South Korea, LES A CasinoEVENT #HR2

2026.05.22 - 2026.05.24Add to Calendar

The Lord Poker Tour

Blind level

Level 20: 40,000 / 80,000 ante: 80,000

Entries

1/24

Total Chips

6,000,000

Average

6,000,000

Tim BakerTim Baker

5/23/2026, 2:39:54 PM

Joshua Gebissa Defeats Daniel "Jungleman" Cates Heads-Up to Claim TLPT High Roller Main Event Title

Level 20: 40,000 / 80,000 ante: 80,000

Joshua Gebissa

The TLPT High Roller Main Event has come to an end inside LES A Casino, Jeju, with Germany’s Joshua Gebissa coming out on top after defeating Daniel “Jungleman” Cates heads-up to take the trophy and the $146,410 top prize from the $360,000 prize pool.

Gebissa had to get through one of poker’s most well-known heads-up end bosses to close it out, with Cates having long been regarded as one of the toughest heads-up players from his online poker days. However, it was Gebissa who kept his cool when it mattered most, picking off Cates' triple barrel bluff in the final hand to deny the American of the title.

The event drew 24 entries, with only the top four players making the money. Cates finished runner-up for $97,600, while Martin Sedlak and Dong Chen also found their way onto the payout sheet.

Final Table Results

Place	Player	Prize (USD)
1	JG Joshua GebissaGermany	$146,410
2	DC Daniel CatesUnited States of America	$97,600
3	MS Martin SedlakGermany	$66,060
4	DC Dong ChenChina	$49,930

Day 2 Action

After late registration closed at the start of the day, 14 players were seated before the first shuffle. Cates came in as the chip leader, closely followed by Gebissa, while Quan Zhou rounded out the top three.

The eliminations came quickly to start the day. Short-stacked Xuan Liu was the first to go, while Rafael Navas and Yoko Sasaki soon followed. Yue Zhang lost a flip to Quang Minh Nguyen to bust, bringing the tournament down to the final table bubble.

David Peters

The final table bubble burst when Cates got the better of David Peters. Cates raised ace-ten and called the jam of Peters, who held king-queen. Peters was drawing dead by the turn, and the final table was set with Nguyen leading, Cates close behind, and Gebissa sitting in the middle of the pack.

The Final Table

With only four spots paid, more than half the finalists were to go home empty-handed. Cates started well and picked up value with the nuts against Nguyen, while Chen also began to climb the counts after forcing folds from both Gebissa and Zhou in two separate large pots.

Ranno Sootla was the first to fall at the final table. Zhou had just put him in the blender with a big river bet, although Sootla correctly folded. The next hand, Cates finished him off when his pocket kings held against Sootla’s king-queen.

Haruhiko Shinohara and Ranno Sootla

After the elimination of Haruhiko Shinohara, Nguyen, and Le the tournament was down to the direct bubble. Martin Sedlak found a timely double through Cates with a flopped flush. Cates had rivered a straight and paid off Sedlak's river jam, allowing Sedlak some breathing room from the bottom.

Zhou ended up being the unfortunate player to leave with nothing. He shoved ace-eight from the small blind and was snapped off by Cates in the big blind, who held big slick. Zhou needed help, but the runout bricked out, making him the bubble boy and locking up the final four players at least $49,930.

Quan Zhou

Chen came into the money with a workable stack but could not turn it into a deeper run. First, he failed a bluff against Sedlak, and then Gebissa doubled through him with ace-ten to Chen's queen-eight. Chen was then left short, and Cates finished the job when his pair held against Chen’s overcards.

Three-handed play was swingy, with Sedlak, Cates, and Gebissa all taking turns near the top. Cates put pressure on Sedlak in a few spots, including one river check-raise that forced Sedlak to fold a flush. Gebissa kept winning small pots of his own to keep himself afloat. He squeezed value out of Cates with a pair of eights and later improved to a full house against Cates to give him the chip lead.

Sedlak then became the short stack and could not spin it back up. He jammed from the small blind holding queen-nine, and Gebissa made the call with a weak ace. Sedlak could not improve on the runout, sending him out in third for $66,060 and giving Gebissa the chip lead going into heads-up.

Martin Sedlack

Heads-Up Match

Gebissa entered heads-up with a slight lead over Cates, but the American took the first few pots to bring it back to almost even. Gebissa regained his lead and then some immediately after, correctly value-betting third pair and getting Cates to make the call with fourth pair.

The final hand came soon after. Gebissa limped the button with queen-nine, and Cates raised from the big blind holding seven-five. Gebissa called, then called bets on the flop and turn before Cates jammed the river for his remaining stack. Gebissa snap-called with trips, and Cates could only show seven-high.

Dan Cates

That call ended the tournament, with Cates having to settle for second place while Gebissa was crowned the TLPT High Roller Main Event champion for $146,410.

That concludes Somuchpoker's coverage of this event, but be sure to tune back in on Sunday, May 24, as the $25,000 High Roller gets underway from 3 p.m. local time.

Tim BakerTim Baker

5/23/2026, 2:32:48 PM

Joshua Gebissa Wins TLPT High Roller Main Event for $146,410

Level 20: 40,000 / 80,000 ante: 80,000

Joshua Gebissa

Joshua Gebissa has just defeated Daniel Cates heads-up to claim victory in TLPT High Roller Main Event for $146,410.

Stay tuned for a recap of the day's action.

Tim BakerTim Baker

5/23/2026, 2:24:23 PM

Daniel Cates Eliminated in 2nd Place For $97,600

Level 20: 40,000 / 80,000 ante: 80,000

Daniel Cates

Joshua Gebissa called on the button and Daniel Cates made it 300,000 to go from the big blind. Gebissa opted to call.

Cates bet 225,000 on the 3♣ 9♣ 9♠ flop, which was called by Gebissa, and the 2♥ arrived on the turn.

Cates decided to gather together a second barrel of 750,000, and again Gebissa continued in the form of a call.

A K♦ completed the board. Cated did some inventory of his stack, and then jammed for 1,300,000. Gebissa called and it was all over.

Cates showed a total airball with 7♦ 5♦, and Gebissa revealed the winning hand holding Q♥ 9♥ for trips on the flop.

Cates had to settle for a runner-up finish worth $97,600, while Gebissa was crowned champion of TLPT High Roller Main Event.

Player	Chips	Progress
JG Joshua GebissaGermany	6,000,000(75 BB)	2,400,000
DC Daniel CatesUnited States of America	busted	-2,400,000

Tim BakerTim Baker

5/23/2026, 2:18:27 PM

Gebissa Extends His Lead

Level 20: 40,000 / 80,000 ante: 80,000

Joshua Gebissa

Joshua Gebissa called from the small blind and Daniel Cates checked in the big blind.

Catres check-called a bet of 80,000 from Gebissa on the J♦ 5♠ A♣ flop.

An 8♣ hit the turn and both players checked for the 4♥ to complete the board.

Cates quickly checked and Gebissa bet 200,000. Cates started asking Gebissa in a jovial way, "What the f**k you got, what the f**k you got?"

In the end, Cates made the call. Gebissa showed 8♦ 6♦ for third pair, and it was good to win the pot as Cates mucked 9♥ 5♦ for a lower pair.

Player	Chips	Progress
JG Joshua GebissaGermany	3,600,000(45 BB)	200,000
DC Daniel CatesUnited States of America	2,400,000(30 BB)	-200,000

Tim BakerTim Baker

5/23/2026, 2:16:43 PM

Cates Wins the First Pot

Level 20: 40,000 / 80,000 ante: 80,000

Holding J♥ 8♦, Joshua Gebissa called from the small blind and Daniel Cates raised to 300,000 from the big blind with J♠ 6♣. Gebissa called to see the 2♠ 4♠ T♣ flop.

Cates bet 300,000 and Gebissa let go of his hand.

Player	Chips	Progress
JG Joshua GebissaGermany	3,400,000(43 BB)	-300,000
DC Daniel CatesUnited States of America	2,600,000(33 BB)	500,000

Tim BakerTim Baker

5/23/2026, 2:16:15 PM

Heads-Up Begins

Level 20: 40,000 / 80,000 ante: 80,000

Player	Chips
JG Joshua GebissaGermany	3,700,000(46 BB)
DC Daniel CatesUnited States of America	2,100,000(26 BB)

Tim BakerTim Baker

5/23/2026, 2:13:31 PM

Short Break

Level 20: 40,000 / 80,000 ante: 80,000

There will be a short break before the start of heads-up.

Tim BakerTim Baker

5/23/2026, 2:07:00 PM

Martin Sedlak Eliminated in 3rd Place for $$66,060

Level 20: 40,000 / 80,000 ante: 80,000

Martin Sedlak

Martin Sedlak jammed from the small blind for 1,100,000 and after getting an exact count from the dealer, Joshua Gebissa made the call.

Martin Sedlak: Q♦ 9♥

Joshua Gebissa: A♠ 4♣

Gebissa had come to the right decision with ace-high and just needed Sedlak not to improve to go into heads-up with the chip lead.

The dealer put out a board of T♣ 4♦ K♥ 8♠ 7♠, keeping Gebissa ahead the entire time, and Seldak was gone in third place for $66,060.

Player	Chips	Progress
JG Joshua GebissaGermany	3,700,000(46 BB)	1,200,000
MS Martin SedlakGermany	busted	-1,500,000

Kai CocklinKai Cocklin

5/23/2026, 1:59:48 PM

Cates Flops a Flush

Level 20: 40,000 / 80,000 ante: 80,000

Dan Cates limped in from the small blind with 9♦ 2♦ and Martin Sedlak checked the big blind with T♣ 5♠.

Cates flopped a flush on the 4♦ 7♦ 6♦ flop and bet 80,000, which Sedlak called with his open-ender.

A 5♦ on the turn checked through to the 3♥ river, which put a straight on board. Cates then fired 265,000 with a flush, and Sedlak had to decide if he wanted to call for a potential chop.

Eventually, he decided against it and laid it down, earning Cates the pot.

Player	Chips	Progress
DC Daniel CatesUnited States of America	2,300,000(29 BB)	200,000
MS Martin SedlakGermany	1,100,000(14 BB)	-400,000

Tim BakerTim Baker

5/23/2026, 1:51:02 PM

Updated Chip Counts

Level 20: 40,000 / 80,000 ante: 80,000

Player	Chips	Progress
JG Joshua GebissaGermany	2,500,000(31 BB)	100,000
DC Daniel CatesUnited States of America	2,100,000(26 BB)
MS Martin SedlakGermany	1,500,000(19 BB)

Tim BakerTim Baker

5/23/2026, 1:46:00 PM

Cates Takes From Gebissa

Level 20: 40,000 / 80,000 ante: 80,000

With T♣ 5♦, Joshua Gebissa raised to 225,000 from the small blind and Daniel Cates defended his big blind holding K♠ 5♠.

The flop came down 6♦ Q♥ 7♠ and Gebissa started out with a check. Cates checked behind, and the dealer dropped the 2♦ on the turn.

Gebissa checked again, and Cates fired for 195,000. Gebissa quickly folded.

Player	Chips
JG Joshua GebissaGermany	2,400,000(30 BB)
DC Daniel CatesUnited States of America	2,100,000(26 BB)

Kai CocklinKai Cocklin

5/23/2026, 1:41:10 PM

Gebissa Reclaims the Chip Lead

Level 20: 40,000 / 80,000 ante: 80,000

Dan Cates raised to 170,000 on the button with J♠ 8♦ and Joshua Gebissa looked down at A♥ 7♦ before he called from the big blind.

The flop came down A♠ 3♥ K♦ and after Gebissa checked, Cates fired 150,000. Gebissa called with his ace and improved to two pair on the 7♥ turn.

Again Gebissa checked, and this time Cates went big with a bet of 490,000. After taking some time, Gebissa called with his two pair

The A♣ saw Gebissa improve to a full house and the action checked down, which vaulted him back to the chip lead.

Player	Chips	Progress
JG Joshua GebissaGermany	2,600,000(33 BB)	800,000
DC Daniel CatesUnited States of America	1,900,000(24 BB)	-1,000,000

Level 20: 40,000 / 80,000 ante: 80,000

50 minutes

Remaining Players: 3/24

Kai CocklinKai Cocklin

5/23/2026, 1:35:58 PM

Sedlak Turns a Flush Against Gebissa

Level 19: 30,000 / 60,000 ante: 60,000

Joshua Gebissa opened the button to 125,000 with T♦ T♣ and Martin Sedlak defended the big blind with 8♦ 6♦.

The flop came 3♥ 4♦ K♦, which gave Sedlak a flush draw. After a check from Sedlak, Gebissa fired 85,0000. Sedlak called.

Both checked the A♦ turn to the 2♠ river, where Sedlak gathered chips and bet 475,000. Gebissa took some time to mull it over before he eventually flicked in a call.

Player	Chips	Progress
JG Joshua GebissaGermany	1,800,000(30 BB)	-700,000
MS Martin SedlakGermany	1,500,000(25 BB)	625,000

Tim BakerTim Baker

5/23/2026, 1:31:43 PM

Gebissa Squeezes Value Out of Cates

Level 19: 30,000 / 60,000 ante: 60,000

Joshua Gebissa called from the small blind and Daniel Cates raised to 190,000 from the big blind. Gebissa called to see the 8♠ T♠ 7♣ flop.

Both checked and the 3♠ arrived on the turn. Gebissa took the aggressive route by firing for 125,000. Cates called.

The 6♣ completed the runout, and Gebissa bet 150,000. Cates decided to call and was shown A♠ 8♥ by Gebissa for a pair of eights. Cates couldn't beat it, as he mucked A♦ J♣ for ace-high.

Player	Chips	Progress
DC Daniel CatesUnited States of America	2,900,000(48 BB)	-300,000
JG Joshua GebissaGermany	2,500,000(42 BB)	600,000

Tim BakerTim Baker

5/23/2026, 1:24:32 PM

Cates and Sedlak Tussle

Level 19: 30,000 / 60,000 ante: 60,000

Daniel Cates and Martin Sedlak

Daniel Cates called from the small blind with K♥ 9♣, and Martin Sedlak checked back out of the big blind holding J♥ 6♥.

Cates bet the minimum of 60,000 on the 9♥ 3♥ 9♦ flop and Sedlak called.

An A♥ hit the turn, causing Cates to bet 155,000. Sedlak called.

Cates slowed down and checked the 8♥ river. Sedlak announced a bet of 430,000, and after a few moments, Cates check-raised, putting Sedlak all in for his remaining 875,000.

Sedlak burned through a few of his time banks and folded his flush.

Player	Chips	Progress
DC Daniel CatesUnited States of America	3,200,000(53 BB)	700,000
MS Martin SedlakGermany	875,000(15 BB)	-725,000

Tim BakerTim Baker

5/23/2026, 1:20:46 PM

Cates Bets Every Street

Level 19: 30,000 / 60,000 ante: 60,000

Joshua Gebissa completed from the small blind with K♠ 8♦ and Daniel Cates checked his option holding 9♥ 3♥ from the big blind.

Gebissa check-called Cate's 60,000 bet on the T♥ T♠ 6♦ flop.

An 8♥ on the turn saw Gebissa check-call a bet of 225,000 from Cates.

The 7♠ on the river got a final check from Gebissa, and Cates fired for 415,000. Gebissa folded and relinquished the pot to Cates.

Player	Chips	Progress
DC Daniel CatesUnited States of America	2,500,000(42 BB)	600,000
JG Joshua GebissaGermany	1,900,000(32 BB)
MS Martin SedlakGermany	1,600,000(27 BB)	-500,000

Tim BakerTim Baker

5/23/2026, 1:06:08 PM

Gebissa Climbs the Chip Counts

Level 19: 30,000 / 60,000 ante: 60,000

Martin Sedlak raised to 160,000 from the small blind and Joshua Gebissa three-bet to 315,000 out of the big blind. Sedlak called and saw the 6♠ 2♣ A♣ flop.

Sedlak check-called a bet of 100,000 from Gebissa and the 5♥ fell on the turn. Sedlak checked for a second time and Gebissa fired for 225,000. Again, Sedlak called.

Both checked the K♦ river and Sedlak showed 5♦ 3♦ for a pair of fives. Gebissa tabled 7♠ 7♣ for a bigger pair, and he was given the pot.

Player	Chips
MS Martin SedlakGermany	2,100,000(35 BB)
JG Joshua GebissaGermany	1,900,000(32 BB)

Tim BakerTim Baker

5/23/2026, 1:05:27 PM

Sedlak Pulling Away

Level 19: 30,000 / 60,000 ante: 60,000

Player	Chips	Progress
MS Martin SedlakGermany	2,800,000(47 BB)
DC Daniel CatesUnited States of America	1,900,000(32 BB)	-200,000
JG Joshua GebissaGermany	1,300,000(22 BB)	100,000

Tim BakerTim Baker

5/23/2026, 1:02:00 PM

Cates Loses Out to Sedlak Again

Level 19: 30,000 / 60,000 ante: 60,000

Daniel Cates

Daniel Cates completed from the small blind and Martin Sedlak checked back from the big blind.

Cates bet 65,000 on the 6♦ K♦ 2♠ flop and was met by a raise to 200,000 from Sedlak. Cates continued with a call.

A board-pairing K♥ came on the turn and Cates led out for 125,000. Sedlak called.

A J♠ on the river caused Cates to check. Sedlak thought about and checked behind. Cates showed Q♦ 3♥ for a pair of threes and lost the pot to Sedlak's J♦ 6♠ for a higher pair.

Player	Chips	Progress
MS Martin SedlakGermany	2,800,000(47 BB)	600,000
DC Daniel CatesUnited States of America	2,100,000(35 BB)	-500,000

Tim BakerTim Baker

5/23/2026, 12:50:57 PM

Updated Chip Counts

Level 19: 30,000 / 60,000 ante: 60,000

Player	Chips	Progress
DC Daniel CatesUnited States of America	2,600,000(43 BB)	500,000
MS Martin SedlakGermany	2,200,000(37 BB)	-200,000
JG Joshua GebissaGermany	1,200,000(20 BB)	-200,000

Tim BakerTim Baker

5/23/2026, 12:43:05 PM

Sedlak Unloads the Chamber

Level 19: 30,000 / 60,000 ante: 60,000

With 7♦ 4♣, Martin Sedlak called from the small blind and Joshua Gebissa checked his option from the big blind holding Q♣ T♥.

Sedlak fired for 60,000 on the 8♣ 8♥ 9♠ flop and Gebissa called.

An 8♦ arrived on the turn and Sedlak continued to be aggressive, choosing the sizing of 180,000. Gebissa called.

The 3♦ was the river card and Sedlak decided to bet 380,000. Gebissa tanked for a while and then returned his cards to the dealer.

Player	Chips	Progress
MS Martin SedlakGermany	2,400,000(40 BB)	200,000
JG Joshua GebissaGermany	1,400,000(23 BB)	-400,000

Level 19: 30,000 / 60,000 ante: 60,000

50 minutes

Remaining Players: 3/24

Tim BakerTim Baker

5/23/2026, 12:26:41 PM

Chip Counts; Short Break

Level 18: 25,000 / 50,000 ante: 50,000

The three players are going on a short 15-minute break.

Player	Chips	Progress
MS Martin SedlakGermany	2,200,000(44 BB)	-100,000
DC Daniel CatesUnited States of America	2,100,000(42 BB)	-200,000
JG Joshua GebissaGermany	1,800,000(36 BB)	610,000

Tim BakerTim Baker

5/23/2026, 12:18:54 PM

Cates Chips Up

Level 18: 25,000 / 50,000 ante: 50,000

Daniel Cates completed from the small blind with K♦ 9♥ and Martin Sedlak made it 160,000 from the big blind with Q♦ J♦. Cates called.

A check came from Cates on the 9♠ 3♣ 7♣ flop, and Sedlak checked behind.

Cates led out for 285,000 when he saw the 2♣ turn and Sedlak snap-folded.

Player	Chips	Progress
MS Martin SedlakGermany	2,300,000(46 BB)	-400,000
DC Daniel CatesUnited States of America	2,300,000(46 BB)

Tim BakerTim Baker

5/23/2026, 12:13:45 PM

Dong Chen Eliminated in 4th Place for $49,930

Level 18: 25,000 / 50,000 ante: 50,000

Dong Chen

Dong Chen jammed the button for 705,000 and Daniel Cates called from the big blind.

Dong Chen: K♠ Q♦

Daniel Cates: J♥ J♣

Chen was in a flip with the overcards against Cates's pair.

Chen picked up two more outs on the T♣ 5♥ A♥ flop in the form of a straight draw.

A 9♠ on the turn meant only a paint card on the river would save Chen.

it wasn't to be as the 6♦ completed the board, and Chen headed to the exit in fourth for $49,930

Player	Chips	Progress
DC Daniel CatesUnited States of America	2,300,000(46 BB)
DC Dong ChenChina	busted	-605,000

Tim BakerTim Baker

5/23/2026, 12:10:15 PM

Sedlak Moves Into the Chip Lead

Level 18: 25,000 / 50,000 ante: 50,000

Daniel Cates raised to 100,000 with K♦ 9♣ on the button. Martin Sedlak called from the small blind with A♥ Q♦, and Dong Chen defended 9♦ 8♥ from the big blind.

Everyone checked the 2♥ 3♥ Q♠ flop and the 6♣ came on the turn. Sedlak bet out for 200,000, which got Chen to fold. Cates raised to 800,000, and after a long think, Sedlak jammed for 1,600,000 total.

Cates immediately folded, and Sedlak took the chip lead.

Player	Chips	Progress
MS Martin SedlakGermany	2,700,000(54 BB)	1,000,000
DC Daniel CatesUnited States of America	1,800,000(36 BB)	-100,000
DC Dong ChenChina	605,000(12 BB)	-25,000

Tim BakerTim Baker

5/23/2026, 12:05:13 PM

"One For America"

Level 18: 25,000 / 50,000 ante: 50,000

Daniel Cates and Martin Sedlak

Daniel Cates completed from the small blind and Martin Sedlak checked in the big blind.

Cates led out for 50,000 on the 2♣ 3♣ K♦ flop and Sedlak called.

A Q♦ came on the turn and Cates chose to check-call a bet of 165,000 from Sedlak. Cates called.

Both checked the 9♣ river and Cates won the pot with A♣ J♥ for ace-high, as Sedlak mucked A♦ 4♦.

When the pot went to Cates, he exclaimed, "One for America, AMERICA!"

Player	Chips	Progress
DC Daniel CatesUnited States of America	2,400,000(48 BB)	200,000
MS Martin SedlakGermany	1,700,000(34 BB)	-300,000

Tim BakerTim Baker

5/23/2026, 11:59:29 AM

Gebissa Doubles Through Chen

Level 18: 25,000 / 50,000 ante: 50,000

Joshua Gebissa

When it folded to Dong Chen in the small blind, he jammed for Joshua Gebissa's remaining 570,000 in the big blind. Gebissa quickly called.

Joshua Gebissa: A♦ T♦

Dong Chen: Q♦ 8♣

Gebissa had the best hand, and nothing changed on the 5♥ J♦ A♦ 3♠ K♠ runout, as Chen was drawing dead by the turn to Gebissa's top pair.

Gebissa doubled up and Chen was now the short stack.

Player	Chips	Progress
JG Joshua GebissaGermany	1,190,000(24 BB)	695,000
DC Dong ChenChina	630,000(13 BB)	-570,000

Tim BakerTim Baker

5/23/2026, 11:52:08 AM

Chen Gives Up Trying to Bluff Sedlak

Level 18: 25,000 / 50,000 ante: 50,000

Martin Sedlak completed from the small blind and Dong Chen raised to 175,000 from the big blind. Sedlak called.

Sedlak went for a check on the 6♥ 5♠ K♠ flop, and Chen put out a continuation-bet of 130,000. Sedlak came along with a call.

A flush-completing 9♠ appeared on the turn, getting a second check from Sedlak. Chen placed out a second barrel of 190,000. Again, Sedlak called.

A 2♣ fell on the river and Sedlak checked for the last time. Chen sheepishly checked behind with 7♥ 3♠ for nothing, and Sedlak took down the pot holding K♦ 5♦ for two pair.

Player	Chips	Progress
MS Martin SedlakGermany	2,000,000(40 BB)	300,000
DC Dong ChenChina	1,200,000(24 BB)	-500,000

Tim BakerTim Baker

5/23/2026, 11:49:00 AM

Final Four Chip Counts

Level 18: 25,000 / 50,000 ante: 50,000

Player	Chips	Progress
DC Daniel CatesUnited States of America	2,200,000(44 BB)
DC Dong ChenChina	1,700,000(34 BB)
MS Martin SedlakGermany	1,700,000(34 BB)	400,000
JG Joshua GebissaGermany	495,000(10 BB)	-225,000

Tim BakerTim Baker

5/23/2026, 11:40:56 AM

Quan Zhou Bubbles TLPT High Roller Main Event

Level 18: 25,000 / 50,000 ante: 50,000

Quan Zhou

When it folded to Quan Zhou in the small blind, he jammed for 710,000, and got snapped off by Daniel Cates in the big blind.

Quan Zhou: A♦ 8♥

Daniel Cates: A♣ K♦

Zhou was unfortunate to run into Cates' monster in the big blind, and needed a date with an eight to keep the tournament on the bubble.

The flop fell T♠ T♣ 4♦ to give Zhou some chop opportunities, but the Q♦ turn and 5♣ river were bricks, and Zhou was the bubble boy of TLPT High Roller Main Event.

Player	Chips	Progress
DC Daniel CatesUnited States of America	2,200,000(44 BB)	800,000
QZ Quan ZhouChina	busted	-690,000

Level 18: 25,000 / 50,000 ante: 50,000

50 minutes

Remaining Players: 5/24

Tim BakerTim Baker

5/23/2026, 11:30:29 AM

Sedlak Folds Pocket Nines Preflop

Level 17: 20,000 / 40,000 ante: 40,000

Holding A♣ 3♣, Joshua Gebissa limped from the cutoff before Quan Zhou three-bet jammed for 550,000 from the button with A♠ T♠.

Martin Sedlak thought for a long time in the big blind and let go of 9♥ 9♣, and Gebissa also folded.

Player	Chips	Progress
MS Martin SedlakGermany	1,300,000(33 BB)	-100,000
JG Joshua GebissaGermany	720,000(18 BB)	-200,000
QZ Quan ZhouChina	690,000(17 BB)	-160,000

Tim BakerTim Baker

5/23/2026, 11:24:00 AM

Sedlak Wins Another Pot From Cates

Level 17: 20,000 / 40,000 ante: 40,000

Martin Sedlak

Daniel Cates completed by the small blind with a mystery hand and Martin Sedlak checked back Q♥ 3♣ in the big blind.

On the 2♣ 3♥ Q♠ flop, Cates check-called a bet of 40,000 from Sedlak.

The A♥ arrived on the turn and Cates checked again. Sedlak overbet for 260,000, which was enough to earn him the pot.

Player	Chips	Progress
DC Daniel CatesUnited States of America	1,400,000(35 BB)
MS Martin SedlakGermany	1,400,000(35 BB)	100,000

Tim BakerTim Baker

5/23/2026, 11:24:00 AM

Chip Count Update

Level 17: 20,000 / 40,000 ante: 40,000

Player	Chips	Progress
DC Dong ChenChina	1,700,000(43 BB)	-100,000
DC Daniel CatesUnited States of America	1,500,000(38 BB)	100,000
MS Martin SedlakGermany	1,400,000(35 BB)	100,000
QZ Quan ZhouChina	710,000(18 BB)	20,000
JG Joshua GebissaGermany	620,000(16 BB)	-100,000

Tim BakerTim Baker

5/23/2026, 11:19:00 AM

Sedlak Gets a Bet Out of Cates

Level 17: 20,000 / 40,000 ante: 40,000

Daniel Cates completed from the small blind and Martin Sedlak checked back from the big blind.

Both checked the 9♦ 4♦ 6♣ flop and 9♣ turn. Cates bet 100,000 on the K♠ river and Sedlak called.

Cates was bluffing T♦ 2♠ and lost the pot to Sedlak's K♣ 4♥ for top pair.

Player	Chips	Progress
DC Daniel CatesUnited States of America	1,400,000(35 BB)	-300,000
MS Martin SedlakGermany	1,300,000(33 BB)	495,000

Level 17: 20,000 / 40,000 ante: 40,000

50 minutes

Remaining Players: 6/24

The five players are going on a 45-minute dinner break and will be back at roughly 8:05 p.m. to continue bubble play.

Player	Chips	Progress
DC Dong ChenChina	1,800,000(60 BB)	-200,000
DC Daniel CatesUnited States of America	1,700,000(57 BB)
JG Joshua GebissaGermany	920,000(31 BB)	185,000
QZ Quan ZhouChina	850,000(28 BB)	-350,000
MS Martin SedlakGermany	805,000(27 BB)	-15,000

Tim BakerTim Baker

5/23/2026, 10:16:43 AM

Sedlak Doubles Through Cates

Level 16: 15,000 / 30,000 ante: 30,000

Daniel Cates called from the small blind and Martin Sedlak checked back in the big blind.

Cates quickly bet the minimum of 30,000 on the monotone 6♣ T♣ 3♣ flop, and Sedlak called.

Cates slowed down and checked the 4♥ turn, allowing Sedlak to bet 75,000. Cates called.

A 5♥ rolled out on the river, and Cates checked for the last time. Sedlak jammed for 260,000, and after getting an exact count by the dealer, Cates made the call.

Sedlak tabled a flopped flush with 9♣ 8♣ to double-up, as Cates mucked 7♦ 3♦ for a straight on the river.

Player	Chips	Progress
DC Daniel CatesUnited States of America	1,700,000(57 BB)	-500,000
MS Martin SedlakGermany	820,000(27 BB)	665,000

Tim BakerTim Baker

5/23/2026, 9:53:42 AM

Le Shoves Into Cates' Quads

Level 16: 15,000 / 30,000 ante: 30,000

Nguyen Le in the Red

Daniel Cates raised to 60,000 under the gun and Nguyen Le three-bet to 150,000 from the cutoff. Cates called.

The dealer spread a flop of 6♥ 8♠ 2♠ and Cates checked. Le bet 125,000, and Cates continued via a call.

An 8♥ dropped on the turn and Cates checked. Le used up a time bank and then jammed for 455,000. Cates beat him into the pot with a call.

Nguyen Le: K♥ Q♠

Daniel Cates: 8♦ 8♣

Le was drawing dead to the quads of Cates, and after the T♦ completed the board, Le hit the rail and the tournament was now on the bubble.

Player	Chips	Progress
DC Daniel CatesUnited States of America	2,200,000(73 BB)	900,000
NL Nguyen LeViet Nam	busted	-655,000

Tim BakerTim Baker

5/23/2026, 9:43:00 AM

Nguyen Gets Sent to the Showers

Level 16: 15,000 / 30,000 ante: 30,000

Quang Minh Nguyen

Quang Minh Nguyen jammed from the hijack for 225,000 and Nguyen Le moved in over the top out of the small blind for 370,000. The rest of the table folded and Nguyen was at risk.

Quang Minh Nguyen: A♥ 5♣

Nguyen Le: A♣ T♣

Nguyen was in bad shape against his countryman and was looking for a five on the runout.

Le improved to a straight by the turn on the 8♦ J♥ 9♠ Q♥ 7♠ board, and Nguyen was the newest player to leave the feature table.

Player	Chips	Progress
NL Nguyen LeViet Nam	655,000(22 BB)	225,000
QM Quang Minh NguyenViet Nam	busted	-225,000

Level 16: 15,000 / 30,000 ante: 30,000

50 minutes

Remaining Players: 7/24

Tim BakerTim Baker

5/23/2026, 9:26:24 AM

Updated Chip Counts

Level 15: 10,000 / 25,000 ante: 25,000

Player	Chips	Progress
DC Dong ChenChina	2,000,000(80 BB)
DC Daniel CatesUnited States of America	1,300,000(52 BB)
QZ Quan ZhouChina	1,200,000(48 BB)
JG Joshua GebissaGermany	735,000(29 BB)	-60,000
NL Nguyen LeViet Nam	430,000(17 BB)	20,000
QM Quang Minh NguyenViet Nam	225,000(9 BB)	-10,000
MS Martin SedlakGermany	155,000(6 BB)	-70,000

Tim BakerTim Baker

5/23/2026, 9:22:39 AM

Shinohara's High Roller Main Event is Over

Level 15: 10,000 / 25,000 ante: 25,000

Haruhiko Shinohara

With 310,000 in his stack, Haruhiko Shinohara jammed from middle position and was called by Dong Chen in the hijack.

Haruhiko Shinohara: A♣ 8♥

Dong Chen: A♥ J♥

Shinohara had the inferior ace and didn't improve through the 9♥ 3♣ J♠ T♣ 2♠ runout as Chen hit a pair of jacks.

Shinohara headed to the rail and Chen was up to two million.

Player	Chips	Progress
DC Dong ChenChina	2,000,000(80 BB)	385,000
HS Haruhiko ShinoharaJapan	busted	-370,000

Tim BakerTim Baker

5/23/2026, 9:15:11 AM

Cooler Flop Goes Chen's Way

Level 15: 10,000 / 25,000 ante: 25,000

Dong Chen

Dong Chen bumped it up to 50,000 from the cutoff with Quan Zhou calling out of the small blind, and Quang Minh Nguyen came along from the big blind.

After two checks, Chen fired a continuation-bet of 50,000 on the 9♥ 6♦ J♦ flop, which Zhou called. Nguyen check-raised to 150,000, and was met by a three-bet to 275,000 from Chen.

Zhou let go of A♦ J♥ for top pair top kicker, while Nguyen elected to call and see one more card.

A 4♣ appeared on the turn, and Nguyen checked. Chen jammed for 420,000, and was snap-called by Nguyen.

Dong Chen: 6♠ 6♣

Quang Minh Nguyen: 9♣ 6♥

It was a complete cooler with Nguyen's two pair in trouble against the bottom set of Chen. Only a nine would send Chen to the rail, and it didn't come as the 5♠ completed the board, and Chen was the new chip leader.

Player	Chips	Progress
DC Dong ChenChina	1,615,000(65 BB)	870,000
QZ Quan ZhouChina	1,200,000(48 BB)
QM Quang Minh NguyenViet Nam	235,000(9 BB)	-670,000

Tim BakerTim Baker

5/23/2026, 9:08:52 AM

Le Wakes Up With Aces

Level 15: 10,000 / 25,000 ante: 25,000

Nguyen Le

Daniel Cates raised to 50,000 from the cutoff and Martin Sedlak three-bet jammed for 380,000 from the button. Nguyen Le called off his stack of 155,000 from the small blind, and Cates folded J♣ T♠

Nguyen Le: A♦ A♠

Martin Sedlak: 4♥ 4♦

Le found the perfect time for aces, and the Q♣ A♣ Q♠ flop gave him a boat, leaving Sedlak needing running fours to win the pot.

The 8♣ on the turn cemented Le's double-up, as the 5♠ completed the board.

Player	Chips	Progress
DC Daniel CatesUnited States of America	1,300,000(52 BB)	-100,000
NL Nguyen LeViet Nam	410,000(16 BB)	205,000
MS Martin SedlakGermany	225,000(9 BB)	-155,000

Tim BakerTim Baker

5/23/2026, 9:06:14 AM

Zhou Wins One From Haruhiko

Level 15: 10,000 / 25,000 ante: 25,000

Shinohara Haruhiko raised to 50,000 from early position and Quan Zhou three-bet to 130,000 out of the cutoff. Haruhiko called and the flop came down 4♥ 4♠ 6♦.

Zhou bet 85,000, resulting in a quick fold from Haruhiko.

Player	Chips	Progress
QZ Quan ZhouChina	1,200,000(48 BB)	100,000
HS Haruhiko ShinoharaJapan	370,000(15 BB)	-180,000

Level 15: 10,000 / 25,000 ante: 25,000

50 minutes

Remaining Players: 8/24

Tim BakerTim Baker

5/23/2026, 8:39:55 AM

Break Time; Updated Chip Counts

Break

The players are going on a 20-minute break

Player	Chips	Progress
DC Daniel CatesUnited States of America	1,400,000	-200,000
QZ Quan ZhouChina	1,100,000	100,000
QM Quang Minh NguyenViet Nam	905,000	-55,000
JG Joshua GebissaGermany	795,000	20,000
DC Dong ChenChina	745,000	260,000
HS Haruhiko ShinoharaJapan	550,000	10,000
MS Martin SedlakGermany	380,000	150,000
NL Nguyen LeViet Nam	205,000	-60,000

Tim BakerTim Baker

5/23/2026, 8:20:48 AM

Cates Finishes Off Sootla

Level 14: 10,000 / 20,000 ante: 20,000

Ranno Sootla

Dan Cates raised to 40,000 from under the gun and Ranno Sootla jammed for 185,000 from the small blind. Cates quickly called.

Ranno Sootla: K♣ Q♦

Dan Cates: K♥ K♠

Sootla had just come to the right decision to fold in the previous hand, but it looked like it might have been for nothing, as he was crushed by Cate's cowboys.

Sootla found no help from the 9♦ 4♥ 8♥ A♦ 6♠ runout, and he exited the tournament in ninth.

Player	Chips	Progress
DC Daniel CatesUnited States of America	1,600,000(80 BB)	100,000
RS Ranno SootlaEstonia	busted	-185,000

Tim BakerTim Baker

5/23/2026, 8:15:20 AM

Zhou Sends Sootla Into the Blender

Level 14: 10,000 / 20,000 ante: 20,000

Quan Zhou and Ranno Sootla

With K♦ Q♣, Quan Zhou called from the small blind and Ranno Sootla checked his option in the big blind holding J♦ T♣.

Zhou bet 25,000 on the J♠ A♣ 8♦ flop and Sootla called.

Zhou fired a second barrel of 70,000 on the 5♦ turn, and again, Sootla continued with a call.

A Q♠ fell on the river and after giving it some thought, Zhou unloaded the clip, firing 125,000.

Sootla was visibly troubled by the spot he was in and would be left with just a few big blinds if he called and was wrong.

Another few time banks later and Sootla elected to reluctantly fold.

Player	Chips	Progress
QZ Quan ZhouChina	1,000,000(50 BB)	5,000
RS Ranno SootlaEstonia	185,000(9 BB)	-125,000

Tim BakerTim Baker

5/23/2026, 8:03:39 AM

Sedlak Was Waiting For the Ladies

Level 14: 10,000 / 20,000 ante: 20,000

Martin Sedlak

When it folded to Martin Sedlak in the small blind, he shoved for 105,000 and Nguyen Le quickly called from the big blind.

Martin Sedlak: Q♥ Q♦

Nguyen Le: A♣ J♦

Sedlak had whittled down to five big blind and found two queens at the perfect time.

Le didn't find enough help on the K♥ J♠ 7♥ 9♥ 4♦ runout, and Sedlak earned the much-needed double-up.

Player	Chips
NL Nguyen LeViet Nam	265,000(13 BB)
MS Martin SedlakGermany	230,000(12 BB)

Tim BakerTim Baker

5/23/2026, 8:01:29 AM

Shinohara Steals One From Le

Level 14: 10,000 / 20,000 ante: 20,000

Nguyen Le raised to 50,000 under the gun and only Haruhiko Shinohara called from the next seat.

Le continued for 75,000 on the 7♥ 5♠ 8♥ flop, and Shinohara called.

A T♦ hit the turn and Le went for a check. Shinohara jammed for 220,000, resulting in a quick fold from Le.

Player	Chips	Progress
HS Haruhiko ShinoharaJapan	540,000(27 BB)	175,000
NL Nguyen LeViet Nam	390,000(20 BB)	-125,000

Level 14: 10,000 / 20,000 ante: 20,000

50 minutes

Remaining Players: 9/24

Tim BakerTim Baker

5/23/2026, 7:49:03 AM

Updated Chip Counts

Level 13: 10,000 / 15,000 ante: 15,000

Player	Chips	Progress
DC Daniel CatesUnited States of America	1,500,000(100 BB)	100,000
QZ Quan ZhouChina	995,000(66 BB)	235,000
QM Quang Minh NguyenViet Nam	960,000(64 BB)	-140,000
JG Joshua GebissaGermany	775,000(52 BB)	-10,000
NL Nguyen LeViet Nam	515,000(34 BB)
DC Dong ChenChina	485,000(32 BB)	-40,000
HS Haruhiko ShinoharaJapan	365,000(24 BB)	-40,000
RS Ranno SootlaEstonia	310,000(21 BB)	30,000
MS Martin SedlakGermany	145,000(10 BB)	-31,000

Tim BakerTim Baker

5/23/2026, 7:46:19 AM

Le Bets Gebissa Off Top Pair

Level 13: 10,000 / 15,000 ante: 15,000

Nguyen Le made it 30,000 from the cutoff with K♥ Q♦ and Joshua Gebissa defended J♦ 8♠ from the big blind.

Gebissa check-called a bet of 55,000 from Le on the T♦ 6♥ J♣ flop.

A 5♥ arrived on the turn and Gebissa check-folded versus the second barrel of 125,000 from Le.

Player	Chips	Progress
JG Joshua GebissaGermany	785,000(52 BB)	-195,000
NL Nguyen LeViet Nam	515,000(34 BB)	88,000

Tim BakerTim Baker

5/23/2026, 7:27:54 AM

Chen Drags in Another Pot

Level 13: 10,000 / 15,000 ante: 15,000

Dong Chen raised the cutoff with J♠ 9♠ to 30,000. Quan Zhou peeled from the small blind with Q♦ 9♦ and Ranno Sootla came along holding T♠ 7♦ in the big blind.

When it got to Chen he fired for 25,000 on the A♠ 4♦ J♥ flop. Zhou check-raised to 70,000, prompting a fold from Sootla and a call by Chen.

Zhou slowed down on the K♠ turn and Chen bet 30,000. Zhou called.

Zhou checked one last time when he saw the 3♦ river, and after a few moments, Chen jammed for 220,000. Zhou quickly folded.

Player	Chips	Progress
QZ Quan ZhouChina	760,000(51 BB)	-162,000
DC Dong ChenChina	525,000(35 BB)	215,000
RS Ranno SootlaEstonia	280,000(19 BB)	-49,000

Tim BakerTim Baker

5/23/2026, 7:21:52 AM

Chen Gets One Through

Level 13: 10,000 / 15,000 ante: 15,000

Dong Chen

Dong Chen called from the small blind with 9♦ 8♣ and Joshua Gebissa made it 45,000 from the big blind holding Ad8d. Chen called.

Both checked to the river on the T♠ J♥ 4♣ 6♥ 2♦ runout, and then Chen overbet for 200,000 with just one blue T-5,000 chip remaining.

Gebissa tanked for a while but ultimately decided to fold the best hand.

Player	Chips	Progress
JG Joshua GebissaGermany	980,000(65 BB)	-20,000
DC Dong ChenChina	310,000(21 BB)	60,000

Tim BakerTim Baker

5/23/2026, 7:14:58 AM

Shinohara Takes From Chen

Level 13: 10,000 / 15,000 ante: 15,000

Haruhiko Shinohara completed from the small blind and Dong Chen checked his option in the big blind.

Shinohara fired for 15,000 on the T♦ T♠ Q♥ flop and Chen continued via a call.

The K♥ hit the turn and both players checked.

A 9♠ rolled out on the river and Shinohara fired for 25,000. Chen called, and was shown a straight by Shinohara with K♣ J♥. Chen mucked K♠ 7♠ for top pair.

Player	Chips	Progress
HS Haruhiko ShinoharaJapan	405,000(27 BB)	42,000
DC Dong ChenChina	250,000(17 BB)	-31,000

Level 13: 10,000 / 15,000 ante: 15,000

50 minutes

Remaining Players: 9/24

Tim BakerTim Baker

5/23/2026, 6:56:19 AM

Break Time

Break

The players are going on a short 15-minute break.

Player	Chips	Progress
DC Daniel CatesUnited States of America	1,400,000
QM Quang Minh NguyenViet Nam	1,100,000
JG Joshua GebissaGermany	1,000,000	205,000
QZ Quan ZhouChina	922,000	-3,000
NL Nguyen LeViet Nam	427,000
HS Haruhiko ShinoharaJapan	363,000	-34,000
RS Ranno SootlaEstonia	329,000	-66,000
DC Dong ChenChina	281,000	55,000
MS Martin SedlakGermany	176,000	-9,000

Tim BakerTim Baker

5/23/2026, 6:48:51 AM

Cates Gets Paid With the Nuts

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

Daniel Cates

Nguyen Le raised to 24,000 from early position with Quang Minh Nguyen calling from the small blind, and Daniel Cates defending his big blind.

Everyone checked the 8♦ K♦ 3♦ flop to see the 9♦ hit the turn. Nguyen checked again and Cates fired for 40,000. Le folded J♥ J♣, but Nguyen continued in the form of a call.

Nguyen knuckled it for the last time on the T♣ river, and Cates fired for 145,000. Nguyen quickly called and was shown the nuts by Cates with A♦ 9♠.

Nguyen mucked K♠ Q♦ for the second nuts.

Player	Chips	Progress
DC Daniel CatesUnited States of America	1,400,000(117 BB)	65,000
QM Quang Minh NguyenViet Nam	1,100,000(92 BB)	-241,000
NL Nguyen LeViet Nam	427,000(36 BB)	16,000

Tim BakerTim Baker

5/23/2026, 6:34:00 AM

Zhou Gets Aggressive on Sootla

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

Quan Zhou raised to 25,000 under the gun and Ranno Sootla three-bet to 65,000 from the next seat. Zhu called and the dealer spread the 7♥ 8♣ K♥ flop.

Zhou started with a check and Sootla fired a continuation-bet of 45,000. Zhou check-raised to 110,000, resulting in a fold from Sootla.

Player	Chips	Progress
QZ Quan ZhouChina	925,000(77 BB)	113,000
RS Ranno SootlaEstonia	395,000(33 BB)	-110,000

Tim BakerTim Baker

5/23/2026, 6:21:47 AM

Final Table Underway

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

The Final Tablists have taken their seats and the action has resumed with blinds at 6,000/12,000 with a big blind ante of 12,000.

Tim BakerTim Baker

5/23/2026, 5:43:56 AM

Final Table Chip Counts; Short Break

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

The final table for TLPT High Roller Main Event is set with Quang Minh Nguyen being the chip leader. With only four spots available in the money, over half of the remaining players will go home empty-handed.

The players are taking a 30-minute break, after which Somuchpoker's live updates will resume.

Fans around the world can also watch the play via a delay on TLPT YouTube Channel.

Player	Chips
QM Quang Minh NguyenViet Nam	1,341,000(112 BB)
DC Daniel CatesUnited States of America	1,335,000(111 BB)
QZ Quan ZhouChina	812,000(68 BB)
JG Joshua GebissaGermany	795,000(66 BB)
RS Ranno SootlaEstonia	505,000(42 BB)
NL Nguyen LeViet Nam	411,000(34 BB)
HS Haruhiko ShinoharaJapan	397,000(33 BB)
DC Dong ChenChina	226,000(19 BB)
MS Martin SedlakGermany	185,000(15 BB)

Tim BakerTim Baker

5/23/2026, 5:27:00 AM

Cates Busts Peters on Final Table Bubble

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

David peters

Daniel Cates raised to 25,000 from the cutoff and David Peters jammed for 192,000 from the big blind. Cates called to put Peters at risk.

David Peters: K♥ Q♥

Dan Cates: A♣ T♦

Cates was slightly ahead with ace-high, but he vaulted into a dominating position on the 4♠ 5♠ A♥ flop by hitting top pair.

Peters was drawing dead after the 5♣ turn as the Q♣ to complete the board was just a necessity.

Peters exited in tenth, and the final table for TLPT High Roller Main Event was set.

Player	Chips	Progress
DC Daniel CatesUnited States of America	1,335,000(111 BB)	405,000
DP David PetersUnited States of America	busted	-339,000

Tim BakerTim Baker

5/23/2026, 5:15:00 AM

Shinohara Fades Sootla's Outs to Double

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

Ranno Sootla and Haruhiko Shinohara

Haruhiko Shinohara made it 25,000 under the gun before Ranno Sootla three-bet the cutoff to 60,000. When it folded back to Shinohara, he pondered for a little while, then ripped it for 208,000. Sootla tank-called, and the players' holding were shown.

Haruhiko Shinohara: T♦ T♣

Ranno Sootla: K♦ Q♦

Shinohara was in a flip with two tens against the suited Broadway cards of Sootla.

The flop fell 6♦ 7♦ 5♠ and Sootla commented, "That's exciting", as he picked up a flush draw to go with his overcards.

The J♣ on the turn wasn't the paint card Sootla needed, and the 6♠ to complete the river was safe for Shinohara, and he doubled.

Player	Chips	Progress
HS Haruhiko ShinoharaJapan	425,000(35 BB)	195,000
RS Ranno SootlaEstonia	390,000(33 BB)	-130,000

Tim BakerTim Baker

5/23/2026, 5:05:00 AM

Le Takes From Sootla

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

From the button, Ranno Sootla came in for a raise to 25,000 and Nguyen Le defended from the big blind.

Le check-called a bet of 15,000 from Sootla on the Q♣ 4♥ 2♠ flop.

The A♣ arrived on the turn and Le check-called a second bet from Sootla, this time for 40,000.

Check, check came after the J♦ river, and Le took down the pot with A♠ 7♦ for a pair of aces.

Player	Chips	Progress
RS Ranno SootlaEstonia	520,000(43 BB)	290,000
NL Nguyen LeViet Nam	470,000(39 BB)	-30,000

Tim BakerTim Baker

5/23/2026, 4:52:00 AM

Nguyen Flips Zhang Out

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

Yue Zhang limped the cutoff, and when it folded around the Quang Minh Nguyen in the big blind, he raised to 45,000. Zhang limp-jammed for 307,000 and Nguyen snap-called.

Yue Zhang: 6♠ 6♣

Quang Minh Nguyen: A♣ Q♣

Zhang was in a flip for his tournament life, and he fell behind on the 2♣ Q♥ 9♥ flop as Nguyen paired his queen.

The rest of the board came J♠ 4♣, and Zhang was gone from the tournament.

Player	Chips	Progress
QM Quang Minh NguyenViet Nam	1,000,000(83 BB)	396,000
YZ Yue ZhangChina	busted	-507,000

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

50 minutes

Remaining Players: 11/24

Tim BakerTim Baker

5/23/2026, 4:41:00 AM

Liu, Navas, and Sasaki Join the Rail

Level 11: 5,000 / 10,000 ante: 10,000

Xuan Liu

Xuan Liu, Rafael Navas, and Yoko Sasaki have been seen leaving the tournament area and were the first casualties of Day 2.

Player	Chips	Progress
XL Xuan LiuCanada	busted	-110,000
RN Rafael NavasSpain	busted	-100,000
YS Yoko SasakiJapan	busted

Tim BakerTim Baker

5/23/2026, 4:36:00 AM

Shinohara's Minimum Bet Gets Sasaki to Fold

Level 11: 5,000 / 10,000 ante: 10,000

Haruhiko Shinohara

Ranno Sootla opened it up to 20,000 under the gun with Yoko Sasaki calling on the button, and Haruhiko Shinohara coming along from the big blind.

Everyone checked the Q♦ 9♠ 6♣ flop and the 7♥ came on the turn. Shinohara led out for 35,000, which was only called by Sasaki.

Heads up to the 8♣ river, which saw Shinohara fire the minimum of 10,000. Sasaki burned through a time bank before electing to fold, giving up the pot to Shinohara.

Player	Chips	Progress
YS Yoko SasakiJapan	280,000(28 BB)	-60,000
RS Ranno SootlaEstonia	230,000(23 BB)	-20,000
HS Haruhiko ShinoharaJapan	230,000(23 BB)	55,000

Tim BakerTim Baker

5/23/2026, 4:20:57 AM

Le Takes a Chunk From Navas

Level 11: 5,000 / 10,000 ante: 10,000

Nguyen Le raised to 20,000 from the cutoff and only Rafael Navas called from the big blind.

Navas started with a check on the 6♥ 8♦ J♣ flop and Le continued for 15,000. Navas check-raised to 45,000, which Le called.

A 3♠ appeared on the turn, and after a few moments, Navas bet 75,000 with just 100,000 back. Le put Navas all in, and Navas instantly folded.

Player	Chips	Progress
NL Nguyen LeViet Nam	500,000(50 BB)	141,000
RN Rafael NavasSpain	100,000(10 BB)	-150,000

Tim BakerTim Baker

5/23/2026, 4:04:00 AM

The Max Late Registrants

Level 11: 5,000 / 10,000 ante: 10,000

Player	Chips
RS Ranno SootlaEstonia	250,000(25 BB)
MS Martin SedlakGermany	250,000(25 BB)
RN Rafael NavasSpain	250,000(25 BB)

Tim BakerTim Baker

5/23/2026, 4:00:00 AM

Shuffle Up and Deal; Late Registration Closed

Level 11: 5,000 / 10,000 ante: 10,000

Cards are in the air and play has started for Day 2 of TLPT High Roller Main Event.

Late registration is officially closed for this event.

Level 11: 5,000 / 10,000 ante: 10,000

50 minutes

Remaining Players: 14/24

Tim BakerTim Baker

5/23/2026, 2:51:23 AM

TLPT High Roller Main Event Day 2 Kicks Off at 1 pm

TLPT Jeju 2026

After a lively opening day inside the LES A Casino, Jeju, just 11 players remain in the TLPT High Roller Main Event, with the field set to grow further as late registration remains open heading into Day 2.

Leading the way is the United States' Daniel Cates, who bagged up an impressive 895,000 at the close of play. Germany's Joshua Gebissa sits close behind with 870,000, while China's Quan Zhou rounds out the top three with 805,000. The trio were the only players to finish above the 800,000-chip mark after Day 1 action came to a close.

Also starting Day 2 are Vietnam's Quang Minh Nguyen with 604,000 and China's Yue Zhang on 507,000. Vietnam's Nguyen Le battled his way through on his third bullet and returns with 359,000, narrowly ahead of Japan's Yoko Sasaki and recent High Roller Bounty champion David Peters, who bagged 340,000 and 339,000 respectively. China's Dong Chen and Japan's Haruhiko Shinohara also advanced, while Canada's Xuan Liu returns as the short stack with 110,000.

Daniel Cates and Quang Minh Nguyen

Cards get back in the air at 1 p.m. local time, with play resuming on Level 11 at blinds of 5,000/10,000 with a 10,000 big blind ante. Blind levels will continue at 50 minutes in length, while late registration remains open until the start of play, leaving the door open for more late arrivals and reentries before the field is finalized.

The full schedule for the remainder of the tournament will be confirmed shortly after cards are in the air, and viewrs around the world can watch the action via a delay on TLPT YouTube channel.

Be sure to stay locked into the Somuchpoker live reporting blog for continued coverage, chip counts, and all the key hands from the TLPT High Roller Main Event.

SMPSMP

5/22/2026, 8:25:51 PM

Day 2 Qualifiers

Seat Draw

Player	Chips	Table	Seat
QZ Quan ZhouChina	805,000	1	1
NL Nguyen LeViet Nam	359,000	1	3
JG Joshua GebissaGermany	870,000	1	4
YS Yoko SasakiJapan	340,000	1	5
XL Xuan LiuCanada	110,000	1	6
QM Quang Minh NguyenViet Nam	604,000	1	7
DP David PetersUnited States of America	339,000	2	1
HS Haruhiko ShinoharaJapan	175,000	2	2
DC Daniel CatesUnited States of America	895,000	2	4
YZ Yue ZhangChina	507,000	2	6
DC Dong ChenChina	232,000	2	7

Chip Counts

Player	Chips
DC Daniel CatesUnited States of America	895,000
JG Joshua GebissaGermany	870,000
QZ Quan ZhouChina	805,000
QM Quang Minh NguyenViet Nam	604,000
YZ Yue ZhangChina	507,000
NL Nguyen LeViet Nam	359,000
YS Yoko SasakiJapan	340,000
DP David PetersUnited States of America	339,000
DC Dong ChenChina	232,000
HS Haruhiko ShinoharaJapan	175,000
XL Xuan LiuCanada	110,000