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Tony “Ren” Lin is a Chinese-born professional poker player who has become one of the most recognizable and successful figures on the modern high-roller circuit. Currently residing in New York, he is famous for his infectious energy, “Lady Gaga” nickname, and his relentless “No Gamble, No Future” mantra that has endeared him to fans globally.
Career Earnings & Biggest Results
According to The Hendon Mob, his total earnings stand at $16,841,869. He achieved his career-best live score in 2023 at the WPT Alpha8 at Wynn Las Vegas, where he defeated a field of elite professionals to take home $1,045,781.
Lin’s 2024 and 2025 seasons have been among the most prolific in poker history. He solidified his status as a world-class competitor at the WSOP Paradise 2025 in the Bahamas, recording massive scores in the $25,000 Super Main Event for $335,000 and the $125,000 Triton 7-Handed for $254,000. Earlier in 2025, he dominated the World Series of Poker (WSOP) in Las Vegas, finishing 3rd in a $3,000 No Limit Hold’em event for $406,016. On the Triton Poker Super High Roller Series , he has been a consistent finalist, notably earning $611,000 for a 5th-place finish in a $50,000 7-Handed event in Vietnam.
Biography & Poker Background
Originally from China, Lin moved to the United States and began his career grinding low-stakes tournaments in Las Vegas in late 2015. His meteoric rise began in 2021 when he transitioned to the high-stakes scene, quickly establishing himself as a top-ranked professional. He currently holds the #3 spot on the China All Time Money List and has reached as high as #5 in the Global Poker Index (GPI) rankings. Despite his success, his career faced a notable hurdle in late 2025 when he was suspended from GGPoker and disqualified from a WSOP Circuit event in Cyprus following a controversy involving unauthorized real-time coaching.
Play Style & Strategy
Lin is known for a highly aggressive and unconventional play style that often keeps the world’s best players off-balance. While he understands GTO principles, he frequently employs an exploitative approach and utilizes intense table talk to gain psychological advantages. His fearlessness in massive pots and his ability to switch gears between reckless aggression and disciplined folding make him a formidable opponent in the high-stakes community. Whether competing in a $1,000 bounty event or a $200,000 invitational, his presence ensures a dynamic and action-heavy table environment.
