total Chips

37,000,000

Average

1,608,696

Zoe ChangZoe Chang

1/12/2026, 2:39:22 PM

Vietname's Khoa Anh Ngo Leads Day 1C After Strong Finish

Level 16: 25,000 / 50,000 ante: 50,000

Khoa Anh Ngo

The final opening flight of the King’s Debut Opener at King Poker Cup 2026 wrapped up at LES A Casino after players battled through more than fifteen 35-minute levels. The room stayed busy throughout the day as the last group fought for a spot in Day 2.

Day 1C drew a field of 148 entries, with 23 players making it through and bagging chips. That brought the total turnout to 362 entries across three starting flights, with 54 players set to return for Day 2.

Leading Day 1C is Vietnam’s Khoa Anh Ngo with a stack of 4,675,000. Ngo ended the night on a strong note, hitting back-to-back runner-runner straights to score the final two eliminations of the day.

Day 1C Top Ten Chip Counts

Player	Chips
KA Khoa Anh NgoViet Nam	4,675,000(94 BB)
XY Xiaotong YuChina	3,050,000(61 BB)
YZ Yang ZhangChina	2,840,000(57 BB)
GW Guoliang WeiChina	2,655,000(53 BB)
MT Mike TakayamaPhilippines	2,600,000(52 BB)
NQ Nang Quang NguyenViet Nam	2,560,000(51 BB)
DC Dong ChenChina	2,015,000(40 BB)
RM Renji MaoChina	1,985,000(40 BB)
LZ Ledong ZhouChina	1,900,000(38 BB)
YL Yiming LiChina	1,870,000(37 BB)

Trailing behind is China’s Xiaotong Yu, who closed out the day with 3,050,000 in chips. Rounding out the top three is China’s Yang Zhang, sitting on a stack of 2,840,000.

Day 1C Hightlights

With just 25 players remaining, the field reached the soft bubble. Youkan Li found himself at risk with pocket jacks against Ngo’s pocket tens. Li looked set for a pivotal double-up, but the board ran out in Ngo’s favor, giving him a runner-runner straight and sending Li to the rail.

Shortly after play resumed, Renji Mao put his tournament life on the line by shoving with pocket queens and was called by Peng Zhou’s pocket sevens. This time, the board stayed clean, Mao’s queens held strong, and he picked up a monster double-up to climb up the leaderboard at the end of the day.

Renji Mao

The last player to fall was Jun Li of the United Kingdom. He shoved with pocket aces, only to run into Ngo’s ten-nine. However, Li picked the wrong time to fight against Ngo while his momentum was at its climax. Ngo demonstrated another sick hand as the board broke Li’s way, giving Ngo another runner-runner straight and making Li the bubble boy in Day 1C.

Other notables still in contention include the first homegrown Filipino to win a WSOP gold bracelet, Mike Takayama (2,600,000), Nang Quang Nguyen (2,560,000), boasting nearly $2 millions in total live earnings, and Abraham Ceesvin (1,610,000), who has over $1.27 million in total live earnings.

Abraham Ceesvin

With Day 1C coming to a close, the stage is set for an exciting Day 2, as 54 players return to LES A Casino to battle for the King’s Debut title. Leading the way is Ngo, who ended last week’s highly competitive High Roller by capturing the victory, the final day promises high-stakes hands, tough decisions, and plenty of drama as poker elites fight to move closer to the championship.

Stay tuned to Somuchpoker as we bring you all the action from King’s Debut Day 2 until the winner is crowned!

Callum JuryCallum Jury

1/12/2026, 2:23:37 PM

Jun Li Bubbles Day 1C

Level 16: 25,000 / 50,000 ante: 50,000

Jun Li min-raised from middle position before getting it all in against Khoa Anh Ngo who re-raised him a couple of seats over. Once play had been halted at the other tables the floor instructed the two to show their hands:

Jun Li: A♣ A♠

Khoa Anh Ngo: T♦ 9♦

Li had a sick look on his face, despite having the best hand in poker, that something was afoot.

The dealer spread the 6♣ Q♠ 8♠ flop, giving Ngo a gutshot. The T♥ turn gave him even more outs. The final nail in the coffin, the J♥ on the river, delivered a cruel blow to Li as he was eliminated after a solid day of grinding.

"There's no justice in poker" - Tournament Director.

Player	Chips
KA Khoa Anh NgoViet Nam	4,675,000(94 BB)
JL Jun LiUnited Kingdom	busted

Zoe ChangZoe Chang

1/12/2026, 2:23:30 PM

Mao's Ladies Double Through Zhou's Candy Canes

Level 16: 25,000 / 50,000 ante: 50,000

Peng Zhou

Mike Takayama raised to 105,000 from under the gun, only to face a shove for 840,000 from Renji Mao in the cutoff. After burning three time bank cards, Peng Zhou dropped in a call in the big blind. Takayama stepped aside, leaving Mao at risk against Zhou.

Peng Zhou: 7♠ 7♥

Renji Mao: Q♦ Q♠

Mao was far ahead with his pocket queens against Zhou's tens and held control on the 3♣ 9♣ T♦ flop. The dealer delivered a T♠ on the turn, giving little help to Zhou.

Luck stayed on Mao's side as the river showed the K♠, locking up a crucial double-up for Mao on the direct bubble time.

Player	Chips
RM Renji MaoChina	1,820,000(36 BB)
PZ Peng ZhouChina	415,000(8 BB)

Level 16: 25,000 / 50,000 ante: 50,000

35 minutes

Remaining Players: 25/148

Zoe ChangZoe Chang

1/12/2026, 2:20:37 PM

Ngo’s Runner-Runner Straight Takes the Field to the Stone Bubble

Level 15: 20,000 / 40,000 ante: 40,000

Youkan Li

Youkan Li shoved all in from under the gun for 550,000, and Khoa Anh Ngo put his tablemate at risk in the small blind.

Khoa Anh Ngo: T♦ T♠

Youkan Li: J♥ J♦

Li started strong with pocket jacks against Ngo's tens and stayed in front on the 8♣ 9♥ 9♣ flop.

When the dealer revealed a 7♦ on the turn, Li got sweaty as Ngo picked up an open-ended straight draw.

Much to Li's dismay, luck swung to Ngo's side with a 6♠ river, completing Ngo's runner-runner straight and sending Li out in 25th place.

Player	Chips
KA Khoa Anh NgoViet Nam	3,990,000(100 BB)
YL Youkan LiChina	busted

Zoe ChangZoe Chang

1/12/2026, 2:17:56 PM

Nguyen Sends Jin to the Rail

Level 15: 20,000 / 40,000 ante: 40,000

Jin Xin

Xin Jin opened to 80,000 from under the gun and Nang Quang Nguyen three-bet to 320,000. Xin four-bet shoved for around 400,000. Nguyen snap-called to put his tablemate on the line.

Xin Jin: A♥ Q♣

Nang Quang Nguyen: A♦ K♠

Nguyen was in front with a stronger king kicker and extended his dominance on the 5♥ K♥ 3♠ flop, improving him to the top pair of kings.

The T♥ came on the turn, leaving Jin drawing to an ace or a queen only. Much to his dismay, the 4♣ river bricked out, finishing his run in 26th place and leaving the field in the soft bubble time.

Player	Chips
NQ Nang Quang NguyenViet Nam	2,320,000(58 BB)
XJ Xin JinChina	busted
YL Youkan LiChina	busted

Callum JuryCallum Jury

1/12/2026, 1:43:58 PM

Dong Takes Out Wong

Level 15: 20,000 / 40,000 ante: 40,000

After raising to 220,000 from the cutoff, Dong Chen called big blind She Lok Wong's shove for 425,000.

She Lok Wong: A♣ Q♥

Dong Chen: K♦ J♣

Wong was the favorite to double heading into the showdown, but the flop proved disastrous as it landed J♦ 3♣ 5♠.

While the 4♦ on the turn provided a glimmer of hope with a straight draw, the 7♣ on the river bricked out, sending Wong packing just shy of the bubble.

Player	Chips
DC Dong ChenChina	2,025,000(51 BB)
SL She Lok WongUnited States of America	busted

Zoe ChangZoe Chang

1/12/2026, 1:25:55 PM

Fu Flops a Double-Up

Level 15: 20,000 / 40,000 ante: 40,000

Yanghao Fu

Yanghao Fu open-shoved on the button for 225,000 and was put at risk by Nang Quang Nguyen in the big blind.

Nang Quang Nguyen: J♣ 9♦

Yanghao Fu: A♣ J♦

Fu started well with ace-high against Nguyen's jack-high and extended his dominance on the A♣ T♠ T♥ flop, improving him to the top pair of aces.

The 2♣ hit on the turn, leaving Nguyen drawing dead effectively before the dealer slid a J♠ on the river.

Nang Quang Nguyen

Player	Chips
NQ Nang Quang NguyenViet Nam	1,545,000(39 BB)
YF Yanghao FuChina	505,000(13 BB)

Level 15: 20,000 / 40,000 ante: 40,000

35 minutes

Remaining Players: 28/148

Zoe ChangZoe Chang

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

Nakai Bluffs Himself Out

Level 14: 15,000 / 30,000 ante: 30,000

Ryuta Nakai

Khoa Anh Ngo opened the hijack to 60,000 and Ryuta Nakai defended his big blind.

Nakai checked over on the 5♥ J♦ J♥ flop to Ngo, who continued for 35,000. Nakai then cranked it up to 100,000, which Ngo stuck around.

The board-pairing 5♦ showed on the turn, where Nakai sent another barrel of 160,000. Ngo made the call.

When a 6♠ delivered on the river, Nakai shoved for 650,000, which didn't deter Ngo from dropping in a call.

Nakai tabled his bluff with T♦ 9♥ and walked out of the field as Ngo flipped over his full house with A♦ J♣.

Khoa Anh Ngo

Player	Chips
KA Khoa Anh NgoViet Nam	2,825,000(94 BB)
RN Ryuta NakaiJapan	busted

Callum JuryCallum Jury

1/12/2026, 1:07:10 PM

Li Spikes the River to Stay Alive

Level 14: 15,000 / 30,000 ante: 30,000

Jun Li and Lok Ming Chan had all of their chips in the middle, with Li holding the covering stack:

Lok Ming Chan: K♦ K♠

Jun Li: A♥ Q♠

Li was behind from the jump, and though the 3♥ 5♦ 2♦ 9♣ turn provided a gutshot, he still only had a handful of outs to avoid losing the vast majority of his stack. However, the A♦ spiked on the river, giving Li the higher pair and sending a frustrated Chan to the rail.

The escape was made even more improbable when a tablemate mentioned they had folded an ace, leaving Li to catch one of the few remaining cards in the deck to survive.

Player	Chips
JL Jun LiUnited Kingdom	940,000(31 BB)
LM Lok Ming ChanHong Kong	busted

Zoe ChangZoe Chang

1/12/2026, 1:05:16 PM

No Answer to Lee's River Shove

Level 14: 15,000 / 30,000 ante: 30,000

Calvin Lee

Calvin Lee opened to 60,000 from under the gun and Ryuta Nakai called in the cutoff.

The two tapped the table on the 8♥ T♣ 8♦ flop to see a 9♦ fall on the turn, where Lee fired out a 65,000 bet. Nakai stuck around.

When an 8♠ showed on the river, Lee shoved all in for 320,000, prompting a fold from Nakai.

Player	Chips
RN Ryuta NakaiJapan	1,035,000(35 BB)
CL Calvin LeeUnited States of America	600,000(20 BB)

Callum JuryCallum Jury

1/12/2026, 1:01:04 PM

Zhao's Gamble Leaves Him on a Limb

Level 14: 15,000 / 30,000 ante: 30,000

Yong Zhao

Yong Zhao opened to 80,000 from under the gun, before next-to-act Winfred Yu three-bet for all of his 430,000 chip stack. Once if folded round, and after a heroic "No Gamble, No Future!" from Zhao, he stuck his marginally covering stack in and the two went to the races.

Winfred Yu: A♦ K♥

Yong Zhao: A♣ 5♣

Zhao tapped the table upon seeing the bad news. To add insult to injury, Yu made a straight on the J♣ 7♠ Q♦ T♦ 4♥ runout, and Zhao was left with around 200,000 behind.

Player	Chips
WY Winfred YuHong Kong	930,000(31 BB)
YZ Yong ZhaoChina	200,000(7 BB)

Level 14: 15,000 / 25,000 ante: 25,000

35 minutes

Remaining Players: 37/148

Break

15 minutes

Remaining Players: 37/148

Callum JuryCallum Jury

1/12/2026, 12:19:42 PM

Luo Holds His Ground

Level 13: 12,000 / 24,000 ante: 24,000

Xixiang Luo

Bao Qiang Ho raised to 48,000 from middle position and big blind Xixiang Luo defended.

Luo check-called Ho's 30,000 continuation-bet on the K♠ 4♣ Q♦ flop.

The dealer peeled off the 3♦ turn, and Luo fired a hefty 125,000 in, leaving himself only around 40,000 behind in his stack. Ho deliberated before deciding to send his cards back to the dealer.

Player	Chips
BQ Bao Qiang HoSingapore	1,160,000(48 BB)
XL Xixiang LuoChina	370,000(15 BB)

Zoe ChangZoe Chang

1/12/2026, 12:13:58 PM

Cimbolas Leaves with Big Slick

Level 13: 12,000 / 24,000 ante: 24,000

Matas Cimbolas

Matas Cimbolas raised from the small blind to 72,000, only to face a shove from Peng Chen in the big blind for around 835,000. Cimbolas called for his remaining 420,000, putting himself on the line.

Matas Cimbolas: A♣ K♥

Peng Chen: 6♥ 6♦

Cimbolas trailed with big slick, running straight into Chen's pocket sixes. Chen extended his dominance on the 6♣ 9♦ 4♣ flop, improving him to a set.

The T♠ came on the turn, leaving Cimbolas drawing dead effectively. The A♥ river was a little needle for Cimbolas, who walked out of the field after this hand.

Player	Chips
PC Peng Chen 2China	1,280,000(53 BB)
MC Matas CimbolasLithuania	busted

Zoe ChangZoe Chang

1/12/2026, 12:04:30 PM

Deng Shoves, Chen Sends Him Packing

Level 13: 12,000 / 24,000 ante: 24,000

Peng Deng shoved from the small blind for 185,000 and was put at risk by Huanyu Chen in the big blind.

Peng Deng: K♥ 2♦

Huanyu Chen: A♦ J♦

Deng trailed with king-high, running straight into Chen's ace-high. The A♠ T♣ 5♦ flop improved Chen to the top pair of aces.

The dealer then sent another A♥ came on the turn, dashing Deng's hopes entirely and leaving him drawing dead before the Q♥ appeared on the river.

Player	Chips
HC Huanyu ChenTaiwan	829,000(35 BB)
PD Peng DengChina	busted

Callum JuryCallum Jury

1/12/2026, 11:59:02 AM

Second Pair's Good for Mao

Level 13: 12,000 / 24,000 ante: 24,000

Renji Mao limped in from the small blind and Nang Quang Nguyen checked in the big.

Nguyen led for 25,000 on the 4♣ A♣ T♦ flop and Mao stuck in the call.

Both opted to check the 6♠ turn to the A♠ river, where Mao fired 110,000. Nguyen pondered for a while before eventually throwing in the chips, only to muck when Mao flicked over T♠ 9♠ for second pair.

Player	Chips
NQ Nang Quang NguyenViet Nam	1,400,000(58 BB)
RM Renji MaoChina	840,000(35 BB)

Level 13: 12,000 / 24,000 ante: 24,000

35 minutes

Remaining Players: 43/148

Callum JuryCallum Jury

1/12/2026, 11:49:29 AM

Chen Straightens Zhou Out

Level 12: 10,000 / 20,000 ante: 20,000

Quan Zhou

Quan Zhou opened to 40,000 before facing a three-bet shove for 206,000 by Peng Chen. Zhou used a timebank while mulling over the decision and eventually tossed in the call:

Peng Chen: 4♥ 4♦

Quan Zhou: A♦ 8♣

Chen was ahead, but Zhou had two overcards working for him. Unfortunately, he failed to connect on the 2♥ 6♣ 7♠ 3♣ 5♣ runout, with Chen improving to a straight to rub salt in the wound.

Player	Chips
QZ Quan ZhouChina	700,000(35 BB)
PC Peng Chen 2China	430,000(22 BB)

Zoe ChangZoe Chang

1/12/2026, 11:41:48 AM

Yu Sends Papazian Packing

Level 12: 10,000 / 20,000 ante: 20,000

Winfred Yu

Winfred Yu open-shoved for 247,000 in the cutoff, and Alexandru Papazian also committed his chips on the button for around 150,000. After the blinds folded, Papazian was left at risk against Yu.

Winfred Yu: A♠ T♣

Alexandru Papazian: 5♥ 5♦

Papazian started in front with pocket fives, facing off against Yu's ace-high, but the dealer delivered the bad news to him on the T♥ 9♦ 4♠ flop, connecting with Yu's ten.

The A♥ turn improved Yu to two pair, leaving Papazian drawing nearly dead.

Sadly for Papazian, the river bricked out an 8♣, sending him to the rail and shipping the pot Yu's way.

Player	Chips
WY Winfred YuHong Kong	430,000(22 BB)
AP Alexandru PapazianRomania	busted

Zoe ChangZoe Chang

1/12/2026, 11:35:19 AM

Chen Flops a Nine for the Pot

Level 12: 10,000 / 20,000 ante: 20,000

Huanyu Chen

Huanyu Chen opened the hijack to 40,000 and Calvin Lee called in the cutoff.

Chen check-called on thee 3♣ 5♠ 9♥ flop after Lee led out for 40,000. The 5♣ turn saw Chen check-call again, this time for 57,000.

When the 7♠ hit on the river, it went check-check.

Chen tabled A♦ 9♣ for a flopped pair of nines, which was good for the pot as Lee returned his cards to the dealer.

Player	Chips
CL Calvin LeeUnited States of America	790,000(40 BB)
HC Huanyu ChenTaiwan	470,000(24 BB)

Callum JuryCallum Jury

1/12/2026, 11:22:34 AM

So Sick

Level 12: 10,000 / 20,000 ante: 20,000

Youkan Li raised to 40,000 from the button before being three-bet shoved by Yayun Li in the small blind. Bao Qiang Ho eventually counted out the call from the big blind, and once Li was out of the way, the two tabled their hands:

Yayun Li: A♥ 3♥

Bao Qiang Ho: J♥ J♦

Once the dealer fanned the 5♦ 7♥ A♣ flop, Li looked in good standing for a double. The 2♣ turn was safe, too, but Ho managed to hit a disgusting two-outer, with the J♣ on the river to secure the knockout.

"So sick," is all Li could say before leaving the table.

Player	Chips
BQ Bao Qiang HoSingapore	1,025,000(51 BB)
YL Yayun LiuChina	busted

Level 12: 10,000 / 20,000 ante: 20,000

35 minutes

Remaining Players: 52/148

Zoe ChangZoe Chang

1/12/2026, 11:16:00 AM

Takayama Flops Eeight for the Pot

Level 11: 8,000 / 16,000 ante: 16,000

Yiming Li raised to 32,000 from middle position and Mike Takayama defended his big blind.

The two checked through the J♣ Q♥ 8♣ flop to see a K♦ fall on the turn, where Takayama check-called after Li fired 78,000.

The 2♣ river saw both players check to a free showdown. Takayama showed a flopped pair of eights with A♥ 8♦, which was enough to make Li fold.

Player	Chips
MT Mike TakayamaPhilippines	1,204,000(75 BB)
YL Yiming LiChina	571,500(36 BB)

Callum JuryCallum Jury

1/12/2026, 11:15:26 AM

No More Second Chances

Level 11: 8,000 / 16,000 ante: 16,000

Yang Yang

Player	Chips
YY Yang Yang 2China	busted
LE Lester EdocPhilippines	busted
JS Jianfeng SunChina	busted
LY Lei YuChina	busted
VH Van Hien DangViet Nam	busted
JH Jinfeng HuoChina	busted
YW Yuzhu WangChina	busted
SN Seunghyun NamUnited States of America	busted
YL Yuan LiChina	busted

Zoe ChangZoe Chang

1/12/2026, 11:04:47 AM

Pu's Five Works Well

Level 11: 8,000 / 16,000 ante: 16,000

Weiran Pu

Weiran Pu limped from the small blind and Yunpeng Bai checked in the big blind.

The two tapped the table on the 5♠ 2♠ K♠ flop to see a 6♦ turn, where Pu fired 16,000 and Bai stuck around.

When a 7♠ filled out the board, the action went check-check.

Pu tabled a flopped pair of fives with 5♦ 4♣, which was good for the pot as Bai mucked.

Player	Chips
WP Weiran PuChina	735,000(46 BB)
YB Yunpeng BaiChina	672,000(42 BB)

Callum JuryCallum Jury

1/12/2026, 10:46:33 AM

Two Down at Table 11

Level 11: 8,000 / 16,000 ante: 16,000

The first departure came when button Yunchao Yu moved his 40,000 short stack into the middle and received a call from big blind Peng Chen. Yu's pocket sevens failed to hold against Chen's king-five when a king appeared on the 8♣ A♣ K♠ 6♥ 3♠ runout.

The second hand saw Yongjia Lin raise to 32,000 from early position then call hijack Yayun Liu's 100,000 three-bet. Lin bet 105,000 on the 6♦ 7♦ 8♦ flop and Liu swiftly let his hand go.

In the third hand, Peng Chen raised to 32,000 from the button before small blind Dylan Foster three-bet shoved for around 350,000. Chen didn't make the call.

The final hand of the orbit saw hijack Xiaotong Yu raise to 32,000, which was met with an 82,000 three-bet from button Foster. Yu responded with a four-bet shove with his covering stack and Foster stuck in the call.

Dylan Foster: 8♥ 8♠

Xiaotong Yu: A♠ 3♠

Disaster struck for Foster on the K♥ 6♣ A♦ T♦ 7♥ runout when Yu made the higher pair, sending Foster to the rail and leaving just six players seated at the table over the span of a few minutes.

Player	Chips
YL Yongjia LinChina	1,350,000(84 BB)
PC Peng Chen 2China	1,240,000(78 BB)
XY Xiaotong YuChina	750,000(47 BB)
YL Yayun LiuChina	360,000(23 BB)
CY Chun Yu MaHong Kong	310,000(19 BB)
VH Van Hien DangViet Nam	250,000(16 BB)
DW Dylan Wayne FosterAustralia	busted
YY Yunchao YuChina	busted

Level 11: 8,000 / 16,000 ante: 16,000

35 minutes

Remaining Players: 77/148

Zoe ChangZoe Chang

1/12/2026, 10:45:18 AM

Cooler Hand: Bullets Hold Against Big Slick

Level 10: 6,000 / 12,000 ante: 12,000

Joseph Cheong

Joseph Cheong opened the hijack to 24,000, and Lester Edoc three-bet the button to 75,000. Cheong then shoved all in for 269,000. Edoc snap-called to put his opponent at risk.

Lester Edoc: A♠ K♥

Joseph Cheong: A♥ A♦

Cheong started strong with pocket aces against Edoc's big slick and stayed in front on the 6♦ Q♠ Q♣ flop. The K♦ turn sent some help to Edoc, but it was still no match for Cheong's bullets.

The dealer then revealed a J♠ on the river, locking up a crucial double-up for Cheong and leaving Edoc short-stacked.

Player	Chips
JC Joseph CheongUnited States of America	622,000(52 BB)
LE Lester EdocPhilippines	120,000(10 BB)

Zoe ChangZoe Chang

1/12/2026, 10:38:26 AM

Blebea's Big Slick Gets One Knockout

Level 10: 6,000 / 12,000 ante: 12,000

Iulian Blebea

Jinfeng Huo opened to 25,000 from under the gun, and Iulian Blebea three-bet to 125,000 on the button. Hengji Zhang then shoved all in for around 295,000 in the small blind. Huo stepped aside and Blebea dropped in a call to put his tablemate on the line.

Hengji Zhang: A♥ J♦

Iulian Blebea: A♠ K♥

Blebea picked up the lead with a stronger king kicker and stayed in front on the 8♥ Q♦ 6♣ flop. The 5♦ came on the turn, changing nothing for Zhang.

Luck was on Blebea's side as the river sent a dry 3♠, sending Zhang to the rail and shipping the pot Blebea's way.

Player	Chips
IB Iulian BlebeaRomania	1,365,000(114 BB)
JH Jinfeng HuoChina	230,000(19 BB)
HZ Hengji ZhangChina	busted

Callum JuryCallum Jury

1/12/2026, 10:35:55 AM

ITM Figures and Payout Structure

Level 10: 6,000 / 12,000 ante: 12,000

Registration has officially closed for the final starting flight of the King’s Debut Crown Opener. The third and final session has drawn 148 entries, bringing the total field size for this high-stakes event to 362 entries. The final prize pool is USD 1,658,900, and a massive top prize of USD 330,500 awaits the eventual champion, representing around 20% of the total:

Final Table Payouts

Place	Payout (USD)
1	$330,500
2	$219,600
3	$161,800
4	$120,400
5	$90,400
6	$68,600
7	$52,600
8	$40,600
9	$31,700

Due to a double knockout during the Day 1B session, the total number of players returning for Day 2 has been set at 54. Consequently, 54 places will be paid, meaning every player who successfully bags tonight will return tomorrow already in the money.

Day 1C is currently ongoing with approximately 66 players remaining. They are battling down to the final 23 survivors who will join the rest of the field tomorrow to play down to a winner.

Callum JuryCallum Jury

1/12/2026, 10:28:51 AM

Registration Closed!

Level 10: 6,000 / 12,000 ante: 12,000

Registration has officially closed for the final starting flight of the King’s Debut Crown Opener. The third and final session drew 148 entries, bringing the total field size for this high-stakes event to 362 entries.

The transition to the premium "King's" brand has proven a massive success, with the USD 5,000 buy-in driving the total prize pool to a staggering USD 1,658,900. This easily clears the seven-figure milestone and sets the stage for one of the largest payouts of the entire festival.

ITM and payout structure will be posted shortly.

Level 10: 6,000 / 12,000 ante: 12,000

35 minutes

Remaining Players: 77/148

Dinner Break

60 minutes

Remaining Players: 73/141

Zoe ChangZoe Chang

1/12/2026, 9:39:54 AM

Jin's Sixes Hold

Level 9: 5,000 / 10,000 ante: 10,000

Xin Jin

Haisheng Qiu raised to 20,000 from under the gun, and Xin Jin called in the cutoff.

Qiu continued for 21,000 on the 3♠ 7♣ A♦ flop and Jin made the call.

The two then checked it down to a free showdown on the 5♦ 2♥ runout.

Qiu tabled king-high on the K♦ Q♣, but it was no match for Jin's pair of sixes with 6♠ 6♥.

Player	Chips
XJ Xin JinChina	1,092,000(109 BB)
HQ Haisheng QiuChina	620,000(62 BB)

Callum JuryCallum Jury

1/12/2026, 9:28:00 AM

Ins and Outs

Level 9: 5,000 / 10,000 ante: 10,000

Player	Chips
YW Yuzhu WangChina	250,000(25 BB)
JH Jinfeng HuoChina	250,000(25 BB)
DC Denghao ChenChina	250,000(25 BB)
ML Meng Ling LinTaiwan	busted
LY Lei YuChina	busted
KW Kaifan WangUnited States of America	busted
HC Hui Chen 3China	busted

Callum JuryCallum Jury

1/12/2026, 9:05:35 AM

Chen Shows Bullets; Takayama Chops Again

Level 9: 5,000 / 10,000 ante: 10,000

Yunpeng Bai

Yunpeng Bai raised to 20,000 from under the gun before calling big blind Huanyu Chen's three-bet to 80,000.

The dealer fanned the 5♣ 3♦ Q♥ flop and Chen continued for a further 70,000, prompting an instant fold from Bai. Chen flicked over A♠ A♣ as he scooped the modest pot.

In the next hand, Mike Takayama raised to 25,000 which received a call from Guoliang Wei in the next seat, before Hongjun Zhao in the small blind three-bet shoved for his remaining 130,000. Takayama stuck in the call, and, in a repeat of the earlier situation with Takayama and Chen, both players flicked over a variant of king-queen suited, Zhao with diamonds and Takayama with hearts, ultimately resulting in another chopped pot.

Player	Chips
YB Yunpeng BaiChina	650,000(65 BB)
HC Huanyu ChenTaiwan	610,000(61 BB)
MT Mike TakayamaPhilippines	340,000(34 BB)
GW Guoliang WeiChina	310,000(31 BB)
ZH Zhao HongjunChina	290,000(29 BB)

Zoe ChangZoe Chang

1/12/2026, 9:00:03 AM

Edoc Builds His Stack

Level 9: 5,000 / 10,000 ante: 10,000

Lester Edoc

Hand 1:

Hon Cheong Lee made it 20,000 to go from middle position and received calls from the blinds: Yaoyu He and Lester Edoc.

The blinds checked over the 2♣ K♥ 3♥ flop to Lee, who continued for 20,000. He called, and Edoc shoved all in for 137,000, prompting snap-folds from his two opponents.

Hand 2:

Edoc raised to 20,000 from the small blind, and Lok Min Chan defended his big blind.

Edoc sent a 12,000 bet on the 6♥ 4♣ 9♠ flop, and Chan stuck around to see the J♥ on the turn, where Edoc sent another barrel of 45,000. Chan tossed his cards into the muck.

Hand 3:

Edoc opened the button to 20,000, and Lee called from the big blind.

The duo tapped the table on the T♣ 6♠ T♠ flop to the 5♥ turn, where Lee checked. Edoc then fired a small bet of 20,000. It was good enough for the pot.

Player	Chips
YH Yaoyu HeChina	652,000(65 BB)
HC Hon Cheong LeeHong Kong	410,000(41 BB)
LE Lester EdocPhilippines	313,000(31 BB)
LM Lok Ming ChanHong Kong	215,000(22 BB)

Level 9: 5,000 / 10,000 ante: 10,000

35 minutes

Remaining Players: 77/129

Callum JuryCallum Jury

1/12/2026, 8:58:35 AM

Table 10 Action and Counts

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

Chunnuan Xu

Hand 1

Button Xin Jin raised to 16,000 and received a call from Yuhan Liu in the big blind.

Both checked the A♦ J♦ Q♥ flop to the 8♣ turn, where Liu led for 56,000.

Liu checked the 4♣ river, then promptly folded when Jin shoved with his covering stack.

Hand 2

Liu limped from the small blind the promptly folded when Abraham Ceesvin put him all in from the big.

Hand 3

Liu limped from the button then promptly folded when big blind Haisheng Qiu put him all in.

Hand 4

Jin raised to 16,000 from middle position and received calls from Ceesvin on the button plus big blind Chao Wei.

All three checked the J♠ 4♥ 6♥ flop to the 6♦ turn, where Wei led for 18,000 and only Ceesvin stuck in the call.

Wei upped it to 75,000 on the 9♣ river and Ceesvin burned through a couple of timebanks before making the call, only to see Wei table 8♦ 6♠ for turned trips, which were good for the pot.

Player	Chips
XJ Xin JinChina	900,000(113 BB)
HQ Haisheng QiuChina	640,000(80 BB)
AC Abraham CeesvinSingapore	630,000(79 BB)
XJ Xiaqing JiChina	610,000(76 BB)
CW Chao WeiChina	350,000(44 BB)
CX Chunnuan XuChina	260,000(33 BB)
YL Yuhan LiuChina	120,000(15 BB)

Zoe ChangZoe Chang

1/12/2026, 8:53:51 AM

Ngo Picks off Nakai's Bluff

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

Khoa Anh Ngo

Khoa Anh Ngo raised the hijack to 16,000 and Ryuta Nakai defended his big blind.

Nakai led out for 20,000 on the 5♠ 6♦ 4♥ flop, and Ngo stuck around to see an A♦ turn, where action went check-check.

The 2♣ river saw Nakia fire out 100,000. After thinking for a while, Ngo called.

Nakai tabled a bluff with 9♣ 8♠, and Ngo revealed turned two pair with A♣ 6♣, dragging in the pot.

Player	Chips
KA Khoa Anh NgoViet Nam	781,000(98 BB)
RN Ryuta NakaiJapan	516,000(65 BB)

Callum JuryCallum Jury

1/12/2026, 8:33:16 AM

Back-to-Back Shoves; Double and Chop for Chen

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

Huanyu Chen

Hijack Huanyu Chen shoved for his remaining 33,000 chips and received a sole call from small blind Yong Jiang:

Huanyu Chen: A♦ Q♦

Yong Jiang: A♣ 6♣

Chen's stronger kicker held on the K♦ 2♠ 3♠ T♠ 7♥ runout, with Jiang failing to hit a six or the clubs he needed and thus lost a small chunk of chips to Chen.

In the next hand, Chen shoved once more, this time for around 80,000, and small blind Mike Takayama shoved behind.

Both players flipped over ace-queen offsuit and chopped the pot once the J♦ 4♠ 7♣ 2♣ 8♥ board had ran out.

Player	Chips
YJ Yong Jiang (2)China	380,000(48 BB)
MT Mike TakayamaPhilippines	260,000(33 BB)
HC Huanyu ChenTaiwan	95,000(12 BB)

Zoe ChangZoe Chang

1/12/2026, 8:21:45 AM

Big River Bet Pushes Pham Out

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

Yuan Li

Yuan Li opened the button to 17,000 and Quang Huy Pham defended his big blind.

The two tapped the table on the K♥ A♦ J♣ flop to see the board-pairing A♠ on the turn, where Pham led out for 30,000. Li stuck around.

Pham checked on the 4♠ river to Li, who fired out 115,000 after tanking for a long time. Pham instantly mucked.

Player	Chips
YL Yuan LiChina	333,000(42 BB)
QH Quang Huy PhamViet Nam	175,000(22 BB)

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

35 minutes

Remaining Players: 80/116

Zoe ChangZoe Chang

1/12/2026, 8:08:47 AM

He Picks off Liu's Bluff

Level 7: 3,000 / 6,000 ante: 6,000

Yaoyu He

Yaoyu He opened the hijack to 12,000 and Yi Liu defended his big blind.

The two tapped the table on the T♦ 9♣ 6♣ flop to see a board-pairing T♣ turn, where Liu fired 26,000, and He called.

When the 9♥ hit on the river, Liu sent another barrel of 52,000, and He made the call.

Liu showed his bluff with 7♣ 4♦, while He tabled K♦ Q♣ for king-high and raked in down the pot.

Player	Chips
YH Yaoyu HeChina	616,000(103 BB)
YL Yi LiuChina	300,000(50 BB)

Callum JuryCallum Jury

1/12/2026, 8:04:10 AM

Cheruku Gets Active

Level 7: 3,000 / 6,000 ante: 6,000

Cutoff Hoanan Wu raised to 12,000 and was joined by blinds Peng Deng and Abhijith Cheruku.

Action checked through the 9♠ K♠ 2♦ 9♦ 6♥ runout, with Deng flicking over A♥ 7♦ for ace-high, but Cheruku's 5♣ 5♥ took the pot with a pair of fives.

The next hand saw Youkan Li raise to 12,000 before folding to small blind Cheruku's 50,000 three-bet.

In the third hand at Table 12, button Cheruku raised to 14,000 and big blind Li called.

Li check-called Cheruku's 10,000 bet on the T♠ A♥ 8♣ flop.

Action checked through the 5♣ 8♥ turn and river, with Li tabling J♥ T♣ to take the pot.

Player	Chips
AC Abhijith CherukuIndia	635,000(106 BB)
PD Peng DengChina	500,000(83 BB)
YL Youkan LiChina	410,000(68 BB)
HW Haonan WuChina	90,000(15 BB)

Zoe ChangZoe Chang

1/12/2026, 8:03:12 AM

Nakai Straighten Qu Out

Level 7: 3,000 / 6,000 ante: 6,000

Ryuta Nakai

Feng Qu shoved all in from under the gun for 110,000 and was put at risk by Ryuta Nakai in the small blind.

Ryuta Nakai: K♥ Q♥

Feng Qu: A♥ 2♠

Qu started ahead with ace-high against Nakai's king-high and stayed in front on the 9♦ 8♦ 5♣ flop. The dealer then sent a T♣ on the turn, giving Qu a sweat as Nakai picked up a gutshot.

Much to Qu's dismay, the river revealed a J♦, completing Nakai's straight and sending him out of the field.

Player	Chips
RN Ryuta NakaiJapan	565,000(94 BB)
FQ Feng QuChina	busted

Zoe ChangZoe Chang

1/12/2026, 7:48:48 AM

Chop Pot for Nakai and Lee

Level 7: 3,000 / 6,000 ante: 6,000

Calvin Lee

Calvin Lee opened the hijack to 14,000 and Ryuta Nakai defended his big blind.

Nakai check-called a 7,000 continuation-bet from Lee on the T♥ T♠ 3♠ flop.

The duo then checked it down on the A♠ 3♦ runout to a free showdown.

Nakai showed K♠ Q♦, while Lee tabled K♦ J♠, and the pot was split.

Ryuta Nakai

Player	Chips
CL Calvin LeeUnited States of America	523,000(87 BB)
RN Ryuta NakaiJapan	233,000(39 BB)

Level 7: 3,000 / 6,000 ante: 6,000

35 minutes

Remaining Players: 82/106

Zoe ChangZoe Chang

1/12/2026, 7:36:48 AM

Zhang Yields to Li’s Five-Bet Shove, Chops with Hu

Level 6: 2,500 / 5,000 ante: 5,000

Yiming Li

Hengji Zhang opened the cutoff to 10,000, and Yiming Li three-bet the button to 43,000. Zhang then put in a four-bet to 120,000, only to face a five-bet shove from Li for 390,000, giving Zhang a tough situation. After thinking for a while, Zhang eventually conceded the pot.

In the following hand, Hengji Zhang raised the hijack to 10,000, and Matas Cimbolas called in the cutoff, as did Chengxu Hu on the button.

On the J♦ 9♦ 2♠ flop, Zhang continued for 10,000, which Cimbolas folded, and Hu came along.

The board-pairing 2♥ turn saw Zhang check-call a 25,000 bet from Hu. When an A♦ fell on the river, it went check-check.

Zhang tabled Q♦ J♥ for a flopped pair of jacks, while Hu also revealed his flopped pair of jacks with K♥ J♣, making it a chop pot.

Chengxu Hu

Player	Chips
YL Yiming LiChina	571,500(114 BB)
CH Chengxu HuChina	378,500(76 BB)
HZ Hengji ZhangChina	164,000(33 BB)

Zoe ChangZoe Chang

1/12/2026, 7:31:15 AM

Ace-High is Enough for Zhao

Level 6: 2,500 / 5,000 ante: 5,000

Bin Zhao

Bin Zhao opened to 10,000 from under the gun and Yuhan Liu called on the button, as did Trung Hieu Nguyen in the big blind.

The trio tapped the table on the 6♦ T♣ T♥ flop to see a 2♠ fall on the turn, where Nguyen checked to Zhao, who led out for 9,000. Only Liu came along.

When a board-pairing 6♠ came on the river, it went check-check. Zhao tabled A♦ Q♥ for ace-high and it was good for the pot as Liu sent his cards into the muck.

Player	Chips
BZ Bin ZhaoChina	533,500(107 BB)
YL Yuhan LiuChina	226,500(45 BB)
TH Trung Hieu NguyenViet Nam	225,000(45 BB)

Callum JuryCallum Jury

1/12/2026, 7:16:32 AM

Table 7 Action and Counts

Level 6: 2,500 / 5,000 ante: 5,000

Alexandru Papazian

Hand 1

Yi Liu raised to 10,000 from under the gun and four players joined him to the flop, which came 7♦ 5♦ K♣. Once the blinds had checked, Liu shoved his 56,000-chip short stack in to swift folds around the table.

Hand 2

Fengqiang Li raised to 10,000 from middle position and received a call from big blind Liu.

Liu check-called Li's 11,000 bet following the 9♦ 5♦ J♦ flop. The 8♥ hit the turn and Liu shoved and Li let it go.

Hand 3

Alexandru Papazian opened to 10,000 from under the gun to folds around the table.

Hand 4

Hon Cheong Lee raised to 10,000 from the cutoff and received a call from Papazian in the big blind.

Papazian check-called Lee's 9,000 continuation-bet on the 3♠ 8♥ J♥ flop.

Both checked the 4♥ turn to the 2♣ river, where Lee fired 22,000, which was enough to shake Papazian off the pot.

Hand 5

Cutoff Liu raised to 10,000 and Yaoyu He called from the big blind.

He check-raised Liu from 20,000 to 55,000 on the 9♠ 7♠ Q♦ flop. Liu responded by shoving his remaining 80,000 stack and He snapped it off.

Yi Liu: K♠ 2♠

Yaoyu He: Q♥ J♦

He was ahead, but Liu had plenty of outs. Unfortunately for him, none of them appeared on the T♦ 5♥ runout, sending him back to the registration desk and adding a healthy boost to He's stack.

Hui Liu

Player	Chips
YH Yaoyu HeChina	595,000(119 BB)
FL Fengqiang LiChina	420,000(84 BB)
HL Hui LiuChina	410,000(82 BB)
AP Alexandru PapazianRomania	325,000(65 BB)
LZ Ledong ZhouChina	240,000(48 BB)
YW Yang WangChina	200,000(40 BB)
HC Hon Cheong LeeHong Kong	160,000(32 BB)
YL Yi LiuChina	busted

Level 6: 2,500 / 5,000 ante: 5,000

35 minutes

Remaining Players: 66/82

Break

15 minutes

Remaining Players: 66/82

Zoe ChangZoe Chang

1/12/2026, 6:50:51 AM

River Bet Works for Nguyen

Level 5: 2,000 / 4,000 ante: 4,000

Nang Quang Nguyen

With around 26,000 chips in the pot, a flop came Q♥ 5♦ 9♠ when Nang Quang Nguyen checked over from the big blind. Chao Wei led out for 22,000 on the button. Nguyen stuck around.

The 8♣ turn saw both players check to the T♣ river, where Nguyen sent an 8,000 bet, which was good for the pot as Wei laid it down.

Player	Chips
NQ Nang Quang NguyenViet Nam	421,000(105 BB)
CW Chao WeiChina	145,000(36 BB)

Callum JuryCallum Jury

1/12/2026, 6:31:06 AM

Hu Wins One, Loses One

Level 5: 2,000 / 4,000 ante: 4,000

Matas Cimbolas

In the first hand at Table 6 Matas Cimbolas limped in from the small blind and Changxu Hu checked his option.

Both players opted to check the 3♣ 9♣ 8♠ flop and the Q♣ turn, taking them to the J♠ river. Cimbolas stuck in 16,000 to a virtually instant fold from Hu.

In the next hand, Yunpeng Bai raised to 8,000 from the cutoff before calling small blind Hu's three-bet to 25,000.

Hu led for 16,000 on the 4♥ 3♣ A♣ flop, which Bai stuck around with a call.

The 9♣ hit the turn and Hu checked; Bai led for 30,500 and after a while, Hu tossed in the chips.

The K♦ landed on the river and both players checked; Hu flicked over A♠ 5♣, seemingly good for the pot as Bai mucked.

Player	Chips
MC Matas CimbolasLithuania	390,000(98 BB)
YB Yunpeng BaiChina	340,000(85 BB)
CH Chengxu HuChina	280,000(70 BB)

Zoe ChangZoe Chang

1/12/2026, 6:25:52 AM

Qin's Timely River Bet Gets the Job Done

Level 5: 2,000 / 4,000 ante: 4,000

Yuan Qin

Xiaqing Ji made it 8,000 from under the gun and got himself three callers: Dong Chen from early position, Qingping Hu in the cutoff, and Yuan Qin from the small blind.

Four players checked it down to the river on the K♠ 4♥ 3♦ T♥ A♥ board, where Qin fired out a 25,000 bet, prompting a string of folds from his opponents.

Player	Chips
DC Dong ChenChina	398,000(100 BB)
YQ Yuan QinChina	275,000(69 BB)
XJ Xiaqing JiChina	270,000(68 BB)
QH Qingping HuChina	232,000(58 BB)

Level 5: 2,000 / 4,000 ante: 4,000

35 minutes

Remaining Players: 62/72

Zoe ChangZoe Chang

1/12/2026, 6:16:56 AM

Wei's King Working Well

Level 4: 1,500 / 3,000 ante: 3,000

Chao Wei

Dylan Foster from under the gun and Hui Chen from middle position called. Chao Wei checked in the big blind.

Wei and Foster checked to Chen, who led out for 6,000 on the 3♥ K♦ 7♠ flop, which his two opponents came along.

The trio then tapped the table on the 9♠ 9♣ runout and took it to a free showdown.

Wei showed A♠ J♥ for ace-high, and Foster folded. However, it was Chen's flopped pair of kings with K♣ 4♣ dragged in the pot.

Player	Chips
CW Chao WeiChina	264,000(88 BB)
DW Dylan Wayne FosterAustralia	258,500(86 BB)
HC Hui Chen 3China	117,500(39 BB)

Callum JuryCallum Jury

1/12/2026, 6:08:38 AM

Foster Takes the Turn

Level 4: 1,500 / 3,000 ante: 3,000

Xixang Luo

Dylan Foster called Xixang Luo's 6,000 raise and they headed to the flop.

The dealer fanned 6♠ Q♦ 5♣ and Foster checked; Luo continued for 3,500 and after a moment, he received a call.

On the 4♣ turn, Foster took the betting lead and slid out 16,500. Luo thought for a short while before ultimately deciding to give up the hand.

Player	Chips
XL Xixiang LuoChina	390,000(130 BB)
DW Dylan Wayne FosterAustralia	275,000(92 BB)

Callum JuryCallum Jury

1/12/2026, 6:03:02 AM

Lee Takes it Without Showing

Level 4: 1,500 / 3,000 ante: 3,000

Abraham Ceesvin

Hon Cheong Lee raised to 7,000 from under the gun and received a call from big blind Abraham Ceesvin.

Ceesvin led for 5,000 on the 2♣ 3♥ 4♥ flop before calling Lee's 15,000 raise.

The 4♦ landed on the turn and both players checked, as they did on the 3♠ river. Ceesvin mucked and Lee took the pot without showing.

Player	Chips
HC Hon Cheong LeeHong Kong	240,000(80 BB)
AC Abraham CeesvinSingapore	200,000(67 BB)

Zoe ChangZoe Chang

1/12/2026, 5:55:30 AM

Lin Heads to the Exit

Level 4: 1,500 / 3,000 ante: 3,000

Yongjia Lin

Yongjia Lin open-shoved the button for 115,000 and was put at risk by Hui Chen in the big blind.

Hui Chen: A♦ J♥

Yongjia Lin: A♣ K♣

Lin started ahead with a stronger king kicker, but the dealer sent the dreadful news to him with the 8♠ 2♦ J♠ flop, pairing Chen's jack. The turn brought a 9♣, changing nothing for Lin

Luck stayed at Chen's side as the river bricked out a 6♠, sending Lin out of the field.

Player	Chips
HC Hui Chen 3China	475,500(159 BB)
YL Yongjia LinChina	busted

Level 4: 1,500 / 3,000 ante: 3,000

35 minutes

Remaining Players: 51/59

Zoe ChangZoe Chang

1/12/2026, 5:36:51 AM

Luo Outkicks Wang with Trip Kings

Level 3: 1,500 / 2,500 ante: 2,500

Xixiang Luo

Xixiang Luo made it 5,500 to go from the cutoff and Kaifan Wang called from the small blind, as did Yuan Qin in the big blind.

The blinds tapped the table on the K♣ 9♠ K♥ flop, and action went to Luo, who continued for 6,000. Wang cranked it up to 18,000. Qin folded, and Luo three-bet to 36,000. After going deep into the tank, Wang dropped in a call.

When the 5♦ hit on the turn, Wang check-called a 75,000 bet from Luo to see the 2♥ river. Wang fired out 26,000. Luo put in a chunky raise to 160,000, leaving just 500 behind, sending Wang into a tough situation. Wang eventually responded with a call for his remaining 113,000, putting his tournament life on the line.

Luo tabled A♣ K♠ for flopped trip kings to overtake Wang's flopped trip kings with K♦ J♦. Wang walked out of the field.

Player	Chips
XL Xixiang LuoChina	460,000(184 BB)
KW Kaifan WangUnited States of America	busted

Callum JuryCallum Jury

1/12/2026, 5:26:40 AM

Table 12 Action

Level 3: 1,500 / 2,500 ante: 2,500

Ryuta Nakai

Hand 1

Button Wenchao Liu raised to 5,000 before calling small blind Denghao Chen's 15,000 three-bet.

Chen led for 10,000 on the T♣ T♦ Q♥ flop and Liu stuck in the call.

Both checked the 3♠ turn and 4♦ river, with Chen tabling A♥ K♦ to take the pot with ace-high.

Hand 2

Button Chen raised to 5,000 and big blind Ryuta Nakai stuck in the call.

Nakai check-folded on the 5♥ 4♥ J♥ flop when Chen bet 5,000.

Hand 3

Hijack Liu limped in, as did small blind Nakai, and big blind Matas Cimbolas checked.

Both blinds check-folded when Liu bet 5,000 on the 9♥ 7♥ Q♣ flop.

Hand 4

Liu raised to 5,000 from early position before being three-bet by big blind Zexiang Sun. Liu four-bet shoved for his remaining stack of around 70,000 and Sun snapped it off.

Wenchao Liu: Q♥ T♥

Zexiang Sun: A♣ 5♠

The board ran clean for Sun's ace-high, coming 3♦ 9♦ 9♣ 6♦ 3♣ to score the knockout and add a healthy boost to his stack.

Player	Chips
ZS Zexiang SunChina	390,000(156 BB)
MC Matas CimbolasLithuania	320,000(128 BB)
DC Denghao ChenChina	290,000(116 BB)
RN Ryuta NakaiJapan	240,000(96 BB)
WL Wenchao LiuChina	busted

Level 3: 1,500 / 2,500 ante: 2,500

35 minutes

Remaining Players: 36/38

Callum JuryCallum Jury

1/12/2026, 5:05:07 AM

Chen Pressures Zhao on the River

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

Hui Chen opened to 2,000 from under the gun and faced a 7,000 three-bet from Yong Zhao in the next seat. Once the action folded back around, Chen four-bet to 22,000, and Zhao made the call.

Both players checked through the A♠ J♣ 5♥ flop. On the 7♥ turn, Chen led for 25,000, and Zhao called once more.

The 3♣ completed the board, and Chen upped the bet to 75,000. Zhao didn't take long before sending his cards back to the dealer.

Player	Chips
YZ Yong ZhaoChina	320,000(160 BB)
HC Hui Chen 3China	270,000(135 BB)

Zoe ChangZoe Chang

1/12/2026, 4:59:34 AM

Liu's on Fumes

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

Zexiang Sun

Zexiang Sun made it 6,000 to go from under the gun, and Joseph Cheong called from middle position. Wenchao Liu then three-bet to 20,000 in the hijack, which Sun and Cheong called.

On the K♠ Q♥ 2♦ flop, Sun and Cheong checked to Liu, who continued for 23,000. Only Sun came along this time.

Sun check-called on the 5♠ turn after Liu sent another barrel of 55,000. The Q♠ river saw Sun check-call again, this time for 75,000.

Liu tabled 7♣ 5♣ for a turned pair of fives, which was cracked by Sun's flopped pair of kings with K♣ 9♣.

Player	Chips
ZS Zexiang SunChina	437,000(219 BB)
WL Wenchao LiuChina	75,000(38 BB)

Zoe ChangZoe Chang

1/12/2026, 4:53:15 AM

Lyu Bets River and Takes It Down

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

Yanghao Fu

Yanghao Fu made it 4,500 to go from the hijack and received calls from Junqiang Lyu in the cutoff and Trung Hieu Nguyen in the big blind.

Nguyen checked to Fu, who continued for 5,000 on the 8♦ A♥ 9♥ flop. Only Lyu made the call.

It went check-check on the board-pairing 8♥ turn before the river brought a 6♠. Fu checked, and Lyu sent a 25,000 bet. Fu snap-folded.

Player	Chips
JL Junqiang LyuChina	495,000(248 BB)
TH Trung Hieu NguyenViet Nam	238,500(119 BB)
YF Yanghao FuChina	231,500(116 BB)

Callum JuryCallum Jury

1/12/2026, 4:44:45 AM

Qin Runs into Li's Set

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

The action was joined on a flop of K♥ A♣ 7♦ with around 15,000 in the middle. Yiming Li was acting from under the gun, alongside button Bin Zhao, and blinds Yi Qin and Fengqiang Li.

All four players checked the flop to the 3♣ turn, where both blinds checked. Yiming led for 14,000, prompting a fold

from Zhao, before Qin check-raised to 36,000. Fengqiang then re-raised to 75,000, which got a fold from Yiming.

Qin then moved all in and Fengqiang snapped it off, tabling 7♣ 7♠ for a turned set. This heavily dominated Qin's A♠ 3♠, and the 5♣ river secured Fengqiang's double while leaving Qin short.

Player	Chips
FL Fengqiang LiChina	420,000(210 BB)
YL Yiming LiChina	260,000(130 BB)
BZ Bin ZhaoChina	85,000(43 BB)
YQ Yi QinChina	65,000(33 BB)

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

35 minutes

Remaining Players: 19/20

Callum JuryCallum Jury

1/12/2026, 4:31:38 AM

More Entries

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

Iulian Blebea

Player	Chips
IB Iulian BlebeaRomania	250,000(250 BB)
AP Alexandru PapazianRomania	250,000(250 BB)
BZ Bin ZhaoChina	250,000(250 BB)
YQ Yi QinChina	250,000(250 BB)
JC Joseph CheongUnited States of America	250,000(250 BB)
ZS Zexiang SunChina	250,000(250 BB)

Zoe ChangZoe Chang

1/12/2026, 4:26:56 AM

Liu's River Bet Takes It Down

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

Wenchao Liu

Seunghyun Nam opened to 2,000 from under the gun and Wenchao Liu called in the small blind, as did Trung Hieu Nguyen from the big blind.

The blinds checked over on the Q♦ 3♦ K♣ flop to Nam, who continued for 2,500. Only Liu came along.

The 8♣ turn saw both players check to the K♥ river, where Liu fired 7,500 and Nam laid it down.

Player	Chips
WL Wenchao LiuChina	284,000(284 BB)
SN Seunghyun NamUnited States of America	244,500(245 BB)

Callum JuryCallum Jury

1/12/2026, 4:24:12 AM

Qiu Gets Active

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

Abraham Ceesvin limped from the small blind and Haisheng Qiu checked in the big.\

Ceesvin led on the A♠ 9♦ 9d flop and Qiu stuck around with a call.

On the 4♠ turn, Ceesvin checked, before folding when Qiu took the lead with a 3,500 bet.

In the next hand, newly-seated Yiming Li raised to 3,000 from the cutoff before calling small blind Qiu's 12,000 three-bet.

Qiu led for 9,000 on the 9♣ 4♦ 6♠ flop and Li raised it to 26,500. Qiu thought for a short while before eventually giving it up.

Player	Chips
YL Yiming LiChina	270,000(270 BB)
AC Abraham CeesvinSingapore	244,000(244 BB)
HQ Haisheng QiuChina	210,000(210 BB)

Zoe ChangZoe Chang

1/12/2026, 3:59:52 AM

Chen Fires Twice, Lyu Calls Him Down

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

Junqiang Lyu

Gailiang Chen raised the cutoff to 2,000 and Junqiang Lyu called on the button, as did Trung Hieu Nguyen in the big blind.

Nguyen checked over on the Q♥ 6♥ J♠ flop to Chen, who continued for 3,000, which only Lyu came along.

Chen sent another barrel of 10,000 on the 7♣ turn, and Lyu stuck around to see the T♣ fall on the river. Action went check-check.

Chen tabled K♥ 8♥ for king-high, but it was no match for Lyu's flopped pair of jacks with J♣ 4♣.

Player	Chips
JL Junqiang LyuChina	270,000(270 BB)
GC Gailiang ChenChina	251,000(251 BB)

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

35 minutes

Remaining Players: 7/7

Zoe ChangZoe Chang

1/12/2026, 3:45:28 AM

Shuffle Up & Deal

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

Shuffle up and deal has been announced and the cards are in the air for the King's Debut Opener Day 1C.

Zoe ChangZoe Chang

1/12/2026, 3:13:48 AM

Entrants

Player	Chips
WL Wenchao LiuChina	250,000
GC Gailiang ChenChina	250,000
HW Haonan WuChina	250,000
SN Seunghyun NamUnited States of America	250,000
ZS Zexiang SunChina	250,000
TH Trung Hieu NguyenViet Nam	250,000
JL Junqiang LyuChina	250,000

Zoe ChangZoe Chang

1/12/2026, 2:41:25 AM

King's Debut Opener Day 1C Action Temporarily on Hold

Play is currently on hold while we wait for more players to register. Action will resume shortly.

Callum JuryCallum Jury

1/12/2026, 2:15:57 AM

Last Chance: King’s Debut Crown Opener Hits Final Flight

Hao Tian

The high-stakes transition of the festival continues as Day 1C, the third and final starting flight of the King's Debut/Crown Opener, gets underway at LES A Casino. This is the last opportunity for players to secure a bag before the field merges for the Day 2 finale tomorrow. Leading the charge from the opening flight is China’s Shaoliang Luo, who bagged a massive 4,980,000 from the initial 149 entries. Luo is a seasoned professional with over USD 813,000 in live earnings, including a notable victory in the 2021 Tiger Poker Cup Elite Cup for over USD 92,000.

The premium atmosphere of the King Poker Cup was further solidified in the Day 1B Turbo flight, which added another 65 entries to the tally. Hao Tian claimed the top spot in that session, finishing with an impressive 5,215,000 to take the overall chip lead into the final day. Tian is a heavyweight in the Asian poker scene with more than USD 1.5 million in career winnings, highlighted by a 2025 RDPT Single Day High Roller title right here in Jeju.

With 23 players already through from Day 1A and 8 more from Day 1B, the competition for a Day 2 seat is fiercer than ever. The shift to USD 5,000 buy-ins for this "King's" branded series has successfully attracted an elite international crowd, pushing the prize pool well into seven-figure territory as the final entries pour in. For those still on the sidelines, this afternoon represents the final chance to join the hunt for one of the festival’s most prestigious crowns before the tournament reaches its conclusion tomorrow.

Shaoliang Luo

Event starts 12:00 local time..