Richard Yong

Richard Yong (born Seng Chen Yong on 25 December 1957 in Malaysia) is a successful entrepreneur who built his fortune in the information-technology, data-mining, and security-systems industries. His business acumen later translated into a formidable presence at the poker table.

Yong entered the high-stakes poker scene in the early 2000s, frequently playing in Macau's biggest cash games alongside his longtime business partner Paul Phua. He quickly became a regular in elite tournaments worldwide, leveraging his deep-stack experience and aggressive instincts.

Yong's most notable early result came at the 2012 World Series of Poker (WSOP) Event #55: The Big One for One Drop, a $1,000,000 buy-in tournament. He finished 8th out of 48 entrants, earning $1,237,333. Later that year, he placed 3rd in the €50,000 Majestic High Roller at WSOP Europe for €400,000.

In January 2015, Yong won his first major title at the Aussie Millions $100,000 Challenge, defeating a field that included Erik Seidel, Scott Seiver, and Ole Schemion. The win earned him AU$1,870,000 (US$1,477,560).

At the 2017 Triton Poker Series Montenegro, Yong finished 2nd in the HK$1,000,000 Main Event for HK$11,252,000 (~US$1.44 million). In 2018, he won the Triton HK$250,000 6-Max Event in Montenegro for HK$3,046,000 ($388,024). His largest single cash came in the 2018 Triton Jeju Super High Roller, where he finished 3rd for US$2,130,848.

Overall, Yong has over $17 million in live tournament earnings, placing him among the top 100 on the All Time Money List and third in Malaysia. He also has multiple seven-figure scores in Triton events, including a 4th-place finish in the 2022 Triton Madrid €100,000 Short Deck Main Event (€640,000) and a 4th in the 2023 Triton Cyprus $50,000 Short Deck Main Event ($253,000).

Yong is a co-founder of the Triton Poker Series, a high-roller circuit that has popularized short-deck poker and attracted the world's best players. He frequently participates in Triton events both as a player and as a key figure behind the scenes. His deep involvement in the Macau cash-game scene has earned him a reputation as one of the most successful businessmen-turned-poker-players.

In July 2014, Yong and his son Wai Kin Yong were arrested in Las Vegas along with Paul Phua and six others, accused of operating an illegal betting ring during the 2014 FIFA World Cup. Yong posted $1.5 million bail, raised with help from fellow poker players Dan Cates and Phil Ivey. He pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge in December 2014. However, prosecutors later admitted they lacked sufficient evidence, and the case was dismissed in 2015.

Yong is known for an aggressive, post-flop-oriented style, often applying pressure on opponents in deep-stacked situations. He excels in short-deck variants and uses his business instincts to make calculated risks. Though not a full-time professional, his competitiveness against world-class players has earned him respect as a "strong amateur."

Yong resides in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. His son, Wai Kin Yong, is also a poker player. Yong's estimated poker net worth exceeds $50 million, supported by his business ventures and tournament success.

Richard Yong has left a lasting impact on high-stakes poker, both as a player and as a co-founder of the Triton Poker Series. His ability to transition from a tech entrepreneur to a global poker icon, combined with his deep involvement in Macau's cash games and his influence on short-deck poker, cements his status as a pivotal figure in modern poker history.

Yong continued to add to his resume in the mid-2020s. In 2025, he won the Triton Jeju $50,000 Short Deck event for $705,000. He also cashed in the Triton Jeju $100,000 NLHE Main Event (17th, $280,000) and the Triton Montenegro $100,000 Main Event (29th, $159,000). These results brought his total live tournament earnings to over $18.6 million, surpassing his previous mark of $17 million.

As of 2025, Yong ranks 75th on the Hendon Mob All-Time Money List, with a peak rank of 48th. Among Malaysian players, he holds third place. His WSOP results include two final tables and three money finishes, with career WSOP earnings of $1,837,920. He also has three final tables on the European Poker Tour.