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Kevin Song
Kevin Song is a legendary South Korean-American professional poker player and a decorated champion of the World Series of Poker (WSOP). Originally from South Korea and a longtime resident of Hacienda Heights, California, Song is one of the most respected veterans on the international circuit. He made history in 1997 by becoming one of the first Korean-born players to win a WSOP bracelet, a feat that ignited the growth of the game in his home country. Known for his tactical brilliance and mastery of Limit variants, he has maintained a high-level presence on the circuit for over three decades. In 2026, he remains a consistent force in the “old school” mixed-game world, recently adding deep championship runs in Las Vegas to his legendary resume.
Career Earnings & Biggest Results
With total live tournament earnings now exceeding $4,891,700 (according to The Hendon Mob), Kevin Song is a pillar of Asian poker, currently ranked 2nd on the South Korea All-Time Money List. His career reached a historic peak in 1997 when he won the WSOP $2,000 Limit Hold’em event for a career-best $397,120, defeating a final table of legends. Proving his longevity, Song has seen a consistent presence in the mid-2020s, highlighted by a final table appearance in the 2023 WSOP $10,000 Limit Hold’em Championship. He kicked off 2026 with a deep run in the PGT PokerGO Cup, reinforcing his status as a high-stakes threat. His combined success across four decades of play contributes to an estimated poker net worth of over $6 million.
Major Tournament Results:
| Year | Event | Prize |
|---|---|---|
| 1997 | WSOP $2,000 Limit Texas Hold’em (1st – Bracelet) | $397,120 |
| 1997 | Hall of Fame Poker Classic $5,000 NLHE (1st) | $184,000 |
| 2018 | WSOP $1,500 Limit Hold’em (2nd) | $107,071 |
| 2023 | WSOP $10,000 Limit Hold’em Championship (8th) | $37,967 |
Biography & Poker Background
Born in South Korea , Kevin Song immigrated to the United States in 1981 with just $100 in his pocket. He first established his technical foundation in the Southern California card rooms, where his legendary work ethic saw him transition from construction worker to high-stakes pro. Song’s breakout occurred in the mid-90s, but it was his 1997 WSOP bracelet win, defeating the likes of Erik Seidel and Huck Seed, that cemented his status as a world-class player. Beyond the felt, Song has dedicated himself to educating others, authoring books to help Korean players navigate the game safely. In 2026, he remains a regular in the PokerGO Tour (PGT) and WSOP, recognized as the “Godfather” of the modern Korean poker movement.
Play Style & Strategy
Song is renowned for a “disciplined, clinical, and expert-level” play style. His greatest technical edge has historically been in Limit variants, particularly Limit Hold’em and H.O.R.S.E., where his ability to read opponents and manage pot equity is considered elite. Strategically, he is a proponent of mental fortitude and bankroll discipline; while many of his era struggled with the volatile swings of the game, Song’s 2025 and 2026 results show a deep mastery of foundational mechanics that remain effective against modern “solver-based” opponents. His approach emphasizes patience and range accuracy, making him one of the most difficult veterans to out-navigate in grueling championship structures.
Social Media & Online Presence
Want to follow Kevin as he continues his run through the 2026 circuit and chases his second WSOP bracelet? You can find his official profiles and updated stats here:
Derick Elomina is SoMuchPoker's Lead Content Writer and Interview Specialist, reporting live from WSOP bracelet events and Asia Pacific poker festivals such as TMT, APT, RDPT and APL Jeju, alongside player features and interviews for the site's Stories section. He discovered poker at 14 playing home games with friends, and by 21 he had entered the industry as a field reporter, starting as a hand reporter before building his current role on the tournament floor.
