A Long-Awaited Victory for Kiat Lee!
Kiat Lee’s poker story is one of grit, perseverance, and the sweet taste of redemption. For years, he’d been knocking on the door of greatness—32 cashes, 17 final tables—but the elusive victory always slipped just out of reach. However, at Triton Poker SHRS Jeju 2025, Lee finally shattered that barrier, claiming his first-ever Triton Poker Series title in the $25K Short Deck event.
After five crushing heads-up defeats, Lee’s relentless determination and sheer willpower finally paid off. March 15, 2025 will forever be etched in his memory as the day he broke through, marking a new chapter in his poker journey. For Lee, this victory wasn’t just about the $264,000 prize—it was the culmination of years of hard work, countless close calls, and a burning desire to prove he belonged at the top. His win was a testament to the fact that sometimes, perseverance is all you need to turn dreams into reality. “It means a lot to me,” Lee said, visibly moved by his victory. “I always wanted to win a title, and now I have.”
The Final Table Showdown
The final table of the $25K Short Deck event featured some of the biggest names in poker, ensuring a thrilling climax. Alongside Lee were seasoned players like Isaac Haxton, Phil Ivey, Lun Loon, and short-deck specialists Michael Zhang and Rene Van Krevelen. With such a star-studded lineup, the action was bound to be intense.
Phil Ivey was among the early eliminations, failing to spin his short stack into a comeback. His exit left a void at the table, and soon after, Lun Loon was also eliminated. Despite their efforts, neither could survive the turbo nature of the game. Both players received $54,000 and $70,000 respectively for their efforts.
A Battle of the Titans
As the tournament progressed, Lee and Haxton emerged as the top contenders for the title, both having been “nearly men” at Triton events in the past. Haxton, with 46 final table appearances and 81 cashes, had never claimed a title. Meanwhile, Lee had been through 17 final tables without a win.
The final three players — Lee, Haxton, and Zhang — played fiercely, with the lead shifting multiple times. However, it was clear that Lee was determined to not let this opportunity slip through his fingers. With each hand, he chipped away at his opponents, and soon, it was down to him and Michael Zhang in a heads-up duel for the trophy.
Lee vs. Zhang: A Final Showdown
As the heads-up match began, Zhang had a slight chip lead, but Lee quickly regained momentum. The turning point came when the two players clashed in a massive pot. On a board showing Tc7d7s, Lee’s 9s7s faced off against Zhang’s JsTh. The river brought a crucial seventh 7, completing Lee’s boat and giving him the massive pot. “Let’s go!” shouted the rail as Lee secured the lead. From that moment on, it was clear that Lee was on the path to victory.
The Final Moment
With a commanding chip lead, Lee quickly finished off Zhang in the final hand of the tournament. Zhang’s JsQs was no match for Lee’s Ad8c on a board that brought no significant help for Zhang. With that, the tournament was over, and Kiat Lee was crowned the champion of the $25K Short Deck event.
“Triton made me,” Lee said in his emotional winner’s speech. “Without Triton, I’m nobody.”
Event #20 – $25,000 SHORT DECK Results:
- 1st – Kiat Lee, Malaysia – $264,000
- 2nd – Michael Zhang, UK – $182,000
- 3rd – Isaac Haxton, USA – $116,000
- 4th – Rene Van Krevelen, Netherlands – $89,000
- 5th – Lun Loon, Malaysia – $70,000
- 6th – Phil Ivey, USA – $54,000
What’s Next for Kiat Lee?
With this win, Kiat Lee has proven that he belongs among the elite. As the poker world watches, it’s exciting to see what the future holds for this newly crowned champion. Can he continue his success? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain — his first title won’t be his last.
Source: Triton Poker Series
