Zhao Hong Jun

Zhao Hong Jun is a 43-year-old Chinese player (as of 2025) who describes poker as a side interest. He initially came to Jeju Island mainly to play golf and joined the Triton tournament on a whim. Despite playing poker for over a decade, he had rarely participated in tournaments prior to 2025.

In February 2025, Zhao won the Triton Jeju $15,000 NLH 8-Handed - Single Re-Entry event, which drew a record 379 entries. The tournament generated a $5.685 million prize pool, and Zhao outlasted a final table featuring top pros such as Jason Koon (10th), Adrian Mateos (12th), and Paulius Plausinaitis (4th). After a deal with runner-up Wang Yuzhu, Zhao secured $818,000 for the win – his first recorded live tournament title. This result alone accounted for the majority of his career earnings.

Zhao's previous notable cash came from a final-table showing in a PokerStars Championship Macau event for $162,630. As of early 2026, he has recorded 5 Triton Poker cashes totaling $903,000, including a 14th-place finish in the 2025 Triton One Jeju $8K Main Event ($68,100) and a 39th-place in a $10K Mystery Bounty ($8,000). He also cashed in multiple APT and Poker Dream events in Incheon and Jeju, winning $49,940 in the 2025 GOP Super High Roller and $43,260 in the Red Dragon Prestige High Roller.

Zhao’s playing style is characterized by patience and adaptability. During his Triton victory, he demonstrated strong hand-reading skills, notably when his pocket jacks held against an opponent's pocket aces. He is known for his calm demeanor at the table, often arriving at tournaments as a "golf tourist" rather than a dedicated poker grind. His ability to switch between hobbies and still perform at the highest level adds to his unique story.

Zhao Hong Jun represents the growing participation of Chinese players in international high-stakes events. His unexpected win against a field of elite professionals has made him an inspirational figure for amateur players, proving that a casual approach can still yield remarkable success. With over $1 million in live earnings and a Triton title, his legacy is one of a talented amateur who seized a golden opportunity.