The year 2023 was an explosion in the Asian poker market, with many remarkable names emerging. Here are 20 notable players we have selected and introduced to our readers. The list is not ranked.

  1. REN LIN – China

Ren "Tony" Lin, a formidable player in the poker world from China, has gained widespread recognition on the international stage. Lin showcased himself as a player to watch in 2023 by demonstrating his skills in tournaments outside of Asia.

His most significant victory came at the World Poker Tour (WPT) World Championship, where Lin claimed the Alpha8 title and the highest prize of $1,045,781. His remarkable win immediately followed his record-breaking performance at the $40 million guaranteed WPT World Championship, where he finished 20th — the deepest run by any Asian player to date.

  1. JOHN TECH - Philippines

In 2023, John Tech propelled a wave of record victories for the Philippines, starting with a dominant win at the Asian Poker Tour (APT) Taipei Superstar Challenge with a prize pool of around $110,000. Mid-year, he shone at the Asia Pacific Poker Tour (APPT) Manila, securing 4th place in the Main Event and 2nd place in the Super High Roller. He earned an impressive total prize pool of $115,230. By the end of 2023, he nearly claimed the Super Challenge title, ranking 2nd at the Asia Poker Festival (APF). John Tech has now risen to the 3rd position in the all-time money list for the Philippines.

  1. ANKIT AHUJA – India

Ranking 4th on the all-time money list for India is Ankit Ahuja, who won the EPT Cyprus Main Event in 2023. As of October 2023, this impressive player has earned USD 2.1 million in poker tournament winnings, finishing 5th in the ESPT main event.

He secured 5th place at the EPT Barcelona Main Event and 2nd place at the UKPT High Roller. Ahuja is also a frequent participant in the Las Vegas poker scene, often joining major tournaments and appearing in iconic poker rooms such as the Venetian.

  1.  NGUYEN QUANG HUY ~ Vietnam

Nguyễn Quang Huy, a renowned poker star, represents the developing talent of Vietnam on the international stage. He is one of the most well-known players in Vietnam, with his significant victories coming mainly from High Roller events.

He ended a successful year at the U Series of Poker (USOP) Da Nang and Asia Poker Festival (APF) Hanoi. At the USOP, he secured four final table appearances and two runner-up finishes in crucial events. At APF, he brought home a total of $110,400 and earned the title of "Player of the Tournament." Huy's incredible achievements in 2023 continued with other wins, including 4th place at WPT Prime Billionaire High Stakes, 2nd place at USOP Hanoi High Roller Megastack, 2nd place at APT Phu Quoc Single Day High Roller, 1st place at Poker Dream 7 Vietnam Single Day High Roller, and 1st place at Billionaire Club High Roller Challenge WPT Vietnam.

  1. MAO RENJI - China

Mao Renji's standout victory was at the $800 NLH Deepstack event at the WSOP 2023, where he secured his first gold bracelet by defeating a field of 4,747 participants. His explosive playing style at the final table marked his biggest career win, earning him the largest cash prize of $402,588 USD. He is currently one of only four Chinese players to have won a gold bracelet.

Mao continued his WSOP success with a series of victories, going deep in numerous events throughout the year, including a triumph at the APT Summer Series Da Nang Single Day High Roller with a prize of 634,860,000 VND (~ $26,835).