SJ Kim

Soo Jo Kim, widely known in the poker community as "SJ Kim," is a prominent South Korean professional poker player who stands as a major figure on the Asian high-stakes circuit. he ranks 10th on the South Korea All Time Money List, with total live tournament earnings exceeding $2.3 million. His consistent deep runs in prestigious festivals have cemented his reputation as one of Korea's top players.

SJ Kim began his tournament career primarily in Asia, quickly establishing himself as a force in the region. His early cashes came in events across South Korea and Vietnam, where he demonstrated a knack for navigating large fields. By the early 2020s, he was a frequent final-tables participant in high-roller events, accumulating significant prize money and climbing the Korean all-time rankings. As of 2026, he holds an SPI (Somuchpoker Poker Index) ranking of 1,141 globally (2,693 in the world), reflecting his sustained success.

SJ Kim's career-best score came in early 2024 during the U Series of Poker (USOP) Da Nang in Vietnam. He finished 2nd in the Billionaire Club Challenge, earning VND 4,373,600,000 (approximately $176,457). Another standout performance was his victory in the No Limit Hold'em event at the WFP Starwars festival in Yongsan-gu, South Korea, in 2023, where he took 1st place for KRW 170,000,000 (about $126,984). He also placed 2nd in the Super High Roller at WFP Syndrome 5 in Incheon in 2023, collecting KRW 163,000,000 (roughly $125,321). Additionally, he was runner-up in the High Roller at the 18th Taiwan Millions Tournament (TMT). Across 27 attended events, he has cashed 20 times, an impressive 74% in-the-money rate.

SJ Kim is a regular on the Asian poker tour, competing in series such as the World Poker Tour (WPT), USOP, Ace Poker League, Asian Poker Tour (APT), and Taiwan Millions Tournament. His net worth specifically from Asia-Pacific events is recorded at $98,865, with his largest single win in the region being $19,135 (likely from a smaller side event). His consistent performance in high-stakes tournaments has made him a recognizable face at final tables across the continent.

Known for a solid and disciplined style, SJ Kim excels in deep-stack situations and carefully controls pot sizes. He combines tight preflop selections with well-timed aggression, often making calculated bluffs when the situation demands. His nickname "SJ" is used widely in online and live circles, and he is respected for his calm demeanor under pressure. Peers note his ability to adapt to different opponent types, a skill that has helped him maintain profitability in the volatile high-roller environment.

In 2025 and beyond, SJ Kim continues to compete actively, adding to his already impressive resume. While specific recent results from 2025 are not detailed in the available data, his strong track record suggests he remains a contender in any event he enters. His place among Korea's all-time leaders is secure, and he shows no signs of slowing down.