Seng Yee Leow

Seng Yee Leow, commonly known as Ivan Leow, was born on November 26, 1982, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. He grew up in an environment that valued logic and strategic thinking, which later translated into his poker career. Before turning to professional poker, Leow had a successful background in business and finance, providing him with the financial foundation to enter high-stakes play.

Leow began playing poker seriously in the 2010s, making his first recorded live tournament cash in Macau in July 2015. He quickly gained recognition for his confident play and impressive results. By May 2018, he had made his mark on the international stage at the Triton Poker Series in Budva, Montenegro, where he cashed in two events including the main event, earning nearly $450,000.

Leow's breakthrough year was 2018, when he accumulated over $5.69 million in tournament winnings. He won the World Series of Poker Europe €100,000 LEON's High Roller for €1,251,455 ($1,422,140), defeating a star-studded field. Earlier that year, he took down the partypoker LIVE MILLIONS Russia Super High Roller for ₽72,000,000 ($1,133,555). He also captured a Triton Poker Series Jeju HK$500,000 Short Deck event for HK$8,470,000 ($1,079,367) and finished runner-up in the Oriental Poker Championship HK$16,500 Main Event.

In August 2021, Leow achieved his largest career cash of $2,460,000 as runner-up to Wiktor Malinowski in the $250,000 Super High Roller Bowl Europe Main Event in Cyprus. He continued to shine in 2022, with a second-place finish in the $75,000 Short Deck event at Triton Cyprus for $699,500, among other cashes.

Leow was not only a dominant player but also a visionary co-founder of the Triton Poker Series, alongside Paul Phua and Richard Yong. The series was designed to create the ultimate premium experience for the world's best high-stakes players, featuring innovative formats like Short Deck (6+ Hold'em). Leow's infectious energy and sportsmanship made him the heart and soul of the high-roller community, often seen laughing and engaging with opponents even in the tensest moments.

Leow epitomized the aggressive "Asian High Roller" style. He was relentlessly aggressive, using technical expertise and deep understanding of ICM pressure to apply maximum pressure in thin-value spots. He excelled in Short Deck poker, where his fearless approach proved highly effective. Despite his success, he remained humble, often remarking that he still had much to learn. His ability to navigate massive fields and high-buy-in events showcased his adaptability and mental fortitude.

On September 17, 2022, while playing in the Triton Poker Series in Kyrenia, Northern Cyprus, Leow suffered a heart attack and passed away at the age of 39. His death shocked the poker world, leading to the cancellation of the remaining events as a mark of respect. He was remembered as a generous mentor who supported new players and contributed to philanthropic causes in Malaysia. In his honor, Triton Poker established the Ivan Leow Player of the Year award to celebrate the player who best embodies his spirit and achievements. With total live earnings of $13,147,663, Leow remains the third-highest-earning Malaysian player of all time, behind only Paul Phua and Richard Yong.

In addition to his signature wins, Leow had several other noteworthy cashes. In 2019, he finished third in the €5,200 PLO Single-Day High Roller at the PokerStars and Monte-Carlo®Casino EPT for €52,770. His final live tournament results in 2022 included a 12th-place finish in the Triton Poker Super High Roller Series Cyprus $210,000 Coin Rivet Invitational and a 4th-place finish in the Poker Dream Malaysia Main Event. At the same Triton Cyprus series, he placed second in Event #5: $75,000 Short Deck for $699,500 and seventh in Event #3: $75,000 Short Deck.

Beyond the felt, Leow was actively involved in philanthropic endeavors, supporting sports and educational initiatives in Malaysia. He was known for his generosity in mentoring new players and contributing to local causes. His open-hearted nature and dedication to giving back made him a beloved figure off the table as well.

Following his passing, the Triton Poker Series established the Ivan Leow Player of the Year award to honor his memory. The award is given annually to the player who best exemplifies Leow's spirit, sportsmanship, and excellence in the high-stakes arena. It serves as a lasting tribute to his contributions to the poker community.