Originally from the Lake District, UK, I’ve spent the last few years living and breathing the Southeast Asian poker circuit. Since 2025, I’ve been a fixture on the floor at the APT, PokerStars, and WSOP events, serving as a lead reporter and media specialist for Somuchpoker. My work is about more than just recording action; I manage the social media and digital content that brings action rail to the fans. By combining a business education and creative background, I aim to look past the technical hand histories to capture the actual human grit and drama that happens during a deep run.

Updated: 2026.04.18

Zhili Zhou is a Chinese professional poker player who has quickly ascended the ranks of the Asian live circuit. Known for his technical consistency and deep runs in high-stakes regional festivals, he has become a formidable presence at major stops in South Korea and across Southeast Asia.

Career Earnings & Biggest Results

With total live earnings surpassing $195,000, Zhili Zhou has experienced a breakout period during the early 2026 season. His career-best score of $167,329 was achieved in February 2026 at the Asian Poker Tour (APT) Jeju Classic, where he outlasted an elite field to win the High Roller Ultra Stack event.

Other notable results include:

$6,135 (₩9,030,000) for a 4th-place finish in a No Limit Hold’em Single Re-Entry event at APT Jeju.
$4,781 (¥34,500) for a 62nd-place finish in the TJPT Changsha Main Event.
$4,001 (₩5,619,000) for a 13th-place finish in the Korea National Cup at APT Jeju 2025.
$3,364 (₩4,740,000) for a deep run in the Asian Poker Tour Main Event in Jeju.

His victory in the Ultra Stack event significantly boosted his poker net worth and propelled him into the top 500 of the China All Time Money List. For a full breakdown of his tournament history, you can view the Zhili Zhou Hendon Mob Profile.

Biography & Poker Background

Originally from China, Zhili Zhou has focused his professional volume on the burgeoning poker hubs of South Korea and major regional Chinese festivals. He established himself as a “Jeju regular” during the 2024–2026 seasons, consistently cashing in flagship events hosted by the APT and the Red Dragon Poker Tour. Zhou is part of a highly disciplined wave of Chinese “circuit regulars” who specialize in navigating the large-field, high-variance structures typical of Asian poker festivals.

Play Style & Strategy

Zhili Zhou is recognized for a modern, GTO-influenced play style that emphasizes high-pressure stack management and exploitative adjustments in the late stages of a tournament. During his victory at the APT High Roller Ultra Stack, he demonstrated elite composure, utilizing a massive chip lead to systematically pressure and eliminate opponents at the final table. His ability to adapt between deep-stacked championship formats and fast-paced high-roller events highlights a versatile strategic approach that prioritizes long-term equity and tactical patience during critical bubble phases.

Recent Attendances