Joseph Cheong

Joseph Cheong also known as “subiime” is a Korean-American poker player originally hailing from Seoul, South Korea, who currently resides in Las Vegas, Nevada, United States. Until 2011, he was a member of “Full Tilt Poker Pro.” Today, he serves as an ambassador for Phenom Poker. Cheong’s total live earnings exceed $18 million, with his best live cash reaching a staggering $4.13 million. Notably, during the 41st World Series of Poker (WSOP) in 2010, Cheong showcased his talent with a remarkable 3rd place finish in the $10,000 World Championship – No Limit Hold’em event, cementing his status as one of the game’s elite players.

Joseph Cheong: Early Life

Cheong immigrated to the United States with his parents when he was just six years old. Growing up, games were far from his family’s focus, and it wasn’t until his first year at university that he found an interest in poker. Initially, it was just for fun, playing in small tournaments for $5 with no thoughts of pursuing it professionally. However, everything changed during his third year of university. After a breakup with his girlfriend, when poker became more than just a pastime—it became his passion.

Attending the University of California, San Diego, Cheong graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a joint Bachelor of Arts degree in Math and Economics. Despite his academic background, he never found himself in a traditional 9-to-5 job. Instead, he dove headfirst into the world of poker immediately after college. Even before making it to the final table of the 2010 World Series of Poker (WSOP) main event, he had already amassed over $300,000 in winnings primarily from online play.

Joseph Cheong: Poker Career

Joseph Cheong made his tournament debut on January 3rd, 2009, at the 2009 Wynn Casino Recurring Tournaments in Las Vegas, securing the 5th position and earning $584.

In July 5th, 2010, during the 41st World Series of Poker (WSOP) in Las Vegas, Cheong showcased his skills by achieving an outstanding 3rd place finish in the $10,000 World Championship – No Limit Hold’em event, securing a remarkable reward of $4,130,049.

Fast forward to April 18th, 2013, at the 2013 APT Philippines, Cheong emerged victorious in the Manila Millions Super High Roller event, bagging an astonishing jackpot of $1,343,370.

Continuing his impressive streak, on May 21st, 2013, during the 2013 Five Star World Poker Classic (WPT), Cheong secured an impressive 2nd place finish in Event 16 – No-Limit Hold’em Super High Roller, pocketing a substantial jackpot of $614,250.

Adding another feather to his cap, on April 11th, 2014, in Las Vegas at the 2014 Bellagio High Roller V event, Cheong clinched the 1st position in the $25,000 No Limit Hold’em tournament, securing a reward of $295,500.

Then, on April 17th, 2018, in the United States at the Seminole Hard Rock Poker Showdown in Hollywood, he secured victory in the $1,100 No Limit Hold’em – Turbo (Event #22), claiming the 1st place prize of $29,503.

Cheong’s Continuation of Poker Tournament Achievements

In June 14th, 2019, during the 50th World Series of Poker (WSOP) in Las Vegas, Cheong emerged victorious in the $1,000 No Limit Hold’em – Double Stack (Event #34), securing the 1st place position and winning a jackpot of $687,782.

Moving on to March 30th, 2021, during the World Series of Poker Circuit (WSOPC) Silver Legacy Circuit held online, Cheong claimed the 1st place spot in the $1,000 No Limit Hold’em – High Roller 6-Max #12 event, winning a notable reward of $51,771.

In another remarkable performance, on March 7th, 2024, in South Korea at the Triton Poker Super High Roller Series Jeju event, Cheong achieved an impressive 4th place in the $26,500 No Limit Hold’em – 8-Handed Silver Main (Event #3), securing a substantial jackpot of $560,000.

Continuing his winning streak, on March 21st, 2024, during the U Series of Poker (USOP) Da Nang Part 1 in Vietnam, Cheong emerged victorious in the ₫66,000,000 No Limit Hold’em – HIGH ROLLER : DEEPSTACK event, securing the 1st place position and winning $64,244.

However, in his latest appearance on March 28th, 2024, during the U Series of Poker (USOP) Da Nang Part 1 in Vietnam, Cheong participated in the ₫30,000,000 No Limit Hold’em – MAIN EVENT (15 BILLION GTD) and finished in 43rd place, winning $5,174.