Interview With Lei Yu After Winning The Red Dragon Prestige High Roller

You've had so much success with plenty of final tables here in Jeju - including the back to back to back super high roller and both superstar challenge final tables at the Poker Dream 16 we had the pleasure to report about - what is it about jeju or the landing casino that brings the best out of you?

I guess this is one of my “home courts.” We’re the Red Dragon Team, and Red Dragon events are held here regularly, so I come often. Maybe the familiarity—and a bit of good luck—helps.

Another congrats is in order, winning your first WSOP bracelet in December. How big of a bucket list item was that for you and did finally winning one change anything for you professionally or privately?

Winning a bracelet is every player’s ultimate dream, so I was very happy to achieve it. But honestly, life hasn’t changed much—I just go with the flow.

How do you maintain focus and composure during long tournament days

Mainly by getting good rest. Once I’m at the table I raise my concentration, play each hand well, and keep an eye on what my opponents are doing.

Lets talk about the final table. Did you make any adjustments to your play style during the final table especially with the chip leader on your right side? explain what strategy you used.

It wasn’t too bad—having position on him most of the time let me play some marginal hands and build big pots against him.

Who is your toughest opponent in the final table and why?

Honestly, nobody felt especially tough. I also ran pretty well on that FT.

Can you describe a hand where you made a risky play that paid off, and what were the factors you considered?

I wouldn’t say I took huge risks. When a hand fell into my range, I just played it the way it should be played—and I was lucky in this event.

What motivated you to pursue poker professionally, and how did you transition to high-stakes play?

I started in 2013, playing with friends. I loved the game and kept grinding tournaments. Moving up was a step-by-step process: start small, build experience and bankroll online, and gradually transition upward.

What's been the biggest challenge you've faced in poker, and how did you overcome it?

There were plenty of downswings when nothing went right and I doubted myself. Continuous study and self-adjustment helped me push through, one step at a time.

What advice would you give to someone aspiring to become a high-stakes poker player?

Try higher buy-ins only when you can afford them. High-roller fields are tough, but playing them teaches you a lot and builds experience.

How do you adjust your opening range based on stack sizes and game context?

First study each player’s style, then adapt. Versus tighter opponents I open wider; against aggressive ones I tighten up. Chip stack, tournament stage, and looming pay jumps all factor in.

How do you manage your hand frequency when you are on the button versus the small blind?

I stay flexible—ranges shift with stack depth, stage, and opponent tendencies.

How do you manage your emotions and tilt in heads-up?

Don’t overthink. Treat every hand seriously, stay patient, forget about the title, and focus on playing mistake-free poker.

How do manage to gain the lead in the heads up play?

With deep stacks, you have room. Spot your opponent’s leaks, accumulate chips gradually, or take controlled aggressive lines in smaller pots and manage post-flop tempo.