The first time I met Cathy Zhao, Triton Poker’s current COO, was while we were both running around the World Poker Tour (WPT) Championship held at the Wynn years ago. I was interviewing players and was hoping my hair was brushed. She however, looked unflappable, calm in a sea of potential chaos with thousands of poker players gathered to compete for millions of dollars.
She perfectly balances the combination of handling everything coming her way, passion for the poker industry, and humility in all that she’s accomplished. I am in awe.
Zhao joined the Triton Poker family in January 2025 after wrapping up nearly a decade with the WPT. “It was a big transition professionally, but also a very exciting next chapter for me,” Zhao said.
Triton is helmed by CEO Andy Wong and their Super High Roller Series is known for its exclusivity and luxury and is held just a few times a year. Their events feature buy-ins of at least $15,000.
“Working alongside Andy Wong, the broader team, and our production partner Sharehand has really expanded my perspective on building premium experiences and scaling a global brand while maintaining a strong identity” she said. Sharehand “specializes in delivering live and post-produced content for TV and other channels”.
She got into the poker industry indirectly at first. Zhao was working towards her master’s degree and interned with one of the largest gaming companies in China at that time.
“I was initially hired to help with an international contract bridge festival, but by the end of the festival, I was effectively leading it.”
She took on everything from press conference interpretation to logistics, operations, newsletters, hotel coordination, and sourcing.
“Looking back, I think it reflected my mindset early on: if I commit to something, I want to fully own it and execute it well,” Zhao reflected. She had an “all-in mindset” which poker players can relate to.
Before she even graduated, the company offered her a full-time position. That opportunity became her entry point into the poker industry. WPT had licensed its brand to the company.
“I became involved in one of the largest poker festivals in Asia while also helping develop and market an English-language poker app” she said.
“Looking back now…those experiences gave me early exposure to operations, technology, international events, and the global gaming industry all at once” Zhao said.
One thing she’s particularly proud of was helping secure one of the earliest Random Number Generator (RNG) certifications for an online poker platform, which later became a standard industry requirement. RNG are employed by online gambling systems. Receiving an RNG certification is imperative for ensuring fairness and integrity of the games.
A Decade with the World Poker Tour
Zhao made the transition to the WPT after there were major regulatory changes happening across China and Asia at the time both online and offline. This impacted the gaming and poker landscape.
She spent more time in Europe supporting WPT events there, while also helping the U.S. team manage American events.
“That period really expanded my perspective and made me realize how global the poker industry truly was.” She questioned during that period if she wanted to stay in poker.
“I realized I genuinely loved this industry – the international environment, the fast pace, the creativity, the people, and the fact that no two days are ever the same” Zhao said.
After joining the WPT as an Event Manager, she worked her way up over 10 years to their Senior Director, Global Tour Management position. She comments that she’s “been very fortunate in my career to learn from incredible mentors and leaders in the industry, including Adam Pliska at WPT, who had a huge impact on my professional growth.”
Thanks for the recognition @gpi. Thanks to our global casino partners and loyal players. We look forward to continuing to bring poker to the world. See you at @WPTPrime #WPTFamily
Congratulations to Adam @pliska007 ! You are inspirational! https://t.co/ClPH36B0jm pic.twitter.com/ksAa5nGZv9
— Cathy Zhao (@CathyZhaoyuan) February 26, 2024
She and her husband, a professional poker player, ended up moving from Orange County to Las Vegas during the pandemic. Being married to a poker player “definitely deepened my connection to the poker world as well. He still teaches me a lot about the player perspective and the psychology behind the game.”
Their reasons for moving to Vegas included the fact it is a central hub for gaming, entertainment, and poker. “I love Las Vegas. It feels like home now. Plus… Go Knights Go!”
Triton Poker’s 10-year celebration
Zhao’s current days as COO of Triton never look the same. “Because our headquarters are in Asia and our teams are spread globally, my schedule constantly crosses multiple time zones,” she said. “Once events begin, everything becomes very hands-on and fast-paced. I sometimes describe it as building a temporary city every stop.”
🔱 10 Years of Triton Poker Series. Ready for 2026?
A decade at the highest level of high-stakes poker. The biggest stages, the toughest fields, the moments that define the game.
The next chapter begins. pic.twitter.com/ISddx4D9MU
— Triton Poker (@tritonpoker) December 12, 2025
For Triton’s 10-year anniversary, they’re celebrating it throughout the year across multiple events and initiatives. Zhao tells me that “one particularly meaningful moment was seeing our founding player, Paul Phua, win the very first Triton 10-Year Anniversary Special Event.” And “it felt symbolic and very fitting for the celebration.”
A Decade Dealt in Gold. In the end, it comes full circle.
A rising star against a legend. When it mattered most, @paulphuapoker found the moment.
Paul delivers on the biggest stage, winning the $150K NLH 10th Anniversary Special and $3,226,000.
Congratulations! pic.twitter.com/W0mTKWnlN5
— Triton Poker (@tritonpoker) March 27, 2026
She marvels at how far Triton has come – from a niche high-stakes series into a truly global brand – while also looking ahead to the next chapter of growth for both the company and the industry.
“All credit goes to everyone behind the scenes at Triton who helped build the company over the past decade,” she said.
Engaging with the poker community
Zhao’s respect for the poker community helps her continue to grow and evolve in her role.
“One thing I really enjoy about poker is how global and passionate the community is,” she said. “Feedback is immediate, people care deeply about the game, and that constant dialogue helps push the industry forward.”
She also has a lot of respect for professional players. “The variance, travel, pressure, and emotional swings involved in poker is something most people probably underestimate.” And “I’ve been fortunate to learn from some of the best organizations and people in the industry.”
🔱 The $150K 10th Anniversary Special, Montenegro.
Ten years of Triton, all in one room. pic.twitter.com/AeUUdIOQhA
— Triton Poker (@tritonpoker) May 23, 2026
This passion and respect is reflected when she’s asked about what one of her favorite moments in poker is.
“One of my favorite moments is the final trophy presentation of a festival,” she answers. “You can feel the excitement and emotions from the players, while at the same time the operations team is finally taking a deep breath after weeks of nonstop execution.”
Women in Poker
Zhao’s passion for poker includes her wanting “to see the industry continue becoming more welcoming and comfortable for women – not just as players, but also as professionals working within the business.”
She adds that “I hope I can contribute, even in a small way, by helping create environments where more women feel included, respected, and comfortable pursuing opportunities in poker.”
Work/Life Balance
She herself is “very family-oriented, and balancing motherhood… while working in such a global, fast-moving industry has probably been one of the most challenging and meaningful parts of my journey.”
Zhao adds that “because I travel so much for work, I really value quality time at home with family.”
Outside of work she also enjoys “going to the gym and staying active whenever I can. It helps me stay balanced and reset from the fast pace of the industry.”
Looking ahead
Reflecting on her career, Zhao considers helping to establish WPT Prime Circuit and Triton One among her standout accomplishments. Looking forward to the future of poker and her role in it, she says that it’s “not just about the game itself, but about creating stronger experiences, storytelling, and accessibility for the next generation of players.”
Zhao adds that “poker brings together such a unique mix of personalities, cultures, and backgrounds from around the world.” And “there’s always someone interesting to meet and something new to learn, so I honestly never get bored.”
*Image credits: Triton Poker
About The Author
