Teeraphat Rangkatekarn Dominates and Wins APT Jeju Super High Roller for $265,000
Thai player Rangkatekarn swept the APT Super High Roller in Jeju, leading from start to finish among 99 entries and taking home the Mega Lion trophy along with the top prize of $265,000.
Key Takeaways
- Teeraphat Rangkatekarn won the APT Jeju Super High Roller for $265,000.
- The event gathered 99 entries, surpassing $1 million in prizes.
- Rangkatekarn dominated from start to finish and defeated Calvin Lee in the heads-up.
- His victory grants him entry to the APT Championship Main Event in Taipei.
- The tournament solidifies Rangkatekarn as a key figure in high-stakes Asian poker.
Teeraphat Rangkatekarn from Thailand conquered the APT Jeju Super High Roller, adding the highest title of his career after decisively winning against a field of 99 entries. He led the tournament from start to finish, dominating the final table and overcoming figures like Calvin Lee and Christian Harder to secure a top prize of $265,000 and the Mega Lion trophy.
Rangkatekarn's Path to the Title in the APT Jeju Super High Roller
The $11,000 buy-in event brought together a select group of professional and recreational players in Jeju. With 99 entries, the prize pool approached $1.1 million, nearly tripling the initial guarantee of $365,000. Rangkatekarn took the chip lead from Day 1 and held on to it, starting the final day with 3.4 million chips compared to 1.9 million of Calvin Lee, his closest rival.
As the field narrowed to the nine finalists, Rangkatekarn's advantage was clear. The elimination of Yee Wee Wen in 9th place ($28,000) marked the beginning of a final table that the Thai player would dominate aggressively. Dillon Najor, after suffering a tough beat at his hands, finished in 8th ($37,000), underscoring the good fortune of the eventual champion.
The Players and the Final Table of the APT Jeju Super High Roller
The final table featured prominent players from different countries:
- Christian Harder (United States)
- Calvin Lee (United States)
- James Mendoza (United States)
- Dillon Najor (United States)
- Yota Choong (Australia)
- Jingyao Yan (China)
- Wen Yee Yan (Malaysia)
- Abraham Ceesvin (Singapore)
Eliminations came swiftly: Yota Choong finished 7th ($48,000) after losing a preflop all-in against Abraham Ceesvin. Jingyao Yan placed 6th ($60,000) after falling to Calvin Lee. Rangkatekarn then eliminated Ceesvin in 5th ($77,000) in a blind battle where he hit his necessary card on the river.
Christian Harder temporarily avoided elimination after doubling up with a maximum straight, but could not escape Rangkatekarn's run. Mendoza exited in 4th ($96,000) and Harder finished 3rd ($122,000) after his pair of aces couldn't withstand the Thai's flush.
Heads-up Between Rangkatekarn and Calvin Lee: Historic Definition
Rangkatekarn reached the heads-up with a 5:1 chip lead over Calvin Lee, the renowned American player. Lee managed to level the count and briefly take the lead, pushing Rangkatekarn to the brink of elimination. With only eight outs left in the deck and under severe pressure, the Thai player called for a four on the river and hit it, leveling the match to the astonishment of those present.
After more than two hours of heads-up play, Rangkatekarn concluded the duel by hitting two black jacks against Lee's sixes. The board didn't assist the American, and the Thai claimed the top prize and the trophy, almost doubling his lifetime earnings in live tournaments.
Prize and Upcoming Events for Rangkatekarn
In addition to the $265,000 prize, Rangkatekarn earned an entry to the APT Championship Main Event in Taipei, with a $10,000 buy-in for the $5 million guaranteed event in November. His recent history shows five cashes: first, second, first, second, first from July to date, according to Hendon Mob.
Distinctive Elements: Tattoos and Origin of Rangkatekarn
Rangkatekarn stands out not only for his aggressive style and firmness at the table but also for the tattoos adorning his forearms and hands. On his left, the phrase 'Self Made' and above it 'Police' in tribute to his father. On the right, a royal flush and along the hand the inscription 'Meat Processing', a nod to his family business. Above the elbow, a roaring lion reflects the trophy won and his nickname among peers.
“It’s been waiting for me for a long time, now I bring it home.” — Teeraphat Rangkatekarn
The result reinforces Rangkatekarn's trajectory in the Asian high roller circuit and solidifies him as a player to watch for future tournaments organized by the Asian Poker Tour.
Impact of the APT Jeju Super High Roller on the Asian Circuit
The APT Jeju Super High Roller successfully concluded a notable series characterized by the participation of international players and major prizes. The tournament, with a demanding structure and million-dollar prize pool, further boosts the presence of high buy-in events in Asia and invites operators and players to closely follow the evolution of the regional market. Rangkatekarn, already demonstrating a streak of outstanding results, will participate in the APT Main Event in November with expectations to extend his streak.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the APT Jeju Super High Roller and what was the prize?
Teeraphat Rangkatekarn won the APT Jeju Super High Roller and took home a prize of $265,000 after dominating the tournament from the start, overcoming Calvin Lee in the heads-up.
How many entries and what was the prize pool for the event?
The event saw 99 entries and a prize pool nearing $1.1 million, almost tripling the initial guarantee of $365,000.
How did Rangkatekarn perform during the final table?
Rangkatekarn maintained the chip lead and eliminated several key contenders, including Abraham Ceesvin and Christian Harder, demonstrating control throughout the final table.
Which other players stood out at the final table of the APT Jeju Super High Roller?
Notable players at the final table included Calvin Lee, Christian Harder, James Mendoza, Yota Choong, Jingyao Yan, Wen Yee Yan, and Abraham Ceesvin.
What’s next for Rangkatekarn after this victory?
With this victory, he not only increased his lifetime earnings, but he will also play in the $5M APT Championship Main Event in Taipei in November, with his entry covered.
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About the author
Sofía Carrasco
Poker Correspondent
Sofía Carrasco covers live and online poker — tournament series from the WSOP and EPT to the daily room grind, promotions, and the industry moves behind them. The reports keep every score, pot, and player name exactly as the record shows, and follow the story past the final hand: who qualified, what the structure rewarded, and how the field is shifting. For player moves, software, and regulation across the poker economy, Sofía Carrasco is the first read.
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