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Seunghyun “Michael” Nam is an American professional poker player of Korean descent who has emerged as a high-stakes force on both the US and Asian circuits, recently surpassing the million-dollar milestone in career tournament earnings.
Career Earnings & Biggest Results
According to The Hendon Mob, his total live earnings stand at $1,015,753. His breakout year came in 2025, marked by a career-high score at the World Series of Poker (WSOP) in Las Vegas. Competing in the $3,000 No Limit Hold’em (Event #68), Nam navigated a field of elite professionals to reach the final table, ultimately finishing 6th for $169,818. Earlier that year, he secured another massive payday at the Wynn Summer Classic, placing 25th in a $3,500 No Limit Hold’em event for $222,535.
Nam has also established himself as a dominant presence in Asia. In December 2025, he traveled to South Korea for the Gods of Poker (GOP) Eden Awakens series in Jeju. He captured the prestigious KRW 15,500,000 Demigods Challenge (Event #10) title, defeating Filipino veteran Lester Edoc in an intense heads-up battle to earn KRW 71,416,000 (∼$48,600). His international resume also includes deep runs in the Asian Poker Tour (APT) and the Triton Poker Series, where he cashed in the $7,360 + 640 Triton One Main Event for $23,800.
Biography & Poker Background
Originally from Boston, Massachusetts, Nam represents a new generation of American players who aggressively seek value in the burgeoning Asian markets. He initially honed his skills in the competitive East Coast circuit, cashing in multiple WSOP Circuit (WSOPC) events at Turning Stone and Verona. However, his transition to international high rollers in 2024 and 2025 has seen him climb to 36th on the Massachusetts All-Time Money List. Known for his “road warrior” mentality, Nam splits his time between major Las Vegas festivals and the high-stakes stops in Jeju and Taipei.
Play Style & Strategy
Nam is recognized for a high-pressure, aggressive tournament strategy that excels in short-handed and heads-up situations. His victory over a seasoned pro like Lester Edoc in Jeju highlighted his resilience and ability to recover from momentum shifts through calculated aggression. He is particularly adept at the “mystery bounty” and “knockout” formats, where his willingness to take high-variance lines allows him to build massive stacks early. This fearless approach, combined with a sound technical foundation developed in US solvers-heavy fields, makes him a dangerous adversary at any final table.
