Kim Giboum is a South Korean poker player and one of the most consistent performers at APPT Manila , a venue he has described as his strongest hunting ground. On August 4, 2026, Giboum claimed the biggest title of his career, winning the PokerStars Red Dragon at APPT Manila 2026 for PHP 4,550,000 (~USD 74,005) after defeating Czardy Rivera heads-up in a rollercoaster final table at Okada Manila.

Career Earnings & Biggest Results

With a career-best live cash of PHP 4,550,000 (~USD 74,005) from his Red Dragon victory (according to The Hendon Mob), Giboum’s record at Okada Manila in particular stands out. A year prior at APPT Manila 2025, he finished runner-up in the APPT Open - falling one step short of the APPT Shard Trophy. The Red Dragon win completed the job, adding one of the region’s most coveted titles to his résumé.

The Red Dragon itself drew 579 entries, comfortably surpassing last year’s 433-entry field, and generated a PHP 25,012,800 (~USD 408,000) prize pool - nearly double the original PHP 15,000,000 guarantee.

Biography & Poker Background

Based in South Korea , Giboum is a regular on the Asia-Pacific circuit with a particular affinity for the Manila stop. Speaking after his Red Dragon victory, he was candid about what the venue means to him. “I love this venue so much. When I play here, my results are always better.”

His runner-up finish in the APPT Open at APPT Manila 2025 - where he made a deal with the eventual winner - left him hungry for a title rather than a payout. “The money was good, but I wanted the trophy. I failed.” The Red Dragon win settled that score. His reaction on claiming the title captured the magnitude of the moment: “It’s like flying in the sky. I’m so happy.”

The final table itself was a dramatic affair. Giboum entered trailing Edilberto Gopez , who had built a commanding chip lead and at one stage held close to 70% of all chips in play. Giboum doubled through Gopez twice in quick succession - first with ace-king, then with king-queen improving to trips - to snatch the chip lead before eliminating Gopez in 3rd place with pocket sevens against ace-six. He carried a more than 3:1 advantage into heads-up against Czardy Rivera, whose king-queen could not improve against Giboum’s pocket fives, and the trophy was his.

Play Style & Strategy

Giboum is a tournament player who excels in the large-field, multi-day format of major APPT events. His Red Dragon run was defined by patience in the early stages of the final table and decisive aggression at the critical moment - his back-to-back doubles against Gopez, when the chip leader appeared to be coasting toward the title, demonstrated both composure and the ability to capitalise on momentum swings when they arrived.