In early November, the tournament clocks across the Salles des Etoiles in the Monte Carlo Sporting Club paused their incessant march as the players and staff at the Triton Super High Roller Series gathered together for a ceremony to both unveil the Ivan Leow Player of the Year trophy – designed and fashioned by London-based Fox Silver – and honor its first recipient, Danny Tang.
Tang hoisted the trophy after finishing the season atop the overall points leaderboard across the four stops included in this year's race. With 19 cashes, 13 final table appearances, and 2 outright victories, Tang rose above his fellow competitors to etch his name into Triton history.
A trophy worthy of Leow's memory
The Ivan Leow Player of the Year award goes to the Triton competitor who performs best across the 12-month season. Named for Triton stalwart and founding player Ivan Leow, who passed away in 2022, the award holds a special place of honor in the minds and hearts of all Triton competitors.
In the search for a trophy design befitting of Leow's name, Triton approached Richard Fox, owner of Fox Silver, with the assignment. Fox has designed and crafted numerous trophies for prominent sporting events, including Forumla 1 race winners and the FIA World Championship Drivers' Trophy. Fox was tasked with reflecting the standing of the Triton tour and to honor the skill and impact Leow brought to the series.
"This trophy represents everything we stand for on the Triton Series as an industry-leading brand," said Triton CEO Andy Wong. "It is of the very highest quality and is more stylish than any other trophy in poker. We are incredibly happy with what Mr Fox designed and feel it honors the memory of our great friend Ivan. It will last forever, just like our fondness for Ivan will.
Paul Phua, co-founder of the Triton Series, echoed Wong's sentiments. "Ivan was a tremendous poker player and an even better friend to everyone at Triton," Phua said. "Not a day goes by when we don't think about him, and it was important for us to be able to remember him with such a prestigious award."
Danny Tang and the Ivan Leow Player of the Year Trophy. Tang, one of the many players mentored by Leow, is the first recipient of the trophy and paid tribute to his friend during his acceptance speech.
"I have to give it to Ivan looking down on us and giving me his blessing," Tang said. "It means a lot because I am one of his own guys."
Tang added: "For me this is the most prestigious award that can be won in poker right now."
Tang signs on as Triton ambassador
In the wake of his victory in the Player of the Year battle, the Triton Super High Roller Series announced Tang as the newest official ambassador for the tour.
Images Courtesy of Drew Amato/Triton Poker
