Hey, PoKer Playas!
The Red Dragon’s return to the poker scene after a two-year hiatus has made waves with its recent event at Jeju Island, South Korea, from July 26 to August 4, 2024. The 10-day festival attracted a mix of seasoned pros and eager newcomers, is this the signal that the Red Dragon is back in full force, ready to reclaim its place as a premier tournament series in Asia?
the Red Dragon event in Jeju Island faced stiff competition from other major poker events happening simultaneously in Taiwan and the Philippines. Both of these locations were hosting significant tournaments that drew large crowds, making it a challenging time for the Red Dragon to reestablish its dominance. This proves that while the timing may not have been ideal, the Red Dragon still has a loyal following and the potential to thrive in the increasingly crowded Asian poker scene.
Key Events and highlights
The RDPT Jeju 2024 series was a remarkable showcase of competitive poker, featuring 34 tournaments that drew players from across Asia and beyond. The Main Event was the crown jewel of the series.
Event 1 – Baby Dragon
Buy-in: KRW 1,500,000
Total Entries: 512,00
Total Pot:
ShengYong Wang
CHAMPION
KRW 132.654,000
Despite the absence of a guaranteed prize pool, the Baby Dragon event at the Red Dragon series in Jeju Island attracted an impressive 512 total entries.
This strong turnout is a promising indicator of the resurgence of the Red Dragon brand and a testament to its enduring appeal. The success of this initial event suggests that the series is poised for a strong comeback, signaling exciting times ahead for both seasoned pros and newcomers to the Asian poker scene. The enthusiasm surrounding the Baby Dragon serves as a positive omen for the rest of the series, hinting at the potential for even larger fields and more thrilling action in the events to come.
Event 0 – Dragon egg
Mystery Boounty
BIN LENG
CHAMPION
KRW 20,000,000
During the RDPT Jeju 2024, one of the standout events was the Baby Dragon Mystery Bounty, a tournament that combined intense competition with a playful twist. Bin Leng from China emerged as the winner of this exciting event, adding another notable achievement to his poker resume.
The Mystery Bounty format added an extra layer of excitement to the tournament, where players not only competed for the top prize but also had the chance to claim mystery bounties by eliminating opponents. This unique structure kept the atmosphere lively and unpredictable, as each bounty revealed its own surprise.
Adding to the fun were two adorable mascots who were present to assist players in claiming the coveted golden eggs, which contained the mystery bounties. Their presence brought a light-hearted, festive vibe to the event, making it a memorable experience for both players and spectators alike.
Bin Leng’s victory in this event was a testament to his skill and adaptability, navigating through the dynamic format and the large field to come out on top. The Baby Dragon Mystery Bounty was not just a competition; it was a celebration of the joy and camaraderie that poker can bring, perfectly embodied by the playful theme and enthusiastic participation of everyone involved
Main Event
KRW 1.8 Million GTD
Xhang Mai
CHAMPION
USD 5,660,330
1 Million+ USD GTD
Total Entries: 1,337
Total Pot: USD 1,975,330
The RDPT Jeju 2024 was a record-breaking event, marking a triumphant return for the Red Dragon Poker Tour after a long hiatus. Despite stiff competition from major events in Taiwan and the Philippines, RDPT Jeju managed to draw an impressive turnout, surpassing the previous record for the largest poker event entry on Jeju Island.
One of the most remarkable stories to emerge from the tournament was that of Zhang Mai, a relative newcomer to the poker world with just one year of experience. Zhang defied the odds and claimed the prestigious Red Dragon Championship Trophy, along with the coveted winner’s jacket, solidifying his place in the poker community. His incredible performance earned him a massive prize of KRW 390 million, a life-changing amount that underscores the dramatic rise he’s made in the poker scene.
The event also saw the return of top former pros from major poker sites, making the atmosphere even more electric. Notable names like Celina Lin, Ang Lin, and Pete Chen, were in attendance, adding prestige and star power to the competition. Taiwan also sent a huge contingency for this event. Their participation highlighted the importance of the RDPT Jeju as a premier event on the Asian poker calendar, attracting seasoned pros and promising newcomers alike.
This edition of the RDPT not only celebrated the return of a beloved poker tour but also set new standards for future events on Jeju Island, proving that the Red Dragon Poker Tour remains a dominant force in the region’s poker landscape.
