From Global Grinder to Asian Poker Icon: Xixiang Luo Reflects on 13 Years of Milestones with the APT

A Familiar Face Through the Years

Few players can say they have grown alongside the Asian Poker Tour quite like Xixiang Luo.

Over the past 13 years, the Chinese professional has accumulated 28 cashes and five trophies on the Tour, building a relationship with the APT that stretches across multiple eras of Asian poker.

Along the way, he has established himself as one of China's most accomplished tournament players, amassing more than USD 5.9 million in live tournament earnings and and now sits 12th on China's All-Time Money List.

Yet when asked about his connection to the APT, Luo does not begin with statistics.

“Actually, the APT represents many milestones for me.”

For a player whose career has taken him around the world, some of his most memorable successes have come on the Tour.

“A lot of my major cashes happened at the APT, including a Main Event title and some of my early championships. I've collected quite a few small and large lion trophies.”

Those victories arrived during a period when both Luo and the APT were finding their place within a rapidly developing Asian poker landscape.

Xixiang Luo lifting the Main Event trophy at APT Jeju 2024

More Than a Decade of Growth

Luo's poker career has evolved considerably since his early years on the circuit.

Like many professionals of his generation, there was a time when poker consumed almost every waking hour.

“Back in my peak days in Las Vegas, I could play for over ten hours a day, every single day. That was high intensity; I was very passionate back then, especially since it was my first time there.”

Those years were defined by volume, relentless schedules, and an eagerness to maximise every opportunity. Today, his approach is different.

“Now, I've definitely slowed down.”

Rather than chasing every stop on the calendar, Luo has become increasingly selective with his schedule.

“I only play tournaments about once a month. It's not like before when my schedule was completely packed; now, I'm selective and only play the events I enjoy.”

The change reflects a player who no longer feels compelled to prove himself through constant action. Experience has given him the freedom to focus on the tournaments he values most while maintaining his competitive drive.

Luo cuts a relaxed figure during his interview at APT Jeju 2026

Watching Asia Come of Age

Few players have witnessed the transformation of Asian poker as closely as Luo.

When he first began travelling the circuit, major poker destinations were largely concentrated in Europe and North America. Asian players often found themselves crossing continents in pursuit of the biggest events and strongest fields. Today, the dynamic is changing.

“It's great. As an Asian myself, I naturally want Asian poker to thrive, and it's great to see various brands doing so well.”

More importantly, he has noticed a reversal of the traditional flow of players.

“What's even better is that players from Europe and America are coming over here now, rather than us always having to travel over there.”

For Luo, that shift is validation of how far the region has come.

“The skill levels are already very close. There isn't a massive difference.”

While he acknowledges that Western professionals often dominate global rankings due to their higher volume in elite tournaments, he believes the overall gap between regions is far smaller than many assume.

“Personally, I think Western players have higher rankings simply because they play more high rollers. Granted, they might also train more diligently in terms of hand volume, but I really don't think the gap is that wide.”

Luo has seen the Asian Poker Tour grow since its earlier years

Quality Over Quantity

While Luo may be playing less frequently than in years past, his standards have not changed. If anything, they have become more refined.

When evaluating a festival today, he looks beyond headline guarantees and prestige alone.

“I will play any high-quality tournament. My choices nowadays usually depend on whether the series includes Mixed Games, good High Rollers, and solid structures.”

Those priorities reflect the perspective of a seasoned professional who understands what creates a lasting poker experience. They also help explain why he continues to return to APT festivals.

Speaking from the APT Jeju Classic 2026, Luo praised both the player experience and the Tour's growing mixed game offerings.

“It's been excellent. More and more people are playing Mixed Games now.”

Even after more than a decade on the circuit, he remains invested in seeing the Tour continue to evolve.

Luo has plenty of muscle in Mixed games as well

Going With the Flow

Many professionals set themselves specific goals every year, yet Luo takes a different approach.

“Rather than a specific plan, I'm just going with the flow.”

That does not mean ambition has disappeared.

“Winning more Main Events, more major titles, and more Mixed Game trophies would obviously be ideal.”

But unlike the youngster grinding ten-hour days in Las Vegas, today's Luo appears comfortable allowing results to come naturally. The urgency has softened, but the love of competition remains.

Luo’s ambitions have not slowed down despite the years of grinding

Growing Together

As the Asian Poker Tour celebrates its 20-year milestone, Luo's journey feels intrinsically linked to the tour's own story. From early championships and milestone victories to the modern era of record-breaking fields, he has witnessed many of the defining moments in the growth of Asian poker. Through it all, the APT has remained a constant presence in his career.

“I hope things get even better in the future.”

As the Asian Poker Tour celebrates its milestone 20-year anniversary, it's time to take a look back at the stories that have shaped those two decades. From the people that have helped to shape the APT experience, to the players on the felt that have defined the very competition the tour stands for.

Throughout the year, the APT will unveil a series of iconic stories offering personal perspectives of how the tour has impacted lives, careers, and journeys.