- Guaranteed Prize Pool
- SGD 100,000
- Total Prize Pool
- $131,850
- Number of Events
- 3 (3)
- Number of Entries
- 316
The Singapore Poker Championships XVIII 2025 | Sep 19 - 21 | MV Aegean Paradise
The Singapore Poker Championships (SPC) XVIII is set to return for another thrilling installment on the high seas, taking place from September 19 to September 21, 2025. Hosted aboard the luxurious MV Aegean Paradise , this unique “poker cruise” offers players a distinctive experience combining a holiday getaway with serious competition in international waters. The festival, which draws the best talent from Singapore and Southeast Asia, promises intense action and a vibrant atmosphere.
The Singapore Poker Championships XVIII Highlighted Events
Full Tournament Schedule
The SPC XVIII offers a packed weekend schedule tailored for both recreational players and seasoned pros. With the action running around the clock on the ship, players can expect a variety of formats.
Click here for the full schedule of The Singapore Poker Championships XVIII
Current Champions
![Sweden [SWE]](/assets/images/flags/4x3/se.svg "Sweden [SWE]"){kind=small}
Sweden
![Singapore [SGP]](/assets/images/flags/4x3/sg.svg "Singapore [SGP]"){kind=small}
Singapore
![Malaysia [MYS]](/assets/images/flags/4x3/my.svg "Malaysia [MYS]"){kind=small}
MalaysiaPoker & Travel Guide
Singapore is a premier global hub known for its cleanliness, safety, and vibrant culture. However, the SPC is unique because it takes place offshore. While you will depart from Singapore, the event itself is held in international waters aboard a cruise ship. This logistics-heavy venue requires some specific planning regarding ferry transfers and immigration.
Official Poker Guide (Rules & Structures)
The SPC generally follows standard international poker tournament rules (TDA).
- Currency: All buy-ins and payouts are typically handled in Singapore Dollars (SGD).
- Surcharges: As the event is in international waters, standard casino entry levies applicable on Singaporean land (Sentosa/Marina Bay Sands) generally do not apply, but you must verify ferry ticket costs.
Destination Guide & Must See
The MV Aegean Paradise is a destination in itself.
- The Experience: Known as a “Cruise to Nowhere,” the ship anchors in international waters, offering a disconnect from the city hustle.
- Onboard: The ship features a swimming pool, buffet restaurants, and massage services, allowing players to relax between hands.
- Views: Enjoy the panoramic ocean views from the open deck, particularly at sunset.
Travel Essentials
Crucial Logistics for the SPC:
- Ferry Transfer (CRITICAL): You cannot fly or drive to the venue; you must take a ferry. Ferries depart from Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal (TMFT) in Singapore.
- Ferry Schedule: Ferries run frequently, but you must check the official schedule. Typical departure times from TMFT include 10:50 AM, 12:00 PM, 2:20 PM, and 4:20 PM. Always check the latest schedule before travel.
- Documents: Passport is mandatory. Treat this exactly like an international flight. You must present a valid passport (with at least 6 months validity) to board the ferry and enter the ship.
- Accommodation: Players stay in cabins on the ship. It is highly recommended to book your cabin package in advance through the official SPC channels or designated travel agents to ensure availability.
Past Results & Champions
The Singapore Poker Championships has a long history of smashing guarantees and creating local legends.
SPC XVII (Previous Festival) Highlights
The previous edition, SPC XVII , held in June 2025, continued the tour’s tradition of excellence. The event saw strong turnouts across the board, with the Natural8 sponsored Main Event exceeding expectations. The series was marked by intense action and highlighted by the prestigious “Triple-Crown Award” presentation.
| Event | Buy-In | Winner | Country | 1st Prize | Entries | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $600 (530 + 70) | SGP | $24,515 | 302 ITM: 36 | Finished | ||
| $1,688 (1,488 + 200) | SGP | $16,855 | 40 ITM: 6 | Finished | ||
| $400 (350 + 50) | ![United Kingdom [GBR]](/assets/images/flags/4x3/gb.svg "United Kingdom [GBR]"){kind=small} GBR | $3,295 | 56 ITM: 8 | Finished | ||
Past Champions
The following players etched their names into history at the previous stop:
The Venue: MV Aegean Paradise
The MV Aegean Paradise is a passenger cruise ship operated by New Century Maritime. While it serves as a leisure cruise for tourists, its poker room becomes the epicenter of Southeast Asian poker during SPC festivals. The ship boasts 326 cabins and 8 passenger decks, providing a self-contained ecosystem for dining, sleeping, and playing.
![Singapore [SGP]](/assets/images/flags/1x1/sg.svg "Singapore [SGP]"){kind=small}
MV Aegean Paradise is Singapore’s premier “poker on the high seas” destination, offering a unique gaming escape from the mainland’s strict land-based regulations. Anchored in international waters off the coast of Batam, this 8-deck cruise ship serves as a floating sanctuary for the regional “Mind Sports” community. It is most famous as the exclusive home of the Singapore Poker Championship (SPC) , providing a high-capacity, legal tournament environment that bypasses the entry levies required at land-based Integrated Resorts. In 2026, the ship remains the heart of competitive poker for the “Little Red Dot,” blending professional tournament structures with the adventurous spirit of maritime gaming.
Why MV Aegean Paradise?
- The Home of SPC XX: The ship is the official venue for the jubilee 20th edition of the Singapore Poker Championship (March 6 – 8, 2026). This flagship series draws the region’s most competitive No Limit Hold’em enthusiasts for its deep-stacked Natural8 Main Event.
- Levy-Free Gaming: Unlike land-based casinos in Singapore, playing on the Aegean Paradise does not require the $150 SGD daily entry levy for Singaporeans and PRs, making it the most cost-effective destination for high-volume local grinders.
- Dedicated Poker Arena (Deck 8): The ship features a permanent poker room on the top deck, optimized for tournament play with professional dealers, RFID feature tables for major series, and stunning panoramic views of the Singapore Strait.
- Full-Service Floating Resort: Beyond the poker room, the ship operates as a 4-star leisure vessel with 326 cabins, a complimentary buffet at the Pacific Restaurant, a massage salon, and a top-deck pool area for post-game recovery.
The 2026 High Seas Poker Experience
In the 2026 landscape, the Aegean Paradise experience has been refined with modern logistics and updated tournament structures. All transactions on board (buy-ins and payouts) are conducted in Singapore Dollars (SGD), and major festivals now utilize a Big Blind Ante structure to ensure a fast-paced, professional game. While No Limit Hold’em is the primary focus, the ship’s poker room has evolved to support a variety of formats, including Mystery Bounty and “Mini-Roller” events that cater to diverse bankrolls.
The boarding process remains a key part of the journey. Players typically depart from the Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal in Singapore or Pasir Gudang in Johor, Malaysia. Upon boarding, the “poker cruise” lifestyle takes over, a mix of high-intensity tournament sessions on Deck 8 and relaxed social hours at the ship’s bars and lounges. For the professional “Mind Sports” athlete, the environment at Aegean Paradise offers a unique competitive edge: a dedicated community of players who return month after month to write their names into the SPC history books.
Upcoming 2026 Championship Events
The 2026 calendar on the MV Aegean Paradise is anchored by the 20th-anniversary celebrations of the Singapore Poker Championship, featuring guaranteed prize pools and elite regional trophies.
- SPC XX Jubilee Festival (March 6 – 8, 2026): The centerpiece of the year, featuring the S$600 Natural8 Main Event and the S$1,000 SPC Mini-Roller.
- SPC Quarterly Series: Recurring three-day festivals scheduled throughout the year (typically in June, September, and December), maintaining the ship’s status as a high-volume regional hub.
- Mystery Bounty Specials: Quarterly standalone events featuring unique bounty formats that draw massive weekend crowds from both Singapore and Malaysia.
Venue Logistics & Access
📍 Departure Point: Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal (TMFT), Singapore. Take a high-speed ferry (shuttles run regularly from morning to evening) to the ship anchored at its “Batam” position. Return ferry tickets typically cost approx. $25–$50 SGD.\</p\> \
🏨 Accommodations: On-board cabins are available starting from approx. **S$60 (Inner)** to **S$130+ (Balcony)** per night. Registration for cabins is handled at the guest services desk on Deck 2.
📝 Entry & Requirements: A valid Original Passport is mandatory for all passengers as the ship enters international waters. Registration for tournaments occurs on-site at the Deck 8 poker room. Payment is primarily Cash (SGD), though money changers are available on board.
💠 MV Aegean Paradise Official Updates
Check the Singapore Poker Championships (SPC) official website or follow the New Century Tours Facebook page for the latest ferry schedules and tournament clocks.
