Dream Victory For Newcomer Kong Qingtao At Poker Dream Jeju 12 Main Event

Recreational player Kong Qingtao pulled off a stunning comeback at the Poker Dream Jeju 12 Main Event, securing his first-ever poker title. At three-handed, an ICM deal was struck then played on for the iconic Golden Dragon trophy. Two hours in, the tide shifted in Kong’s favor, winning numerous pots to take the lead. After Kong eliminated Lim Yat Yong in 3rd place, he went on to victory, finishing off Zhou Yang in just one heads up hand.

Poker Dream Jeju 12 – Main Event Live Updates
Poker Dream Jeju 12 – Main Event – Payouts
Poker Dream Jeju 12 – Main Event – Live stream

Kong Qingtao Wins Poker Dream Jeju Main Event

In an interview with the champion, translated by Chinese poker media DZPK, Kong said,

“This was my first-ever live MTT. A friend introduced me to poker and I’ve been playing for less than a year but only home games with friends. I don’t even have online experience. So when I won the trophy, I was so happy I immediately told my wife.”

However, it was a rough road just to qualify into Day 2. Kong shared,

“It took three bullets to get to Day 2. I qualified at Day 1L and felt very lucky that day, like I was ‘the chosen one’. At one point I was down below 8 big blinds and managed to win three consecutive coin flips. That’s when I started to think, I could become champion.”

At three-handed, Kong was the shortest stack and agreed to an ICM deal. When asked why he agreed, he admitted naivete,

“I was actually surprised when they asked me because I did not know anything about this but I found that the offer was acceptable.”

For his victory, Kong pocketed an ICM deal payout of ₩250,009,346 / $188,720. This dream victory may only be the first with Kong already planning to return to defend his title.

Final Day Recap

Running from September 30 to October 6, 2024, the Poker Dream 12 Jeju Main Event, sponsored by QQPK, attracted 1,656 entries across eleven starting flights to amass a brand record prize pool of ₩2,835,154,800 / ~US$ 2,140,100). The money flowed right at the start of Day 2 with the 181 returning players assured a cut. The heat closed at the final two tables with 16 players remaining.

Returning on the final day, Song Ying carried in the largest stack, Zhou Yang was just 1 bb behind, and on the opposite end was the most well known player in the field, Steve Yea. Right out of the gates, Yea fired away and managed to ladder up to 12th place. Kong eliminated Wang Wei (11th) on a cooler with A♦A♥ over K♦K♥, then Ying rivered a higher pair to deny Guo Pengcheng (10th) a final table seat.

The most active player at the final table was Spain’s Soriano Ramos, getting involved in numerous pots, most of which were shoves. In total, Ramos won four all in showdowns then fell on the fifth called shove with K♠10♠ unable to improve against Zhou’s pocket kings. Ramos finished in 4th place.

The battle for the dream victory and the trophy ran a lengthy two hour grind of three-handed play. With an ICM deal already established early on, the second hour saw Kong rise from third rank to the top dethroning Lim until Kong eventually took all of his chips. Still, Lim walked away the richest due to the deal. It then took one heads up hand to finish off Yang who claimed the second largest prize money deal. For Kong, it was also a life changing payout. He earned ₩250,009,346 (~US$ 189,605) and bragging rights for his incredible achievement at this record breaking Poker Dream event.

Read up on the detailed action via the Live Updates. You also watch the livestream on Poker Dream Jeju 12 Main Event,

Final Table Payouts

*Three-way ICM deal

Links:

Poker Dream Jeju 12 – Main Event Live Updates
Poker Dream Jeju 12 – Main Event – Payouts
Poker Dream Jeju 12 – Festival Results
Poker Dream Jeju 12 – Schedule