Interview With Xixiang Luo - Short Deck Champion

After winning today's KRW 2,000,000 buy-in Short Deck tournament for KRW 21,840,000 (~$15,205) we had a chance to catch up with two-time bracelet winner Xixiang Luo.

Congrats to another win! Is that your first short deck trophy?

This is my second Short Deck championship.

Was it smooth sailing or did you have some unforeseen challenges?

The tournament wasn't smooth sailing - I faced significant volatility early on with multiple all-ins and had to re-buy two or three times.

Let's talk about your incredible run at the WSOP last year, taking home the $2K H.O.R.S.E and the $1,500 Double Board bracelets, along with two close calls (3rd in Mixed Big Bet and 6th in another H.O.R.S.E) all within a month. How were you able to achieve that?

Pure luck, honestly! In 2024, also here in Jeju, I won a Main Event title. Back then, I made a wish to win a WSOP bracelet, and somehow ended up winning two. Wishing works - the edge of science is metaphysics!

Being such a versatile player, how did you come to learn all the different poker variants?

It’s about personality. I enjoy exploring new things and approach them with a ‘participate-first’ mindset. I’m naturally laid-back, but novelty excites me - when I encounter a new format, I dive in wholeheartedly.

Outside the USA, you’ve had incredible success in Jeju—3rd in the 2018 Red Dragon High Roller, APT Main Event Champion last year, and a Poker Dream 16 High Roller runner-up recently. What about Jeju brings out your A-game?

It boils down to solid poker fundamentals. I maintain my competitive edge through physical training and consistent tournament play. Recently, I’ve been studying Game Theory Optimal (GTO) strategies to address my weaknesses. as an old-school player, I used to rely on instinct, but modern poker demands technical mastery.

With over a decade in poker, what keeps you hungry?

Simple - passion. I genuinely love competitive poker. Early in my career, I focused on cash games, but tournaments became my priority as they evolved. The thrill never fades.

What advice would you give to young players aspiring to reach high-stakes games?

Follow your passion, but stay grounded. Play events suited to your bankroll and skill level. Treat poker as entertainment first - don’t overextend yourself. Master one format before chasing the next.

#	Player	Prize	SPI
#1	XX Xi Xiang Luo	$15,205 KRW 21,840,000	631.36
#2	YC Yuhang Chen China	$10,135 KRW 14,560,000	446.44
#3	QZ Qing Zhao China	$6,375 KRW 9,160,000	364.52
#4	ZL Zehao Li China	$4,430 KRW 6,360,000	315.68
#5	YL Yang Liu China	$3,420 KRW 4,910,000	282.35
#6	MN Martin Nielsen Denmark	$2,980 KRW 4,280,000	257.75