- Guaranteed Prize Pool
- ¥55,000,000
- Number of Events
- 32 (44)
Ace Poker League Osaka 2026 | February 19-23 | Umeda Sky Building
The Ace Poker League (APL) will once again take over one of Osaka’s most iconic landmarks, the Umeda Sky Building , from February 19 to 23, 2026. This five-day series is one of the most anticipated poker events in Japan , attracting local pros and international players from across Asia. The festival offers a diverse range of tournaments and high-quality organization within the modern Tower East wing of the Umeda Sky Building.
Ace Poker League Osaka Highlighted Events
The core of the series consists of the massive Main Event and prestigious High Roller tournaments. The Ace Poker League organizers focus on varied structures, ensuring that classic NLH formats are complemented by exciting options like Megastack events.
Full Tournament Schedule
The 2026 Ace Poker League Osaka stop features over a dozen unique events, with buy-ins ranging from 10,000 JPY to 120,000 JPY for the flagship tournaments. The schedule covers the most popular poker variants, providing specialists with ample opportunities to compete in this unique Japanese poker environment. You can read here the full schedule of Ace Poker League Osaka 2026.
Poker and Travel Guide
Osaka is known as Japan’s “Nation’s Kitchen” and is one of the most dynamic metropolises in the country, where futuristic skyscrapers and historic sites like Osaka Castle exist in perfect harmony. The Umeda district in the Kita (North) area is a massive transportation and shopping hub, offering endless entertainment options during breaks from the Ace Poker League action. Visitors can enjoy world-famous street food in the Dotonbori district or explore the nearby historical treasures of Kyoto and Nara, both just a short train ride away. This part of Japan is exceptionally tourist-friendly, with world-class public safety.
Official Poker Guide
Tournaments held within Japan operate in a unique legal environment, meaning prize pools often consist of promotional packages or international tournament entries. Ace Poker League events utilize the Big Blind Ante format, professional dealers, and strict adherence to international TDA rules.
Registration and Buy-in Information
The registration desk is located in the Tower East wing of the Umeda Sky Building and typically opens one hour before the first event of the day. Buy-ins are paid in Japanese Yen (JPY), and a valid photo ID (passport for foreigners) is mandatory for registration.
Destination Highlights
Osaka offers much more than just poker; the city’s energy is infectious. It is highly recommended to visit the Kuchu Teien Observatory (located within the Umeda Sky Building itself) during sunset.
- Dotonbori: The iconic Glico Running Man neon sign and the best spots for takoyaki.
- Osaka Castle: One of Japan’s most significant historical fortifications.
- Universal Studios Japan: A world-class theme park featuring Super Nintendo World.
Travel Logistics
Transportation throughout Osaka is highly efficient and punctual, whether using trains or the subway.
- Airport Transfer: Kansai International Airport (KIX) is approximately 50 km away; the JR Haruka Express reaches Osaka Station in 52 minutes, from which the Umeda Sky Building is within walking distance.
- Getting Around: We recommend using Google Maps for navigation and purchasing a rechargeable IC card (such as Suica or Icoca) for easy transit.
Previous Results and Winners
The Ace Poker League Osaka stops break records year after year, proving the steady growth of poker tourism in this region of Asia. The series has become one of the most important milestones for events held in Japan.
Previous Festival Highlights
The 2025 Ace Poker League Osaka was a massive success , where the Main Event field exceeded all expectations, drawing hundreds of players from across Asia. Record-breaking prize pools were distributed throughout the festival, with winners including both prominent local and international professionals, solidifying Japan’s position on the global poker map. Beyond the high level of play and professional organization, champions walked away with prestigious trophies and international tournament packages for future stops of the series.
| Event | Buy-In | Winner | Country | 1st Prize | Entries | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 60,000 JPY | ![South Korea [KOR]](/assets/images/flags/4x3/kr.svg "South Korea [KOR]"){kind=small} KOR | $41,375 6,000,000 JPY | 781 ITM: 70 | Finished | ||
| 10,000 JPY | ![Japan [JPN]](/assets/images/flags/4x3/jp.svg "Japan [JPN]"){kind=small} JPN | $1,035 150,000 JPY | 82 ITM: 5 | Finished | ||
| 20,000 JPY | JPN | $2,070 300,000 JPY | 75 ITM: 6 | Finished | ||
| 30,000 JPY | JPN | $13,790 2,000,000 JPY | 521 ITM: 31 | Finished | ||
| 20,000 JPY | $1,725 250,000 JPY | 34 ITM: 5 | Finished | |||
| 15,000 JPY | KOR | $1,380 200,000 JPY | 47 ITM: 6 | Finished | ||
| 20,000 JPY | JPN | $2,070 300,000 JPY | 30 ITM: 6 | Finished | ||
Previous Winners
Here is the list of recent winners from the Ace Poker League series:
South Korea
Japan
JapanThe Venue: Umeda Sky Building
The Umeda Sky Building is one of Osaka’s most recognizable landmarks, consisting of two 40-story towers connected by a “floating” observatory deck. Ace Poker League tournaments take place in spacious, modern conference halls where player comfort is ensured through professional lighting and climate control. The venue is within walking distance of Osaka and Umeda stations, making access extremely convenient.
![Japan [JPN]](/assets/images/flags/1x1/jp.svg "Japan [JPN]"){kind=small}
The Umeda Sky Building is an architectural marvel and a signature landmark of Osaka , consisting of two 40-story towers linked by a spectacular “Floating Garden Observatory”. While globally famous for its futuristic design and panoramic city views, it has also established itself as a premier venue for high-stakes international poker festivals. Located in the bustling Umeda district, the building offers a sophisticated, high-rise stage that combines Osaka’s ultra-modern energy with the professional world of competitive poker.
Why Umeda Sky Building?
- Iconic Championship Stage: A recurring choice for prestigious series such as the U Series Championship (USC) and the Ace Poker League (APL).
- Versatile Event Space: Features a total of 15 event venues, including the 684m² Stella Hall, providing column-free space capable of hosting hundreds of players.
- Futuristic Atmosphere: Provides a unique, high-end environment with glass-enclosed elevators and mid-air escalators that elevate the tournament experience for international visitors.
PRIMARY FOCUS
Tournaments
BUY-INS
Low to High Roller
ACCESS
Walkable from Osaka Stn.
The Umeda Sky Championship Experience
The poker action at Umeda Sky Building is exclusively tournament-focused, serving as a prestige event location rather than a permanent poker room. During marquee festivals like the USOP Japan or APL Osaka, the building’s conference halls in Tower East are transformed into a world-class arena featuring professional dealers, high-quality equipment, and massive guaranteed prize pools. The venue is known for its streamlined registration and professional staff who handle record-breaking fields across formats ranging from No-Limit Hold’em and Pot-Limit Omaha to Mystery Bounty and High Roller championships.
Players at Umeda Sky Building are situated in the center of Osaka’s major business and entertainment hub. Between tournament flights, participants can enjoy the world-famous Floating Garden Observatory or explore the retro Takimi Koji underground market featuring dozens of local eateries. Its proximity to JR Osaka Station makes it the perfect base for international grinders looking to experience both high-stakes competition and the best of Japanese urban culture.
Venue Logistics
📍 Location: Situated in the Kita Ward, approximately a 7-minute walk from JR Osaka Station via a dedicated underground walkway.
🏨 Accommodations: The surrounding Shin-Umeda City area includes high-end options like The Westin Osaka and numerous business hotels within walking distance.
📝 Entry & Requirements: Entry requirements vary by event organizer, but international players must present a valid original passport for tournament registration and identity verification.
♠️ Official Venue Information
Check for facility details and general building information.
