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Joseph Cheong is a Korean-American professional poker player and WSOP bracelet winner, widely recognized as one of the most consistent tournament grinders in history with over $20 million in live earnings and a legendary deep run in the 2010 Main Event.
Career Earnings & Biggest Results
With over $20.2 million in total live earnings, Cheong ranks 33rd on the United States All Time Money List on The Hendon Mob. He first exploded onto the scene during the 2010 WSOP Main Event, where he finished 3rd for a massive $4,130,049 career-best score, playing a memorable aggressive style that captivated fans worldwide.
After years of close calls, Cheong secured his first WSOP Bracelet in 2019, winning the $1,000 Double Stack event for $687,782. He continues to crush the global circuit in the 2020s, recently winning the APT Jeju Zodiac Classic in September 2025 for KRW 244,598,800 (~$174,300) and making deep runs in the PokerGO Tour (PGT) and WSOP Paradise.
Biography & Poker Background
Born in Seoul, South Korea, Cheong immigrated to the United States at age six. He discovered poker while attending the University of California, San Diego (UCSD), where he earned degrees in Psychology, Mathematics, and Economics. This academic background laid the foundation for his analytical approach to the game.
Known online by his screen name "subiime", he built a substantial bankroll in online tournaments before transitioning to live poker in 2009. Based in Las Vegas, Cheong is a staple in both the American high-stakes scene and the booming Asian tours like the Asian Poker Tour (APT).
Play Style & Strategy
Cheong is renowned for his hyper-aggressive and mathematical play style. He utilizes his background in game theory and psychology to apply relentless pressure on opponents, often taking lines that conservative players avoid.
While he can play a "GTO" (Game Theory Optimal) strategy, he is famous for his ability to deviate and exploit opponents' tendencies, a skill that has allowed him to remain elite for over 15 years. His longevity is attributed to his ability to adapt from the "old school" aggressive era to the modern solver-based environment.
Social Media & Online Presence
Want to follow Joseph Cheong's journey as he continues to crush the global high-stakes circuit? You can do so here:
Video Highlights:
About the Editor
Callum Jury is SoMuchPoker's Live Content and Social Media Specialist, reporting live from WSOP and Asia Pacific poker festivals including the APT and PokerStars LIVE series. Originally from the Lake District in the UK, he has covered the Southeast Asian poker circuit since 2025, combining day-by-day tournament reporting with the social and digital content that brings the action to fans.