Ren “Tony” Lin is starting 2026 in spectacular fashion, capturing two tournament titles shortly after being announced as a WPT Global ambassador. The Chinese poker pro dominated the inaugural King Poker Cup in Jeju, South Korea, winning the 191-player Main Event for $600,700 and an earlier NLH/PLO Mix event for $70,000.
Bouncing Back After Sponsorship Loss
Lin’s rise comes just months after losing his GGPoker sponsorship for coaching a friend during a live online tournament. While Lin apologized publicly and denied any ill intent, his next opportunity came quickly: WPT Global signed him on January 12, 2026, signaling a rapid rebound in his professional career.
Controversy Sparks Debate Among Poker Brands
The announcement generated heated debate within the poker community. Critics, including Todd Witteles and Vanessa Kade, questioned WPT Global’s decision, while podcast hosts David Lappin and Dara O’Kearney ended their partnerships over the signing.
The situation escalated when ClubWPT Gold, a separate WPT-branded site for U.S. players, retweeted Lin’s announcement with a “BANNED” overlay. WPT Global responded by calling out ClubWPT Gold for prioritizing influencer promotion over competitive players. This public infighting highlighted the confusing corporate structure of WPT brands: WPT Global operates outside the U.S. under a Curaçao license, while ClubWPT Gold serves the U.S. market.
Supporters Stand by Lin
Not everyone opposed the move. Poker pros like Daniel Negreanu acknowledged Lin’s accountability, and Xuan Liu praised him as a “fantastic ambassador,” despite her own dispute with WPT Global. Lin’s high-stakes skill and status as third on the Chinese all-time earnings list with over $16 million made him an attractive figure for WPT Global, especially with China considered a key market for online poker.
King Poker Cup’s Successful Launch in Jeju
The Jeju series, formerly the Poker King Cup, drew hundreds of players to South Korea for large prize pools and a variety of poker formats. Rebranded for a global audience, the tour partnered with the Long Poker Tour and plans upcoming stops in the U.K., Cyprus, and the Philippines, expanding beyond its traditional Asian focus.
With two wins under his belt and a new ambassador role in hand, Lin has silenced critics at the tables, proving that his poker prowess remains undeniable even amid controversy.
