Junjie He Triumphs at APT Korean Main Event, Pocketing $275K

Poker fans, brace yourselves—Asia’s poker scene has just witnessed its most thrilling spectacle yet. Junjie He, a poker pro from China, made history by winning the biggest-ever APT (Asian Poker Tour) Korean Main Event. Held in Incheon, South Korea, this event shattered records, bringing together 1,281 players and generating a jaw-dropping prize pool of over $2 million.

Junjie He: A Fast and Furious Final Table

The stakes couldn’t have been higher as the final nine players fought for the coveted $350,000 first prize and the Golden Lion trophy. Junjie He started the final table with a massive chip lead, holding almost 25% of the chips in play. The action was swift, with two players eliminated in the early rounds. The remaining three players then agreed to an ICM (Independent Chip Model) chop, securing $25,000 and the trophy for the winner.

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Kouki Okumiya, who had started as the short stack, had his luck turn early. Despite nearly being eliminated on the first hand, Okumiya held strong and doubled up with aces against a flush draw. By the time the ICM deal was made, he had secured the biggest cash prize of his career.

A Final Showdown: Junjie He vs. Okumiya

The heads-up battle was intense but short-lived. Okumiya and He went to war with equally sized stacks, setting the stage for an epic clash. However, the match lasted only two hands. The final hand saw both players holding a king—Okumiya had K♠ Q♠, while He had K♦ J♦. The flop hit He’s hand perfectly, and despite Okumiya’s all-in, He’s superior hand was nearly unbeatable. Okumiya, hoping for a runner-runner miracle, could only watch as the turn sealed his fate, giving him the victory and the 24K Gold Lion trophy.

Junjie He’s Victory Speech: “Proof of Consistency”

After his stunning victory, He reflected on his journey, stating, “I’m definitely very excited. I’ve always wanted to win a big Main Event title, and this time I did it. The trophy is beautiful—really cool. I’ve always believed that if you keep doing the right things, you will eventually get results. This is great proof of that. I hope I can continue doing the right things in the future.”

A Record-Breaking Event with Record-Breaking Stakes

This Main Event wasn’t just a victory for him—it was a landmark moment for the APT, solidifying its position as a leading poker tournament circuit in Asia. With a total prize pool of over $2 million and 1,281 entries, the event was a massive success. And as the APT sets its sights on the future, the next stop—APT Taipei in November 2025—is poised to be even bigger with a $5 million guaranteed prize pool.

A Look at the Final Results

FAQs

1. What is the APT Korean Main Event?
The APT Korean Main Event is the flagship poker tournament held by the Asian Poker Tour in South Korea, offering a massive prize pool and attracting top players from across the globe.

2. How much did the winner of the APT Korean Main Event earn?
Junjie He took home $275,140 for his victory in the tournament.

3. What is the Golden Lion trophy?
The Golden Lion trophy is awarded to the winner of the APT Korean Main Event, symbolising their victory in one of Asia’s most prestigious poker tournaments.

4. Who was the runner-up in the APT Korean Main Event?
Kouki Okumiya from Japan finished second, earning $228,130.

5. Where will the next APT event be held?
The next APT Main Event will take place in Taipei, Taiwan, in November 2025, with a $5 million guaranteed prize pool.

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Content Courtesy: POKER.ORG