Thailand’s Punnat Punsri is arguably the hottest player in poker right now, cementing his place in the game’s top tier with a blistering run that has seen him accumulate nearly $30,000,000 in just three years. His recent victory at the Triton Super High Roller Series in Jeju marked his fifth Triton title, a milestone that underscores a period of intense dominance. This incredible hot streak, which includes deep runs at the World Series of Poker, a trophy at EPT Barcelona, and a near-miss in the inaugural Triton ONE Main Event, has propelled him to third in the 2025 GPI Player of the Year rankings.
Joining Poker Royalty on the Triton Tour
Punsri’s fifth title puts him in the exclusive company of poker legends Phil Ivey and Bryn Kenney. His performance on the high-stakes circuit has been astonishingly consistent, having reached at least one final table at every Triton stop since 2022. This journey began with a win in the Main Event during his first-ever appearance in Cyprus in 2022.
Reflecting on his rapid ascent, Punsri acknowledged the caliber of his opponents. “The list of Triton winners has always been full of accomplished superstars,” he stated. “The first time I stepped onto a Triton tour, it was just me trying to battle with the best and maybe learn from them at the table.” That initial victory set a new standard for himself.
A Bittersweet Result Fuels a Championship Run
The Jeju series began with a bittersweet result for Punsri in the inaugural $8,000 Triton ONE Main Event. He finished as the runner-up to Joshua Gebissa but still claimed the largest share of the prize pool, banking $1,205,775 after a heads-up deal. Despite the impressive payday, he admitted it “still stings a little bit not to close it out.”
However, Punsri channeled that disappointment directly into his next performance. “I used that second-place finish as extra motivation to do well at the Super High Roller Series, knowing a win would put me back in contention for Triton Player of the Year,” he said. Days later, he delivered by taking down the $50,000 No Limit Hold’em 7-Handed event, putting him firmly back in the race for the prestigious award currently led by Artur Martirosian.
Poker as a Form of Self-Expression
Punsri’s journey into poker began while studying in Bristol, UK. Seeking an activity as an introvert, he discovered cash games at a local casino and was instantly captivated. For him, the game became more than just a competition. “Poker has always been a way for me to express myself,” he explained.
After years of cash games, he transitioned to tournaments professionally after the pandemic, partly to prove that poker is a career built on skill, not just luck.
A Broader Vision for Poker in Thailand
With a resume that includes titles from Triton, EPT, APT, and PGT, a WSOP bracelet remains a significant lifetime goal. Yet Punsri’s ambitions now extend far beyond the felt. As both a Triton regular and QQPK ambassador, he feels a responsibility to grow the game at home.
In July 2025, Thailand officially recognized poker as a mind sport, a milestone moment. “One of my life goals is to make poker tournament play legal in Thailand, in a way that could become an international hub,” he said. He envisions foreign investment, tourism, and job creation centered around the game. “I want the next generation to play without hiding their passion.”
