Daniel Lim Poker Dream 25 Main Event ChampionThe Poker Dream 25 Main Event pulled in a total of 1,043 entrants over 12 starting flights. 140 players made it through to Day 2 to battle it out on the felt on August 2.
The 140 survivors were whittled down to the final two tables of 16 players who all returned today, August 3, and fought it out at the tables high above the clouds at Genting Highlands, Malaysia.
It was Malaysia’s Daniel Lim who ended as top dog, taking home his highest recorded live cash to date of MYR 570,000 (~USD 142,500) along with the exclusive Poker Dream 25 Main Event Gold Dragon Trophy, the first major poker title of his career.
Lim defeated Indonesia’s Gene Darmawan in a short heads-up battle after the pair agreed to an ICM deal and to play out for the trophy.
| Place | Player | Prize (MYR) | Prize (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | DL Daniel Lim Hung Chun | 570,000 | $142,500 |
| 2 | RD Richard Darmawan | 528,200 | $132,050 |
| 3 | MD Meng Dian Peng | 304,100 | $74,365 |
| 4 | MT Muneyuki Tanimura | 214,500 | $52,455 |
| 5 | WW Wengang Wang | 153,900 | $37,635 |
| 6 | KH Kon Hong Tang | 112,300 | $27,465 |
| 7 | HL Huanghua Li | 83,400 | $20,395 |
| 8 | YH Yong Heng Liau | 63,100 | $15,430 |
| 9 | VS Vikaash Shah | 48,600 | $11,885 |
16 players returned on August 3 after a hard-fought day of poker the previous day had whittled the field down from the 140 survivors from one of the opening flights.
All returning players were already in the money and guaranteed MYR 24,900 (~USD 6,225), but all were certainly eyeing up the final table payouts that were on offer.
Lim came into the final day second in chips and had a great start to the day, picking up chips early by taking out Chuantao Sun in 16th place with his ace-king turning an ace to outdraw Sun’s pocket queens.
It wasn’t a case of then just cruising through to the final table for Lim as he started to lose chips and actually doubled up Darmawan at one point along with Shuang Li.
Lim kept his composure though and didn’t tilt at all, getting a massive boost to his stack when he sent James Wang to the rail in 11th place. Lim’s king-jack spiked a jack to outdraw Wang’s ace-nine.
Shuang Li Final Table Bubble BoyThe final table bubble didn’t last too long and burst when Darmawan sent Li home as the unfortunate final table bubble boy, as Darmawan’s ace-seven spiked a seven on the turn to outdraw Li’s ace-nine.
Lim came into the final table sitting in third spot behind Peng Mengdian and Darmawan, but went on a heater pretty much from the start, and soon the chip lead was within reach.
Vikaash Shah was the first to be sent home at the final table in ninth place. His jam with king-ten from the small blind was unfortunate to see Muneyuki Tanimura, sitting in the big blind, wake up with pocket rockets!
Vikaash ShahLim’s heater then got into full flow, picking up more chips from Darmawan when he paid Lim’s full house off on the river. This hand catapulted Lim into the chip lead, and apart from a small blip, he never looked back from there.
Darmawan briefly took back the lead when he sent Yong Heng Liau home in eighth place, Liau’s jam with ace-queen running into Darmawan’s pocket queens and not being able to improve.
From then on, it really was the Daniel Lim show! First off, he sent Huanghua Li packing in seventh, Li’s ace-queen getting nowhere against Lim’s pocket tens.
Lim’s next victim was Kon Hong Tang in sixth place, Tang’s second pair with ace-six was not able to improve against Lim’s top pair with jack-ten.
The very next hand, Lim picked up another scalp and more chips when he sent Wengang Wang to the rail in fifth place. Wang’s ace-ten ran into Lim’s ace-jack and got no help at all.
Muneyuki TanimuraJust two hands later, Lim added even more chips to his stack, sending Tanimura home in fourth place. Tanimura called off with ace-jack only to find Lim with the goods again and ace-queen. Tanimura got no help at all and was another ticked off the list by Lim, who at this point held over half the chips in play.
Darmawan wasn’t going to let Lim just cruise to the title, though, and he regained the chip lead thanks to a massive double-up through Lim when he flopped two pair against Lim’s top pair and got paid to the max.
Yet again, Darmawan’s comeback dream didn’t last long when Lim took it to heads-up by sending Peng packing in third place. Lim’s call with king-queen hitting a queen to outdraw Peng’s pocket Eights.
Lim & Darmawan then agreed on an ICM deal to split the remaining prize pool and play on for the trophy. Lim took the lion’s share collecting MYR 570,000 (~USD 142,500) and Darmawan MYR 528,200 (~USD 132,050).
PD25 Main Event Runner Up Gene DarmawanThe heads-up battle didn’t last long and after Lim extended his lead further, it was always going to be an uphill battle for Darmawan. The final hand occurred just four hands into the battle when Lim made the correct call with second pair and Darmawan’s ace-king couldn’t improve.
After a steamroller of a final table, Lim was the last man standing to get his hands on his first major title and largest career cash to date.
“I’m very happy because it has been many years since a Malaysian player won a championship like this. I was very nervous, but also very happy and excited,” commented Lim in a post-win interview with Poker Dream Host Veronica.
“I’ve only been playing for about a year and a half. I started in January 2025,” he added when asked about his poker experience and deep runs. “There is definitely some luck involved!” he concluded.
“I also want to thank my family because at one point they disagreed with me playing poker. But during Day 2 of the Main Event, they were messaging me on WhatsApp asking how I was doing and how I was playing. Slowly, they started caring and supporting me. Thank you, Mom and Dad, for always supporting me. I’ll continue playing poker, and I’ll continue learning,” Lim added in conclusion to thank his family for the support.
Main Event Champion PosseHuge congratulations to Daniel Lim from the whole Poker Dream Media Team on being crowned the Poker Dream 25 Main Event Champion, his first major title and largest career cash to date, long may it continue, Daniel. Congratulations, Champ!
Daniel LimAfter three hard-fought days of poker, Malaysia's own Daniel Lim has overcome a 1,043-entry field and bested Gene Richard Darmawan in a brief heads-up battle to secure the biggest Poker Dream title of them all along with the Gold Dragon Trophy.
Lim will take home MYR 570,000 (~USD 142,500) as part of an ICM deal he made with Darmawan.
Stay tuned for a recap of the final day.
| Place | Player | Prize (MYR) | Prize (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | DL Daniel Lim Hung Chun | 570,000 | $142,500 |
| 2 | RD Richard Darmawan | 528,200 | $132,050 |
| 3 | MD Meng Dian Peng | 304,100 | $74,365 |
| 4 | MT Muneyuki Tanimura | 214,500 | $52,455 |
| 5 | WW Wengang Wang | 153,900 | $37,635 |
| 6 | KH Kon Hong Tang | 112,300 | $27,465 |
| 7 | HL Huanghua Li | 83,400 | $20,395 |
| 8 | YH Yong Heng Liau | 63,100 | $15,430 |
| 9 | VS Vikaash Shah | 48,600 | $11,885 |
Gene DarmawanDaniel Lim raised to 550,000 from the button and Gene Richard Darmawan three-bet to 1,300,000. Lim made the call and the dealer peeled off the flop of J♠ Q♥ 4♠.
Darmawan bet out for 800,000 and Lim made the call.
On the Q♠ turn Darmawan jammed all in and after a short think Lim made the call to put Darmawan at risk and claim the title.
Gene Richard Darmawan: A♠ K♣
Daniel Lim: J♥ T♦
Lim had hit his pair but needed to dodge some straight and pair outs to get his hands on the Poker Dream 25 Main Event title.
The crowds gathered on either side of the table as Veronica summoned the dealer to serve up the river which was the Q♦ and changed nothing.
Gene Darmawan was sent to the rail in second place as the valiant runner-up with Daniel Lim becoming the Main Event Champion.
| Player | Chips | Progress |
|---|---|---|
DL Daniel Lim Hung Chun | 27,500,000(110 BB) | 8,650,000 |
RD Richard Darmawan | busted | -8,950,000 |
Daniel LimGene Richard Darmawan raised to 600,000 on the button and Daniel Lim defended his big blind.
Lim check-called a 400,000 bet from Darmawan on the 7♦ 8♥ 6♥ flop and then both players checked on the Q♦ turn.
Lim led out for 1,200,000 after the 3♣ completed the board and Darmawan called. Lim tabled Q♣ 7♠ for two pair and Darmawan sent his cards into the muck.
| Player | Chips | Progress |
|---|---|---|
DL Daniel Lim Hung Chun | 18,850,000(75 BB) | 2,650,000 |
RD Richard Darmawan | 8,950,000(36 BB) | -2,650,000 |
Daniel Lim and Gene Richard Darmawan have agreed to an ICM deal.
Lim will take home MYR 570,000 (~USD 142,500) and Darmawan will secure MYR 528,200 (~USD 132,050). They will now play heads-up for the Poker Dream Gold Dragon trophy.
| Player | Chips | Progress |
|---|---|---|
DL Daniel Lim Hung Chun | 16,200,000(65 BB) | |
RD Richard Darmawan | 11,600,000(46 BB) | -1,200,000 |
Mengdian PengDaniel Lim opened to 550,000 from the small blind only for Mengdian Peng to three-bet all in from the big blind. Lim snap-called to put Peng at risk.
Mengdian Peng: 8♠ 8♣
Daniel Lim: K♦ Q♦
Peng was ahead but had to dodge outs and the way Lim had been running, that looked like a hard task to avoid.
The dealer duly obliged for Lim serving up the Q♣ T♥ T♦ flop to send him into the lead. No help for Peng on the 6♣ turn nor the 3♠ river and he was sent packing in third place.
| Player | Chips | Progress |
|---|---|---|
DL Daniel Lim Hung Chun | 16,200,000(65 BB) | 5,800,000 |
MD Meng Dian Peng | busted | -4,500,000 |
Mengdian PengGene Richard Darmawan raised to 420,000 on the button and Mengdian Peng moved all in for his last 2,000,000 in the big blind. Darmawan called and hands were revealed.
Mengdian Peng: A♦ Q♠
Gene Richard Darmawan: K♣ K♦
Peng would need some help to stick around against Darmawan's Cowboys, but things looked bleak for him on the 7♦ 7♠ J♠ flop.
However, the A♠ appeared on the turn - improving Peng to a pair of aces to leave Darmawan drawing to two outs.
The 2♠ river bricked out and Peng was awarded the double up.
| Player | Chips | Progress |
|---|---|---|
RD Richard Darmawan | 12,800,000(64 BB) | -2,100,000 |
MD Meng Dian Peng | 4,500,000(23 BB) | 2,000,000 |
Gene Richard DarmawanDaniel Lim opened to 400,000 on the button and was called by Mengdian Peng in the small blind and Gene Richard Darmawan in the big blind for a family pot.
Peng led out for 500,000 on the K♣ J♦ 8♣ flop and Darmawan called. Lim then made it 1,500,000 to go, which got a fold from Peng and a call from Darmawan.
The 2♦ fell on the turn and Darmawan checked. Lim moved all in, sending Darmawan deep into the tank with a big decision for his 5,000,000 in chips behind.
Darmawan eventually announced a call and a showdown was held.
Gene Richard Darmawan: J♠ 8♠
Daniel Lim: A♦ K♥
Darmawan's concerned were quickly relieved after seeing he was well ahead with two pair, and the 9♣ river changed nothing - awarding him a huge double up to take the chip lead.
| Player | Chips | Progress |
|---|---|---|
RD Richard Darmawan | 14,900,000(75 BB) | 6,800,000 |
DL Daniel Lim Hung Chun | 10,400,000(52 BB) | -5,200,000 |
MD Meng Dian Peng | 2,500,000(13 BB) | -500,000 |
Muneyuki TanimuraTwo hands after Tan's elimination Daniel Lim was at it again. Action folded to Lim in the small blind who jammed all in and had Muneyuki Tanimura sat in the big blind covered. Tanimura squeezed his cards and snap-called for his tournament life.
Muneyuki Tanimura: A♥ J♣
Daniel Lim: A♠ Q♦
Once again Lim had his opponent on the ropes and in trouble. Tanimura got no help on the K♦ 2♦ A♣ flop but the K♣ on the turn gave him some chop outs. The 9♥ brick of a river sealed the deal and Tanimura was sent to the rail in fourth place.
Lim pushed on once more and now had over half the chips in play going into three-handed play.
| Player | Chips | Progress |
|---|---|---|
DL Daniel Lim Hung Chun | 15,600,000(78 BB) | |
MT Muneyuki Tanimura | busted | -2,150,000 |
Wengang WangThe hand directly after Tan was sent packing Wengang Wang opened to 400,000 from under the gun and action folded to Daniel Lim in the cutoff who three-bet all in and had Wang covered. Wang thought briefly and made the call to put himself at risk.
Wengang Wang: A♣ T♠
Daniel Lim: A♠ J♠
Lim's God like run continued and he had his opponent dominated once again.
No help for Wang on the K♣ 6♦ 3♠ 7♠ A♥ run out and he was sent to the cage in fifth place whilst Lim increased his chip lead on the remaining players.
| Player | Chips | Progress |
|---|---|---|
DL Daniel Lim Hung Chun | 15,600,000(78 BB) | 3,000,000 |
WW Wengang Wang | busted | -2,000,000 |
Kon Hong TangKon Hong Tang raised to 400,000 from under the gun and was called by Daniel Lim in the big blind.
Lim checked on the 4♣ 6♣ J♠ flop and Tang continued for 600,000. Lim then check-raised all in and Tang called all in for his remaining stack.
Kon Hong Tang: A♦ 6♠
Daniel Lim: J♦ T♥
Tang would need some help with his middle pair versus Lim's top pair, but the 2♠ K♥ runout bricked out - eliminating Tang in sixth place.
| Player | Chips | Progress |
|---|---|---|
DL Daniel Lim Hung Chun | 12,600,000(63 BB) | 2,400,000 |
KH Kon Hong Tang | busted | -2,300,000 |

| Player | Chips | Progress |
|---|---|---|
DL Daniel Lim Hung Chun | 10,200,000(64 BB) | -200,000 |
RD Richard Darmawan | 8,100,000(51 BB) | 700,000 |
MD Meng Dian Peng | 3,000,000(19 BB) | -800,000 |
KH Kon Hong Tang | 2,300,000(14 BB) | 550,000 |
MT Muneyuki Tanimura | 2,150,000(13 BB) | -800,000 |
WW Wengang Wang | 2,000,000(13 BB) | -300,000 |
Huanghua LiThe very next hand after Liau's elimination action folded to Daniel Lim on the button, who jammed all in and had Huanghua Li sat in the big blind, covered, who snap-called.
Huanghua Li: A♣ Q♠
Daniel Lim: T♥ T♠
Li gave out a cry of "Yes" on seeing the door card on the Q♥ J♦ 9♥ flop but he wasn't home and dry yet as Lim had outs to send him home.
The J♣ turn changed nothing, but when the 8♠ peeled off on the river, Lim hit his straight to send Li to the rail in seventh place.
| Player | Chips | Progress |
|---|---|---|
DL Daniel Lim Hung Chun | 10,400,000(65 BB) | 3,300,000 |
HL Huanghua Li | busted | -2,480,000 |
Yong Heng LiauAction folded to Yong Heng Liau in the cutoff who raised to 1,600,000, which left him 200,000 behind. Gene Richard Darmawan sat on the button, then three-bet all in, the blinds folded and Liau made the call for his tournament life.
Yong Heng Liau: A♠ Q♥
Gene Richard Darmawan: Q♣ Q♠
Liau was in a spot of bother and needed to hit his ace or some straightening run out to stay alive.
A clean run out of K♥ 8♣ 4♦ K♠ 7♠ for Darmawan and Liau was sent to the cage in eighth place.
| Player | Chips | Progress |
|---|---|---|
RD Richard Darmawan | 7,400,000(46 BB) | 3,100,000 |
YH Yong Heng Liau | busted | -2,300,000 |
Muneyuki TanimuraWengang Wang raised to 320,000 from the hijack and just behind him, Muneyuki Tanimura moved all in for 1,270,000 total from the cutoff. Action folded back to Wang, who called with a covering stack.
Muneyuki Tanimura: Q♣ J♣
Wengang Wang: Q♥ T♣
Tanimura had Wang dominated, and the A♦ J♠ 3♦ 6♦ Q♦ runout kept him best with two pair to score the double up.
| Player | Chips | Progress |
|---|---|---|
MT Muneyuki Tanimura | 2,950,000(18 BB) | 520,000 |
WW Wengang Wang | 2,300,000(14 BB) | -1,500,000 |
Gene DarmawanMengdian Peng opened to 320,000 from the cutoff and was looked up by Gene Richard Darmawan in the small blind and Daniel Lim in the big blind.
The players checked down the T♦ 3♠ Q♦ flop, as they did the J♣ turn for the T♠ to peel off on the river.
Darmawan checked to Lim, who fired off a river bet of 420,000. Peng folded quickly and after a short think Darmawan made the call and tabled 8♣ 8♦ but was crushed by Lim's 3♣ 3♥ for a flopped set and rivered full house, and Lim was pushed the pot.
| Player | Chips | Progress |
|---|---|---|
DL Daniel Lim Hung Chun | 7,100,000(44 BB) | 1,600,000 |
RD Richard Darmawan | 4,300,000(27 BB) | -600,000 |
MD Meng Dian Peng | 3,800,000(24 BB) | -1,250,000 |
Kon Hong TangDaniel Lim opened to 240,000 on the button and Kon Hong Tang defended his big blind.
Both players checked on the 9♦ J♠ T♠ flop and then Tang check-called a 220,000 bet from Lim on the 8♥ turn.
Tang moved all in after the T♥ paired the board on the river and Lim let his hand go.
On the very next hand, Tang raised to 240,000 from the small blind and Wengang Wang called in the big blind.
Wang called a 240,000 bet from Tang on the 6♠ Q♥ K♦ flop and action checked through on the 7♠ turn.
Tang check-called a 400,000 bet from Wang on the T♣ river and Wang revealed K♣ 9♣ for a pair of kings, which was good for the pot.
| Player | Chips | Progress |
|---|---|---|
DL Daniel Lim Hung Chun | 5,500,000(46 BB) | -900,000 |
WW Wengang Wang | 3,800,000(32 BB) | 1,810,000 |
KH Kon Hong Tang | 1,750,000(15 BB) | -420,000 |
Daniel LimGene Richard Darmawan made it 240,000 to play from early position and found a call from Daniel Lim in the next seat.
The flop came 4♥ 3♣ 8♠ and Darmawan checked to Lim, who bet out for 140,000. Darmawan tanked for a while and made the call.
Action went check, check on the 7♣ turn for the players to see the 2♥ peel off on the river.
Darmawan checked once more to Lim, who bet out for 320,000. Darmawan thought briefly and mucked his cards to send the pot to Lim with no showdown.
| Player | Chips | Progress |
|---|---|---|
DL Daniel Lim Hung Chun | 6,400,000(53 BB) | 1,400,000 |
RD Richard Darmawan | 4,900,000(41 BB) | 100,000 |
Yong Heng LiauIt was folded to the blinds, where Mengdian Peng shoved from the small blind to put Yong Heng Liau all in for his last 1,100,000.
Liau tossed some time extensions into the middle and tanked for a while, but eventually stuck a stack of chips into the middle to indicate a call.
Yong Heng Liau: A♠ 2♥
Mengdian Peng: 9♦ 5♠
It was the right call from Liau, and he was rewarded with a double up after the 8♦ 7♥ A♥ 8♥ 5♥ runout left him best with a pair of aces.
| Player | Chips | Progress |
|---|---|---|
MD Meng Dian Peng | 5,050,000(42 BB) | -1,800,000 |
YH Yong Heng Liau | 2,300,000(19 BB) | 840,000 |
Vikaash ShahAction folded to Vikaash Shah, who open-jammed all in from the small blind for around 800,000 and was snap-called by Muneyuki Tanimura in the big blind, who had Shah covered.
Vikaash Shah: K♥ T♠
Muneyuki Tanimura: A♥ A♠
Shah was unfortunate to jam into a monster and needed some help quickly.
The J♦ 8♣ 9♣ flop gave Shah an open-ended straight draw and a sweat to stay alive. The 6♥ turn changed nothing though and when the 6♠ peeled off on the river, Tanimura's aces held firm to send Shah to the rail in ninth place.
| Player | Chips | Progress |
|---|---|---|
MT Muneyuki Tanimura | 2,430,000(24 BB) | 450,000 |
VS Vikaash Shah | busted | -950,000 |
Daniel LimDaniel Lim opened to 200,000 first to act and Gene Richard Darmawan defended his big blind.
Both players checked on the 5♦ J♣ 7♥ flop and then Lim called a 200,000 bet from Darmawan on the 7♣ turn.
The T♣ filled out the board and Darmawan sized up for a bet of 800,000.
Lim didn't take long to call and Darmawan instantly mucked his cards, awarding the pot to Lim without a showdown.
| Player | Chips | Progress |
|---|---|---|
DL Daniel Lim Hung Chun | 5,000,000(50 BB) | 1,130,000 |
RD Richard Darmawan | 4,800,000(48 BB) | -1,260,000 |

| Player | Chips | Table | Seat |
|---|---|---|---|
VS Vikaash Shah | 950,000(10 BB) | 1 | 1 |
MT Muneyuki Tanimura | 1,980,000(20 BB) | 1 | 2 |
MD Meng Dian Peng | 6,850,000(69 BB) | 1 | 3 |
YH Yong Heng Liau | 1,460,000(15 BB) | 1 | 4 |
RD Richard Darmawan | 6,060,000(61 BB) | 1 | 5 |
DL Daniel Lim Hung Chun | 3,870,000(39 BB) | 1 | 6 |
HL Huanghua Li | 2,480,000(25 BB) | 1 | 7 |
KH Kon Hong Tang | 2,170,000(22 BB) | 1 | 8 |
WW Wengang Wang | 1,990,000(20 BB) | 1 | 9 |
Shuang LiShuang Li raised to 200,000 on the button and called a three-bet of 500,000 from Gene Richard Darmawan, who was in the small blind.
The flop came Q♦ 6♣ K♠ and Li folded facing a 200,000 bet from Darmawan to be left short.
Several hands later, action folded to Li in the small blind and he moved all in for his last 450,000. Darmawan stuck in a call from the big blind and a showdown was held.
Shuang Li: A♠ 9♥
Gene Richard Darmawan: A♦ 7♥
Li was favored, and a crowd gathered around to sweat the runout.
The Q♠ J♥ T♣ flop kept Darmawan behind, but the 7♣ turn vaulted him into the lead after pairing his seven.
The 4♥ completed the board - eliminating Li one spot shy of the final table.
| Player | Chips | Progress |
|---|---|---|
RD Richard Darmawan | 6,170,000(62 BB) | 2,270,000 |
SL Shuang Li | busted | -1,500,000 |
Kon Hong TangKon Hong Tang opened to 250,000 from the cutoff only for Mengdian Peng to three-bet all in from the button and he had Tang covered. Tang didn't take long and made the call.
Kon Hong Tang: K♥ K♦
Mengdian Peng: T♠ T♦
Tang had found the perfect spot for the double-up and now just needed his kings to hold.
Nothing changed on the Q♥ Q♠ 6♠ flop and when the J♦ peeled off on the turn Tang was nearly home and dry. The 4♦ brick of a river sealed the deal and Tang was shipped the pot for a double-up.
| Player | Chips | Progress |
|---|---|---|
MD Meng Dian Peng | 5,400,000(54 BB) | -1,400,000 |
KH Kon Hong Tang | 2,100,000(21 BB) | 1,200,000 |
James WangJames Wang limped from the small blind and Daniel Lim shoved from the big blind, which was enough to put Wang all in for approximately 1,500,000.
Wang slid his remaining chips into the middle and hands were revealed.
James Wang: A♠ 9♦
Daniel Lim: K♣ J♦
Wang held the lead with his ace, but that quickly changed after the Q♥ 7♣ J♥ flop paired Lim's jack.
"Seven! Seven!" Lim started shouting, hoping to stay ahead.
The 4♠ turn changed nothing, and Lim got his wish as the 7♦ completed the board - eliminating Wang in 11th place to set up the final table bubble.
| Player | Chips | Progress |
|---|---|---|
DL Daniel Lim Hung Chun | 3,200,000(32 BB) | 1,400,000 |
JW James Wang | busted | -2,400,000 |
Wengang WangYong Heng Liau opened to 160,000 from under the gun and found a call from Wengang Wang in the big blind.
The players checked down the 8♦ 4♦ T♠ flop as they did the Q♣ turn.
The J♣ peeled off on the river and Wang led out for 250,000 only for Liau to raise to 550,000. Wang thought for a while and made the call tabling J♠ 8♥ for a rivered two pair which had Liau's 7♣ 7♠ crushed and Wang was pushed the pot.
| Player | Chips | Progress |
|---|---|---|
WW Wengang Wang | 2,400,000(30 BB) | 1,145,000 |
YH Yong Heng Liau | 2,150,000(27 BB) | -750,000 |
Win Meng TanAction folded to Win Meng Tan in the small blind who made it 240,000 to play and was looked up by Mengdian Peng in the big blind.
The flop came 5♥ 2♥ 8♦ and Tan continued for 140,000 and Peng made the call.
The A♣ peeled off on the turn and Tan fired out a second bullet of 170,000. Peng raised all in and he had Tan covered.
Tan went deep deep into the tank and pushed in all his remaining time banks for the dealer to pull in at will. Seven of these were claimed by the dealer and Tan then made the call for his tournament life.
Win Meng Tan: A♦ T♦
Mengdian Peng: A♠ 5♣
Peng had spiked two pair to outdraw Tan who now needed help instantly to stay alive. The river bricked out with the 3♠ and Tan was sent to the rail in 12th place.
| Player | Chips | Progress |
|---|---|---|
MD Meng Dian Peng | 6,800,000(85 BB) | 800,000 |
WM Win Meng Tan | busted | -1,000,000 |
Tong TanMengdian Peng opened to 170,000 from the hijack and it was folded to Tong Tan, who moved all in from the small blind for his last 530,000. Peng tanked a bit, but eventually talked himself into a call to put Tan at risk.
Tong Tan: 8♦ 8♥
Mengdian Peng: Q♦ 6♦
It appeared that Peng's gamble wouldn't pay off after the 8♠ 9♦ 3♥ flop gave Tan a commanding lead with a set.
The 5♥ turn gave Peng a draw to a straight, however, and the 7♣ river completed it - eliminating Tan in 13th place in a rather cruel fashion.
| Player | Chips | Progress |
|---|---|---|
MD Meng Dian Peng | 6,000,000(75 BB) | 700,000 |
TT Tong Tan | busted | -880,000 |
Lim Xiang John LeeYong Heng Liau opened to 160,000 from the cutoff which sent short-stacked Lim Xiang John Lee into the tank and he pushed out his remaining time banks. The dealer pulled in two of these before he three-bet all in to 200,000. Action came back to Liau who made the call.
Lim Xiang John Lee: A♠ 8♥
Yong Heng Liau: K♦ T♦
Lim was ahead but not by much and Liau had outs to hit that could end Lim's run.
The dealer peeled off the 2♣ T♠ 3♣ flop to send Liau into the lead, and Lim now needed to hit an ace to stay alive.
Nothing changed on the Q♣ turn and when the river bricked out with the 5♣, Lim was sent to the cage in 14th place.
| Player | Chips | Progress |
|---|---|---|
YH Yong Heng Liau | 2,900,000(36 BB) | -150,000 |
LX Lim Xiang John Lee | busted | -1,200,000 |
Daniel Lim opened to 160,000 from the hijack and called a three-bet of 400,000 from Gene Richard Darmawan, who was in the big blind.
Lim called a 320,000 bet from Darmawan on the 3♦ 6♣ Q♥ flop and then both players checked on the K♦ turn and 2♣ river.
Darmawan tabled A♣ A♥ and Lim sent his cards into the muck.
| Player | Chips | Progress |
|---|---|---|
RD Richard Darmawan | 3,900,000(49 BB) | 1,350,000 |
DL Daniel Lim Hung Chun | 1,800,000(23 BB) | 1,770,000 |
Win Meng TanWin Meng Tan raised to 390,000 from early position, leaving himself just 10,000 behind. Mengdian Peng flat-called from the next seat and the rest of the table folded.
Tan checked in the dark and on the 9♣ K♠ 6♠ flop, Peng bet enough to put Tan all in, who snap-called.
Win Meng Tan: A♣ K♦
Mengdian Peng: J♠ J♥
Tan had hit his higher pair and just needed to avoid a jack or runner-runner for the double-up.
The Q♥ on the turn gave Tan a sweat, but the 8♠ brick of a river sealed the deal for his double-up.
| Player | Chips | Progress |
|---|---|---|
MD Meng Dian Peng | 5,300,000(66 BB) | -100,000 |
WM Win Meng Tan | 1,000,000(13 BB) | 180,000 |
Shuang LiDaniel Lim opened to 120,000 from the hijack and Shuang Li moved all in for a bit under 700,000 from the small blind. Lim called and a showdown was held.
Shuang Li: J♠ J♣
Daniel Lim: K♦ T♣
The 8♠ 5♥ 5♠ T♠ 3♣ runout kept Li's jacks best and he doubled up through Lim.
Lim lost more chips following the hand and has slipped to under three million.
| Player | Chips | Progress |
|---|---|---|
DL Daniel Lim Hung Chun | 2,650,000(44 BB) | -1,950,000 |
SL Shuang Li | 1,500,000(25 BB) | 450,000 |
Gagandeep MalikMengdian Peng opened to 120,000 from the cutoff and was looked up by Gagandeep Singh Malik on the button and Lim Xiang John Lee in the small blind.
On the 4♦ 8♥ T♥ flop, Peng led out for 120,000 only for Malik to raise all in for 420,000. Lim folded and Peng snap-called.
Gagandeep Singh Malik: T♠ 9♠
Mengdian Peng: 8♣ 8♠
Peng had flopped a set, and Malik was in deep trouble. The K♥ peeled off on the turn and left Malik drawing dead. The 7♦ river sealed the deal, and Malik was sent to the rail in 15th place.
| Player | Chips | Progress |
|---|---|---|
MD Meng Dian Peng | 5,400,000(90 BB) | 1,680,000 |
LX Lim Xiang John Lee | 1,200,000(20 BB) | -100,000 |
GM Gagandeep Malik | busted | -505,000 |
Richard DarmawanHuanghua Li opened to 120,000 from under the gun only for Gene Richard Darmawan to three-bet all in from the hijack. Action folded to Daniel Lim in the small blind, who four-bet all in and had both players covered. Li got out of the way quickly.
Gene Richard Darmawan: Q♥ Q♣
Daniel Lim: A♥ Q♠
Darmawan was looking good for the double-up and just needed to dodge an ace or some straightening cards.
The 2♥ 7♣ 3♣ flop changed nothing and when the K♦ peeled off on the turn it was just the ace that Darmawan needed to avoid. The river bricked out with the 9♦ and Darmawan was shipped the pot for the double-up.
| Player | Chips | Progress |
|---|---|---|
DL Daniel Lim Hung Chun | 4,600,000(77 BB) | -400,000 |
RD Richard Darmawan | 2,550,000(43 BB) | 450,000 |
Tong TanAction folded to the blinds, where Tong Tan shoved for his last 410,000 from the small blind. Kon Hong Tang called in the big blind with a covering stack and hands were revealed.
Tong Tan: 7♠ 6♥
Kon Hong Tang: A♥ 7♦
Tan unwittingly shoved into a dominating hand and had one foot out the door on the 4♥ J♥ J♦ flop. However, the 6♣ turn paired his six and left Tang shaking his head.
The 6♠ river further improved Tan to trips and he was awarded the double up.
A few hands later, Yong Heng Liau opened from middle position and Muneyuki Tanimura moved all in for his last 570,000. Action folded back to Liau, who called.
Muneyuki Tanimura: K♣ T♣
Yong Heng Liau: Q♣ Q♠
Liau was ahead, but the A♠ K♦ 3♦ flop paired Tanimura's king to put him in the lead.
The T♠ turn gave Tanimura two pair and the 8♣ changed nothing - awarding Tanimura the double up.
| Player | Chips | Progress |
|---|---|---|
YH Yong Heng Liau | 3,050,000(51 BB) | 10,000 |
MT Muneyuki Tanimura | 1,200,000(20 BB) | 810,000 |
KH Kon Hong Tang | 900,000(15 BB) | -200,000 |
TT Tong Tan | 880,000(15 BB) | -345,000 |
Win Meng TanWin Meng Tan raised to 320,000 from the cutoff, leaving himself just 10,000 behind. Action folded to Lim Xiang John Lee in the big blind, who flat-called.
The flop came 7♠ 9♣ Q♦, and Lim bet enough to put Tan all in, who made the call for his tournament life.
Win Meng Tan: K♠ T♥
Lim Xiang John Lee: A♠ J♦
Tan was behind and in trouble but had outs to hit to stay alive. The 8♠ turn changed nothing, but when the J♥ peeled off on the river, it made Tan a straight to double up and survive.
| Player | Chips | Progress |
|---|---|---|
LX Lim Xiang John Lee | 1,300,000(22 BB) | -350,000 |
WM Win Meng Tan | 820,000(14 BB) | 275,000 |
Vikaash ShahAction folded around to the blinds, where Daniel Lim shoved to put Vikaash Shah all in for his last 400,000. Shah looked down at his hole cards and slid his short stack into the middle.
Vikaash Shah: K♦ T♣
Daniel Lim: K♠ 2♣
Shah had Lim dominated, and the 8♦ 8♣ 6♦ 3♥ 7♦ runout kept him best with his ten-kicker to be awarded the double up.
| Player | Chips | Progress |
|---|---|---|
DL Daniel Lim Hung Chun | 5,000,000(83 BB) | |
VS Vikaash Shah | 860,000(14 BB) | 400,000 |
Richard DarmawanHuanghua Li raised to 120,000 from the button and was looked up by Gene Richard Darmawan in the big blind.
The flop came J♦ 8♥ 3♥ and Darmawan checked to Li, who continued for 100,000. Darmawan then put in a check-raise to 250,000 and after a short tank, Li made the call.
On the 2♠ turn Darmawan led out for 510,000 which got a quick fold from Li who claimed he wanted to call with a flush draw.
| Player | Chips | Progress |
|---|---|---|
HL Huanghua Li | 2,350,000(39 BB) | -520,000 |
RD Richard Darmawan | 2,100,000(35 BB) | 110,000 |
Daniel Lim opened to 120,000 from the cutoff and called a three-bet of 360,000 from Huang Li in the big blind.
Lim called a 250,000 bet from Li on the 10c 9♦ A♣ flop and then both players checked down on the J♠ turn and 10s river.
Li tabled Q♠ Q♥, but his ladies were no good against Lim's A♠ 2♠ for a pair of aces.
| Player | Chips | Progress |
|---|---|---|
DL Daniel Lim Hung Chun | 5,000,000(83 BB) | 1,845,000 |
SL Shuang Li | 1,050,000(18 BB) | -300,000 |
Muneyuki TanimuraGagandeep Singh Malik made it 180,000 to play from the cutoff and action folded to Muneyuki Tanimura in the big blind who tanked for a short while and then three-bet all in for 360,000. Malik snap-called for the 180,000 extra.
Muneyuki Tanimura: A♣ A♦
Gagandeep Singh Malik: 3♥ 3♦
Some sweat for Tanimura on the 2♥ 2♦ 4♦ flop and the A♥ on the turn gave Malik some additional outs. The river bricked out with the 7♦ and Tanimura's bullets held firm and he was pushed the pot for the double-up.
| Player | Chips | Progress |
|---|---|---|
GM Gagandeep Malik | 505,000(8 BB) | -425,000 |
MT Muneyuki Tanimura | 390,000(7 BB) | -155,000 |
Chuantao SuinOn the very first hand, Chuantao Sun opened to 130,000 from the cutoff and was three-bet to 350,000 by Daniel Lim in the big blind. Sun shoved for his entire stack of 1,500,000 and Lim called to put him at risk.
Chuantao Sun: Q♦ Q♣
Daniel Lim: A♠ K♦
It was a massive flip to start things off, and the K♣ 7♦ 9♣ A♣ 9♦ runout improved Lim to two pair, eliminating Sun in 16th place and giving Lim the chip lead.
| Player | Chips | Progress |
|---|---|---|
DL Daniel Lim Hung Chun | 4,700,000(94 BB) | 1,545,000 |
CS Chuantao Sun | busted | -1,565,000 |
Poker Dream 25 Main Event TrophyAfter 12 starting flights and a hard-fought Day 2, the field of 1,043 entries in Event #34: Main Event (MYR 4M GTD) has been whittled down to just 16 players. Today at Poker Dream 25 Malaysia, one of them will be crowned champion.
The remaining contenders will return to Genting Highlands at noon with one goal in mind - capturing the prestigious Poker Dream Main Event title and claiming the MYR 660,000 (~USD 165,000) first-place prize.
China's Mengdian Peng enters the final day as the man to beat after surging to the top of the leaderboard during the closing stages of Day 2. Peng bagged a tournament-leading 3,720,000 in chips and is best positioned to capture his first Poker Dream title.
However, the road to victory will be far from easy, with several contenders also holding formidable stacks. Singapore's Daniel Lim will begin the day second in chips with 3,155,000, while Malaysia's Yong Heng Liau sits just behind with 3,040,000 after making one of the biggest comebacks of the tournament during Day 2.
| Player | Chips | Table | Seat |
|---|---|---|---|
WW Wengang Wang | 1,255,000 | 1 | 1 |
DL Daniel Lim Hung Chun | 1,800,000 | 1 | 2 |
VS Vikaash Shah | 460,000 | 1 | 3 |
HL Huanghua Li | 2,870,000 | 1 | 4 |
SL Shuang Li | 1,350,000 | 1 | 5 |
CS Chuantao Sun | 1,565,000 | 1 | 6 |
RD Richard Darmawan | 1,990,000 | 1 | 7 |
JW James Wang | 2,400,000 | 1 | 8 |
YH Yong Heng Liau | 3,040,000 | 2 | 1 |
LX Lim Xiang John Lee | 1,650,000 | 2 | 2 |
MT Muneyuki Tanimura | 545,000 | 2 | 3 |
TT Tong Tan | 1,225,000 | 2 | 4 |
KH Kon Hong Tang | 1,100,000 | 2 | 5 |
WM Win Meng Tan | 545,000 | 2 | 6 |
MD Meng Dian Peng | 3,720,000 | 2 | 7 |
GM Gagandeep Malik | 930,000 | 2 | 8 |
The remaining field features a strong mix of international talent and familiar Poker Dream faces, including Shuang Li, Tong Tan, and Kon Hong Tang. Two players will also be looking to improve on previous deep Main Event runs at Poker Dream 21 Malaysia - Gagandeep Singh Malik, who finished sixth and returns with a short but still playable stack of 930,000 (19 big blinds), and Muneyuki Tanimura, who placed fourth in that same event and will begin with 545,000 (11 big blinds).
The final day will begin with all remaining players guaranteed at least MYR 24,900 (~USD 6,225), but the stakes will quickly escalate as the field races toward the final table and the biggest prizes of the tournament. Below is the complete payout schedule for the final 16 places.

Play resumes at noon with 14:21 remaining on Level 26, featuring blinds of 25,000/50,000 with a 50,000 big blind ante. Levels will increase to 60 minutes in length for the remainder of the tournament, with breaks scheduled after every two hours of play.
Sixteen players remain. One Gold Dragon trophy awaits. Stay tuned to our live updates here as we follow the action from the opening deal until a new Poker Dream Main Event champion is crowned.
| Player | Chips | Table | Seat |
|---|---|---|---|
WW Wengang Wang | 1,255,000(16 BB) | 1 | 1 |
DL Daniel Lim Hung Chun | 1,800,000(23 BB) | 1 | 2 |
VS Vikaash Shah | 460,000(6 BB) | 1 | 3 |
HL Huanghua Li | 2,870,000(36 BB) | 1 | 4 |
SL Shuang Li | 1,350,000(17 BB) | 1 | 5 |
CS Chuantao Sun | 1,565,000(20 BB) | 1 | 6 |
RD Richard Darmawan | 1,990,000(25 BB) | 1 | 7 |
JW James Wang | 2,400,000(30 BB) | 1 | 8 |
YH Yong Heng Liau | 3,040,000(38 BB) | 2 | 1 |
LX Lim Xiang John Lee | 1,650,000(21 BB) | 2 | 2 |
MT Muneyuki Tanimura | 545,000(7 BB) | 2 | 3 |
TT Tong Tan | 1,225,000(15 BB) | 2 | 4 |
KH Kon Hong Tang | 1,100,000(14 BB) | 2 | 5 |
WM Win Meng Tan | 545,000(7 BB) | 2 | 6 |
MD Meng Dian Peng | 3,720,000(47 BB) | 2 | 7 |
GM Gagandeep Malik | 930,000(12 BB) | 2 | 8 |
| Player | Chips |
|---|---|
MD Meng Dian Peng | 3,720,000 |
YH Yong Heng Liau | 3,040,000 |
HL Huanghua Li | 2,870,000 |
JW James Wang | 2,400,000 |
RD Richard Darmawan | 1,990,000 |
DL Daniel Lim Hung Chun | 1,800,000 |
LX Lim Xiang John Lee | 1,650,000 |
CS Chuantao Sun | 1,565,000 |
SL Shuang Li | 1,350,000 |
WW Wengang Wang | 1,255,000 |
TT Tong Tan | 1,225,000 |
KH Kon Hong Tang | 1,100,000 |
GM Gagandeep Malik | 930,000 |
MT Muneyuki Tanimura | 545,000 |
WM Win Meng Tan | 545,000 |
VS Vikaash Shah | 460,000 |
| Place | Payout (MYR) | Payout (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 660,000 | $161,400 |
| 2 | 438,200 | $107,160 |
| 3 | 304,100 | $74,365 |
| 4 | 214,500 | $52,455 |
| 5 | 153,900 | $37,635 |
| 6 | 112,300 | $27,465 |
| 7 | 83,400 | $20,395 |
| 8 | 63,100 | $15,430 |
| 9 | 48,600 | $11,885 |
| 10 | 38,200 | $9,340 |
| 11 | 38,200 | $9,340 |
| 12 | 30,600 | $7,485 |
| 13 | 30,600 | $7,485 |
| 14 | 30,600 | $7,485 |
| 15 | 30,600 | $7,485 |
| 16 | 24,900 | $6,090 |