Meet the Chip Leader
Joseph Cheong, who turned 25 in June, was born in Seoul, South Korea, but immigrated to the United States at the age of six. He attended the University of California at San Diego and graduated with a degree in psychology last year. Cheong, who now lives in California, is no stranger to poker.
In 2010, Cheong made his biggest splash by making the World Series of Poker November Nine. He went on to finish in third place in that event for $4,130,049 after playing the largest pot in WSOP history against eventual champion and Team PokerStars Pro Jonathan Duhamel.
Outside of his big, multi-million dollar score, Cheong has $673,726 in lifetime tournament earnings and should easily add to that in this event barring a nearly impossible collapse. He holds six other WSOP cashes and also cashed in the WSOP Main Event this year -- finishing 114th for $54,851.
While on hiatus from the WSOP Main Event in 2010, Cheong went on to place second in the EPT London £10,000 High Roller Turbo for £162,280 and then win the $5,000 No-Limit Hold'em event at the Festa Al Lago for $142,635. He also holds one WSOP Circuit gold ring. Needless to say, Cheong's done quite well for himself.
Here in San Remo, Cheong has done extremely well in setting himself up for a super deep run. He's entering the day with 158 big blinds, although he has been up and done for most of the tournament so far. Cheong has never cashed in an EPT Main Event and his only in-the-money finish on the tour was that High Roller runner-up result.
We'll have our eyes locked on Cheong all day today and you should, too. He's one of the brightest young superstars in the game with a free, aggressive style that is sure to have the chips moving.