Kai Cocklin is a poker journalist and live reporting manager who has worked with PokerNews at major festivals including the World Series of Poker and the European Poker Tour. He has managed multiple live reporting teams at the World Series of Poker and trained individual reporters to develop their skills. He now oversees Somuchpoker’s editorial and live coverage, ensuring consistent quality and engaging content across the Asian poker scene.

Updated: 2025.12.17

Jie Zhu is a Chinese professional poker player known for his strong transition from the domestic Chinese circuit to becoming a consistent final table threat in major Asian tournaments.

Career Earnings & Biggest Results

According to The Hendon Mob results, Jie Zhu has accumulated $163,219 in total live earnings across 10 recorded cashes.

His career-best live cash of ~$68,590 (RMB 476,000) was achieved for a 6th-place finish in the RMB 10,000 Main Event at The 4th TJPT Grand Finale in China in February 2023. Other major scores include:

~$31,391 (KRW 44,084,000) for a 3rd place finish in the Korea National Cup (Event #1) at APT Jeju in September 2025 .
~$23,647 (KRW 33,110,000) for an outright 1st place win in the Turbo – High Roller – Win the Button (Event #51) at APT Jeju in September 2025.
$20,185 for a 237th-place finish in the $5,000 WSOP Online Main Event in 2022, demonstrating success in the online high-stakes arena.

These consistent deep runs and a major win on the APT circuit significantly contribute to his poker net worth.

Biography & Poker Background

Jie Zhu’s tournament history shows a foundation built on the domestic Chinese circuit (TJPT, CPG) before his transition to the high-volume international events in South Korea. He has cashed in events spanning the WSOP Online, APT, and Poker Dream, indicating a broad scope of experience. His recent run in South Korea, marked by multiple final tables and a title win in a single APT series in 2025, highlights his current focus and success on the regional circuit.

Play Style & Strategy

Zhu possesses a versatile strategy, as evidenced by his success in both long, multi-day Main Event structures (TJPT 6th place) and fast-paced, high-variance Turbo High Rollers (APT 1st place). His victory in the Win the Button format, where position is key, suggests a strategic mastery of applying pressure, while his podium finish in the massive-field Korea National Cup demonstrates strong endurance and effective ICM play.

Recent Attendances