Triton Poker SHRS Jeju 2024: Poker Fireworks in Jeju! Elton Tsang Wins $4.21 Million & Maiden Triton Title in Event #9: $150K NLH 8-Handed

The 2024 Triton Poker Super High Roller Series Jeju is ablaze with action. As the electrifying No-Limit Hold’em events near their climax, with only the $100K Main Event left to determine a champion, a tale of unwavering determination reached its thrilling climax.

Elton Tsang (cover image), the charismatic cash game titan, finally captured his maiden Triton title in the series’ most prestigious event – Event #9: $150K NLH 8-Handed. After 71 determined attempts and 11 previous final table appearances, Tsang outlasted 116 elite rivals in a gruelling three-day battle, pocketing a stunning $4.21 Million. His sheer elation upon defeating Biao Ding heads-up was a testament to years of hard work finally paying off.

This victory is far more than just a massive payday. It symbolizes Tsang’s relentless drive to improve. Once dubbing himself a “tournament fish,” he embarked on a transformative journey by enlisting the help of a coach. This dedication paid off spectacularly, proving that adaptability and the willingness to learn are hallmarks of a world-class player.

Tsang is a fan favourite, and his loyal entourage added to the celebratory atmosphere. His post-game interview was heartfelt, expressing gratitude for his daughter, supporters, and the Triton Series itself, demonstrating his genuine love for the game.

Story of his incredible journey ⬇️ https://t.co/ozxIIagPcs

— Triton Poker (@tritonpoker) March 14, 2024

This victory propelled Tsang’s live tournament earnings to over $22 Million, catapulting him to the #2 spot on Hong Kong’s all-time money list behind the Triton titan Danny Tang.

India’s high-stakes poker powerhouse, Santhosh Suvarna, also featured prominently in Event #9: $150K NLH 8-Handed! Just weeks after his thrilling victory in the €25,000 NL Hold’em VI at EPT Paris, Suvarna jumped into the high-stakes action of Triton Poker SHRS Jeju 2024. He finished 15th in the $150K NLH 8-Handed, pocketing a jaw-dropping $267,750 (~₹2.22 Crores).

From running poker rooms in Bengaluru to managing a budding business empire from Dubai, Suvarna has ascended to poker royalty. His meteoric rise includes a breakout 2023 where he claimed a Triton Poker Series title, a WSOP Europe bracelet, and a slew of deep runs. These achievements not only pushed him to the #2 spot on India’s all-time money list but also earned him a coveted GPI nomination for Breakout Player of the Year.

Adding to his growing accolades, this marks Suvarna’s second cash at the current series. He earlier secured a 20th-place finish in Event #2: $21,200 NLH – 8-Handed, raking in $48,500 (~₹40.17 Lakhs). With this latest cash, Suvarna now boasts lifetime earnings exceeding $7 Million. The gap between him and India’s all-time money leader, Vivek Rajkumar ($8.08 million), is narrowing fast, setting the stage for an epic showdown at the top.

This $17.55 Million prize pool event was a who’s who of poker royalty. Even with 44 re-entries, the bubble was worth a heart-pounding $228,000, guaranteeing seven-figure payouts for the top five finishers. Poker superstar Stephen Chidwick ultimately fell short in 21st place with A-J against pocket jacks, triggering the payout frenzy.

Other legends like the four-time bracelet winner David Peters (20th for $228,000), Patrik Antonius (19th for $228,000), Event #1: $15K NLH 8-Handed champion Fedor Holz (17th for $254,500), Mikita Badziakouski (16th for $254,500), five-time Triton champion Danny Tang (11th for $351,000), and four-time bracelet winner Michael Addamo (10th for $351,000) battled valiantly but ultimately fell short of the final clash.

The final table showcased a thrilling clash of East-meets-West poker powerhouses. Heavyweights like Michael Watson (3rd for $1,895,000), Liang Xu (4th for $1,563,000), James Chen (5th for $1,254,000), Event 7: $40K NLH Mystery Bounty 7-Handed finalist Alex Kulev (6th for $983,000), Wang Ye (7th for $737,000), Event 7: $40K NLH Mystery Bounty 7-Handed finalist Sean Winter (8th for $544,000) and Sam Grafton (9th for $422,000) put on a dazzling display of skill. Amidst this clash of titans, Elton Tsang’s strategic brilliance and calculated risks propelled him to victory.

You can watch the Day 2 replay below.

Final Table Chip Counts

1. Wang Ye – 69 BBs
2. Liang Xu – 43 BBs
3. James Chen – 32 BBs
4. Elton Tsang – 24 BBs
5. Biao Ding – 17 BBs
6. Sam Grafton – 16 BBs
7. Alex Kulev – 16 BBs
8. Mike Watson – 13 BBs
9. Sean Winter – 4 BBs

Final Table Recap

The final table kicked off with Wang Ye holding the chip lead and Elton Tsang with a middling stack. Sam Grafton (9th, $422K) was the first to fall, his unable to overcome Tsang’s dominating pocket aces. Sean Winter (8th, $544K) followed, his failing against Alex Kulev’s . Then, Triton newcomer Wang Ye (7th, $737,000), already boasting cashes in four events in the series, found himself all-in against Tsang. Ye’s succumbed to Tsang’s when a jack hit the flop.

Day 3 Recap

A break for the night followed, and upon resuming, Alex Kulev (6th, $983K) swiftly exited. His all-in with was no match for Michael Watson’s , which transformed into a straight. The action escalated as James Chen (5th, $1,254,000), armed with pocket nines, fell to Michael Watson’s in a classic coin flip.

Biao Ding then packed off Liang Xu (4th, $1,563,000). Ding’s pocket aces held strong against Xu’s top pair, ending Xu’s run. Michael Watson (3rd, $1,895,000) was the next to fall, his unable to overcome Tsang’s .

The heads-up duel between two of Asia’s premier talents, Tsang and Ding, saw Tsang starting with a nearly 5:3 chip advantage. He briefly loses his lead to Ding, only to swiftly recapture it. A pivotal pot where Tsang’s ace-top pair prevailed over Ding’s king-high cemented Tsang’s advantage. On the decisive hand, Ding’s all-in with was met by Tsang’s call with . The board sealed the deal – Tsang had made a pair of fives. Ding’s runner-up finish earned him a career-high $2.87 Million.

You can watch the final table replay below.

Final Table Results (USD)

1. Elton Tsang – $4,210,000
2. Biao Ding – $2,870,000
3. Michael Watson – $1,895,000
4. Liang Xu – $1,563,000
5. James Chen – $1,254,000
6. Alex Kulev – $983,000
7. Wang Ye – $737,000
8. Sean Winter – $544,000
9. Sam Grafton – $422,000

Content & Images Courtesy: Triton Poker

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