Ten Days, 103 Events, KRW 4.9 Billion (~USD 3.4 Million) in Guarantees Await You at Jeju Shinhwa World
Following on from the electrifying successes of APT Manila Classic 2025 and APT Taipei 2025, the Asian Poker Tour shifts the spotlight to its second stop in South Korea after Incheon – APT Jeju 2025.
Running from Friday, September 26 to Sunday, October 5, the festival is set to take place at the luxurious Jeju Shinhwa World resort in partnership with Landing Entertainment Korea.
With a packed schedule of 103 tournaments (including satellites) and nearly KRW 4.9 billion (~USD 3.4 million) in total guaranteed prize pools, the return to Jeju looks set to challenge the tour’s South Korean poker series record, set during the 2024 edition of the festival.
The signature Lion Trophy events return in full force. At the heart of the festival is the highly anticipated Main Event, boasting a KRW 2.2 billion (~USD 1.5 million) guarantee. Taking place from September 28 to October 4, the tournament features a KRW 2.6M (~USD 1,860) buy-in.
In addition, the APT Super High Roller (KRW 15M/~USD 10,750 buy-in) and the APT High Roller (KRW 7M/~USD 5,000 buy-in) both offer massive guarantees—KRW 500M (~USD 358K) and KRW 700M (~USD 501K) respectively.
Also on the high-stakes menu is the prestigious Superstar Challenge, a KRW 35M (~USD 25K) buy-in tournament running September 26-27, with the Baby Superstar Challenge (KRW 10M/~USD 7K) following shortly after on September 29-30.
Adding to the excitement is a wide mix of marquee events, designed to appeal to a variety of bankrolls and playing styles. These include the Korea National Cup (KRW 200M/~USD 140K GTD), Mystery Bounty – Sponsored by Natural8 (KRW 350M/~USD 250K GTD), Zodiac Classic – Sponsored by Natural8 (KRW 500M/~USD 358K GTD), and the Mini Main Event (KRW 300M/~USD 215K GTD).
Those looking for accessible one-day events can look forward to the Sunday Super Stack (KRW 500K/~USD 360 buy-in) and the Micro Main Event (KRW 500K/~USD 360 buy-in).
Several events at APT Jeju 2025 will also include seats to the most prestigious event on the APT calendar—the Asian Poker Tour Championship (APTC) later this year.
A total of seven seats to the USD 5 million guaranteed APTC Main Event (valued at USD 10,000 each) are up for grabs. These coveted seats will be awarded to the top three finishers of the Main Event, as well as the champions of the APT Super High Roller, the APT High Roller, the Superstar Challenge, and the Zodiac Classic – Sponsored by Natural8.
Read on as we break down these events in greater detail, including full schedules, formats, and what to expect from the fields at APT Jeju 2025.
FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS
Guarantee: KRW 2.2 billion (~USD 1.5M)
Date: Sunday, September 28 to Saturday, October 4
Buy-in: KRW 2.6M (~USD 1,860)
APT Jeju 2024 Main Event champion Xixiang Luo
The centrepiece of APT Jeju 2025, the Main Event returns with players battling for the tour’s iconic 24K Gold Lion APT Main Event Trophy, as well as a coveted seat to the APT Championship Main Event for the top three finishers.
APT Taipei 2025 Main Event holds the tour’s all-time record, drawing 2,547 entries and generating a monumental TWD 121 million (~USD 3.7 million) prize pool, with Japan’s Akira Takasugi securing his place in the record books and capturing the trophy along with the series’ largest first-place prize.
The last edition of APT Jeju has a place in APT’s history books with the highest turnout ever recorded in South Korea. The 2024 edition attracted a remarkable 1,089 entries, building an impressive KRW 2.38 billion (~USD 1.73 million) prize pool. China’s Xixiang Luo came out on top, earning KRW 429.29 million (~USD 311,735) and claiming the largest top prize ever awarded in a Korean APT Main Event.
Players will begin with 40,000 in chips and may choose from four starting flights running from September 28 to 30. Flight A will feature ten 60-minute levels, while Flight B consists of six 45-minute levels followed by four 60-minute levels. Flights C and D have quicker levels, comprising of six 30-minute levels followed by four 45-minute levels.
From Day 2 onwards, the tournament adopts 60-minute levels. Late registration closes before the start of Day 2 on October 1, giving players one final window to secure a seat before the race to the final table begins.
Guarantee: KRW 200 million (~USD 143K)
Date: Friday, September 26 to Saturday, September 27
Buy-in: KRW 850K (~USD 600)
APT Jeju 2024 Korea National Cup champion Ki On Chan
Kicking off the action at APT Jeju 2025 is the Korea National Cup, returning with a KRW 200 million (~USD 140,000) guarantee.
The 2024 edition set a new in-country record for this event, drawing 404 entries to generate a prize pool of KRW 282.15 million (~USD 205,150) – both the largest field and prize pool ever recorded for a Korea National Cup in South Korea. Hong Kong’s Ki On Chan captured the title, walking away with KRW 55.78 million (~USD 40,500).
At the tour level, the current APT record was set at APT Taipei 2025, where an astounding 2,161 entries produced a TWD 21.26 million (~USD 656,304) prize pool. Taiwan’s Shi Rong Wang emerged victorious, collecting TWD 3.45 million (~USD 106,612) – the richest top prize ever awarded in New Era history for an opening event.
Players will begin with 30,000 in chips and can enter one of three starting flights on Friday, September 26. Flight A features 25-minute levels, Flight B offers 20-minute levels, and Flight C runs with 15-minute levels.
The top 14 percent of each flight will advance to the Final Day on September 27 and in the money, where they will battle it out for the first major trophy of the series.
Mystery Bounty – Sponsored by Natural8
Guarantee: KRW 350 million (~USD 250K)
Date: Saturday, September 27 to Sunday, September 28
Buy-in: KRW 1.1M (~USD 790)
APT Jeju 2024 Mystery Bounty champion Zhi Yuan Xu
A staple of every APT festival and a favourite among recreational and seasoned players alike, the Mystery Bounty – Sponsored by Natural8 returns to Jeju with an increased guarantee at KRW 350 million (~USD 246,000).
This two-day event offers players a shot at bounty rewards that continues to grow in popularity across the tour.
Last year’s edition set the bar for Mystery Bounty events in Korea, drawing a record 511 entries and building a KRW 292.80 million (~USD 212,640) prize pool – the largest ever in the country. It was China’s Zhi Yuan Xu who triumphed in the end, collecting KRW 42.36 million (~USD 30,750) along with bounties to claim the top spot.
Across the tour, the event’s all-time record was achieved at APT Taipei 2025, where a monstrous 1,724 entries built a TWD 24.3 million (~USD 750,795) prize pool. South Korea’s Jung Sangjun made history there, taking home TWD 2.74 million (~USD 84,654) – the largest first-place payout ever recorded in this event.
Players start with 30,000 in chips and will have three chances to qualify for Day 2, with all three starting flights running on Saturday, September 27.
Flight A kicks off at 11:00am with 25-minute levels, Flight B begins at 4:00pm with 20-minute levels, and Flight C gets underway at 8:00pm with 15-minute levels.
The top 14 percent from each flight will advance to the Final Day on Sunday, where the mystery bounties will be revealed and the race for the title and the biggest bounties begins.
Guarantee: KRW 500 million (~USD 358K)
Date: Saturday, September 27 to Sunday, September 28
Buy-in: KRW 15M (~USD 10,750)
APT Jeju 2024 APT Super High Roller champion Zhendong Li
The APT Super High Roller returns to Jeju with a KRW 500 million (~USD 358,000) prize pool guarantee and the iconic Pewter Lion Trophy awaiting its next champion.
As one of the tour’s premier events, it continues to draw a star-studded field of elite high-stakes players at every festival and will also award the champion with a coveted APTC Main Event ticket.
Last year’s edition shattered Korean records for the APT New Era, generating the largest-ever Super High Roller prize pool in the country at KRW 831.87 million (~USD 603,900).
China’s Zhendong Li claimed the title and the lion’s share of the prize money—KRW 229.45 million (~USD 166,600)—the biggest first-place payout in APT Super High Roller history.
Across the tour, the record belongs to high-stakes legend Isaac Haxton, who took down a 137-entry field at APT Taipei 2024 to win TWD 9 million (~USD 287,885) – the richest payout ever awarded in this format.
Players begin with 250,000 in chips and a shot clock is active from the start. Each player receives two 30-second time banks at the beginning, with one additional time bank awarded at every scheduled break. Day 1 on Saturday, September 27 features 16 levels of 40 minutes, with survivors returning on Sunday to play down to a champion.
Date: Sunday, September 28
Buy-in: KRW 500K (~USD 360)
APT Jeju 2024 Sunday Super Stack champion Yanfeng Wang
A crowd favourite on the APT calendar, the Sunday Super Stack returns to Jeju with its signature single-day format, offering excellent structure and value at an accessible buy-in.
This event has become a mainstay for players looking to make the most of their weekend with deep stacks and fast-paced action.
APT Jeju 2024 saw the event hit new heights in South Korea, drawing a record 270 entries to build a KRW 259.28 million (~USD 188,240) prize pool. China’s Yanfeng Wang rose to the top, earning KRW 51.98 million (~USD 37,740) – the largest first-place payout ever awarded in a Sunday Super Stack on Korean soil.
The tour record was set at APT Taipei 2025, where 386 entries pushed the prize pool to TWD 10 million (~USD 308,800). Japan’s Taiga Tanida emerged victorious there, claiming TWD 1.94 million (~USD 59,973) – the richest top prize in this event to date.
Players begin with 100,000 in chips, with 25-minute levels in play until registration closes. Once registration ends, levels drop to 20 minutes for the remainder of the tournament.
Zodiac Classic – Sponsored by Natural8
Guarantee: KRW 500 million (~USD 358K)
Date: Thursday, October 2 to Friday, October 3
Buy-in: KRW 3.3M (~USD 2,360)
APT Jeju 2024 Zodiac Classic champion Peng Chen
The Zodiac Classic – Sponsored by Natural8 makes its return to Jeju with a KRW 500 million (~USD 358,000) prize pool guarantee, with the winner also going home with an APTC Main Event seat.
This event typically builds some of the largest prize pools outside of high roller events, representing great value for those who take part.
Last year’s edition saw the tournament rise to new heights in South Korea, with 178 entries generating a record-setting KRW 623.32 million (~USD 458,390) prize pool – the highest ever for a Zodiac Classic held in the country. China’s Peng Chen claimed the title, earning KRW 131.79 million (~USD 96,932) and setting a new in-country record for the largest first-place prize in this event.
Across the tour, the Zodiac Classic record was established at APT Taipei 2025, where the event drew a staggering 626 entries and amassed a TWD 43.27 million (~USD 1.32 million) prize pool. Taiwan’s Hung Te Lee took home the largest top prize for a Zodiac Classic in the APT New Era with TWD 8.22 million (~USD 253,785).
Players begin with 40,000 in chips with each player receiving two 30-second time banks at the beginning of play, with an additional time bank awarded at every scheduled break.
Day 1 on October 2 features 13 levels of 40 minutes, with survivors returning the following day to play down to the next Zodiac Classic champion.
Guarantee: KRW 300 million (~USD 215K)
Date: Friday, October 3 to Saturday, October 4
Buy-in: KRW 1M (~USD 720)
APT Jeju 2024 Mini Main Event champion Yuchao Huang
Modelled after the flagship Main Event but designed to play out across just two days, the Mini Main Event offers players a well-structured and high-value tournament experience at a more accessible buy-in. For APT Jeju 2025, the guarantee has been raised to KRW 300 million (~USD 215,000).
At APT Jeju 2024, the event produced an in-country record prize pool of KRW 250 million (~USD 184,340), with China’s Yuchao Huang emerging victorious. Huang captured KRW 49 million (~USD 36,150) for the win – the largest first-place prize awarded in the event’s history in South Korea.
The overall APT record belongs to APT Taipei 2025, where an eye-popping 1,760 entries built a TWD 38.02 million (~USD 1.32 million) prize pool. Taiwan’s Hung Te Lee not only claimed the title but also walked away with a record-setting TWD 6.52 million (~USD 201,080) – the richest prize ever awarded in this format.
Players will begin with 30,000 in chips and have three starting flights to choose from on Friday, October 3. Flight A features 25-minute levels, Flight B has 20-minute levels, and Flight C runs with 15-minute levels. The top 14 percent from each flight will advance to Saturday’s Final Day.
Guarantee: KRW 700 million (~USD 501K)
Date: Saturday, October 4 to Sunday, October 5
Buy-in: KRW 7M (~USD 5,020)
Natural8 ambassador and APT Jeju 2024 APT High Roller champion Eric Tsai
The final signature event of APT Jeju 2025, the APT High Roller returns with a KRW 700 million (~USD 501,000) guarantee and the prestigious Bronze Lion Trophy, in addition to an APTC Main Event ticket for the eventual champion.
APT Jeju 2024 witnessed a historic moment for this event, which at the time set a new APT record for both prize pool and first-place payout. Natural8 ambassador Eric Tsai from Taiwan topped the competition, securing KRW 266.73 million (~USD 196,255) – the highest first place prize for this event before the bar was raised further at APT Taipei 2025.
That historic Taipei edition saw 415 entries generate a staggering TWD 39.44 million (~USD 1.27 million) prize pool, with Vietnam’s Nguyen Trung Quan claiming the title and a record-setting TWD 7.59 million (~USD 253,785) – the largest payout ever awarded in this signature event.
Players begin with 100,000 in chips, and the event will feature a shot clock from the start. Each player receives two 30-second time banks, with an additional time bank issued at every scheduled break. Day 1 on Saturday, October 4 consists of 16 levels of 40 minutes, with the surviving contenders returning on Sunday to play down to the next APT High Roller champion.
Guarantee: KRW 150 million (~USD 107K)
Date: Saturday, October 4 to Sunday, October 5
Buy-in: KRW 850K (~USD 610)
APT Jeju 2024 Double Stack champion Wei Hang Chen
A staple at every APT festival, the Double Stack event returns to Jeju with a KRW 150 million (~USD 107,000) guarantee. Known for its deep stacks and dynamic structure, this popular multi-flight tournament offers excellent value and regularly draws one of the largest fields of the festival.
APT Jeju 2024 set new records for the event in South Korea, with 444 entries generating a KRW 387.61 million (~USD 285,900) prize pool – the biggest ever seen for a Double Stack on Korean soil. It was China’s Wei Hang Chen who triumphed, walking away with KRW 74.92 million (~USD 55,150), the largest first-place payout in this format within the country.
Players will start with 60,000 in chips and can choose from three starting flights on Saturday, October 4. Flight A features 25-minute levels, Flight B offers 20-minute levels, and Flight C shortens to 15-minute levels. The top 14 percent from each flight will advance to the Final Day on October 5 and into the money, where they’ll compete for the title and the lion’s share of the prize pool.
Date: Sunday, October 5
Buy-in: KRW 500K (~USD 360)
APT Jeju 2024 Micro Main Event champion Alexandre Viard
Capping off the APT Jeju 2025 festival is the Micro Main Event, offering players of the final chances to claim a trophy. With an affordable KRW 500,000 (~USD 360) buy-in and a single-day structure, it’s the perfect way to close out ten days of poker action.
The 2024 edition saw France’s Alexandre Viard take the final spotlight, besting the field to claim KRW 12.53 million (~USD 9,250). Players begin with 40,000 in chips, and levels run at 20 minutes throughout the day.