In the bustling heart of Hong Kong, one woman has been making waves in the world of poker —Kathy Yeung.Kathy is an active live and online poker player who frequently competes in tournaments and cash games around the globe.
But her impact extends far beyond the felt. Kathy Yeung is not just a poker player — she is a visionary who is helping to reshape the landscape of the game itself.
Expanding Poker’s Influence: Empowering Women
For over a decade, Kathy Yeung has been a driving force in Hong Kong’s poker community.
She owns a poker club and is the co-founder of the Hong Kong Poker Tour (HKPT).
However, Yeung’s ambitions go far beyond business and competition.
In 2021, Kathy took a bold step toward gender equality in poker by founding the Hong Kong Women’s Poker Association (HKWPA) — Asia’s first women-focused poker organization.
The HKWPA’s mission is clear: to break down the barriers that have long kept women on the sidelines of a traditionally male-dominated arena.
Kathy’s vision is to create a supportive and inclusive community where women can learn, compete, and thrive in poker — free from the stereotypes and biases that often limit their progress.
She firmly believes:
“Poker isn’t about gender — it’s about intelligence.”
As the organization continues to grow, it stands as a powerful reminder that poker is more than just a card game — it’s a game of opportunity, where everyone deserves a seat at the table.
Media Influence: Continuing to Drive the Game Forward
Kathy Yeung made history by producing Hong Kong’s first-ever poker television show, titled Celebrity Poker Show.
This groundbreaking program not only brought the strategic excitement of poker into households across Hong Kong but also marked a milestone moment for poker’s entry into mainstream entertainment.
The show aired on Hong Kong’s largest television network, TVB J2, every Saturday at 9 PM, and remained a consistent weekend favorite for three consecutive years.
Celebrity Poker Show was more than just a TV show — it became a cultural phenomenon.
Across three successful seasons, the series combined the thrill of poker with the charm of celebrity culture, drawing viewers from all walks of life.
Each episode featured well-known personalities from the entertainment industry competing in a friendly yet competitive atmosphere.
This unique format not only provided entertainment but also educated audiences about the strategic depth of poker, highlighting it as a game of skill and intelligence, not mere luck.
With her media presence — hosting on TVB J2 and amassing over 52,000 Instagram followers — Kathy helped transform poker into a mainstream entertainment experience in Hong Kong.
In addition, as a Natural8 Poker Ambassador, she has played a key role in bridging the gap between online and live poker across Asia, connecting two rapidly growing player communities.
From Smoky Casinos to Classrooms: What is Match Poker?
The concept of Match Poker was founded in April 2009 in Lausanne, Switzerland — the birthplace of the Olympic movement — by Patrick Nally, often referred to as the “father of modern sports marketing.”
Match Poker is a team-based format designed to eliminate the element of luck.
Players seated in identical positions across different tables receive the same hands, and after each hand, chip stacks are reset.
Points are awarded based on strategic decision-making, not random outcomes.
This ensures a fair, skill-based contest where players can truly demonstrate their tactical abilities.
Promoted by the International Federation of Match Poker (IFMP), this innovative format classifies poker as a “mind sport based on strategic skill”, placing it alongside chess, bridge, draughts, and Go.
In the realm of sports governance, Match Poker has achieved significant recognition.
Since 2017, it has held observer status within the Global Association of International Sports Federations (GAISF) — a major body supporting international sports development.
It is also a signatory of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), ensuring that its athletes are subject to anti-doping regulations.
Beyond competition and regulation, Match Poker collaborates with academia and cognitive science communities.
It has worked closely with the Berkman Center at Harvard University as part of the Mind Sports Research Network, studying the cognitive and strategic dimensions of mind sports.
The IFMP’s mission is to promote the global development of Match Poker and secure its recognition as a non-discriminatory mind sport based on skill and intellect.
The organization also supports national federations in advocating for legislation that protects players’ rights to safely and legally participate in poker, both online and in live settings.
Education as the Ultimate Bluff
Both Kathy Yeung and Patrick Nally place great emphasis on education as a cornerstone of progress.
Through the Hong Kong Women’s Poker Association (HKWPA), Kathy organizes workshops specifically designed for women, while Nally lectures at prestigious institutions such as IE Business School, mentoring the next generation of sports leaders.
Yeung notes:
“Poker teaches us risk management, psychology, and resilience — all of which are essential life skills far beyond the poker table.”
🌏 Global Adoption and Recognition
With her dedication to Match Poker, women’s empowerment, and media influence, Kathy Yeung has become one of the key figures driving the growth of poker in Asia and beyond.
Her efforts go far beyond personal achievement — they are about expanding the game for future generations.
As she continues to advocate for the recognition of poker as a mind sport and represent this beautiful game on the global stage, Kathy’s influence will likely shape the future of poker across Asia and the world.
We can’t wait to see what groundbreaking developments come next!
Red Dragon Poker APP Officially Launched
The long-established tournament brand Red Dragon Cup has now released its own app — “Red Dragon Poker.”
The Red Dragon Cup is a well-known Asian poker brand with a strong reputation across the region. Originating in Macau, it quickly became one of the most influential poker events in Asia. Red Dragon Poker tournaments regularly attract players from all over the world, offering massive fields and impressive prize pools.
For those interested, we highly recommend downloading the “Red Dragon Poker” app to join more exciting tournaments.