Paul Phua
Wei Seng “Paul” Phua, is a well-known figure in both the world of high stakes poker and the global gambling industry. Originally from Miri, Malaysia, Phua is widely recognized not only for his impressive achievements in poker, but also for his role in the development of high stakes tournaments and poker content, most notably co-founding the Triton Poker Series. Famous for his connections to influential poker professionals such as Tom Dwan and Phil Ivey, Phua has gone from businessman to respected high stakes professional poker player.
Main Information
Here is some interesting information about Paul Foa that will give you an idea of him as a poker player and person.
- Nickname: Paul Phua.
- Nationality: Malaysian.
- Residence: Macau.
- Born: April 29, 1964.
- Age: 60.
- Last Results: WSOP 2024: 9th in High Roller No-Limit Hold’em, Triton Poker Cyprus 2024: 2nd in No-Limit Hold’em.
Paul Phua Biography
Paul Phua was born on April 29, 1964 in Miri, Malaysia. He initially rose to prominence in the world of gambling as a VIP tour operator in Macau, where he developed close ties with casinos and elite players throughout Asia. His success in this area led to collaborations with the likes of Steve Wynn, with whom he helped establish Wynn Macau, cementing his reputation as a key player in the industry.
Phua’s entry into poker began relatively late in life. He was introduced to Texas Hold’em in his 40s and quickly became fascinated with the game, learning from the best players. His passion and keen interest in poker, combined with his ability to adapt and learn quickly, allowed him to become a competitive player in a short time. Since then, he has amassed over $30 million dollars in live tournaments and regularly participates in high stakes events around the world.
Poker Career
As co-founder of the Triton Poker Series, Phua has helped shape one of the most prestigious tournament circuits in the world, attracting both high-stakes professionals and wealthy enthusiasts. His success and influence extends beyond the tables, making him a prominent figure in both live poker tournaments and the wider gambling industry.
Live Poker Achievements
Paul Phua has amassed an impressive list of live tournament results, posting consistent results in major poker events in Asia, Europe and the United States. Here are the highlights of his live poker career:
- Aspers £100K High Roller (London, 2012): won this high stakes event, which was one of his first major live poker wins.
- One Drop Extravaganza €100,000 Super High Roller (Monte Carlo, 2016): scored a notable victory in this high-profile event, demonstrating his mastery of the Super High Roller tournaments.
- Record Cash Game Pot (TV, 2018) – Phua won $2.35 million against Tom Dwan, setting the record for the largest pot in a cash game ever televised.
- Multiple final tables in Triton Poker events – As co-founder of the Triton Poker series, Phua regularly participates and often wins in these exclusive high stakes tournaments.
- Triton Poker Madrid €150K Short Deck Main Event (2022) – Foa achieved another significant result, making it to the final table and finishing high.
Online Poker Achievements
While primarily focused on live events, Paul Phua has also contributed to the online poker community through “Paul Phua Poker,” his poker education platform. Phua’s site features insights from some of poker’s top professionals, including strategy guides, video tutorials, and interactive content designed for players of all levels.
Top Five Career Cashes
| Place | Event | Date | Winnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2nd place | £100,000 Triton London | April 2019 | £2 558 305 |
| 2nd place | HK$1,000,000 Triton Montenegro Short Deck | May 2019 | $2 178 871 |
| 2nd place | $250,000 Super High Roller Bowl Europe | April 2022 | $2 080 000 |
| 2nd place | HK$1,000,000 Triton Jeju Short Deck | March 2019 | HK$15,900,000 |
| 1 place | £100,000 High Roller | September 2012 | £1 000 000 |
Paul Phua Socials
Paul has a great social media presence and maintains a personal website. You can find professional poker player by the following nicknames:
- Instagram: @paulphuapoker
- Twitter: @PaulPhuaPoker
- YouTube: Paul Phua Poker
FAQ
How did Paul Phua get started playing poker?
Phua started playing Texas Hold’em at age 40 after being introduced to the game by friends in the professional poker community (Tom Dwan and Phil Ivey).
What is Paul Phua’s biggest poker win?
His biggest recorded tournament winnings are $3,113,429, earned in the 2019 Triton Super High Roller in Jeju, South Korea.
What does Paul Foa have to do with Triton Poker Series?
Phua co-founded the Triton Poker Series with Richard Yong in an effort to create a top-notch poker series focused on high stakes players. The series has since grown into a highly respected tournament network with events around the world.
Has Paul Phua faced any legal issues related to gambling?
Yes, in 2014, Phua was indicted in the U.S. for allegedly running an illegal sports betting ring. However, the charges were later dropped due to an unconstitutional FBI raid on his property.
Does Paul Phua offer poker lessons?
While he doesn’t offer direct lessons, his Paul Phua Poker website provides valuable educational content including articles, videos and strategy tips from experienced players.