A Closer Look at the APT Championship 2026 Schedule; 17 Days, 23 Championship Events & Over TWD 256 Million (~USD 8.1 Million) in Guaranteed Prize Pools

After delivering the largest and richest festival in Asian Poker Tour history last year, the Asian Poker Tour—sponsored by Natural8—returns to Taipei this November for the highly anticipated APT Championship 2026.

Held in partnership with the Chinese Texas Hold’em Poker Club (CTP), the 17-day poker festival will take place from November 13–29 at the cavernous Red Space 多元商務空間 in Taipei, Taiwan. Following the tremendous success of the inaugural edition, which generated more than 28,000 tournament entries and awarded over USD 34 million in prize money, the APT Championship is set to raise the bar once again.

The 2026 festival promises to be bigger than ever, featuring a massive schedule of 210 events, including 184 trophy events and 26 satellite tournaments. At the heart of the action are 23 Championship Events boasting more than TWD 256 million (~USD 8.1 million) in combined prize pool guarantees, offering players the opportunity to compete for some of the most prestigious titles on the APT calendar across a diverse range of formats and buy-in levels.

New for 2026 are four additions to the Championship Event lineup, further expanding the variety of opportunities available throughout the festival. Omaha specialists will have a new high-stakes event in the PLO High Roller Championship, featuring a TWD 165,000 (~USD 5,200) buy-in, while high rollers can also look forward to the debut of the Single Day High Roller Championship with a USD 10,000 buy-in and the Micro High Roller Championship with a TWD 160,000 (~USD 5,100) buy-in.

In addition, a total of 17 seats to the APT Championship 2026 Main Event will be awarded throughout the series. Players will have the opportunity to secure their place in the festival's flagship tournament through the following events:

• High Roller - Ultra Stack (Event #76) - 1 seat for the winner
• High Roller - Single Day (Event #86) - 1 seat for the winner
• National Cup Championship – 1 seat for the winner
• Mystery Bounty Championship – 1 seat for the winner
• Ultra Stack Championship – 2 seats for the top two finishers
• 7-Max Championship – 1 seat for the winner
• Natural8 Cup Championship – 2 seats for the top two finishers
• Micro Main Event Championship – 1 seat for the winner
• Single Day High Roller Championship – 1 seat for the winner
• Super High Roller Championship – 3 seats for the top three finishers
• Superstar Championship – 3 seats for the top three finishers

Meanwhile, the APT Championship Main Event itself offers a reward of its own, with the champion, runner-up, and third-place finisher all receiving seats to the 2027 APT Championship Main Event.

Before cards are in the air this November, here's a closer look at the Championship Events set to define Asia's most prestigious poker festival:

FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS

Event #1014: APT Championship Main Event Freezeout

Buy-in: USD 10,000

Dates: November 23–27

Guarantee: USD 5,000,000

APT Championship 2025 Main Event champion Nishant Sharma

Standing atop the Championship schedule is the APT Championship Main Event Freezeout, the tournament that serves as the crown jewel of the festival and the ultimate prize for players travelling to Taipei this November. Returning with another USD 5 million guaranteed prize pool, the flagship event once again offers competitors a single shot at poker glory through its freezeout format.

The tournament made an unforgettable debut at APT Championship 2025, setting a new benchmark for high-stakes poker in Asia. Attracting 671 entries and generating a colossal TWD 194 million (~USD 6.2 million) prize pool, it became the largest and richest USD 10,000 buy-in tournament held outside of Las Vegas in the past decade, firmly establishing itself among the most prestigious events on the international poker calendar.

After five days of elite competition, it was India's Nishant Sharma who emerged victorious to capture the exclusive Gold Lion APT Championship Main Event trophy and a life-changing TWD 37 million (~USD 1.2 million) first-place prize. His victory marked the culmination of a landmark inaugural championship and secured his place in APT history as the first player to lift the tour's most coveted title.

The appetite for the event was evident throughout the 2025 festival. One of the biggest stories of APT Championship 2025 came not from the Main Event itself, but from the TWD 53,000 Step 2 Mega Satellite, which attracted an astonishing 399 entries and generated a record-breaking TWD 18.27 million (~USD 585,600) prize pool. The event awarded 58 Main Event seats and established new APT records for both field size and prize pool, becoming the richest satellite ever held in Asia.

With another USD 5 million guaranteed prize pool awaiting competitors this year, the stage is set for another chapter in the tournament's rapidly growing legacy. Players who navigate their way through one of the toughest fields in Asia will not only have an opportunity to claim poker immortality and a potentially career-defining payday but also earn a place in APT Championship history.

Adding further incentive, the champion, runner-up, and third-place finisher will each receive a seat to the 2027 APT Championship Main Event, ensuring that three of this year's best performers will return to compete for the title once again next year.

Event #1001: National Cup Championship

Buy-in: TWD 16,000 (~USD 510)

Dates: November 13–15

Guarantee: TWD 20,000,000 (~USD 641,000)

APT Championship 2025 National Cup Championship champion Ruiko Mamiya

Kicking off the Championship Event schedule is the National Cup Championship, which returns with a TWD 20 million guaranteed prize pool and an affordable TWD 16,000 buy-in. Traditionally one of the largest field events at any APT festival, the tournament offers players an early opportunity to capture a Championship title while also securing direct entry into the USD 10,000 APT Championship Main Event, with the winner receiving a coveted seat to the festival's flagship tournament.

The inaugural National Cup Championship at APT Championship 2025 proved an immediate success, attracting 2,398 entries (1,157 unique) and generating a TWD 29.86 million (~USD 985,120) prize pool. Japan's Ruiko Mamiya ultimately emerged victorious after a three-way deal at the final table, collecting TWD 3,087,700 (~USD 101,900) and an APT Championship Main Event seat. The event is once again expected to draw one of the largest fields of the festival.

Event #1002: Mystery Bounty Championship sponsored by Natural8

Buy-in: TWD 35,000 (~USD 1,100)

Dates: November 15–16

Guarantee: TWD 15,000,000 (~USD 480,000)

APT Championship 2025 Mystery Bounty Championship champion Sofia Lovgren Fullmer

One of the most popular formats in modern poker returns to the Championship schedule with the Mystery Bounty Championship sponsored by Natural8. Featuring a TWD 15 million guaranteed prize pool and a TWD 35,000 buy-in, the event combines the excitement of traditional tournament poker with the added intrigue of mystery bounty rewards. Adding further incentive, the eventual champion will also receive a seat to the USD 10,000 APT Championship Main Event.

The inaugural edition at APT Championship 2025 attracted 667 entries (466 unique) and generated a combined prize and bounty pool worth TWD 20.17 million (~USD 665,685), including a TWD 8 million (~USD 264,160) bounty pool.

Sweden's Sofia Lovgren Fullmer ultimately captured the title, earning TWD 2,268,600 (~USD 74,870) and an APT Championship Main Event seat. With mystery bounty tournaments continuing to attract huge fields and generate memorable moments across the global poker circuit, the event is expected to once again be among the most popular Championship Events of the festival.

Event #1003: Ultra Stack Championship

Buy-in: TWD 25,000 (~USD 800)

Dates: November 16–18

Guarantee: TWD 25,000,000 (~USD 800,000)

APT Championship 2025 Ultra Stack Championship champion Gyeongbyeong Lee

The Ultra Stack Championship returns after a hugely successful debut and once again promises deep-stacked action. Featuring a TWD 25 million guarantee and a TWD 25,000 buy-in, the tournament also offers additional value with the top two finishers each receiving a seat to the USD 10,000 APT Championship Main Event.

The inaugural edition at APT Championship 2025 attracted 1,867 entries (1,042 unique) and generated a TWD 40.33 million (~USD 1.30 million) total prize pool, comfortably surpassing its guarantee.

South Korea's Gyeongbyeong Lee emerged victorious to claim TWD 6,917,200 (~USD 223,135) and an APT Championship Main Event seat. With another substantial guarantee awaiting players this year, the Ultra Stack Championship is expected to once again draw one of the festival's largest fields.

Event #1004: 7-Max Championship

Buy-in: TWD 85,000 (~USD 2,700)

Dates: November 16–17

APT Championship 2025 7-Max Championship champion Choi Eng Loong

The 7-Max Championship returns to the APT Championship schedule as one of the premier short-handed events of the festival. With fewer players at each table, the tournament rewards adaptability and creative play, while also offering the eventual champion a coveted seat to the USD 10,000 APT Championship Main Event.

The inaugural edition at APT Championship 2025 attracted 313 entries (230 unique) and generated a TWD 21.63 million (~USD 702,420) total prize pool. Malaysia's Choi Eng Loong emerged victorious to collect TWD 4,275,460 (~USD 138,815) and an APT Championship Main Event seat.

Event #1005: PLO Championship

Buy-in: TWD 70,000 (~USD 2,200)

Dates: November 17–18

APT Championship 2025 PLO Championship champion Kok Wei Teoh

Pot-Limit Omaha takes centre stage with the return of the PLO Championship, offering four-card enthusiasts an opportunity to compete for one of the most coveted titles on the Championship schedule. With Omaha continuing to grow in popularity across the region, the event is expected to once again attract a strong field of specialists and crossover players looking to test their skills outside of No-Limit Hold'em.

The inaugural PLO Championship at APT Championship 2025 attracted 88 entries (66 unique) and generated a TWD 7.60 million (~USD 245,265) prize pool. Malaysia's Kok Wei Teoh emerged victorious to capture the title and TWD 1,995,700 (~USD 64,380) in prize money, establishing himself as the first champion in the event's history. The tournament is poised to attract another competitive field when the cards are in the air this November.

Event #1007: Natural8 Cup Championship

Buy-in: USD 3,300

Dates: November 18–21

Guarantee: USD 1,000,000

APT Championship 2025 Natural8 Cup Championship champion Jon Peter Rounce Sue

As one of the marquee tournaments on the Championship schedule, the Natural8 Cup Championship returns with a USD 1 million guaranteed prize pool. The multi-day freezeout event has quickly established itself as one of the most prestigious titles outside of the Main Event, with the added incentive of awarding APT Championship Main Event seats to the top two finishers.

The 2025 edition comfortably surpassed its guarantee, attracting 490 entries and generating a TWD 39.37 million (~USD 1.27 million) total prize pool. New Zealand's Jon Peter Rounce Sue emerged victorious to capture the title, earning TWD 7,538,480 (~USD 243,180) and an APT Championship Main Event seat.

With another seven-figure guarantee awaiting competitors this year, the Natural8 Cup Championship is once again expected to be one of the headline attractions of the entire festival.

Event #1008: Micro Main Event Championship

Buy-in: TWD 16,000 (~USD 510)

Dates: November 19–21

APT Championship 2025 Micro Main Event champion Min Ho Cho

The Micro Main Event Championship offers players an accessible opportunity to compete for a prestigious title without breaking the bank. Featuring a TWD 16,000 buy-in, the tournament is expected to attract a large field, while the eventual champion will also earn a coveted seat to the USD 10,000 APT Championship Main Event.

The event proved hugely popular at APT Championship 2025, attracting 750 entries (465 unique) and generating a TWD 6.00 million (~USD 192,325) prize pool. South Korea's Min Ho Cho emerged victorious to capture the title and TWD 1,149,680 (~USD 36,850) in prize money.

Event #1010: Women's Championship - Sponsored by LIPS

Buy-in: TWD 35,000 (~USD 1,100)

Dates: November 19–20

APT Championship 2025 Women's Championship champion Rosalie Marine Petit

The Women's Championship returns as one of the most important events on the APT Championship schedule, providing a dedicated platform for female players to compete for a prestigious Championship title. Having become a staple of major APT festivals, the event continues to showcase the growing strength and depth of women's poker across Asia and beyond.

The 2025 edition attracted 119 entries (88 unique) and generated a TWD 3.60 million (~USD 115,340) prize pool. France's Rosalie Marine Petit emerged victorious after a heads-up deal, capturing the title and TWD 760,060 (~USD 24,360) in prize money. With participation continuing to grow across women's events throughout the region, the Women's Championship is expected to once again attract a sizeable field this November.

Event #1011: Super High Roller Championship

Buy-in: USD 25,000

Dates: November 20–22

APT Championship 2025 Super High Roller Championship champion Roman Hrabec

The Super High Roller Championship returns as one of the most prestigious events on the APT Championship schedule, bringing together many of the game's elite players to compete for one of the festival's most coveted titles. With a USD 25,000 buy-in and three APT Championship Main Event seats awarded to the top three finishers, the tournament offers both high-stakes action and significant added value for those able to navigate one of the toughest fields of the series.

The event last year attracted 81 entries (56 unique) and generated a TWD 59.52 million (~USD 1.91 million) total prize pool. Czech Republic's Roman Hrabec emerged victorious to claim the title and TWD 13,398,721 (~USD 429,450), along with an APT Championship Main Event seat. With another star-studded field expected in 2026, the Super High Roller Championship is once again set to be one of the events to look out for at the festival.

Event #1012: Mixed Games Championship

Buy-in: TWD 70,000 (~USD 2,200)

Dates: November 20–21

APT Championship 2025 Mixed Games Championship champion Wei Kai Lin

The Mixed Games Championship returns to showcase the breadth of poker disciplines on offer at APT Championship, providing a stern test of all-round poker ability across multiple variants. As one of the festival's premier non-Hold'em events, the tournament will attract dedicated mixed-game specialists eager to prove their mettle against some of the region's most accomplished mixed players.

The 2025 edition attracted 65 entries (54 unique) and generated a TWD 3.93 million (~USD 126,810) prize pool. Taiwan's Wei Kai Lin emerged victorious to capture the title and TWD 1,146,000 (~USD 36,730), becoming the inaugural Mixed Games Championship winner.

Event #1013: Superstar Championship

Buy-in: USD 50,000

Dates: November 22–23

APT Championship 2025 Superstar Championship champion Calvin Sungwon Lee

Reserved for the highest stakes competitors at the festival, the Superstar Championship returns as one of the most exclusive and prestigious events on the APT Championship schedule. Featuring a USD 50,000 buy-in and three APT Championship Main Event seats awarded to the top three finishers, the tournament attracts many of the world's top professionals and high-stakes regulars in pursuit of one of the most coveted titles of the series.

The 2025 edition drew 39 entries (33 unique) and generated a TWD 57.84 million (~USD 1.85 million) total prize pool. The United States' Calvin Sungwon Lee emerged victorious to claim the title, TWD 18,726,503 (~USD 600,210), and an APT Championship Main Event seat. With another elite field expected to descend on Taipei this November, the Superstar Championship is once again poised to be one of the most intriguing high-stakes battles of the festival.

Event #1015: Mini Main Event Championship

Buy-in: TWD 35,000 (~USD 1,100)

Dates: November 24–26

APT Championship 2025 Mini Main Event Championship champion Nevan Chang

The Mini Main Event Championship returns as one of the largest and most accessible tournaments on the Championship schedule, offering players the opportunity to compete for a major title at a fraction of the cost of the festival's flagship Main Event. Combining a modest buy-in with a deep structure and multi-day format, the event has quickly established itself as a favourite among recreational and professional players alike.

The inaugural edition at APT Championship 2025 attracted 1,603 entries (771 unique) and generated a TWD 48.47 million (~USD 1.55 million) prize pool. Natural8 ambassador and Taiwanese pro Nevan Chang emerged victorious after a heads-up deal to capture the title and TWD 7,085,620 (~USD 227,100) in prize money.

Event #1017: Teams Championship

Buy-in: TWD 35,000 (~USD 1,100)

Date: November 26

APT Championship 2025 Teams Championship champions Ming Ken Thoo and Yujian Eugene Zhou

Offering a refreshing change of pace from the predominantly individual competition found throughout the festival, the Teams Championship returns to celebrate the collaborative side of poker. The unique format allows players to join forces in pursuit of a Championship title, creating an atmosphere unlike any other event on the schedule as teammates sweat every pot and decision together.

The 2025 edition attracted 124 entries and generated a TWD 3.21 million (~USD 103,015) total prize pool. The inaugural title was shared by Singapore's Yujian Eugene Zhou and Malaysia's Ming Ken Thoo, whose partnership outlasted the field to earn TWD 374,782 (~USD 12,010) each.

Event #1018: High Roller Championship

Buy-in: USD 15,000

Dates: November 26–28

APT Championship 2025 High Roller Championship champion Toby Joyce

The High Roller Championship returns as one of the premier events of the latter stages of the festival, offering players another opportunity to compete for a prestigious Championship title after the conclusion of the Main Event. With a USD 15,000 buy-in and a track record of attracting a deep field of accomplished professionals and high-stakes regulars, the tournament has established itself as one of the flagship events on the APT Championship schedule.

The 2025 edition attracted 173 entries (119 unique) and generated a massive TWD 75.78 million (~USD 2.43 million) prize pool, making it one of the richest Championship Events outside of the Main Event itself. Ireland's Toby Joyce emerged victorious to claim the title and TWD 17,618,976 (~USD 564,710) in prize money.

Event #1019: Freezeout Championship

Buy-in: TWD 65,000 (~USD 2,000)

Dates: November 27–28

APT Championship 2025 Freezeout Championship champion Julian-Andrew Warhurst

The Freezeout Championship returns as one of the purest tests of tournament poker on the Championship schedule. With no opportunity to re-enter, every decision carries added significance as players battle for a prestigious title in a format that rewards discipline, patience, and consistency from start to finish.

The 2025 edition attracted 303 entries and generated a TWD 13.09 million (~USD 419,540) prize pool. Australia's Julian-Andrew Warhurst emerged victorious to capture the title and TWD 2,624,300 (~USD 84,110) in prize money. Warhurst also became the first player to win both a Championship title, and one of the APT's Big Three signature tournament titles after a previous victory in the APT Super High Roller at APT Summer Series Da Nang, Vietnam 2023.

Event #1020: Mini High Roller Championship

Buy-in: USD 7,500

Dates: November 27–29

APT Championship 2025 Mini High Roller Championship champion Wayne Jin Wing Lam

The Mini High Roller Championship returns as an attractive option for players seeking high-stakes competition at a more accessible price point than the festival's biggest buy-in events. Positioned just below the High Roller Championship, the tournament has become a popular fixture on the schedule, regularly attracting a strong mix of seasoned professionals and ambitious challengers.

The 2025 edition drew 184 entries (130 unique) and generated a substantial TWD 38.69 million (~USD 1.24 million) prize pool. Hong Kong's Wayne Jin Wing Lam emerged victorious to claim the title and TWD 8,569,093 (~USD 274,650) in prize money.

Event #1021: Turbo Championship

Buy-in: TWD 35,000 (~USD 1,100)

Date: November 28

APT Championship 2025 Turbo Championship champion Scott Margereson

For players who prefer fast-paced action and quick decisions, the Turbo Championship delivers one of the most exciting formats on the Championship schedule. Featuring accelerated blind levels and a one-day structure, the event places a premium on adaptability and aggression, creating a unique challenge compared to the deeper-stacked tournaments that dominate the festival.

The 2025 edition attracted 156 entries (133 unique) and generated a TWD 4.72 million (~USD 151,200) prize pool. The United Kingdom's Scott Margereson emerged victorious to capture the title and TWD 1,097,140 (~USD 35,165) in prize money.

Event #1022: Trip Saver Championship

Buy-in: TWD 50,000 (~USD 1,600)

Dates: November 28–29

Guarantee: TWD 5,000,000 (~USD 160,000)

APT Championship 2025 Trip Saver Championship champion Fung Lin

Bringing the Championship schedule to a close is the aptly named Trip Saver Championship, offering players one final opportunity to capture a prestigious title before the curtain falls on APT Championship 2026. Scheduled during the final days of the festival, the event has become a popular choice for players looking to end their trip on a high note while competing for a substantial prize pool.

The 2025 edition comfortably surpassed its guarantee, attracting 394 entries (273 unique) and generating a TWD 11.91 million (~USD 381,875) prize pool. Hong Kong's Fung Lin emerged victorious to claim the title and TWD 2,310,960 (~USD 74,070) in prize money.