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.