Kai Cocklin is Head of Live Poker at Somuchpoker, where he oversees the platform’s content, coverage, and partnerships across the Asia-Pacific region. He previously worked with PokerNews at major festivals including the World Series of Poker and the European Poker Tour, where he managed live reporting teams and helped develop new writers. He now leads Somuchpoker’s overall content direction, working closely with organizers to deliver consistent, high-quality coverage that connects with players both on-site and online.

Updated: 2026.05.22

Jiawen Xue is a Chinese poker tournament player who made headlines on the international circuit following a spectacular breakout victory in South Korea.

Career Earnings & Biggest Results

Jiawen Xue’s recorded live tournament earnings stand at $224,085, a total accumulated entirely from her single landmark performance at the 2026 The Lord Poker Tournament (TLPT) Circuits Main Event in Jeju, South Korea . Navigating a massive 968-entry field at the LES A Casino , Xue dominated the final table to capture the title and the KRW 330,000,000 (~USD 224,085) top prize. This single, high-stakes accolade represents the entirety of her tracked career poker net worth to date. For a complete look at her title run, read how Jiawen Xue won the TLPT Jeju Main Event .

Biography & Poker Background

Hailing from China, Xue was a complete unknown on the live tournament landscape prior to her appearance at the TLPT Jeju festival. She advanced to the final day of the Main Event positioned second in chips and distinguished herself as the sole remaining female player in the field. While her broader poker background and previous tournament experience remain unrecorded, her ability to maintain composure under immense pressure against seasoned international opponents allowed her to secure a major championship in her very first documented live cash.

Play Style & Strategy

Xue implemented a highly aggressive and opportunistic play style throughout her final table run. Rather than relying on conservative, survival-oriented play, she leaned into big-pot confrontations and active final table leverage. She efficiently weaponized her chip stack during crucial phases, knocking out multiple opponents on her way to heads-up play. In the final match against fellow countryman Haiyang Wang, she capitalized on a dominant chip lead, ultimately sealing her victory by making trip sevens to fade her opponent’s pocket nines.

Recent Attendances