Sparrow Cheung

About Sparrow Cheung

Say hello to Cheung Park Yu, though in the poker world, most know him simply as 'Sparrow.' A familiar face at tables across Asia and beyond, Sparrow is one of Hong Kong’s most accomplished and respected players. With over $2.9 million in live tournament earnings and a spot at #8 on Hong Kong’s all-time money list (as of May 15, 2025), his resume speaks for itself.

But Sparrow’s journey is about more than just the numbers. He’s a true grinder — someone who’s worked his way up through dedication, consistency, and an undeniable passion for the game.

Sparrow started playing poker professionally in 2009 as a cash game specialist, then turned his attention to tournaments (MTTs) in 2013. But he didn’t stop there — in 2015, he founded the Hong Kong Poker Players Association (HKPPA), now the largest and most respected poker organization in Hong Kong. Since 2017, he's also been coaching and mentoring up-and-coming players, giving back to the game that’s given him so much.

Along the way, Sparrow has achieved some incredible feats, including:

• Guinness World Record holder for the most ITM (in-the-money) finishes (62 times!) in professional live tournaments in a single year (2017)
• APPT Incheon Main Event champion in 2019, where he claimed $174,040
• APT Incheon Single Day High Roller 8 Max (KRW 5M) winner in 2023, earning $64,810
• WPT Cambodia High Roller 5K champion in 2024, taking home $135,755

As a Natural8 Team Hot ambassador, Sparrow has a clear mission:

"I want to raise the image of poker as a mind sport in Asia with the help of Natural8."

He believes in poker's potential to grow — not just as a game, but as a respected discipline — and he's here to help shape that future.