Pakinai Lisawad
Pakinai Lisawad, recognized by the moniker Blonde Tua, is a Thai professional poker player from Bangkok, Thailand. Presently, his accumulated live earnings exceed $1.4 million, marked by a peak live cash of $693.5K. Lisawad holds 4th position in the Thailand All Time Money List. He has achieved the distinction of being the highest finishing player from that Asian country in WSOP history and biggest cash winner.
Pakinai Lisawad: Early Life
Pakinai Lisawad, originally from Muang Nonta Buri, Nonthaburi, Thailand, spent his formative years in Bangkok. His academic journey led him to the prestigious Mahidol University International College, where he pursued his studies. Later, he ventured beyond his homeland and temporarily resided in Canada, where his fascination with poker first took root. Upon returning to Thailand, Pakinai actively sought opportunities to engage in online poker, achieving notable success in accumulating bankrolls.
Thailand stands out as a favored destination for American online players, given the prohibition of online poker in the United States. However, the landscape of live poker in Thailand remains marked by its illegality, resulting in a noticeable absence of Thai players in live competitions. Pakinai, in contrast, found his niche in online play, leveraging his skills to secure commendable rankings in various poker tournaments held in Asia, particularly in Macau and the Philippines.
Despite his achievements in the poker world, Pakinai’s roots and personal life remain anchored in Bangkok, where he currently resides. Originating from Muang Nonta Buri, Nonthaburi, Thailand, Pakinai is not only dedicated to his poker pursuits but has also embraced the responsibilities of married life.
Pakinai Lisawad: Poker Career
Pakinai Lisawad embarked on his illustrious poker career in May 2008. He marked his initial foray into live tournaments with the Asian Poker Tour in Manila. Competing in the $2,500 No Limit Hold’em event, he demonstrated his skill by securing an impressive 11th place finish. He earned a noteworthy $15,000. Lisawad continued to make his mark on the global poker scene. Notably, he participated in the 45th World Series of Poker in Las Vegas in July 2014. In the $10,000 World Championship – No Limit Hold’em, he secured 118th position, claiming a substantial cash prize of $52,141.
The pinnacle of Lisawad’s poker achievements came in June 2015 during the 46th World Series of Poker in Las Vegas. Competing in the $25,000 Pot Limit Omaha High Roller event, he exhibited exceptional prowess. He attained an impressive 2nd place and a substantial cash reward of $693,553. Subsequent to this triumph, Lisawad continued to leave his mark. He secured a commendable 6th place in the HK$76,000 + 4,000 No Limit Hold’em event. It took place at the 2017 Asia Championship of Poker in Macau, with a cash prize of $68,812.
Sustaining Triumphs: Lisawad’s Continued Excellence in Live Tournaments
Fast forward to March 2023, Lisawad’s tenacity and skill were on display at the Triton Poker Super High Roller Series in Vietnam, Hoi An. In the $25,000 No Limit Hold’em event, he secured an 11th place finish, adding $81,000 to his burgeoning winnings. His consistency in performance was evident as he clinched 19th position in the $30,000 No Limit Hold’em event. He took home a cash prize of $64,600.
Continuing his poker journey, Lisawad participated in the 54th World Series of Poker in June 2023. He competed in the $50,000 Pot Limit Omaha event. Displaying strategic acumen, he secured 16th position, earning $103,093. Lisawad’s most recent successes, as of September 2023, include a notable 17th place finish in the €10,000 + 300 No Limit Hold’em event. It took place at the European Poker Tour in Barcelona, where he added $48,429 to his impressive tournament earnings.
Conclusion
Pakinai Lisawad stands as a formidable force in the world of professional poker, with a track record that cements his status as one of Thailand’s most successful players. Holding the 4th position in the Thailand All Time Money List is a testament to his consistent performance and strategic prowess on the global poker stage. Lisawad’s journey, which began in 2008 at the Asian Poker Tour, has seen him achieve remarkable milestones, including being the highest finishing player from Thailand in WSOP history.
Notably, Lisawad’s pinnacle moment came in 2015 when he secured 2nd place in the $25,000 Pot Limit Omaha High Roller event at the World Series of Poker, earning an impressive $693,553. His recent accomplishments in 2023, including strong showings at the Triton Poker Super High Roller Series in Vietnam and the European Poker Tour in Barcelona, further underscore his enduring presence as a skilled and tenacious competitor. With a consistently impressive tournament history and a determination that continues to yield substantial cash prizes, Pakinai Lisawad remains a noteworthy figure in the global poker arena.
