The year 2023 witnessed an explosion in the Asian poker scene, with many remarkable names emerging. Here are 20 notable players we have selected and introduced to our readers. The list is not ranked.
1. Nam Hyung Kim – South Korea
Nam Hyung Kim, a poker talent from South Korea, has left an indelible mark on the global poker community with his strategic prowess and consistently calm demeanor at the table.
Nam Hyung gained fame after making waves in Cambodia in 2022 and dominating international competitions in 2023. Kim earned over $960,000 from tournaments such as the WPC Hanoi Super High Roller (1st place), APT Taipei Single Day High Roller (2nd place), and WPT Australia Super High Roller (1st place), where he secured his largest prize to date (USD 295,765).
In 2023, Nam Hyung achieved 12 final table appearances in events with average and large player fields, including WSOP Europe Pot Limit Omaha (2nd place, not gold bracelet event) and USOP Danang Billionaire Club Challenge (2nd place after a deal).
2. Chia Yun Wu – Taiwan
Chia Yun Wu, a regular in the Taiwanese poker community, had an outstanding year. In the 2023 Taiwan Millions Tournament Main Event, Chia secured the top spot, turning a mere $265 buy-in into a remarkable victory, bagging $114,900 - surpassing the six-figure mark for the first time.
Chia also performed well in other poker festivals in Taiwan, claiming first place at the All Japan Poker Championship Main Event and APT Kickoff. With a history of success in Taiwan, he previously secured the top spot at the APT Finale Taiwan in 2019.
3. James Mendoza – Philippines/USA
James Mendoza, a poker talent of Filipino-American origin, captivated the poker world with his engaging presence at the tables and notable strategic finesse. Renowned for his flexible and diverse playing style, Mendoza navigates the game's intricacies with a rare combination of intuition and calculation precision.
In 2023, Mendoza had a significant year, reaching 11th place at the PCA Main Event (winning $300,100) and finishing third at the WSOP NLH Freezeout (winning $303,884). Mendoza is among the top ten players in the Philippines.
4. Wu Peng Sen – Taiwan
Wu Peng Sen from Taiwan amassed over $300,000 in his breakout year. He began 2023 at the Taiwan Millions Tournament Main Event, securing third place. Wu ranked third among 66 USOP Taiwan High Roller players after his debut.
Wu started making a mark at WPT Prime Taiwan, winning his first WPT trophy in the 8 Max Championship. He pocketed a substantial prize of $34,900. Wu also claimed the top spot at the Poker Dream Taiwan Main Event, earning his first six-figure payout of $151,061.
5. Santhosh Suvarna – Taiwan
Poker player Santhosh Suvarna has recently become a new high-roller sensation from India. In late October 2023, Suvarna earned a staggering $1.772 million by finishing third in the Triton Super High Roller Series main event.
Suvarna is a rising star among underrated players, securing the prestigious gold bracelet in November 2023 at the WSOP Europe after placing 11th in the WSOP 2023 High Roller. He became the 6th Indian to win the coveted gold bracelet. Suvarna concluded his professional year with $6.2 million in winnings.
