AJPC Samurai Circuit - Taiwan 2026 | May 11-18 | CTP Asia Poker Arena

The prestigious festival made a spectacular stop from May 11 to May 18, 2026, at the world-class CTP Asia Poker Arena in the heart of Taipei, Taiwan. Below, we look back at the key statistics, historical milestones, and champions who conquered the field during this memorable stop.

Recap of AJPC Samurai Circuit – Taiwan 2026

The thrilling poker festival delivered intense live action from May 11 to May 18, 2026, attracting a massive international crowd to the premier tournament floor of the CTP Asia Poker Arena in Taipei, Taiwan. Easily easily accessible via the local metro system, the action-packed series shattered expectations by recording a stellar attendance of 1,808 entries across 18 trophy events, building an impressive total festival prize pool of $260,170 against its initial NT$2,000,000 series guarantee. The absolute highlight of the festival was the prestigious Samurai Main Event , which generated heavy tactical play and immense competition at the tables. Outlasting a fierce final table to seize glory with queen-four of hearts, Japan‘s Shoma Ishikawa captured the coveted championship title , walking away with the magnificent tricolor truncheon trophy and the top prize of NT$600,000 (approx. $19,020). Another major highlight of the stop belonged to the elite fields competing in the high-stakes Samurai High Roller event , drawing premier regional professionals to fight for tactical supremacy.

Event	Buy-In	Winner	Country	1st Prize	Entries
#3 武士道 -Bushido- Championship 2026.05.12 - 2026.05.14	6,000 TWD (5,250 + 750)	LLLai Lit Ming A♦Q♦	HKG	$3,930 124,000 TWD	97 ITM: 17	Finished
#8 AJPC Main Event 2026.05.14 - 2026.05.17	11,000 TWD (10,000 + 1,000)	SIShoma Ishikawa Q♥4♥	JPN	$19,020 600,000 TWD	336 ITM: 52	Finished
#H2 侍 -Samurai - High Roller 2026.05.17 - 2026.05.18	22,000 TWD (20,000 + 2,000)	CTChung Tang Lin K♠8♦	TWN	$6,595 208,000 TWD	27 ITM: 5	Finished

Champions

Here are the prominent champions from the recently concluded festival who conquered the competition and claimed the prestigious trophies at the CTP Asia Poker Arena:

#3 武士道 -Bushido- Championship Winner

Lai Lit Ming

Hong Kong

$3,930(NT$124,000)

A♦Q♦

#8 AJPC Main Event Winner

Shoma Ishikawa

Japan

$19,020(NT$600,000)

Q♥4♥

#H2 侍 -Samurai - High Roller Winner

Chung Tang Lin

Taiwan

$6,595(NT$208,000)

K♠8♦

Full Tournament Schedule

With over a dozen events scheduled throughout the week, the festival caters to all bankroll levels. The lineup includes classic formats alongside fast-paced Turbo editions and specialty games to keep the action fresh for every participant.

Satellites & Qualification

Players can secure their seats in the major events for a fraction of the cost via on-site live satellites. These qualifiers typically run in the mornings or on the days leading up to the main attractions, providing an accessible path to the high-stakes glory.

Poker & Travel Guide

Taiwan, and specifically Taipei, stands out as one of Asia’s safest and most accessible poker destinations. The city is renowned for its world-class public transport, breathtaking night markets, and incredibly welcoming atmosphere. The CTP Asia Poker Arena is perfectly situated, surrounded by numerous hotels and dining options. The Taiwanese poker scene has exploded in recent years, ensuring a vibrant and competitive environment for international visitors. While the weather in May is generally pleasant, occasional showers are common in this tropical metropolis.

Official Poker Guide (Rules & Structures)

Tournaments follow international standards, utilizing a Big Blind Ante format to ensure smooth gameplay. The blind structures and starting stacks are designed to provide ample room for tactical play, favoring skill and strategy.

For more details, visit the official guide.

Registration & Buy-in Information

Registration takes place directly at the CTP Asia Poker Arena registration desk. To avoid long queues, players are encouraged to arrive at least 30 minutes before the start of their intended tournament.

• Currency: All buy-ins are accepted exclusively in New Taiwan Dollars (TWD).
• Identification: A valid photo ID or passport is mandatory for registration.

Destination Guide & Must See

Exploring Taipei is a treat for any poker traveler. The city offers a unique blend of modern marvels and traditional culture. Make sure to visit the local night markets for a true taste of Taiwan after your sessions.

• Taipei 101: The city’s iconic skyscraper offering panoramic views of the entire valley.
• Shilin Night Market: The largest and most famous night market for authentic street food.
• Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall: A magnificent historical landmark in the heart of the city.

Travel Essentials

Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) serves as the primary gateway for international arrivals.

• Airport Transfer: The Taoyuan Airport MRT or a taxi is the fastest way to reach the city center (approx. 40-50 minutes).
• Transportation: Within Taipei, the Metro (MRT) is highly efficient. Ride-sharing apps like Grab/Uber are also widely available.
• Accommodation: Numerous hotels ranging from luxury to budget are located within walking distance of the CTP Arena.

Past Results & Champions

The AJPC Samurai Circuit has established a strong foothold in Taiwan, with each stop attracting growing crowds. Historical data shows a healthy mix of local talent and international professionals, drawn by the high level of organization and prize pools.

Previous Festival Highlights

The most recent AJPC Samurai Circuit Taiwan 2025 Oct was a landmark event at CTP Asia Poker Arena. It attracted hundreds of unique entries, resulting in prize pools that shattered initial expectations. High-profile regional pros and rising local stars competed fiercely, solidifying the series’ reputation as a must-play tour in Asia. The Main Event in particular saw massive participation, highlighting the rapid growth of the brand in Taipei.

Event	Buy-In	Winner	Country	1st Prize	Entries
#1 Bushido Championship 8-Max 2025.10.28 - 2025.10.30	11,000 NTD (10,000 + 1,000)	KSKa Shun Tsang T♣2♥	HKG	$14,215 435,000 NTD	184 ITM: 30	Finished
#7 AJPC Main Event 2025.10.30 - 2025.11.03	16,500 NTD (15,000 + 1,500)	MHMan Ho Yuen K♦K♥	HKG	$26,140 800,000 NTD	265 ITM: 42	Finished
#14 AJPC Mini Main Event 2025.11.02	8,000 NTD (7,000 + 1,000)	CYChun Yu Ma Q♥7♥	HKG	$7,955 243,500 NTD	179 ITM: 27	Finished
#H1 禅-Zen – High Roller 2025.10.29	22,000 NTD (20,000 + 2,000)	TVTom Verbruggen 7♥8♠	NLD	$1,880 57,600 NTD	3 ITM: 1	Finished
#H2 侍-Samurai – High Roller 2025.10.30	33,000 NTD (30,000 + 3,000)	KSKuen Shing So A♦A♠	HKG	$7,985 244,400 NTD	13 ITM: 2	Finished

Past Champions

Here is the list of winners from the most recent 2025 October series:

#7 AJPC Main Event Winner

Man Ho Yuen

Hong Kong

$26,140(NTD 800,000)

K♦K♥

#14 AJPC Mini Main Event Winner

Chun Yu Ma

Hong Kong

$7,955(NTD 243,500)

Q♥7♥

#H2 侍-Samurai – High Roller Winner

Kuen Shing So

Hong Kong

$7,985(NTD 244,400)

A♦A♠

The Venue: CTP Asia Poker Arena

Located in central Taipei, the CTP Asia Poker Arena is currently the most modern and largest dedicated poker room in the region. The venue features professional tables, comfortable seating, and highly trained staff, offering a world-class gaming experience 24/7.

Discover CTP Asia Poker Arena: Taiwan's Premier Poker Hub

Taiwan (TW)

Currency[TWD] $

Time ZoneUTC+08:00

CTP Asia Poker Arena

Taipei City

asiapokerarena.com

CTP Asia Poker Arena (APA) is the crown jewel of Taiwan’s  booming poker scene and stands as the largest dedicated tournament venue in Asia. Located in the heart of Taipei, this 540-square-meter facility was established by the Chinese Texas Hold’em Poker Association (CTP) to provide a world-class environment for “mind sports.” With its sleek, modern design and state-of-the-art livestreaming capabilities, the Arena serves as the primary home for international giants like the World Poker Tour (WPT) and Asian Poker Tour (APT) when they visit the island.

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Why CTP Asia Poker Arena?

• Massive Capacity: A sprawling venue that can accommodate up to 65 tables, ensuring space for massive player fields during international series.
• Livestream Ready: Features a professional 9-player feature table equipped with the latest RFID technology and a dedicated commentary room.
• Automated Experience: Membership and registration are fully integrated through the CTP app, streamlining seat assignments and chip distribution.

🏆
GAMES
Tournaments Only

🏙️
LOCATION
Zhongshan, Taipei

📱
MEMBERSHIP
CTP App Required

The Tournament Experience

The Arena is strictly a tournament destination, as cash games are not permitted under Taiwan’s current legal framework. Action runs daily, typically starting at 11:00 AM and continuing until the final table of the night concludes. Buy-ins for daily events usually range from TWD 1,000 to TWD 4,000 (~$30–$125), making it accessible for local enthusiasts.

For the more serious grinders, the venue hosts major regional series like the Taiwan Millions Tournament (TMT) , Zodiac Series of Poker (ZSOP) , Players Series (PS) , Asia Poker Championship (APC) , and Ola Poker Tour . During these festivals, buy-ins scale significantly, with Main Events around TWD 9,000–45,000 (~$285–$1,425) and High Roller events reaching upwards of TWD 100,000. The facility even includes a dedicated section for Match Poker, a team-based variation that has gained significant traction in Taiwan.

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Venue Logistics

📍 Location: B1, No. 80, Section 1, Jianguo North Road, Zhongshan District, Taipei City. It is easily accessible via the Taipei Metro (MRT).

🍴 Amenities: The venue features an on-site restaurant, Mr. Chee, and a lounge area. Its central location means hundreds of local food vendors and convenience stores are within walking distance.

🎒 Travel Tip: Most players stay in the Zhongshan or Songshan districts. A 5–10 minute taxi or Uber ride is the most convenient way to reach the Arena from most major hotels.

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🃏 Official CTP Asia Poker Arena Updates

Stay informed about daily schedules, TMT dates, and major international tour announcements.

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