Remembering Roy Thung: A True Poker and Business Icon
The poker community is deeply saddened by recent news from Las Vegas. The beloved Roy Thung poker player and successful business executive has passed away at the age of 82.
The exact cause of his death remains unclear at this time. However, this tragic news arrived less than two weeks after his final impressive run at a 2026 WSOP event.
The entire Roy Thung poker player fanbase is mourning the loss of a true gentleman. Let’s take a moment to look back at the incredible life of a man who conquered both the boardroom and the poker tables.
The Legacy of a Mixed Games Legend
Roy Thung was much more than just a talented card player with a deep bankroll. He was widely regarded as a true mixed-games legend who always brought class, strategy, and respect to the tables.
Fans will remember the Roy Thung poker player style as sharp, calculated, and highly focused. He simply loved the mental challenge that poker provided, matching wits with the best players in the world.
His final poker trip to Las Vegas was nothing short of spectacular. At the recent 2026 WSOP, he proved he still had what it takes to compete at the highest level against top professionals.
He scored a brilliant 13th-place finish in the prestigious $50,000 Poker Players Championship. This deep run secured a massive $109,459 payday, the largest of his live tournament cashes.
Less than two weeks prior to his passing, he also found success in the $5,000 6-Handed No-Limit Hold’em event. He finished 72nd, adding another $12,390 to his impressive poker resume.
From Early Struggles to Business Triumphs
While many poker fans knew him as a mixed games legend, Thung was also a brilliant and highly respected businessman. Born in Indonesia , he moved to the United States in 1969 to chase new opportunities.
Despite holding a master’s degree from the University of Indonesia, he initially struggled to find work. Eventually, his hard work paid off, and he landed a position in tax and accounting.
Thung soon became famous for buying undervalued businesses and turning them into multi-million dollar empires. In 1976, he acquired a small mail-order company called Nasco International and grew its revenue to over $200 million.
He also served as the CEO of Independence Holding Co., a major insurance provider specializing in health and life coverage. His business skills were so impressive that Forbes magazine featured him in a special 2012 profile.
Exploring the Roy Thung Poker Player Career Highlights
Thung first arrived on the World Series of Poker scene back in 1997. During that debut year, he quickly made his mark by placing fifth in a $1,500 Pot-Limit Omaha event for $21,150.
Since then, he quietly and consistently built a very strong poker resume. Here is a quick look at the most important numbers from his time on the felt:
| Career Highlight | Key Details |
|---|---|
| Total Winnings | Nearly $900,000 in lifetime live tournament cashes |
| Biggest Cash | $109,459 at the 2026 WSOP Poker Players Championship |
| First WSOP Cash | 1997 ($1,500 Pot-Limit Omaha, 5th place) |
| Preferred Formats | High-stakes mixed cash games and WSOP tournaments |
Those who played against him knew that his poker strategies were heavily influenced by his business background. He knew exactly when to take calculated risks and when to fold his hand.
A Sad Goodbye to a Gentleman of the Game
Losing a player of this caliber so soon after the 2026 WSOP is a tough blow for the poker world. The community will deeply miss his warm presence in the high-stakes mixed game rooms.
Very sad to hear this!! RIP Roy Thung
Roy was in the money w me at @WSOP Players Championship recently. I remember playing w Roy in the 1990’s at the WSOP. He was always friendly, and the New York group seemed to love him… https://t.co/GSS1W2ltpA
- phil_hellmuth (@phil_hellmuth) July 10, 2026
With nearly $900,000 in total live tournament cashes according to The Hendon Mob, he leaves behind a fantastic poker legacy. His incredible journey from an immigrant struggling to find work to a multi-millionaire CEO is truly inspiring.
Whether he was closing a massive insurance deal or making a tough call on the river, he always played his cards right. Rest in peace to a true gentleman of the game and a legend who will not be forgotten.
via pokernews.com
Beus Zsoldos is SoMuchPoker's Senior Copywriter and Player Stories Editor, covering WSOP color moments, player profiles and poker personalities for the site's Stories section. She has spent more than 20 years around the game, first as a player, then as a live tournament director and localization manager for a major online poker room, before moving into full time poker writing.
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