Triton Jeju II Invitational Sets Record Field as Jules Dickerson Leads Day 1

Record Field Opens the Triton Invitational at Jeju II

The opening day of the most prestigious and expensive event on the Triton Super High Roller Series Jeju II 2026 schedule set new records. The exclusive $200K No-Limit Hold'em Triton Invitational drew the largest starting field in the history of this unique format.

The Triton Invitational is known for its distinctive structure. On Day 1, invited amateurs, often referred to as VIP players, and professionals compete at separate tables. The two groups then mix on Day 2, creating a dynamic that blends high-stakes specialists with wealthy recreational players.

Thanks to 120 unique players and strong interest in re-entries, the registration count reached 155 entries by the end of Day 1. Late registration remained open until the start of Day 2, ultimately climbing to 172 entries and generating a prize pool of $34,600,000.

Ivey Busts Early, Re-enters Successfully

Excitement was immediate. The legendary Phil Ivey was the first player eliminated after his pocket aces ran into a set of nines held by Gytis Lazauninkas. Ivey wasted little time, opting for a $200,000 re-entry and successfully securing a spot in Day 2.

Attention also turned to popular Finnish player Patrik Antonius, who joined the tournament just a few hours after losing a $20 million heads-up match against Monarch. This time he fared much better, also earning a place in Day 2.

Businessmen Lead, Poker Stars Close Behind

At the top of the leaderboard sit three invited businessmen. Chipleader Jules Dickerson is followed closely by Argentina's Alejandro Lococo and Hong Kong's Winfred Yu.

Right behind them are three stars of the poker world: Stephen Chidwick, Isaac Haxton, and defending champion Adrian Mateos, who won the May Montenegro championship and is now aiming for an unprecedented back-to-back victory.

American vlogger Ethan "Rampage" Yau also made it into the top 10, celebrating his birthday at the table and drawing significant attention.

Interim Top 10 After Day 1

• 1. Jules Dickerson, United Kingdom — 1,431,000
• 2. Alejandro Lococo, Argentina — 1,173,000
• 3. Winfred Yu, Hong Kong — 1,118,000
• 4. Stephen Chidwick, United Kingdom — 1,076,000
• 5. Isaac Haxton, USA — 1,040,000
• 6. Adrian Mateos, Spain — 1,025,000
• 7. Musk Thomas, China — 1,025,000
• 8. Klemens Roiter, Austria — 1,018,000
• 9. Ethan Yau, USA — 908,000
• 10. Tom Fuchs, Germany — 900,000

What the Invitational Format Means

The Triton Invitational format is designed to create a different kind of test than a standard open high roller. By separating invited amateurs and professionals on Day 1, the event produces two distinct table ecosystems before merging them. Professionals must adjust to unfamiliar opponents once the groups combine, while amateurs face the challenge of holding their own against elite competition.

The re-entry structure is a key feature of the event. With a $200,000 buy-in, players who bust on Day 1 can re-enter, which is why the entry count continued to grow beyond the initial field. This format tends to produce larger prize pools than a freezeout of the same size, since eliminated players have the option to buy back in.

For players focused on ICM and tournament equity, the Invitational presents unusual conditions. The presence of recreational players with varying skill levels can create significant edges for professionals, but the high variance of short-handed and mixed-table play means stack management becomes critical. Chipleaders after Day 1, such as Dickerson, hold a positional and psychological advantage heading into Day 2, though the merging of the two groups can quickly change table dynamics.

Looking Ahead to Day 2

With 172 entries and a $34.6 million prize pool, the Triton Invitational at Jeju II has already established itself as a landmark event on the 2026 high roller calendar. Day 2 will see the amateur and professional fields combine, setting the stage for what is expected to be a fast-moving and highly competitive session.

All eyes will be on whether the businessmen at the top of the leaderboard can maintain their stacks against the professional contingent, and whether Mateos can continue his pursuit of a historic back-to-back title. Ivey, Antonius, and the other Day 1 survivors will also be looking to build momentum as the tournament moves closer to the money.