Mixed Games Legend Roy Thung Passes Away Days After Last WSOP Cash

The poker community is reeling from the news of the passing of Roy Thung, a true mixed games luminary and a figure of remarkable achievement both on and off the felt. Thung, who was 82, died in Las Vegas, leaving behind a legacy that spans high-stakes poker tables and the corporate boardrooms of a multi-million-dollar insurance empire. His death occurred less than two weeks after he secured his final cash at the 2026 World Series of Poker, a poignant end to a life lived with extraordinary drive and success.

While the exact cause of death remains undisclosed at this time, the timing resonates deeply within the poker world, coming so soon after his last competitive showing. Thung was not merely a beloved and respected player; he was the Chief Executive Officer for Independence Holding Co., a significant player in the insurance sector, specializing in disability, supplemental health, and group life insurance.

Thung's professional journey was as compelling as his poker career. A feature in Forbes back in 2012 highlighted his business acumen, detailing his path from an Indonesian immigrant to a corporate titan. Born in Indonesia, Thung relocated to the United States in 1969, armed with a master's degree from the University of Indonesia. Despite initial challenges in finding employment after college, he persevered, as he told Forbes, stating, “I persevered and landed a position with Lybrand, Ross Brothers & Montgomery in its international tax, accounting and consulting practice.”

His entrepreneurial spirit truly ignited in 1976 when, with limited capital, Thung acquired a small mail-order company. This venture, Nasco International, flourished under his leadership, eventually generating over $200 million in revenue during his 35-year tenure. He expanded his portfolio in the 1980s by acquiring and developing a life and health insurance firm, demonstrating a consistent talent for identifying undervalued businesses and transforming them into highly profitable operations.

This same strategic insight and patience that defined his business success also permeated his approach to poker. Thung was renowned for his prowess in mixed cash games, though he also made his mark in the tournament circuit. His first recorded appearance at the World Series of Poker dates back to 1997, where he immediately made an impact, finishing fifth in the $1,500 Pot-Limit Omaha event for a respectable $21,150.

Over his career, the White Plains, New York resident amassed nearly $900,000 in live tournament cashes, according to The Hendon Mob database. His final recorded cash came at the recent 2026 WSOP, where he placed 72nd in the $5,000 6-Handed No-Limit Hold'em event, earning $12,390. This achievement occurred less than two weeks before his passing, underscoring his enduring passion and skill for the game.

Even more remarkably, Thung also made a significant run in one of the most demanding tournaments in the world this summer: the WSOP $50,000 Poker Players Championship. In this ultimate test of mixed games mastery, he finished 13th, securing a hefty payout of $109,459. This deep finish in such a high-stakes, multi-disciplinary event cemented his status as a true mixed games legend, showcasing his ability to compete at the highest level well into his eighties.

Roy Thung’s life was a testament to perseverance, sharp intellect, and a relentless pursuit of excellence, whether in the cutthroat world of corporate finance or the intricate landscape of a mixed game poker table. His passing leaves a void in both spheres, but his legacy as a shrewd businessman and a formidable poker player will undoubtedly endure.