Kai Cocklin is a poker journalist and live reporting manager who has worked with PokerNews at major festivals including the World Series of Poker and the European Poker Tour. He has managed multiple live reporting teams at the World Series of Poker and trained individual reporters to develop their skills. He now oversees Somuchpoker’s editorial and live coverage, ensuring consistent quality and engaging content across the Asian poker scene.

Updated: 2026.02.09

Christian Tabac is a Romanian professional poker player known for his resilience and elite tournament navigation, widely recognized as a rising star in both European and Asian circuits.

Career Earnings & Biggest Results

With over $442,000 in total live earnings, according to The Hendon Mob, Christian Tabac has seen a massive surge in results over the last 18 months.

His career-best live cash of $157,305 came from a 3rd-place finish at the 2026 APT Jeju Classic Main Event . Tabac also holds significant scores from the WSOP Paradise in the Bahamas, where he earned $80,000 in December 2025.

APT Jeju Classic Christian Tabac – photo courtesy of APT

Biography & Poker Background

Originally from Romania, Tabac has become a true global “nomad,” traveling between European stops like the EPT and WSOP Europe to the booming markets of Asia.

He built his bankroll through the mid-stakes circuits in Bucharest and the Czech Republic before successfully stepping up to the international High Roller and Championship stages. His consistency has recently propelled him into the top 75 of the Romania All-Time Money List.

Play Style & Strategy

Tabac is a resilient and technically sound player who specializes in navigating large-field No Limit Hold’em tournaments.

He is particularly adept at short-stack survival and utilizing three-bet shove bluffs to rebuild momentum, as seen during his gritty final table performance in Jeju where he drilled a two-outer on the river to stay alive. His strategy blends European fundamentals with the exploitative adjustments necessary to compete against the aggressive styles prevalent in Asian festivals.

Recent Attendances