Say Hello to Sparrow Cheung: Poker Champion and Guinness World Record holder

Meet Cheung Park Yu, better known in the poker world as ‘Sparrow’. Renowned for his outstanding consistency, impressive tournament performances, and strong dedication to the game.

The Rise of Sparrow

Sparrow Cheung, whose real name is Cheung Park Yu, is from Hong Kong and is one of the region’s most accomplished poker players. Currently, he has over $2.9 million in live tournament earnings and a spot at #8 on Hong Kong’s all-time money list as of May 2025.

Cheung’s journey began in 2009 as a cash game player, but by 2013, he had shifted his focus to multi-table tournaments (MTTs), where he quickly made his mark.

Throughout his career, Cheung has demonstrated an extraordinary work ethic, earning a Guinness World Record in 2017 for the most in-the-money finishes in professional live tournaments in a single year—an astonishing 62 times. He has won major series titles at prestigious events, including the APPT Incheon Main Event (2019), the APT High Roller (2023), and the WPT Cambodia High Roller (2024).

A Leader Beyond the Table

Sparrow’s impact extends far beyond his performance in poker. In 2015, he founded the Hong Kong Poker Players Association (HKPPA), now the largest and most respected poker organization in Hong Kong, which promotes poker as a mind sport. Since 2017, he has also been coaching and mentoring up-and-coming players, sharing his knowledge and passion for the game with the next generation.

Becoming a Natural8 Ambassador

Recently, he has taken on a new and prestigious role as an ambassador for Natural8.  Sparrow Cheung is now at the forefront of efforts to elevate poker’s status in Asia. 

He has a clear vision:  “I want to raise the image of poker as a mind sport in Asia with the help of Natural8.”  He wants to promote poker as a respected discipline and inspire new players to take up the game.

Cheung is a natural ambassador. His reputation as a true poker grinder who has worked his way up through determination and consistency makes him a relatable figure for aspiring players. Through Natural8, he can share his experiences, offer insights, and help shape the future of poker in the Asian region.

A New Chapter with Team Hot

By joining Natural8‘s Team Hot, Cheung becomes part of an elite group of poker professionals who are known for their success, influence, and dedication to the sport. Team Hot is featuring some of the most accomplished and well-known players in Asian poker, each contributing unique styles and a huge passion for the game.

Who’s on the Natural8’s Team?

Members of Team Hot:

• Punat Punsri Thailand’s most formidable poker prodigies. Punsri has captivated the poker world with his remarkable achievements, including a victory at the $100,000 Triton Poker Super High Roller Series Main Event for $2.6 million, multiple high roller titles, and a recent APT Taipei Main Event win for over $364,000
• Kitty Kuo boasts a vibrant personality and impressive tournament results, making her one of Asia’s top female players.
• Eric Tsai: Known as “Six Poker,” Tsai has multiple Asian Poker Tour titles, and he is one of the best poker players from Taiwan.
• Kannapong Thanarattrakul (Tent): Kannapong boasts a remarkable record in both live and online events, including wins at the Asian Poker Tour and Triton Poker Series. Currently, he is in second place on Thailand Poker’s all-time money list.
• Thai Ha: Vietnam’s top-ranked poker player, Ha is renowned for his consistent high-stakes performances and leadership in the Vietnamese poker community.

Looking Ahead

Sparrow Cheung serves as a role model for poker players. His journey from local grinder to international poker ambassador is a real testament to what can be achieved when someone has a real passion, perseverance, and a commitment to giving back.

As he continues to compete and inspire, Sparrow Cheung is not just playing for himself—he is playing for the future of poker in Asia. And now, the future of poker in Asia looks brighter than ever, with Cheung and his fellow ambassadors leading the way.

If you want to play against Sparrow and the other team members, sign up on Natural8 and play against Asia’s best poker players!