Chao Ting Cheng was introduced to the game in 2009. After 4 years of casual play, Cheng quit his full-time job to dive into the professional world of poker and has never looked back. Cheng cut his teeth in the sport mostly on home turf Taiwan events and within the Asian circuit, grinding it out in smaller tournaments. He had early successes with first places in a good number of side events. No matter how small the cash outs, this fueled his passion for improvement, and it paid off with his selection to the Chinese-Taipei National Team.

In March 2021, Cheng earned his first 5-figure cash at the Asian Poker Tour (APT) Taiwan Championships Event, placing fifth and banking USD 10,063. In August 2022, he topped this figure with a first-place finish in the World Poker Tour (WPT) Prime Taiwan – Superstack Classic Event for a prize money of USD 14,271.

Breakout year for Chao Ting Cheng

2023 though would be Cheng’s breakout year with a duo of firsts. The Taiwanese National Team member would score his first ever Main Event win at the Asia Pacific Poker Tour (APPT) Cambodia. He bested a 476-entry field and captured the coveted PokerStars star shard trophy, banking a best live cash of more than USD 94,448. Two months later, Cheng would break this personal best, with a first ever six-figure prize money of $252,142, placing 3rd at the World Poker Tour Korea High Roller Event. The rest of the year would see him make a few deep runs in tournaments.

Taiwan’s Chao Ting Cheng crowned 2023 APPT Cambodia Main Event champion

2024 seems to be a slow start for the Taiwan player with a 17th place finish at the World Poker Tour Main Event Cambodia. Cheng also cashed out at the APT Taipei Mystery Bounty, finishing 44th but was a lucky winner, pulling the highest bounty prize of USD 47,400. Not lacking in determination, maybe this good fortune will see Cheng achieve more in his career. He is currently the 6th ranked poker player in Taiwan.

*Profile by Mike Alcazaren