APL MAIN EVENT (26,000 TWD)

After six days of intense competition, a massive 1,178-entry field, and over 200 hands across the Final Day games, South Korea's Hyundong Lee has emerged as this season's APL Taipei 2025 Main Event Champion. Clinching his first-ever live title, Lee walked away with NT$ 3,629,173 (~US$ 123,485) in winnings, his career-best score by a wide margin.

"I was worried about having such a bad run throughout the entire season. However, achieving a wonderful result at APL Taiwan gave me renewed confidence in my poker career. It reminded me that perseverance pays off, and that even during tough times, a single good performance can change the outlook completely.", commented Lee in his post match interview.

"At the beginning of the tournament, I suffered a major loss to my stack. That moment was a real wake-up call. The pressure of playing short-stacked compared to the rising blinds forced me to adapt quickly. It pushed me to play smarter and make every move count."

Lee entered the final table sitting middle of the pack, but his path to victory was far from smooth. Early on, he slipped down to a mere five big blinds, seemingly on the brink of elimination with eight players left in the running. But a pair of timely double ups sparked a crucial turnaround, the second coming at the expense of Chung Lee, whose pocket aces bound for the muck. Lee’s run good continued as he scooped another pivotal pot with a made flush against Ha Seong Min, fueling his surge up the leaderboard.

"My strategy was simple: stay calm and patient. I kept reminding myself to wait for the right moment. In poker, sometimes the best move is to do nothing until the right opportunity comes.", added Lee.

With momentum on his side, Lee eliminated Yau Xin Chu in 5th place over a preflop race, propelling him into the chip lead. Lee maintained his advantage as play tightened, and once the field reached three-handed, an ICM deal was struck, locking up the largest payout for Lee. The South Korean contender kept his foot on the gas and eventually sent Chung Lee out in 3rd, heading into heads up play with a near 2:1 lead.

Facing Wu Chiayun, the final duel spanned over two hours, marked by big pots and lead exchanges. Wu managed to pull ahead at one point, but Lee remained composed and regained control down the stretch. On the final hand, Lee shoved from the button and Wu called off his remaining 12.5 big blinds. Holding the edge, Lee’s hand held through a tense runout, eventually securing him the win and sealing his name in APL history.

With newfound confidence, Lee relayed, "If given the chance, I’ll always push to break my own records. I believe in constantly challenging myself to grow. Every new tournament is a new chance to raise the bar higher than before." So don’t be surprised to see Lee chasing more titles on the biggest stages soon, congratulations to all the winners!

APL Taipei Main Event

Date/s: June 11-16, 2025

Buy-in: NT$ 26,000 (~US$ 865)

Guarantee: NT$ 21,000,000 (~US$ 700,800)

Entries: 1,178

Prize pool: NT$ 26,462,592 (~US$ 895,830)

ITM: 177 places

Day 1A: 132 entries, 20 qualified

Day 1B: 78 entries, 12 qualified

Day 1C: 223 entries, 33 qualified

Day 1D: 131 entries, 20 qualified

Day 1E: 409 entries, 61 qualified

Day 1F: 205 entries, 31 qualified

After more than 200 hands played at the final table, the last hand began with Hyundong Lee open shoving from the button. Wu Chiayun took a moment, then committed his remaining 12,500,000, risking his tournament life.

Slightly behind, Wu picked up more outs on a promising A♦ J♣ T♣ flop, but bricked runout A♠ 3♠ , sealing the win for Lee's trip aces.

Wu finishes runner-up, securing over NT$ 3 million thanks to a three-way ICM deal struck earlier in play.

Wu Chiayun opened another 2,000,000 on the button, and this time, Hyundong Lee shot out a raise to 5,500,000. Wu completed, setting up a juicy pot right off the bat.

On flop Q♠ 2♠ J♣ , Lee led with a bet of 3,800,000. Wu called again, but ultimately conceded after Lee pulled the trigger on turn 9♠ .

Wu Chiayun opened another 1,800,000 on the button, and Hyundong Lee defended his big blind. On board K♣ Q♣ 3♣ 3♥ , Wu double barreled 1,200,000, and 2,800,000, enough to get Lee to lay it down on the second street.

Hyundong Lee opened to 2,000,000 on the button, with Wu Chiayun defending his big blind.

The flop came 5♣ 8♠ 8♥ , and action checked through to turn 5♦ . Wu checked again, prompting a 1,800,000 bet from Lee. Wu called to see river 6♠ , but let it go as Lee went for a final 4,500,000.

Hyundong Lee shot out a 2,200,000 raise after Wu Chiayun limped in on the button, and received a call from his final opponent.

The flop came 8♣ 6♦ 3♥ , and Lee continued for another 1,800,000. Wu called once more, yet waived the white flag on turn A♥ after Lee shoved his last 10,400,000 in.

Wu Chiayun continued applying pressure heads up, beginning with a raise to 1,900,000 on the button. Hyundong Lee called in the big blind, and read a flop of J♣ A♦ Q♦ .

Wu fired a 1,800,000 c-bet, followed by a 4,400,000 barrel on turn 4♥ , and closed with a hefty 7,500,000 on river K♣ . Lee check called the first two streets, but gave it up on the end, allowing Wu to pull in another sizable pot.

Following an hour of back and forth, Wu Chiayun has pulled into the lead heading into the break.

Wu opened once more on the button, this time for a larger 1,800,000, and Hyundong Lee made it 5,000,000 in the big blind. Wu responded with a shove for 20,600,000, putting the pressure back on his opponent. Lee went deep into the tank, burning two of his time bank chips before finally letting it go.

Wu Chiayun defended his big blind against Hyundong Lee's 1,200,000 button open, and went on to lead 1,400,000 on flop 7♦ Q♦ 3♣ . Lee called behind, but couldn't get past turn Q♣ as Wu lodged a second 1,500,000 barrel.

Hyundong Lee on the button, limp called a 1,600,000 raise from Wu Chiayun, taking the two to a flop of K♣ T♥ 8♠ .

Wu continued for 700,000, and picked up another call from his opponent. On turn 2♥ , Wu decided to check his option, and give up the fight shortly after Lee pumped up the aggression with a hefty 2,200,000.

Wu Chiayun opened once more on the button, and Hyundong Lee pushed from the big blind. Wu was up to the challenge, risking his remaining 8,350,000.

Wu a favorite to win, had no problems securing the double up on board K♠ 6♣ 4♥ 9♦ J♠ .

Wu Chiayun opened 1,250,000 on the button, and Hyundong Lee completed his big blind.

On board K♥ J♥ 8♦ K♣ , Wu double barreled - 800,000 and 1,400,000, with Lee calling down to the river 4♦ . Wu finally decided to slow down following a third check from his opponent, and take the loss as Lee turned over two pair 8♣ 7♣ .

Wu Chiayun defended his big blind against Hyundong Lee's 1,200,000 button open, and check called another 1,000,000 on flop K♦ 7♦ 8♥ .

Wu checked turn J♠ a second time around, and Lee gave a free pass to river 4♦ . Wu fired a small bet of 500,000, and showed top pair K♣ 2♠ after Lee made the call. Lee however, tabled a rivered two pair 7♠ 4♠ for the win, edging him closer to victory.

This season's APL Taipei Main Event is down to its final two players out of a massive field of 1,178 entries. South Korea's Hyundong Lee holds the advantage over local star Wu Chiayun. While each is already guaranteed at least NT$ 3 million in winnings, the prestige remains up for grabs along with a bonus NT$ 300,000, and the golden APL Main Event trophy.

Chip Counts

Chung Lee defended his big blind against Hyundong Lee's 1,100,000 open, and faced an 850,000 cbet from the aggressor on flop K♦ Q♦ 7♥ . Chung responded with a raise to 2,100,000, and called for his 6,000,000 behind after Hyundong demanded for the rest.

Hyundong 8♦ 7♦

Chung K♣ T♥

Chung at risk against Hyundong's flush draw with top pair, settled for a third place finish as runout 6♦ 8♣ felted a third diamond to complete his opponent's flush.

An ICM deal has been set in stone, with chip leader Hyundong Lee locking up the biggest payout. Action will continue down to a winner, leaving the APL Main Event trophy and NT$ 300,000 (~US$ 10,200) to play for.

Altered Payouts:

Hyundong Lee - NT$ 3,329,173 (~US$ 113,285)

Wu Chiayun - NT$ 3,189,115 (~US$ 108,520)

Chung Lee - NT$ 2,691,904 (~US$ 91,600)

Only three players remain in the running for this season's APL Taipei Main Event. It's a tight race from here on out, with the stacks nearly neck and neck. South Korea’s Hyundong Lee currently holds a slight edge, but Taiwan’s Wu Chiayun is close behind and well within striking distance.

Chip Counts

Chung Lee defended his big blind against Hyundong Lee's 800,000 button open, and check called another 800,000 on flop J♠ Q♥ 5♥ .

Chung checked turn 2♥ a second time around, and Hyundong made way for a free river , K♠ . Chung leapt at the chance with a bet of 1,200,000, enough to cap the action then and there.

Ha Seong Min opened 800,000 utg, and was met with a 2,400,000 three bet from Hyundong Lee in the small blind. Ha responded with an all-in for his entire 6,100,000, and Lee snapped, putting the day chip leader at risk.

A 50-50 spot, Lee's pocket pair held firm across board K♦ 4♥ 6♠ 4♠ T♦ , busting Ha in the process whilst earning him his career best cash to date.

Hyundong Lee fired an 800,000 button open, and Wu Chiayun called on the big blind. Ha Seong Min decided to go for a squeeze to 2,200,000, pushing Lee out of the way. Wu on the other hand, raised all-in, leaving Ha in quick surrender.

Ha Seong Min pushed all-in on the button for 4,300,000, and was looked up by Hyundong Lee right on the big blind.

In dire need of a double up, Ha collected one as board A♠ K♣ 6♠ K♠ J♥ sealed his win with a full house.

Chip leader Hyundong Lee opened to 800,000, called by Wu Chiayun on the button.

On flop K♠ 9♣ 6♥ , Lee continued for 750,000, and filled up 750,000 more following a raise from Wu. Both checked turn 7♠ to river J♠ , where Wu gunned for a final 2,000,000. Lee paid the price, and mucked as Wu revealed set 6♦ 6♠ .

Action folded to the blinds, leaving Ha Seong Min to put in another open to 800,000. Chung Lee to his left, risked his remaining 2,950,000, and Ha shelled out five more big blinds.

Up for a race, Lee kept his lead all the way through board 3♦ Q♥ 6♣ 2♣ 9♦ , sending once chip leader Ha to the bottom of the ranks.

Hyundong Lee raised 800,000 on the button, and was called by both players on the blinds - Wu Chiayun and Ha Seong Min.

Checked to Lee, he continued for 1,100,000 on flop K♦ J♣ 9♣ . Wu called, while Ha got out of the way.

Action slowed down on turn J♦ , revealing a free river 8♠ . Wu decided to bet 1,575,000, only to get his bluff A♣ 2♣ exposed after Lee put in a crying call with A♠ Q♦ high.

Ha Seong Min bumped up the action to 800,000 on the button, and Hyundong Lee completed his big blind.

Action on board 4♣ 3♥ 5♠ A♥ 6♣ was checked all the way down to the river, where Lee led a hefty 1,400,000. Ha once again, paid the price, and mucked as Lee revealed the nuts 8♥ 7♣ .

Running on fumes, Chung Lee committed his remaining 1,575,000 on the big blind after Ha Seong Min put him all-in pre.

Lee in rough shape, managed to survive the race, having spiked a pair of fours on board T♣ 8♣ 4♠ 7♣ 3♦ , keeping his Main Event hopes alive.

Hyundong Lee has picked up more chips following two back to back wins to overtake both Ha Seong Min and Wu Chiayun up the chip leaderboard.

Lee first defended his big blind against Ha's button open, and check called one 650,000 cbet on board 2♥ 3♠ 4♦ K♥ K♦ . No more bets went it following then, shipping Lee the boost with two pair 5♣ 2♣ .

On the next hand, Lee opened 1,000,000 in the small blind folded to him. Wu completed behind, but let it go on board K♦ 9♦ 5♥ Q♣ as soon as Lee gunned for more chips.

Ha Seong Min raised the stakes to 600,000 from utg, and Wu Chiayun completed on the big blind.

On flop J♠ 4♣ 9♥ , Wu check called a 400,000 cbet from the aggressor, and arrived on turn 5♠ . Wu checked once more, and this time, Ha tapped the table in return.

River 2♣ led Wu to go for a final 600,000, revealing T♦ T♣ for the win after Ha paid his dues.

Action folded down to the blinds, pushing Hyundong Lee to open raise all-in against Yau Xin Chu behind. Chu stepped up to the plate, risking his remaining 5,150,000.

Slightly ahead, Chu kept his advantage all the way through board Q♦ 5♦ J♥ 6♦ , up until the river A♦ landed Lee a broadway straight to turn the tables and deliver the bust.

Ha Seong Min opened 600,000 on the button, and Hyundong Lee completed his big blind.

Action was checked to turn 5♠ 7♥ 2♠ 5♣ , where Lee led for 550,000. Ha put in the call, and proceeded to take advantage of Lee's river check on K♦ with a 1,500,000 bet. After some deliberation, Lee decided to make the call, only to muck as Ha revealed two pair K♥ 3♥ .

A♠ chips continue to shift around the table, Ha Seong Min's once-commanding lead has began to narrow.

In a limp pot blind vs blind with Wu Chiayun, Ha was caught triple barreling - 325,000, 900,000, and 1,875,000, on a board of J♠ T♠ 7♦ K♣ 4♥ .

Wu check called the first two streets, and fired a raise to 5,175,000 on the final barrel after giving it some thought. Ha threw in the white flag and relinquished the chip lead at the same time.

Hyundong Lee defended his big blind against Ha Seong Min's 600,000 cutoff open, and check called a 300,000 cbet on flop 6♣ 7♠ J♠ .

On turn 9♠ , Lee tapped the table once more, prompting Ha to go for a second barrel of 950,000. Lee clapped back with a raise to 2,100,000, and shortly called off his remaining 5,025,000 after Ha moved all-in.

Ha 8♥ 5♠

Lee 8♠ 6♠

Ha drawing dead against Lee's turned flush, took the hit as river 3♠ completed the board, yet still remained up the ranks.

Seunghyuk Jung in the big blind, raised all-in for 3,200,000 against Wu Chiayun's button open. Wu willing to take the spot, made the call, putting another at risk.

Jung well ahead, was immediately crushed to see Wu flop two pair on board A♣ 9♠ 7♠ . The turn 6♠ and river K♣ were of no help to Jung's demise, cutting his Main Event run short in 6th place.

Ha Seong Min set the pace to 625,000 utg, and Yau Xin Chu chimed in from the small blind.

On flop T♣ 7♦ 5♠ , Ha continued for 325,000, and picked up another call from Chu. Both checked turn 6♣ , revealing the last card on board 4♦ . Chu checked a third time around, and relinquished the pot shortly after Ha pulled a final 600,000.

Down the ranks seven-handed, Pak Leong Mak went with A♠ K♠ for his last 2,800,000, and faced another shove from Wu Chiayun behind with J♦ J♠ .

Running a flip, Pak missed to pair up on board T♥ 8♥ 7♦ 6♦ 2♣ , following in Chao Hao Ting's footsteps to the rail.

On the second hand post-break, Chao Hao Ting pushed all-in on the button for 3,625,000, only to find chip leader Ha Seong Min in the small blind, up to the challenge.

Chao in search for an ace, found none on board K♠ K♦ 2♦ 2♣ K♣ , sending him out of the Main Event games entirely.

Ha Seong Min raised the stakes to 550,000 on the button, and Chung Lee completed his big blind.

Action checked to turn Q♦ 9♦ J♣ 7♠ , where Lee decided to lead for 325,000. Ha called behind, and took it down shortly on river T♠ after Lee check folded against his 1,300,000 bet.

Fresh from a double up, Hyundong Lee scored another one at the cost of compatriot Chung Lee.

Hyundong responded with another push for 2,625,000 against Chung's button open and was snapped by his opponent with the best hand in the deck.

Hyundong riding his momentum however, clutched a miracle runout on Q♠ J♦ T♦ 9♥ 4♣ , quickly landing a straight to earn another win.

Down to a mere five big blinds, Hyundong Lee went with A♣ 9♠ , and likewise was caught in the fire against Wu Chiayun behind.

Lee running behind and at risk, instantly landed the advantage on board A♦ K♦ 5♠ 6♥ A♥ , keeping the table 8-handed.

Running thin, Gwanghee Park ripped his last 1,200,000 in early position and was looked up by Wu Chiayun on the button.

A coinflip, the board 5♥ 4♦ 5♠ J♦ 9♦ this time, ran in favor of the overcards , earning Wu the pot while Park headed out as the first casualty of the day.

Ha Seong Min opened the action to 525,000 from early position, with Yau Xin Chu flatting on the button. In the small blind, Pak Leong Mak squeezed to 1,600,000, prompting a call from Ha, while Chu folded out of the way.

The flop came A♠ 4♣ T♣ , and Pak continued with a small 500,000 bet. Ha made the call, bringing the turn 3♠ . This time, Pak slowed down with a check. Ha pounced, firing a sizable 1,500,000, enough to get the fold and take down the pot, extending his lead further.

Chao Hao Ting open ripped 2,200,000 in mid position and was looked up by Gwanghee Park three seats away.

Chao crushed against Park's premium park, quickly turned the tables, having flopped trip jacks on board J♠ J♦ 6♦ 7♦ T♣ to snatch the win.

Chung Lee opened 425,000 mid position, and Ha Seong Min defended his big blind involving the two chip leaders in a pot.

Action checked to turn 2♣ K♣ 3♦ 4♥ , where Lee fired a delayed cbet of 450,000, checked to him another time. Ha made the call, and went on to lead 600,000 on river 6♦ , enough to take it down straight away.

Chung Lee opened to 425,000, with Pak Leong Mak flatting on the button to see a flop.

The board ran out 9♣ 8♣ 7♦, and Lee continued with a 400,000 cbet. Pak called, and the turn 5♣ saw Lee fire again for 650,000, with Pak sticking around once more.

On river A♦ , Lee checked for the first time, giving Pak an opening to take the pot. He did just that, sliding out a 750,000 bet, and Lee let it go.

Chung Lee has stepped into the lead after scooping back to back pots, first off Seunghyuk Jung, then following it up with another win against former chip leader Ha Seong Min.

Jung opened 400,000 on the cutoff and saw Lee come along from the small blind. On flop 2♠ A♥ 4♦ , Lee check called another 325,000, leading both to turn 2♦ . No bets went in, prompting Lee to lead 550,000 on river 3♣ , enough deny Jung a showdown.

On the next hand, Lee shot out a 1,200,000 raise against Ha Seong Min's open. Ha completed, yet quickly surrendered on flop K♥ 2♠ 9♠ after Lee gunned for another 850,000. Lee this time showed K♦ K♣ for top set.

Chung Lee opened the action to 425,000 from early position, picking up a call from Yau Xin Chu, before Chao Ting Hao raised to 1,000,000 on the button. Lee made the call, while Chu stepped aside, setting up a heads up pot.

The flop came 9♣ 3♦ 2♥ , and Lee check called a 650,000 cbet from Chao. The 8♣ turn saw both players check.

On river 5♦ , Lee seized the opportunity and led out for 800,000. Chao gave it a thought but eventually surrendered, conceding the pot to Lee.

With action folded to the blinds, Chao Ting Hao limped in from the small blind, prompting Ha Seong Min to raise to 750,000 right behind. Chao made the call, and the two went to a Q♦ 3♦ A♦ flop.

Both players checked, bringing the 4♥ on the turn. After another check from Chao, Ha fired 450,000, enough to take it down without a fight.

With action folded to the blinds, Hao Chao lit up with a 400,000 open, and Ha Seong Min right behind, slipped a raise to 1,000,000. Chao came back with a push for 1,250,000 more, and Ha called the rest.

Chao a huge favorite, smooth sailed to victory on board A♣ 9♠ 3♠ 7♥ Q♥ , earning him a full double and keeping him right on his seat.

Chiayun Wu opened 325,000, joined by Seunghyuk Jung on the cutoff along with Hyundong Lee on the big blind.

On flop A♥ 6♥ 4♠ , Wu continued for 225,000, Jung called, while Lee stepped aside. Wu decided not to fire another barrel on turn 6♦ , and fold against Jung's 525,000 bet.

Chiayun Wu raised 325,000 on the button, and Ha Seong Min defended his big blind.

Action was checked to turn T♦ 2♦ 5♣ 8♣ , where Ha lodged a 185,000 bet. Wu called, and paid another 200,000 on river 7♥ , only to pick up the pot with two pair A♠ 8♥ , good against the running chip leader's Q♣ 8♦ .

Chiayun Wu defended his big blind vs Yau Xin Chu's 320,000 button open, and check called another 320,000 on flop 7♦ J♠ 6♠ .

Action on turn 7♣ was checked to river K♣ , where Wu tapped the table for a third time. Chu sent out a final 480,000, and booked the loss shortly with A♣ K♦ after Wu snapped him off with top two pair K♥ J♣ .

Yau Xin Chu was seen entangled in a pot once more after defending his big blind against Hao Chao's 320,000 open.

On flop Q♥ 6♥ 5♠ , Chu check called another 300,000, revealing turn 8♥ . Both checked to river 4♣ , where Chu took the initiative and led 800,000. Chao convinced he was beat, laid it down, shipping Chu yet another pot.

On the next hand, Chu banked another pot after Pak Leong Mak gave up his big blind raise against Chu's four bet, enough to get him past the 10 million mark.

Chung Lee opened the action to 320,000 from utg and was met with a 600,000 three bet from Yau Xin Chu two seats over. Action folded back to Lee, who made the call.

The flop came K♥ J♥ 7♥ , and both players checked. On turn 7♦ , Lee checked again, and Chu fired 480,000, earning a call.

The river 6♦ saw Lee take the lead with a bet of 825,000, and Chu was up to the test, setting up a showdown.

Lee tabled J♦ T♦ , but it was no match against Chu’s better two pair A♦ K♠ .

Chung Lee set the pace to 250,000, and Hao Chao defended his big blind.

On flop 4♣ 3♥ 5♦ , Chao decided to lead 220,000, followed by another barrel on turn 3♣ for 700,000. Lee called the initial street, but let it go after Chao ramped up the aggression.

Hyundong Lee opened 250,000 utg, and Chung Lee completed his big blind.

Hyundong continued for 180,000 on flop A♥ 3♥ 6♦ , and followed with another 460,000 on turn 8♠ . Chung check called both streets, and tapped the table on river 8♥ a third time around.

Hyundong decided to take it to showdown, and muck as Chung revealed two pair A♣ 2♥ .