Yunkyu Song excelled at a number of events to reach the top of the charts
Yunkyu Song has been crowned the Player of the Year for the 22nd season of the World Poker Tour (WPT), capping off an impressive year of performances across multiple events. Originally from South Korea and raised in Washington, the 25-year-old earned 2,275 points to secure the top spot in the season-long leaderboard.
Song’s journey to the title included cashing in five WPT events and three top-five finishes. A highlight of his season was his victory at the CAD $1,150 (US$780) WPT Prime Playground, where he claimed CAD $222,270 (US$150,000) and 900 points. Earlier in the year, he placed fourth at the $3,500 WPT Rolling Thunder Championship in March, earning 450 points.
He also added to his tally with second place at the WPT bestbet Scramble, bringing in another 800 points. Smaller contributions, such as his 50 points from the WPT Voyage and 75 from the WPT Seminole Rock ‘N’ Roll Poker Open Championship, rounded out his impressive total.
The WPT World Championship festival in Las Vegas served as the season’s finale, where Song’s closest competitor, Fabian Gumz, needed to win the $10,400 main event to overtake him. However, Gumz finished in 14th place, solidifying Song’s victory as the Player of the Year.
For his efforts, Song receives $15,000 in WPT Passports, which can be used for entry into future tournaments. Dylan Smith, who finished second with 2,025 points, and Eric Afriat, in third with 1,750 points, also received $10,000 and $5,000 in WPT Passports, respectively.
Season 23 of the World Poker Tour will kick off in February with the WPT Cambodia festival, including events such as the $1,100 WPT Prime Cambodia and the $3,500 WPT Cambodia Championship.
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