Taiwan, CTP Asia Poker ArenaEVENT #36

2026.01.12 - 2026.01.17Add to Calendar

Gods of Poker

Blind level

Level 12: 15,000 / 30,000 ante: 30,000

Entries

13/92

Total Chips

11,040,000

Average

849,231

Live Coverage By GOP

Kai CocklinKai Cocklin

1/13/2026, 10:15:32 PM

Flight B Wraps Up With Jihoon Song Leading the 13 Survivors

Level 12: 15,000 / 30,000 ante: 30,000

Jihoon Soing

Flight B of the GOP Taipei 2026 Main Event drew 92 entries across its two 90-minute levels and just before the end of Level 12, the bubble burst to signal the end of day and determine the newest ITM qualifiers. At the top of the list was Jihoon Song with a stack of 1,840,000. HIs rise to the top was a slow and steady grind during short-handed play.

Bagging up second rank was Shen Bo Yu who knocked out two players, both holding pocket kings. Yu closed the night with 1,580,000.

Rounding out the top three was Demigods Challenge champion, Marc Rivera with 1,130,000. Rivera's grind to the million mark started with a double up holding aces at Kang Chien Shao's expense, then grinded more off him before the close of day.

While there were numerous standout hands throughout the flight, one of the wildest took place early on. A three-way all in erupted at the flop after everyone got a piece of the board. It ended with Chang Hyuk knocking out two players with his nut flush.

One of the more intense moments was a hand between Rivera and Gyeongbyeong Lee where the latter used up fifteen time banks before surrendering his hand.

Callum JuryCallum Jury

1/13/2026, 2:01:41 PM

Bubble Bursts On Shinya

Level 12: 15,000 / 30,000 ante: 30,000

Yoshimoto Shinya

First hand of the bubble round and Yoshimoto Shinya went all in with his short stack and as everyone folded around to the big blind Yao Hou Chun, he felt obliged to make the light call.

Yoshimoto Shinya: A♦ 9♠

Yao Hou Chun: Q♦ 4♣

Although Shinya was ahead, he wasn't out of the woods with Chun holding live cards. When the flop ran, one of them found the board J♣ 7♠ 4♦. The turn and river were Shinya's last hope but no help arrived with the runout 2♠ and T♠.

Player	Chips
SY Shinya YoshimotoJapan	140,000(5 BB)

Callum JuryCallum Jury

1/13/2026, 1:59:08 PM

Wu Doesn't Get By The Ladies

Level 12: 15,000 / 30,000 ante: 30,000

Gemmy Tu An after knocking out Chiayun Wu

Chiayun Wu open-shoved for 240,000 and nextdoor neighbor Gemmy Tu An jammed as well. With no other interested parties, they turned them over. Wu was in bad shape with his snowmen behind the ladies.

Chiayun Wu: 8♣ 8♠

Gemmy Tu An: Q♠ Q♥

A♠ soon as the window card was revealed, it was an eight and Wu roared but when the rest of the flop was spread 9♥ Q♣ 8♥, a queen was also in the mix to give Gemmy Tu An the higher set.

No miracles came on the turn and river, instead the K♣ and 2♥ appeared to end Wu's run on the soft bubble.

Player	Chips
TA Tu AnhViet Nam	1,015,000(34 BB)
WC Wu Chaiyan	busted

Callum JuryCallum Jury

1/13/2026, 1:58:10 PM

Rivera Empties Out Gonzaga

Level 12: 15,000 / 30,000 ante: 30,000

After losing an all in showdown, Terry Gonzaga was all in for his last 80,000 and had a fifty-fifty chance against Marc Rivera to come back to life.

Terry Gonzaga: A♣ K♦

Marc Rivera: 9♠ 9♦

However, it was just not his moment as the flop 9♣ 7♣ Q♥ further improved Rivera. And with the turn 4♥, it was the end for Gonzaga who was drawing dead. The river was a meaningless 5♠.

Player	Chips
MR Marc RiveraPhilippines	925,000(31 BB)
TG Terry GonzagaPhilippines	busted

Callum JuryCallum Jury

1/13/2026, 1:56:06 PM

Overkill Quads For Phua Secures The Double Up

Level 12: 15,000 / 30,000 ante: 30,000

Si Yang Phua

Si Yang Phua was in danger of elimination but had the nuts hole cards against Terry Gonzaga.

Si Yang Phua: A♣ A♥

Terry Gonzaga: K♦ T♥

When the flop landed 10c 7♠ A♠ the double up was just about guaranteed, and with the turn 4♠ that sealed it. The overkill river A♦ was inconsequential but was got some shocks nonetheless.

Player	Chips
SP Siyang PhuaSingapore	380,000(13 BB)
TG Terry GonzagaPhilippines	80,000(3 BB)

Level 12: 15,000 / 30,000 ante: 30,000

30 minutes

Remaining Players: 17/92

Callum JuryCallum Jury

1/13/2026, 1:11:39 PM

Short Stacks Bang Heads

Short stacks Yao Hou Chun and Yoshimoto Shinya went head to head with pocket pairs at the showdown.

Yao Hou Chun: K♦ K♠

Yoshimoto Shinya: 9♣ 9♠

The board bricked for the cowboys to hold and double through.

Player	Chips
HC Hou Chun-yaoTaiwan	615,000
SY Shinya YoshimotoJapan	140,000

Callum JuryCallum Jury

1/13/2026, 1:10:41 PM

Gemmy Tu An Rails One

Level 11: 10,000 / 25,000 ante: 25,000

Gemmy Tu An

Heavy pre-flop action saw Shinichiro Kano open with a min-raise from the hijack, only for Gemmy Tu An to three-bet to 110,000 from the small blind. The tension escalated when big blind Chih Hao Chiang moved all-in for his remaining 295,000.

Kano spent one time-bank before opting to fold, but Gemmy Tu An made the call to put Chiang at risk. It was a classic pocket-pair collision:

Chih Hao Chiang: Q♣ Q♠

Gemmy Tu An: K♦ K♥

Chiang’s hopes for a queen went unanswered as the dealer delivered a 7♥ J♥ 2♥ 4♠ 2♣ board. Gemmy Tu An’s kings held firm, sending Chiang to the rail and providing her stack with a significant boost.

Player	Chips
TA Tu AnhViet Nam	750,000(30 BB)
CH Chia Hao Chiang	busted

Level 11: 10,000 / 25,000 ante: 25,000

30 minutes

Remaining Players: 17/92

Break

15 minutes

Remaining Players: 17/92

Zoe ChangZoe Chang

1/13/2026, 12:20:03 PM

Break Time - 17 Players Remaining

Break time once again with 17 players remaining and four busts to the money. Currently in the lead is Shen Bo Yu with 1,500,000.

Zoe ChangZoe Chang

1/13/2026, 12:17:27 PM

Yu Dusts Two Cowboys With One Whip

Level 10: 10,000 / 20,000 ante: 20,000

Shen Bo Yu

Another wild three-way clash with Yu Bin Heon and Chulho Park both at risk against the big stack caller Shen Bo Yu.

When the cards were on their backs, Yu was more than thrilled to see he had a chance.

Chulho Park: K♥ K♣

Yu Bin Heon: K♠ K♦

Yu: A♣ J♣

One of those slim outs found its way to the flop of A♠ T♦ 9♠ and with the turn 4♣, the cowboys were drawing dead. The river was 8♦.

Player	Chips
SB Shen Bo Yu	1,300,000(65 BB)
CP Chulho ParkSouth Korea	busted
YH Yubin HeonSouth Korea	busted

Zoe ChangZoe Chang

1/13/2026, 12:14:50 PM

Slight Scare As Lau Takes On Wu

Level 10: 10,000 / 20,000 ante: 20,000

Alan King Lun Lau

Following a raise, Alan Lau three-bet shoved and was joined by Chiayun Wu down the orbit. With no other takers, they flipped 'em.

Alan King Lun Lau: K♦ J♦

Chiayun Wu: A♣ A♥

Wu had the nuts but wasn't guaranteed the pot just yet especially when the flop arrived 5♦ 3♦ 8♥ giving Lau a flush draw.

The turn A♠ improved Wu but still, the diamond scare was alive and well until the dealer revealed the river 3♣.

A happy Wu shipped the pot as Lau exited the tournament area.

Player	Chips
CW Chiayun WuTaiwan	400,000(20 BB)
AL Alan LauHong Kong	busted

Level 10: 10,000 / 20,000 ante: 20,000

30 minutes

Remaining Players: 17/92

Zoe ChangZoe Chang

1/13/2026, 12:05:28 PM

Rivera Banks On Rockets

Level 9: 8,000 / 16,000 ante: 16,000

Marc Rivera

Marc Rivera scored another pot, this time it was a full double against table leader Kang Chien Shao who was sitting on well over a mil.

Marc Rivera: A♣ A♠

Kang Chien Shao: J♣ J♦

The board ran a clean T♠ T♣ T♦ 3♥ 9♦.

Player	Chips
KC Kang Chien ShaoTaiwan	1,078,000(67 BB)
MR Marc RiveraPhilippines	832,000(52 BB)

Zoe ChangZoe Chang

1/13/2026, 11:56:00 AM

Heon Extracts Value Off Wu

Level 9: 8,000 / 16,000 ante: 16,000

Catching the hand on the river with 190,000 in the pot and a spread of 8♦ 9♠ 6♦ 6♠ 6♥ laid out. Out of the big blind seat, Heon bet a light 55,000 and got Wu to make the call.

Heon showed 9♥ 3♥ and it was a winner with Wu mucking his hand.

Player	Chips
YH Yubin HeonSouth Korea	490,000(31 BB)
CW Chiayun WuTaiwan	400,000(25 BB)

Player	Chips
CW Chiayun WuTaiwan	220,000(14 BB)

Zoe ChangZoe Chang

1/13/2026, 11:50:47 AM

Chiang Takes The Last Of Lee's Stack

Level 9: 8,000 / 16,000 ante: 16,000

Deric Lee has been struggling with a short stack for some time and couldn't make it grow. Instead, Chia Hao Chiang cleaned him out.

Jun Liang Deric Lee: K♣ 4♦

Chia Hao Chiang: Q♠ Q♦

The board was A♥ 9♥ A♣ T♣ A♦.

Player	Chips
CH Chia Hao Chiang	430,000(27 BB)

Level 9: 8,000 / 16,000 ante: 16,000

30 minutes

Remaining Players: 19/92

Callum JuryCallum Jury

1/13/2026, 11:40:04 AM

Lee Burns Through Fifteen Time-Banks

Level 8: 6,000 / 12,000 ante: 12,000

Gyeongbyeong Lee

Gyeongbyeong Lee and Marc Rivera stared down a turn board of J♠ 7♦ 8♣ 8♠ with approximately 127,000 already in the pot. Lee had a bet of 45,000 in front of him, but the action reached a boiling point when Rivera moved all-in for 215,000.

Lee proceeded to go deep into the think tank, burning through fifteen time-banks as he agonized over the decision. Eventually, he released his hand, telling Rivera it was a “very big fold.” Rivera offered only a smile as he mucked his cards and collected the pot.

Player	Chips
MR Marc RiveraPhilippines	342,000(29 BB)
GL Gyeongbyeong LeeSouth Korea	235,000(20 BB)

Callum JuryCallum Jury

1/13/2026, 11:38:43 AM

Shao Dusts Another Player

Level 8: 6,000 / 12,000 ante: 12,000

Kang Chien Shao

Shortly after eliminating Kouichi Baba, Kang Chien Shao collected another stack by knocking out Junghun Choi.

Junghun Choi: A♥ 3♠

Kang Chien Shao: K♣ Q♦

Choi held the pre-flop lead with ace-high, but the board was all Shao as it ran out J♣ Q♠ J♥ Q♣ 4♥. Shao turned a full house to leave Choi drawing dead, further cementing his position as a dominant force in the field.

Player	Chips
KC Kang Chien ShaoTaiwan	490,000(41 BB)
JC Junghun ChoiSouth Korea	210,000(18 BB)

Callum JuryCallum Jury

1/13/2026, 11:37:36 AM

Baba-Bye

Level 8: 6,000 / 12,000 ante: 12,000

Kouichi Baba

One more push was all it took to send Kouichi Baba out of the field. With 175,000 behind, he moved all-in with A♣ 3♦ but still couldn't catch a break, as Kang Chien Shao had him dominated with A♦ Q♦.

The board further ensured Shao's win, running out 6♠ 10d J♠ 7♦ 4♦ to give Shao an unnecessary but definitive nut flush. The former chip leader's collapse is now complete as he heads to the payout desk.

Player	Chips
KC Kang Chien ShaoTaiwan	490,000(41 BB)
KB Kouichi BabaJapan	busted

Callum JuryCallum Jury

1/13/2026, 11:35:38 AM

The Draining Continues...

Level 8: 6,000 / 12,000 ante: 12,000

Kouichi Baba was once a massive force in the tournament with a million in chips, but that is now ancient history after his stack suffered multiple hits. The attacks continued as Junghun Choi became the next player to drain chips from the former leader.

Junghun Choi: A♣ J♠

Kouichi Baba: A♥ T♦

The board ran out eight-high, allowing Choi’s jack-kicker to play. Choi secured the double-up, while Baba’s stack continues to head in the wrong direction.

Player	Chips
JC Junghun ChoiSouth Korea	210,000(18 BB)
KB Kouichi BabaJapan	175,000(15 BB)

Level 8: 6,000 / 12,000 ante: 12,000

30 minutes

Remaining Players: 29/92

Callum JuryCallum Jury

1/13/2026, 11:34:04 AM

Rivera Doubles Through

Level 7: 5,000 / 10,000 ante: 10,000

Gyeongbyeong Lee opened the action with a 25,000 raise, finding one caller in Chulho Park before Marc Rivera three-bet jammed for 81,000. Lee made the call, while Park got out of the way.

Marc Rivera: A♣ K♣

Gyeongbyeong Lee: A♥ 3♥

Rivera was a dominant favorite, and there were no bad beats or scares on the Q♣ 10c 4♥ 7♠ 5♥ board. Rivera’s Big Slick held firm to secure the double-up.

Player	Chips
GL Gyeongbyeong LeeSouth Korea	225,000(23 BB)
MR Marc RiveraPhilippines	177,000(18 BB)

Callum JuryCallum Jury

1/13/2026, 11:31:54 AM

Yu Shows Kang the Bad News

Level 7: 5,000 / 10,000 ante: 10,000

Hyeongmin Yu

On a board of 4♦ A♣ 5♠ 8♣ 6♥, Hogyun Kang moved all-in for the remainder of his chips with A♥ K♥.

While Kang held top pair, he was quickly given his walking papers when Hyeongmin Yu revealed 4♣ 4♠ for a flopped set. Yu’s hand remained well ahead throughout the runout to secure the knockout.

Player	Chips
HY Hyeongmin YuSouth Korea	365,000(37 BB)
HK Hogyun KangSouth Korea	busted

Callum JuryCallum Jury

1/13/2026, 10:59:55 AM

Chiu Emptied Out By Song

Level 7: 5,000 / 10,000 ante: 10,000

Unsure of what transpired at Table 1 but the big stack Kim Wah Chiu is no longer in the field. According to the players, Chiu's last hand was pocket sevens that fell to Ji Hoon Song's king-ten. Song has now reached the seven digit mark.

Player	Chips
JS Jihoon SongSouth Korea	1,000,000(100 BB)

Callum JuryCallum Jury

1/13/2026, 10:54:55 AM

Asakawa Muscles With His Big Stack

Level 7: 5,000 / 10,000 ante: 10,000

Yuya Asakawa

On a flop of 8♠ 2♦ K♥ with a pot of 63,000 already brewed, Kim Wah Chiu jammed his big stack, putting Kouichi Baba to a decision for his tournament life.

Baba went deep into the tank, burning through a time extension while mulling over the call. Ultimately, he decided to fold, letting go of his stake in the pot and yielding to Chiu's aggression.

Player	Chips
YA Yuyu AsakawaJapan	970,000(97 BB)
KB Kouichi BabaJapan	435,000(44 BB)

Level 7: 5,000 / 10,000 ante: 10,000

30 minutes

Remaining Players: 29/92

Break

15 minutes

Remaining Players: 29/92

Zoe ChangZoe Chang

1/13/2026, 10:40:31 AM

Break Time

Players are on another break. When they return, the hunt for one of the coveted 13 seats continues.

Zoe ChangZoe Chang

1/13/2026, 10:39:27 AM

Cho Burned By The Turn

Short stacked Jaegeol Cho was all in for his tournament life for 46,000 and was put on the ropes by big stacked Kim Wah Chiu.

Jaegeol Cho: K♣ Q♣

Kim Wah Chiu: 8♣ 6♣

Looking good with paint and clubs not a factor, the ran a clean 3♣ A♥ J♥. When the turn brought 8♦, Cho's chances of survival were bleak and it was all over for him on the river A♦.

Player	Chips
KW Kim Wah ChiuSingapore	800,000
JC Jaegeol ChoSouth Korea	busted

Zoe ChangZoe Chang

1/13/2026, 10:37:38 AM

Park Survives A Three-Way As Wan Goes Down

More multi-player shoves getting called with the next three-way at Table 2.

Zi Fern Wan: A♣ 4♣

Chulho Park: A♦ 9♥

Shen Bo Yu: 9♦ 9♠

The board felted 6♥ 3♣ A♠ Q♦ 5♦ to eliminate Wan and a double and more to Park.

Player	Chips
SB Shen Bo Yu	520,000
CP Chulho ParkSouth Korea	374,000
ZF Zi Fern WanMalaysia	busted

Zoe ChangZoe Chang

1/13/2026, 10:25:27 AM

Asakawa Dusts Two In a Four-Way Clash

Level 6: 4,000 / 8,000 ante: 8,000

Four way all in at Table 3 with the chip leader Kouchi Baba looking to sweep it up.

Maria Cristina Argao: K♣ 9♣

Joshua Figuerres: Q♣ Q♦

Yuya Asakawa: A♥ K♠

Kouichi Baba: K♦ T♦

To Figuerres's shock the last king turned up on the flop 7♣ 4♣ K♥ and with the turn 5♣ and river 2♦, he was eliminated along with Argao while Baba paid Asakawa.

Player	Chips
YA Yuya AsakawaJapan	735,000(92 BB)
KB Kouichi BabaJapan	730,000(91 BB)
MC Maria Cristina ArgaoPhilippines	busted
JF Joshua FiguerresPhilippines	busted

Level 6: 4,000 / 8,000 ante: 8,000

30 minutes

Remaining Players: 39/92

Break

15 minutes

Remaining Players: 39/92

Callum JuryCallum Jury

1/13/2026, 10:06:15 AM

Break Time

Level 5: 3,000 / 6,000 ante: 6,000

Players are on another break. When they return, the hunt for one of the coveted 13 seats continues.

Zoe ChangZoe Chang

1/13/2026, 10:06:01 AM

Wu Downs Two In One Go

Level 5: 3,000 / 6,000 ante: 6,000

The hand opened with a jam from Chiayun Wu and was joined by Kai Yang and Parichamon Chairatanarom both with short stacks

Parichamon Chairatanarom: A♦ A♣

Kai Yang: A♥ Q♥

Chiayun Wu: Q♦ T♠

The board ran A♠ 5♠ J♦ giving Chairatanarom top set but with the turn K♦ her hand was burned by Wu's Broadway. With the river 7♣, Wu delivered a double knockout

Player	Chips
CW Chiayun WuTaiwan	220,000(37 BB)
PC Parichamon ChairatanaromThailand	busted
KY Kai YangUnited States of America	busted

Callum JuryCallum Jury

1/13/2026, 10:05:36 AM

Kuo's Pair Stands Firm To Oust Yang

Level 5: 3,000 / 6,000 ante: 6,000

Wei Chun Kuo opened for 12,000 and then called Daniel Yang's three-bet shove for 56,500.

Daniel Yang: A♠ J♦

Wei Chun Kuo: 7♦ 7♠

It was a classic flip, with Kuo’s pocket pair holding a slight mathematical edge heading into the showdown. The board ran out 3♣ 2♦ 8♠ K♠ T♥, allowing Kuo's sevens to hold and sending Yang to the rail.

Player	Chips
KW Kuo Wei ChunTaiwan	345,000(58 BB)
DY Daniel YangTaiwan	busted

Callum JuryCallum Jury

1/13/2026, 9:47:44 AM

Gemmy Tu An On The Rise

Level 5: 3,000 / 6,000 ante: 6,000

Gemmy Tu An has been steadily rising, that led to Son Juhyung sent to the rail. With that knockout, she is now holding one of the top stacks with 488,500 in chips.

Player	Chips
TA Tu AnhViet Nam	488,500(81 BB)
SJ Son JungSouth Korea	busted

Zoe ChangZoe Chang

1/13/2026, 9:42:07 AM

Baba Sitting On a Million

Level 5: 3,000 / 6,000 ante: 6,000

Kouichi Baba is currently the undisputed frontrunner with a million in chips. He recently picked up a pot to build his riches.

Catching the action with 54,000 in the pot and a board laid out of 6♠ 3♥ 6♦ J♣, Zhi Yu Wang bet 32,000 and Baba called.

The river brought the 8♥ and this time Wang checked while Baba slid out 28,000. Wang folded and Baba showed J♠ 6♣ full house.

Player	Chips
KB Kouichi BabaJapan	1,000,000(167 BB)
ZY Zhi Yu WangTaiwan	250,000(42 BB)

Level 5: 3,000 / 6,000 ante: 6,000

30 minutes

Remaining Players: 39/92

Zoe ChangZoe Chang

1/13/2026, 9:24:29 AM

Wild Flop Induces A Three-Way Showdown

Level 4: 2,500 / 5,000 ante: 5,000

Three way all in at the flop with everyone getting a piece of the flop J♠ 6♥ 8♠.

Tom Verbruggen: 6♠ 5♠

Fendy Kosasih: A♥ J♠

Chang Hyuk: A♠ 9♠

The turn closed it out with the K♠ giving Hyuk the nut flush that could not be beaten. The river was 3♥

Player	Chips
HC Hyuk ChangSouth Korea	460,000(92 BB)
TV Tom VerbruggenNetherlands	busted
FK Fendy KosasihIndonesia	busted

Zoe ChangZoe Chang

1/13/2026, 9:23:18 AM

Suh Cracks Uttamakorn's Cowboys

Level 4: 2,500 / 5,000 ante: 5,000

Soonjong Suh opened from under the gun and watched as everyone folded around to the big blind Pasith Teeka Uttamakorn who jammed for 99,000.

Suh took pause and counted out his stack. With his slightly larger stack, he reluctantly called and revealed his A♠ Q♠ hole cards. Uttamakorn had K♠ K♥.

The board quickly improved Suh on the flop of A♥ Q♥ 6♥ while Uttamakorn still had a chance for a flush or a set. The turn 2♠ and river 4♠ though were not his outs for his kings to crack and Suh to rake in the pot.

Player	Chips
SS Soonjong Suh	220,000(44 BB)
PT Pasith Teeka UttamakornThailand	busted

Zoe ChangZoe Chang

1/13/2026, 9:22:26 AM

Song Rivers The Money Card To Dust Wang

Level 4: 2,500 / 5,000 ante: 5,000

Catching the action with both players' hole cards face up with a board showing 2♠ Q♥ 4♥ J♣ and 77,000 in the pot.

Ta Wei Wang was ahead with K♥ Q♦ top pair however needed to dodge hearts as Ji Hoon Song was drawing with J♥ 2♥.

It was not to be as the 6♥ found the river to end Wang's run while Song soared over 500K.

Player	Chips
JS Jihoon SongSouth Korea	513,000(103 BB)
TW Tai Wei Wang	busted

Level 4: 2,500 / 5,000 ante: 5,000

30 minutes

Remaining Players: 67/92

Zoe ChangZoe Chang

1/13/2026, 9:02:46 AM

Kim Double Barrels For The Pot

Level 4: 2,500 / 5,000 ante: 5,000

Soobum Kim kicked off the hand with a 10,000 raise and was denied the steal with big blind Parichamon Chairatanarom defending.

This took them to the flop of 7♣ 4♣ 2♠ where Kim fired 25,000 which was again called by Chairatanarom. Wasting no time counting, Kim double barreled on the turn 9♦ with a jam of 56,000 and this was enough to win the pot uncontested.

Player	Chips
SK Soobum KimSouth Korea	132,000(26 BB)
PC Parichamon ChairatanaromThailand	64,000(13 BB)

Level 4: 2,500 / 5,000 ante: 5,000

30 minutes

Remaining Players: 51/92

Zoe ChangZoe Chang

1/13/2026, 8:56:58 AM

Peter's Gapper Doesn't Produce To Fall To Tsang

Level 3: 2,000 / 4,000 ante: 4,000

Out of early position, Mitchell Tsang jammed for 53,500 and was joined by small blind Daniel Peter with a lesser 23,000 stack.

Daniel Peter: 8♦ 6♦

Mitchell Tsang: Q♠ Q♥

Upon showing, Peter needed to connect to stay in the game but the board didn't heed his call as it ran 4♠ 4♦ 4♥ K♥ 3♠.

Player	Chips
MT Mitchell TsangUnited States of America	80,500(20 BB)
DP Daniel PeterSweden	busted

Zoe ChangZoe Chang

1/13/2026, 8:55:50 AM

Yu Picks Up a Pot Against Kosasih

Level 3: 2,000 / 4,000 ante: 4,000

Early position player Hyeongmin Yu and button player Fendy Kosasih ballooned the pot to 60,000 by the time the board reached the turn T♠ Q♠ 7♥ J♣.

First to act, Yu's 35,000 bet drove Kosasih straight to the think tank until he used one time extension before opting to surrender his hand.

Player	Chips
HY Hyeongmin YuSouth Korea	296,000(74 BB)
FK Fendy KosasihIndonesia	194,000(49 BB)

Zoe ChangZoe Chang

1/13/2026, 8:25:53 AM

Lee's Small Bet Is Good Enough

Level 3: 2,000 / 4,000 ante: 4,000

On a board showing 5♣ 8♥ 2♦ J♣ and 110,000 already in the pot, Gyeongbyeong Lee bets a light 10,000 out of middle position to send the action to Luke Dainton on the button. With just 31,500 behind, Dainton burns through a time-bank before opting to preserve his chips.

Player	Chips
GL Gyeongbyeong LeeSouth Korea	220,000(55 BB)
LD Luke DaintonUnited Kingdom	31,500(8 BB)

Zoe ChangZoe Chang

1/13/2026, 8:15:16 AM

13 Players To Advance

Level 3: 2,000 / 4,000 ante: 4,000

With the start of the new level, registration for Flight B closed. A total of 92 registered with 71 players remaining. They will play down until the field reaches 13 players before bagging up for Day 2.

Level 3: 2,000 / 4,000 ante: 4,000

30 minutes

Remaining Players: 71/92

Break

15 minutes

It's break time at the Main Event once again. Latecomers have until the end of the break to sign up before registration closes. If you miss that window, you can still jump in at Flight C which kicks off at 6:00 PM.

Callum JuryCallum Jury

1/13/2026, 8:01:22 AM

Well Deserved Pot For Kang Against The Leader

Just before this hand, Jason Chin and Jaesung Kang were engaged in a pot that ended at the flop, with Chin raising and saying "good fold" to Kang.

The duo met again shortly after, with Kang calling Chin's 14,000 three-bet to take the battle to the flop, which came Q♣ 8♣ K♣.

Both players checked the flop to see the 2♥ turn. Kang led out for 11,000 and Chin flatted. The 5♦ landed on the river and Kang maintained control with a bet of 50,000. Chin tanked before paying to see the showdown.

Kang flipped over K♦ Q♥ for top two pair to scoop a well-deserved pot.

Player	Chips
JC Jason Chin	508,000
JK Jaesung KangSouth Korea	174,000

Callum JuryCallum Jury

1/13/2026, 8:00:40 AM

Baba Takes It With A Four-Bet Jam

Level 2: 1,000 / 2,000 ante: 2,000

Kouichi Baba opened from early position before Mitchell Tsang, sitting two spots over, three-bet to 115,000. Joshua Figuerres joined the action with a call from the button, but after the blinds folded, Baba turned up the heat with a massive four-bet jam.

The action returned to Tsang, who opted to fold, and Figuerres followed suit. Baba kindly showed his A♦ K♦ as he collected the pot.

Player	Chips
KB Kouichi BabaJapan	520,000(260 BB)
MT Mitchell TsangUnited States of America	33,000(17 BB)

Callum JuryCallum Jury

1/13/2026, 8:00:21 AM

River Bet Gets It Done For Halim

Level 2: 1,000 / 2,000 ante: 2,000

Harry Halim min-clicked from the hijack and found one caller before button player Ha Ram Joo three-bet to 14,000. Halim was the lone caller, taking them heads-up to a flop of J♦ 8♥ T♠.

Halim checked to the aggressor, Joo, who continued for 9,000. Halim called to see the T♣ on the turn. Halim checked again, and this time Joo checked back for a free look at the J♠ river.

With the board paired twice, Halim led out for 40,000. Joo didn't take the bait and folded, allowing Halim to claim the pot without a showdown.

Player	Chips
HJ Haram JooSouth Korea	219,000(110 BB)
HH Harry HalimIndonesia	115,000(58 BB)

Callum JuryCallum Jury

1/13/2026, 7:59:56 AM

Lau's Jams Into Rockets

Level 2: 1,000 / 2,000 ante: 2,000

Alan Lau and Kai Yang got involved in a hand that boosted the pot to 12,000 pre-flop. More chips went in on the 8♠ J♣ 8♥ flop, starting with a bet of 6,000 from hijack Yang that Lau check-raised to 14,000 from the big blind.

A♠ soon as the 5♠ turn arrived, Lau led with a jam that well covered Yang, who snapped it off and quickly revealed A♠ A♥. Lau held Q♦ J♦.

The 5♣ river was safe for Yang, securing him a double-up and leaving Lau to rebuild.

Player	Chips
AL Alan LauHong Kong	71,000(36 BB)
KY Kai YangUnited States of America	60,000(30 BB)

Callum JuryCallum Jury

1/13/2026, 7:24:15 AM

Lotsa Limpers Build a Decent Pot For Joo

Level 2: 1,000 / 2,000 ante: 2,000

Five players entered an unraised pot to see a flop for cheap. After the cards landed 6♣ J♥ A♠, the blinds checked to under-the-gun player James Casement, who slid out a bet of 10,000. Three players made the call.

On the 5♠ turn, action was checked to the button, Ha Ram Joo, who tossed in a 25,000 chip. This forced two folds, while Tung Cheung Wai stuck around to see the 3♥ river.

There was no more checking for Wai, who led out for 40,000. Joo called and Wai opened A♥ 8♦ for top pair. However, it was not enough to win the pot against Joo's 6♦ 5♦ two pair.

Player	Chips
HJ Haram JooSouth Korea	291,500(146 BB)
JC James CasementUnited States of America	68,000(34 BB)
TC Tung Cheung WaiHong Kong	63,500(32 BB)

Callum JuryCallum Jury

1/13/2026, 7:14:40 AM

Up And Down And Out For Sean Tan

Level 2: 1,000 / 2,000 ante: 2,000

After busting, Chung Howe Sean Tan re-entered and drew the same seat. Back in fighting form, he cleaned out a short-stacked Thomas Scheld, who shoved with jack-nine offsuit into Tan's aces.

Several hands later, he faced off against Fendy Kosasih on a board that completed Q♥ 8♠ T♣ 4♣ 8♣ with 103,000 in the pot. After tanking, Kosasih shoved and Tan snap-called.

Kosasih flipped over Q♣ 9♣ for a runner-runner flush, which was good against Tan's K♣ K♥ to secure the double up. Shortly after, Tan was eliminated for a second time.

Player	Chips
FK Fendy KosasihIndonesia	232,000(116 BB)
TS Thomas ScheldGermany	busted
CH Chung Howe Sean TanSingapore	busted

Callum JuryCallum Jury

1/13/2026, 6:58:22 AM

Wang Sends Jung To The Rail

Level 2: 1,000 / 2,000 ante: 2,000

Zhi Yu Wang

With a pot of 26,000 brewed, two players stared down a flop of 6♠ Q♦ J♦. From middle position, Zhi Yu Wang bet 13,000, which small blind Jin Woo Jung check-called.

The T♦ turn drew another check from Jung. Wang deliberated until two time-banks were spent before he fired 75,000. This was more than Jung's remaining chips, who went ahead and risked his tournament life.

Jin Woo Jung: A♦ Q♣

Zhi Yu Wang: 6♦ 6♣

Jung needed a king or a diamond to avoid the rail, but the board failed to provide a savior as the 4♣ landed on the river. Wang’s set of sixes held firm to secure the knockout.

Player	Chips
ZY Zhi Yu WangTaiwan	160,000(80 BB)
JJ Jungwoo JinSouth Korea	busted

Callum JuryCallum Jury

1/13/2026, 6:47:27 AM

Kano Boosted by a Bust

Level 2: 1,000 / 2,000 ante: 2,000

Shinichiro Kano has returned from yesterday's unsuccessful run where he started off strong but then fell on a dominated pair. He is back on the beat with a slight boost after he railed Chung Howe Sean Tan with ace-king over ace-ten suited.

Player	Chips
SK Shinichiro KanoJapan	171,000(86 BB)
CH Chung Howe Sean TanSingapore	busted

Callum JuryCallum Jury

1/13/2026, 6:44:09 AM

Kawaguchi Steals It On The River

Level 2: 1,000 / 2,000 ante: 2,000

Three players put in 8,000 each pre-flop to build a pot of 27,000 before the dealer fanned a 4♣ 3♣ 9♦ flop.

From the small blind, Chang Yi Ho led for 5,000, Kawaguchi called, and button player Luke Dainton fired a raise to 16,000. Both players remained unfazed, keeping the action three-way to the 8♠ turn, which all three players checked.

On the 6♠ river, Chang checked once more and Kawaguchi tossed in 25,000. Dainton folded, and after slight deliberation, Chang did the same to award Kawaguchi the pot.

Player	Chips
AK Akihiro KawaguchiJapan	181,000(91 BB)
LD Luke DaintonUnited Kingdom	92,500(46 BB)
YC Yi Chang HoTaiwan	64,000(32 BB)

Level 2: 1,000 / 2,000 ante: 2,000

90 minutes

Zoe ChangZoe Chang

1/13/2026, 6:02:40 AM

First Break Of The Day

Flight B is now on its first break of the day. Latecomers can still sign up at Level 2, closing at 4:00 PM.

Break

15 minutes

Zoe ChangZoe Chang

1/13/2026, 6:01:09 AM

Boat Over Boat Sends Lee Out and Chin Soaring

Level 1: 500 / 1,000 ante: 1,000

Xuan Ming Jason Chin

Jason Chin is currently leading the counts after a huge takedown in a huge cooler against Soohyeok Lee. The hand opened with a raise of 2,500 from late position Ta Wei Wang that was called by Lee on the button and by Chin on the big blind.

At the flop of J♣ 4♦ 7♠, Wang continued for 3,500 and both players stuck around to the turn 10s. Wang held on to the reins for 7,000 and again, both players called.

With the J♥ landing on the river, action flared up starting with a 17,000 bet from Wang, raised to 50,000 by Lee, then Chin check-raise to 150,000. Wang didn't defend, instead he quickly got out of the way while Lee went all in for 151,500. Easy call for Chin and they turned them over.

Soohyeok Lee: J♠ 4♠

Jason Chin: J♦ T♥

Both players had the boat with Chin ahead to ship it as Lee packed up and left.

Player	Chips
XM Xuan Ming Jason ChinSingapore	374,500(375 BB)
TW Tai Wei Wang	115,000(115 BB)
SL Soohyeok LeeSouth Korea	busted

Zoe ChangZoe Chang

1/13/2026, 5:39:21 AM

Baba's Set Gets Full Value Off Tsang

Level 1: 500 / 1,000 ante: 1,000

Kouichi Baba

The first bust out player of the day, Mitchell Tsang, re-entered and was placed back in the same seat. Following a raise from Kouichi Baba of 2,500, Tsang three-bet from cutoff position to 8,500. Baba wanted to see the flop and called.

After the dealer laid out 9♦ 2♦ Q♠, Tsang fired again for 5,000 and Baba check-called. Heavier action came on the turn 4♣ with Tsang barreling 21,000 only to see Baba check-raise all in. Without hesitation, Tsang called.

Kouichi Baba: 4♠ 4♥

Mitchell Tsang: A♦ K♦

Baba was ahead with the set while Tsang had outs for the flush. With the river coming K♣, Tsang missed to give Baba the max.

Player	Chips
KB Kouichi BabaJapan	1,675,000(1675 BB)
MT Mitchell TsangUnited States of America	33,000(33 BB)

Zoe ChangZoe Chang

1/13/2026, 5:14:30 AM

Chin Delivers First Bust Of The Day

Level 1: 500 / 1,000 ante: 1,000

The first bust out of Flight B has been delivered with Mitchell Tsang falling in two hands.

Before the knockout blow, he lost a pot to Chuang Lin Cheng who defended on the big blind. By the time it reached the river, the pot had swelled to 27,500 with a board showing 8♣ 3♥ 5♠ K♣ T♥.

Tsang bet 20,000 and Cheng check-called with 8♥ 5♥ wining the pot against Tsang's A♥ 8♠.

Immediately following the hand, Tsang opened 3,000 from middle position then called small blind Xuan Ming Jason Chin's 7,000 reraise. Action erupted on the flop 2♣ 2♦ 9♦ starting with a 3,500 continuation bet from Chin, raised to 12,000 by Tsang.

Chin assessed the board once more then fired all in. Tsang snap-called for his tournament life.

Jason Chin: Q♣ Q♥

Mitchell Tsang: J♦ 4♦

The turn and river produced K♣ 8♠, no diamonds for Tsang to pack up as Chin shipped it in.

Player	Chips
XM Xuan Ming Jason ChinSingapore	190,000(190 BB)
CL Chuang Lin ChengTaiwan	179,000(179 BB)
MT Mitchell TsangUnited States of America	busted

Zoe ChangZoe Chang

1/13/2026, 5:12:34 AM

Peter Earns off a Disappointed Paredes

Level 1: 500 / 1,000 ante: 1,000

Daniel Peter

Following a raise from under the gun, next to act Yohn Paredes three-bet to 6,000. Several seats later, Daniel Peter in the small blind responded with a four-bet to 16,000, and only Paredes gave him action.

Peter continued on the flop 8♦ 9♣ K♣ with a bet of 15,000, but it didn’t shake off Paredes, who slid out the call. Both players then checked down the turn 2♣ and river 2♠.

Peter tabled A♦ K♥ for top pair, while a disappointed Paredes could only mutter “bummer” before exposing Q♥ Q♣.

Player	Chips
DP Daniel PeterSweden	143,000(143 BB)
YP Yohn ParedesPeru	83,000(83 BB)

Zoe ChangZoe Chang

1/13/2026, 4:50:36 AM

Early Aggression By Kok Beng Tan

Level 1: 500 / 1,000 ante: 1,000

Kok Beng Tan

Kok Beng Tan three-bet preflop in back-to-back hands, with the first one kicked off by Chuang Lin Cheng for 2,000. Tan three-bet to 7,000 and they went heads up after the call.

On a flop of 5♦ 8♣ 2♣, Tan continued for 5,000 and another 11,000 on the turn 9♦. Both were check-called by Cheng to see the river Q♥.

Cheng checked again, Tan gave it some thought and then checked back. Cheng showed K♦ J♦, while Tan picked up the pot with A♣ 7♥ for ace-high.

The next hand opened with a 2,000 raise from Sean Tan in late position, and again hijack Kok Beng Tan three-bet to 7,000. Sean Tan called and they took it to a board of Q♣ 6♦ 4♦ Q♠ 6♥.

Sean Tan value-bet 11,000 on the river and got the call. He turned over 6♣ 4♣ for a full house to win the pot.

Player	Chips
CH Chung Howe Sean TanSingapore	139,000(139 BB)
KB Kok Beng TanMalaysia	125,000(125 BB)
CL Chuang Lin ChengTaiwan	110,000(110 BB)

Zoe ChangZoe Chang

1/13/2026, 4:37:00 AM

Cards In The Air For Flight B; Cronus Golden Window Closed

Level 1: 500 / 1,000 ante: 1,000

Cards are now in the air for Flight B of the Main Event which means, the Cronus Golden Window has closed. Only 12 players qualified for the Double Bubble Protection:

Player	Chips
YP Yohn ParedesPeru	120,000(120 BB)
MT Mitchell TsangUnited States of America	120,000(120 BB)
DP Daniel PeterSweden	120,000(120 BB)
ZY Zhi Yu WangTaiwan	120,000(120 BB)
TW Tai Wei Wang	120,000(120 BB)
KB Kok Beng TanMalaysia	120,000(120 BB)
LH Leh Hua WeiTaiwan	120,000(120 BB)
SK Shinichiro KanoJapan	120,000(120 BB)
CH Chung Howe Tan	120,000(120 BB)
KW Kim Wah ChiuSingapore	120,000(120 BB)
KC Kang Chien ShaoTaiwan	120,000(120 BB)
HJ Haram JooSouth Korea	120,000(120 BB)

Zoe ChangZoe Chang

1/13/2026, 3:28:17 AM

GOP Main Event Flight B Kicks Off At 12:30 PM; Sign Up Early For Double Bubble Protection

The Gods of Poker Taipei: The Titan Assemby opens today, January 13, with the festival's crown jewel - Main Event - taking place at the CTP Asia Poker Arena in Taipei City, Taiwan Headlined by a NT$ 21,000,000 (~US$ 670,000) guarantee and the coveted Black-and-Gold GOP Gauntlet, Flight B gets underway at 12:30 PM, with registration open until 4:00 PM.

With a buy-in of NT$ 45,000 (~US$ 1,400), players begin with a 120,000 stack, equivalent to 120 big blinds at the opening level. For players that sign up at Level 2, starting stack is equivalent to 60 big blinds. And for last second sign ups, the starting stack is equivalent to 30 big blinds.

Everything You Need To Know About the Main Event

Yesterday’s opening flight set the early benchmark with 136 entries and 19 players through to the money round. Local star Chihwei Fan bagged the chip lead with 2,375,000, making him the player to chase for the ensuing flights.

Good news for players that sign up early. GOP has introduced the Cronus Golden Window. Under the watch of Cronus, timing is everything and is rewarded with DOUBLE Bubble Protection.

For those that qualify, that means, if you stone cold bubble the Main Event, you will receive a consolation prize of two Main Event buy-ins back in the form of GOP tournament credits. To be eligible, players need to sign up before the start of Level 1.

If you miss that Golden Window, all is not lost. Players that sign up at Level 1 will be eligible for Bubble Protection which awards a consolation prize of one Main Event buy-in back in the form of GOP tournament credits.

*It is important to keep in mind that protection is only available for Flight A and Flight B.

Be sure to read up on all the flight details here.

Here is the daily schedule:

Flight A: 136 entries, 19 survivors
Flight B: January 13 at 12:30 PM, registrations closes at 4:00 PM
Flight C: January 13 at 6:00 PM, registrations closes at 8:15 PM
Flight D: January 14 at 12:30 PM, registration closes at 12:30 PM on January 15
Flight E: January 15 at 6:00 PM, registrations closes at 8:15 PM
Day 2: January 16: 12:30 PM
Final Day: January 17: 12:30PM

Be sure to read up on all the flight details here as level duration varies per flight.

Stay tuned to GOP as we bring you live updates of the action from start to finish.