Wai Kin Yong
The 36-year-old Malaysian Wai Kin Yong is a professional poker player. He has over $15 million in prize money earned in major tournaments. He has twice won the Triton Poker Series and is one of the best players in Malaysia in terms of total earnings.
Main Information
Wai Kin Yong is the son of renowned entrepreneur and professional poker player Richard Yong. He is a four-time Triton Poker champion. Net worth earned in tournaments exceeds $13.8 million.
- Nickname: Wai Kin Yong;
- Nationality: Malaysian;
- Residence: Miri, Sarawak, Malaysia;
- Born: December 25, 1987;
- Age: 36;
- Last Results: 14th place in the Triton Poker Super High Roller Series Monte Carlo (November 2, 2024) for $67,000, 6th place in the Poker Dream 12 – Jeju (September 29, 2024) for $157,829, 3rd place in the Poker Dream 12 – Jeju (September 27, 2024) for $143,330.
Wai Kin Yong Biography
Yong Jr. was born on December 25, 1987 in Miri, Sarawak, Malaysia. He grew up in a family of entrepreneurs: his father is a well-known businessman and one of the founders of the tournament series Triton Poker. Wai Kin spent his childhood in comfortable conditions, but from an early age he strived for self-realization.
His interest in poker started during his student years. While studying at a university in Malaysia, Yong started to participate in friendly games that took place in an open-air café. Then the game was more of a hobby for him than a serious occupation. But acquaintance with professionals like Mikael Turitz influenced the young man’s choice of profession.
Yong’s first serious tournament occurred in Macau. He played at low stakes together with his father’s friends. The guy’s natural talent quickly attracted attention: in less than a few months he managed to win more than $50,000. Then he moved to high stakes, which brought an additional $382,000.
In the beginning, Yong was motivated by money, but as time went on, he wanted to join the poker elite and compete with world-class players. The excitement and desire for self-improvement served as an impetus to further improve his playing skills.
Poker Career
His career began in 2011 and his first major success came in 2016 at the Triton Super High Roller Series in Manila. Participation in the tournament brought $793,604 in prize money, which was the starting point of Wai Kin’s professional achievements. He has subsequently won multiple times at the Triton Poker Series.
The connection with the poker series founded by his father played an important role in Yong’s career. The tournaments have helped Yong showcase his skills on a global level and popularize poker in Asia.
By November 2024, Wai Kin’s total live tournament earnings exceeded $14 million. His journey from college gaming to the world’s poker elite is a story of hard work, strategic thinking and the drive to succeed.
Live Poker Achievements
Live tournaments have become the main springboard for demonstrating poker skills and prowess. Yong’s confidence at the table, analytical thinking and ability to quickly adapt to his opponents’ playing style has ensured that he has won prestigious events:
- November 2016 – 1st place in the Triton Super High Roller Series Philippines $2,080,556 Main Event;
- August 2019 – triumph in the Triton Poker Super High Roller Series Main Event in London, $3,161,868;
- March 2020 – Win in Short Deck No-Limit Hold’em at MILLIONS Super High Roller Sochi, $800,000;
- August 2023 – Fourth Triton Poker title in London, $350,000 in Short Deck Ante Only;
- May 2024 – final table at the Triton Poker Super High Roller Series in Montenegro, $800,000.
Online Poker Achievements
To be fair, Wai Kin has made a name for himself at live shows. At the same time, he has achieved good results online:
- June 2014 – 30th place in $10,000 No-Limit Hold’em Six-Handed at the World Series of Poker, $17,793;
- October 2013 – 14th place in €5,000 No-Limit Hold’em Mixed Max at the World Series of Poker Europe, €14,905;
- February 2015 – 8th place in the $5,200 High Roller at the PokerStars WCOOP, $35,000;
- May 2016 – 5th place in the $1,050 Super Tuesday on PokerStars, $40,000;
- December 2018 – Winning the $2,100 No-Limit Hold’em tournament at partypoker MILLIONS Online, $80,000;
- August 2021 – 2nd place in the GGPoker High Stakes $5,250 No-Limit Hold’em, $120,000;
- March 2023: 3rd place in the $10,300 Super Million$ on GGPoker, $210,000.
Wai Kin Yong is far from the world record in terms of playing time. His longest poker session was 15 hours – 2 times less than the record holder Albert Solal.
Top Five Career Cashes
The Malaysian has achieved success by participating in elite tournaments with stakes that sometimes exceed millions of dollars. Impeccable strategy, coolness and quick calculation of his opponent’s moves are the main qualities that helped Wai Kin find himself among the top players. His talent is confirmed by stats of performances and big wins in prestigious events:
| Tournament | Venue | Year | Prize money | Place |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Triton Poker Super High Roller Series London £100,000 No-Limit Hold’em | London, UK | 2019 | $3,161,868 | 1-е |
| Triton Poker Super High Roller Series London £100,000 Short Deck | London, UK | 2019 | $2,238,700 | 2-е |
| Triton Super High Roller Series HK$500,000 Main Event | Manila, Philippines | 2016 | $2,080,557 | 1-е |
| Triton Poker Super High Roller Series Montenegro $125,000 No-Limit | Budva, Montenegro | 2024 | $800,000 | 7-е |
| partypoker MILLIONS Sochi Super High Roller Series $50,000 Short Deck | Sochi, Russia | 2020 | $800,000 | 1-е |
Wai Kin Yong Socials
Each publication in the poker player profile is a part of a thorny path, a story of struggles, victories, discoveries and dramatic episodes. Wai Kin keeps in touch with his followers and shares moments of success, commenting on topical news, strategies and the subtleties of the game. Follow Yong’s career and subscribe on social media:
| Socials | Profile link |
|---|---|
| facebook.com/waikinyong | |
| instagram.com/waikinyong | |
| twitter.com/waikinyong | |
| linkedin.com/in/waikinyong |
FAQ
Is Wai Kin Yong good at poker?
He is one of the most successful players at the high stakes tables.
How old is Wai Kin?
At the moment, the poker player is 36 years old. He was born on December 25, 1987.
Does Player still play poker?
Yes, he continues to play in prestigious tournaments, including the Triton Poker series created by his father.
What is Wai Kin Yong Nickname?
The Malaysian plays under his own name, which is now known in wider poker circles.
What is Wai Kin Yong’s net worth?
The exact amount has not been disclosed, but with the prizes won, the fortune is estimated at 14 million dollars.
What are Yong’s biggest poker achievements?
His biggest success was winning the Triton Poker Series in London in 2019, which brought in over $3 million.