Eric Tsai Captures First Seven-Figure Win at KPC Super High Roller in Jeju
Morgan Lehmann · Oct 18, 2026
Eric Tsai Captures First Seven-Figure Win at KPC Super High Roller in Jeju
The KPC Poker October Series unfolded in Jeju, South Korea during October 2026 and featured a $60,000 Super High Roller that drew 66 entries while generating a $3,706,600 prize pool; Taiwanese player Ting Yi 'Eric' Tsai defeated Calvin Lee in heads-up play to claim the title and a first seven-figure cash worth $1,046,600.
Action at the series centered on this flagship event where players navigated multiple days of competition before reaching the final stages; Tsai and Lee emerged as the last two competitors, and their heads-up match determined the champion after an intense conclusion to the tournament.
Event Structure and Prize Distribution
The $60,000 buy-in format attracted a strong field that produced the substantial prize pool, and payouts reflected the high-stakes nature of the contest; Tsai secured the top prize while Lee collected $700,000 for finishing second, which marked a significant return for both players in the October series.
Further down the payout ladder, several notable names posted strong results including Ryuta Nakai who finished fifth and Ethan 'Rampage' Yau who placed seventh; these performances highlighted the competitive depth present throughout the event held in Jeju.
Final Heads-Up Confrontation
Tsai and Lee battled through the closing stages with Tsai ultimately prevailing to secure the victory and the accompanying payout; the outcome delivered Tsai's first cash exceeding seven figures and underscored the progression of the tournament from its initial 66 entries to the decisive heads-up match.
Data from the series shows the prize pool distribution aligned with standard high-roller structures, and observers note the final table featured established competitors whose finishes contributed to the overall narrative of the October event in South Korea.
Player Achievements and Series Context
Tsai's win represented a career milestone as the player collected the largest payout of the series so far; Lee, who entered the heads-up match as a strong contender, earned a substantial runner-up prize that still positioned the result among the top payouts of the October schedule.
The 66 entries generated consistent momentum across the days of play, and the resulting $3,706,600 prize pool distributed funds to players who advanced deep into the event; Nakai and Yau each added to their respective records with fifth- and seventh-place finishes that drew attention from those tracking the series results.
According to poker.org coverage the tournament concluded with Tsai as champion after overcoming the field and prevailing in the final duel; this outcome fits patterns observed in prior high-roller events hosted at the same Jeju venue where large fields produce concentrated final tables.
Geographic and Competitive Landscape
Jeju continues to serve as a central location for major poker festivals in the region, and the October 2026 series built on that foundation by staging the $60,000 Super High Roller; participants traveled from various international locations to compete, which contributed to the 66 total entries and the sizable prize pool.
Industry reports from the Asian Gaming Regulation Council indicate sustained interest in such events across East Asia, and the KPC series aligns with that trend through its structure and payout scale.
Conclusion
The KPC Poker October Series Super High Roller concluded with Tsai claiming the title and the $1,046,600 first-place prize after defeating Lee heads-up; the event's 66 entries produced a $3,706,600 prize pool that rewarded additional finishers including Nakai in fifth and Yau in seventh, while delivering Lee a $700,000 second-place payout. This single tournament result stands as a documented highlight of the October 2026 schedule in Jeju, South Korea.