The World Poker Tour (WPT) has officially declared Yunkyu Song as the Season 22 Player of the Year, adding his name to an elite club of poker legends. Song’s stellar season outshined the competition, earning him the coveted title and leaving notable challengers in his wake.
A Season of Consistency
Unlike many previous WPT Player of the Year (POY) winners, Song clinched the title without securing a Main Tour win. Instead, his consistent deep runs and impressive finishes across the season set him apart. Highlights of Song’s remarkable year include:
- WPT Prime Playground Championship: Victory for $164,251.
- WPT bestbet Scramble Championship: Runner-up finish for $252,059 in November.
His ability to excel across events ensured he stayed ahead in the POY standings, ending the season with 2,275 points.
A Close Race to the Finish
The road to victory wasn’t without drama. Song entered the season-ending $10,400 WPT World Championship at Wynn Las Vegas as the POY frontrunner. However, his lead wasn’t secure, with rivals Dylan Smith, Eric Afriat, and Landon Tice all within striking distance.
While Song didn’t cash in the championship event, the pressure heightened as Smith advanced to Day 4 in the massive 2,392-entry field. Smith ultimately finished in 127th place, falling short of the points needed to surpass Song’s total.
Top POY Contenders
Here’s how the top performers stacked up in the WPT Season 22 Player of the Year race:
- Yunkyu Song – 2,275 points
- Dylan Smith – 2,150 points
- Winner of the WPT Seminole Rock ‘N Roll Poker Open ($662,200).
- Eric Afriat – 1,750 points
- Landon Tice – 1,700 points
Smith’s incredible year included over $1 million in live tournament cashes, with notable finishes at the Seminole Rock ‘N Roll Poker Open and the Seminole Hard Rock Poker Showdown. Afriat’s near-miss at the bestbet Scramble Championship final table was another pivotal moment in the POY race.
Song Joins WPT Elite
With this victory, Yunkyu Song joins a prestigious list of WPT Player of the Year winners, including Daniel Negreanu, Anthony Zinno, Jonathan Little, and Brian Altman. Remarkably, no player has claimed the award more than once, highlighting the competitive nature of the WPT circuit.
What’s Next for Song?
Song’s incredible Season 22 performance solidifies his status as one of poker’s rising stars. As he prepares for future WPT events, the poker world will undoubtedly be watching to see if he can carry his momentum into another standout year.
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