Yunkyu Song has officially etched his name into poker history by becoming the Season 22 World Poker Tour (WPT) Player of the Year. His remarkable achievements in 2024, including five cashes, three final-table appearances, and one championship win, have solidified his place among the top poker talents on the global stage.
A Year of Consistent Excellence
The 25-year-old South Korean-born player, who grew up in Washington state, showcased an extraordinary mix of skill and determination throughout the season. Song’s most notable moment came in October when he secured his first major live circuit title at the WPT Prime Playground championship near Montreal. The victory earned him $164,251, a significant portion of his career earnings, which now stand at nearly $1.5 million.
But that was only the tip of the iceberg for Song in 2024. His largest payout came just a month later at the WPT bestbet Scramble $5,000 buy-in main event. Song navigated through a competitive field of 361 entries, finishing as the runner-up and pocketing a career-high $252,059. Earlier in the year, he also claimed fourth place at the WPT Rolling Thunder main event in March, adding $105,000 to his winnings. These three events alone cemented his reputation as one of the brightest stars in the poker scene.
A Close Race for POY Honors
The race for the Player of the Year title wasn’t without competition. Song’s final tally of 2,275 POY points narrowly edged out Dylan Smith, who finished with 2,150 points. Smith also had a stellar season, highlighted by four cashes and two final-table appearances. His victory at the Seminole Rock ‘N’ Roll Poker main event in November—where Song also cashed—helped him stay within striking distance of the title.
“It is amazing to see the ledger of Yunkyu’s accomplishments throughout the year, earning points in so many different events across North America,” said WPT CEO Adam Pliska. The recognition from Pliska underscores how Song’s diverse performances across tournaments exemplify the tenacity required to achieve the top honour.
- WPT Prime Playground Championship: 1st place, $164,251
- WPT bestbet Scramble: 2nd place, $252,059
- WPT Rolling Thunder: 4th place, $105,000
- Other Finishes:
- 50th at WPT Prime Voyage
- 145th at Seminole Rock ‘N’ Roll Poker
Prizes for Excellence
As part of his Player of the Year winnings, Song received $15,000 in WPT Passports, a reward that can be used for entry into future WPT events. Dylan Smith earned $10,000 for his runner-up performance, while Eric Afriat, a three-time WPT champion, took home $5,000 after finishing third in the standings with 1,750 points.
For Song, the WPT POY title is both an accolade and a stepping stone. With the 2024 season wrapped up, his momentum is expected to carry into the upcoming season, where he will undoubtedly aim for even greater success.
Looking Ahead to Season 23
The WPT has announced that Season 23 will kick off in February after a break in January. The tour will resume in Cambodia, offering players new opportunities to shine. Key events include:
- WPT Prime Cambodia ($1,100 buy-in): Feb. 14–18
- WPT Cambodia Main Event ($3,500 buy-in): Feb. 19–24
The fresh season promises to bring another wave of thrilling poker action, with top contenders like Song looking to defend their titles or set new records.
More POY Winners Across the Poker Scene
Yunkyu Song wasn’t the only player to celebrate a Player of the Year title in 2024. The Mid-States Poker Tour (MSPT) awarded its POY title to Umut Ozturk for the second consecutive year. Ozturk broke his own record with 19 cashes in a single season, a testament to his consistency and dedication.
With 6,825 points, Ozturk dominated the MSPT standings, leaving 2022 POY winner Joshua Reichard in second place with 5,425 points from 12 cashes. Ozturk’s success came down to a remarkable finish, with two final tables in December securing his place at the top.
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