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: 2026.02.11

William Li is a Canadian poker player known for his discipline and endurance, widely recognized for winning the record-breaking 2026 APT Jeju Classic Main Event.

Career Earnings & Biggest Results

With over $413,000 in total live earnings, according to The Hendon Mob, William Li has established himself as a major force on the Asian Poker Tour (APT) circuit. His career-best score came in February 2026 at the APT Jeju Classic Main Event, where he outlasted a historic field of 1,718 entries to secure the Gold Lion trophy and a $402,535 top prize. Prior to this breakout victory, Li was primarily active in the US circuit, with cashes at the WSOP Circuit in California.

Biography & Poker Background

Originally from Canada and having spent significant time playing in the United States, Li describes poker as a serious hobby that has recently yielded significant “feedback” for his years of effort. While he does not consider himself a full-time professional, his transition to the Asian live circuit has been meteoric. His victory in Jeju, the largest poker tournament ever held in South Korea,marks a milestone in a two-year journey characterized by the typical “ups and downs” of the game.

Play Style & Strategy

Li is a disciplined and patient competitor who excels at maintaining focus under physical and mental duress. During his deep run in Jeju, he demonstrated remarkable resilience, navigating 12-hour days without dinner breaks despite feeling “dizzy” from hunger. Strategically, Li utilizes a calculated approach to heads-up play, relying on reliable opponent reads to make difficult calls, such as his tournament-defining hero call with two pair against relentless aggression. He balances this with a grounded, “pessimistic” mindset that prevents overconfidence until the final pot is pushed.

Recent Attendances