Jason Koon

Jason Koon was born on August 14, 1985, in Weston, West Virginia, and grew up on a family farm. He graduated from Lewis County High School in 2003 and went on to earn a Master's in Business Administration and Finance from West Virginia Wesleyan College. Koon began playing poker in 2006 after a sports injury, learning Texas Hold'em from his roommate to pass the time.

During college, Koon played online poker under the aliases "JAKoon1985" on PokerStars and "NovaSky" on Full Tilt Poker. He achieved early success in online tournaments, winning a Full Tilt FTOPS event for $458,550 and scooping a Spring Championship of Online Poker (SCOOP) event in April 2009 for over $300,000. He also took down major weekly online events like the Super Tuesday, Sunday 500, and Sunday Warm-Up, establishing himself as a formidable online player.

Koon cashed in his first World Series of Poker (WSOP) event in 2009. In 2010, he finished fourth in the WPT Bellagio main event for $225,000. His first major live title came in 2016 when he won the Seminole Hard Rock Poker Open for $1,000,000, defeating Seth Davies heads-up. Koon continued to rack up high-stakes victories, including winning Event #10 of the 2022 Poker Masters ($50,000 NLHE) for $666,000 and the 2022 PGT Championship for $500,000. As of early 2026, his live tournament earnings exceed $72 million, with 263 cashes, including a $112,000 cash on April 1, 2026.

Koon's largest single cash came in May 2018 at the Triton Super High Roller Series Montenegro, where he won the HK$1,000,000 Short-Deck Ante-Only event for HK$28,102,000 (approximately US$3,579,914). He also finished second in a £50,000 NLHE event at Triton London in 2019 for £907,000. These performances cemented his reputation as a force in the super high roller circuit.

Koon won his first WSOP bracelet in 2021, taking down Event #11: $25,000 Heads-Up No-Limit Hold'em Championship for $243,981. He captured his second bracelet in 2025, winning Event #14: $25,000 Mixed PLO/NLH High Roller for $1,968,927. He also has deep WSOP Main Event runs, including a 202nd-place finish in 2021. Koon has multiple other close calls in WSOP events, further demonstrating his consistency.

Known for a balanced and aggressive style, Koon exploits position and range advantages while studying opponents meticulously. He displays minimal physical tells and executes well-timed bluffs and value bets. His disciplined decision-making and emotional control make him one of the toughest opponents in high-stakes poker, whether live or online.

In October 2017, Koon was announced as a member of partypoker's team pro, a role he held until leaving in August 2021. Later that year, in October 2021, he was announced as a GGPoker Global Ambassador during the WSOP. Koon also works as a coach on RunItOnce and co-founded Upswing Poker, contributing to poker education. He has served as a commentator for high-stakes events, sharing his expertise with audiences.

In December 2022, Koon defeated Phil Hellmuth in High Stakes Duel 3, winning $1,600,000. He was declared champion in January 2023 when no challenger stepped up. Koon resides in Florida and enjoys sprinting, fishing, and traveling with his family. His journey from a farm in West Virginia to the pinnacle of poker is a testament to his skill and dedication.

Jason Koon's consistent performance across major tournaments has earned him a prominent place in the Global Poker Index (GPI) rankings. He regularly appears on the GPI Player of the Year leaderboard, the GPI Asia ranking, and the FlagHunter Leaderboard, which recognizes players with the most achievement points in elite events. With 263 live cashes totaling over $72 million, Koon is also featured on the Number of Cashes – All Time Leaderboard, a reflection of his remarkable consistency. His achievements have made him a perennial nominee for Global Poker Awards, highlighting the respect he commands in the industry. The Hendon Mob, the largest live poker database with over 970,000 players and 730,000 events, maintains a comprehensive profile for Koon, documenting his results under his name and occasionally the typo "Jaosn Koon". His statistics are also integrated into affiliated platforms such as the Global Poker League (GPL), GPL China, GPL India, and fan token initiatives like Socios Pass. Koon's ability to maintain elite performance across formats—including live, online, short-deck, and mixed games—underscores his adaptability and skill. He has been ranked in the top 100 of the GPI Player of the Year standings for multiple years, a testament to his enduring excellence.

As of early 2026, Jason Koon's live tournament earnings stand at precisely $72,117,655, according to The Hendon Mob database, placing him among the top money winners in poker history. This total comes from 263 recorded cashes, with his most recent cash being $112,000 on April 1, 2026, indicating that he remains active and competitive. Among his many results, Koon has also cashed in the WPT Festa Al Lago championship event, adding diversity to his resume. He continues to participate in the Triton Super High Roller Series, where he has achieved his largest scores, including a $3.5 million win in a short-deck event in Montenegro in 2018. Koon's success is not limited to live events; his online earnings, though not publicly aggregated, are substantial, with wins in FTOPS and SCOOP events. His ability to excel in multiple formats—NLHE, PLO, and short-deck—makes him a versatile threat in any tournament. With over 18 years of professional play, Koon's career longevity and consistent deep runs serve as an inspiration to many.

Beyond traditional tournaments, Jason Koon has been an active participant in the Global Poker League (GPL), competing in its innovative team-based format and helping to popularize the league. His involvement extends to GPL China and GPL India, where he has contributed to the growth of poker in those regions through exhibitions and promotional appearances. Additionally, Koon has embraced digital fan engagement through platforms like Socios Pass, which offers fan tokens and exclusive content, allowing fans to connect with him in new ways. These initiatives supplement his already extensive career as a player, coach, and ambassador for the game. Koon's presence in the digital and global poker communities further solidifies his legacy as a multifaceted figure in the sport.

While best known for tournament success, Jason Koon has also developed a reputation as one of the elite players in high-stakes short-deck cash games. Short-deck poker, which omits cards 2 through 5 and ranks flushes higher than full houses, has become a staple of the Triton series and private games in Macau and London. Koon's victory in the HK$1,000,000 Short-Deck event at Triton Montenegro in 2018 was a testament to his skill, but he has also accumulated significant profits in side games against the world's best. His deep understanding of short-deck probabilities—where hands like Ace-King suited have increased equity—allows him to make marginal calls that others miss. Koon frequently analyzes short-deck situations on his training platform, providing hand breakdowns and theoretical insights. This expertise has earned him the nickname "Short Deck Maestro" among peers. He continues to be a regular participant in the largest short-deck games, often competing with players like Phil Ivey, Tom Dwan, and Mikita Badziakouski. Beyond cash games, Koon has twice finished as runner-up in Triton short-deck tournaments, adding over $2 million to his earnings. His contributions to short-deck theory include a series of training videos on RunItOnce that cover preflop ranges, postflop strategy, and common pitfalls for new players. As short-deck poker gains popularity in both high-stakes and recreational circles, Koon remains its foremost ambassador and strategist, influencing how the game is played at all levels.

Jason Koon has cultivated a strong personal brand through selective but impactful social media presence. On platforms like Twitter and Instagram, he shares tournament updates, strategic thoughts, and glimpses into his life as a professional poker player and father. Unlike many high-stakes pros, Koon actively engages with fans through Q&A sessions, charity streams, and exclusive content on platforms like Socios Pass. In 2023, he launched a YouTube channel analyzing key hands from his career, which quickly gained a following for its educational value. Koon also represents major brands through sponsorship deals, including his current role as a GGPoker Global Ambassador, and participates in promotional events for the Triton Poker Series. His ability to bridge the gap between elite poker and mainstream audiences makes him a valued figure in the poker media landscape. Koon's YouTube channel, in particular, features detailed breakdowns of his biggest hands, including the $3.5 million short-deck win, where he explains his thought process and the adjustments he made against specific opponents. He also posts vlogs from major tournaments, giving fans behind-the-scenes access to the high-stakes lifestyle. Through these efforts, Koon has built a loyal following that extends beyond poker enthusiasts, helping to demystify the game and attract new players. His sponsorship agreements with GGPoker and Triton allow him to create exclusive content for their platforms, further expanding his reach. In recognition of his influence, he has been invited to speak at industry events and poker conferences, where he discusses topics such as bankroll management, mental resilience, and the future of poker.

Off the felt, Jason Koon leads a disciplined lifestyle that supports his poker longevity. He moved to Florida in 2020 to take advantage of no state income tax and warmer weather, allowing him to maintain a year-round training regimen. Koon is an avid runner and has completed multiple half-marathons; he credits regular cardio with improving his focus during marathon poker sessions. He also practices mindfulness meditation daily, which he believes helps him maintain emotional equilibrium during downswings. In early 2024, Koon and his wife welcomed their first child, a daughter, which has shifted his priorities toward time management and efficient study. He often speaks about the importance of balance, ensuring he dedicates quality time to family without sacrificing his edge at the tables. Koon's openness about mental health and burnout in poker has made him a role model for younger players navigating the pressures of high-stakes competition. He also engages in philanthropic activities, including regular donations to the West Virginia Children's Home and participation in the "Poker Gives" charity events. These aspects of his life, while less visible than his tournament triumphs, are integral to understanding the person behind the poker superstar. Koon's fitness routine includes weight training and flexibility work, which he says helps prevent injuries from long hours at the table. He also follows a strict sleep schedule and diet, avoiding alcohol and caffeine during series. His commitment to physical and mental discipline is a key factor in his consistent performance, allowing him to maintain focus during the grueling schedules of the Triton and WSOP circuits. By sharing his methods through interviews and social media, Koon has inspired a culture of health consciousness among professional poker players, challenging the stereotype of the sedentary gambler.