Taiwan, CTP Asia Poker ArenaEVENT #18

2025.10.23 - 2025.10.27Add to Calendar

Taiwan Millions Tournament

Blind level

Level 18: 6,000 / 12,000 ante: 12,000

Entries

44/289

Total Chips

14,450,000

Average

328,409

Zoe ChangZoe Chang

10/24/2025, 4:19:46 PM

Yousef Nassr in Control of Flight B After Thrilling Bubble Action

Level 18: 6,000 / 12,000 ante: 12,000

Yousef Nassr

Day 1b of the Taiwan Millions Tournament Championship (TMTC) Main Event is in the books and saw 289 entries over the course of its nine levels of registration. Added to the 249 from Day 1a, it brings the cumulative total to 538 with two starting flights to go.

Of those that ponied up the NTD 35,000 buy-in, just 44 survived to make it through to Day 2 and guarantee themselves a slice of the NTD 30,000,000 prize pool.

The United States’ Yousef Nassr emerged as the Flight B chip leader, bagging a towering stack of 1,165,000 to end the day in style. Yu Yung Lin of Taiwan follows closely behind with 1,133,000, while fellow Taiwanese Ching En Chen rounds out the top three with 1,022,000 in chips.

Three players built dominating stacks, each surpassing the one-million-chip mark heading into Day 2, putting them in prime position to create a career-defining moment in the Main Event.

Flight B Top Ten Chip Counts

Player	Chips
YN Yousef NassrUnited States of America	1,165,000(97 BB)
YY Yu Yung LinTaiwan	1,133,000(94 BB)
CE Ching En ChenTaiwan	1,022,000(85 BB)
TC Tingyu ChenTaiwan	967,000(81 BB)
JL Jenli LiuTaiwan	650,000(54 BB)
YJ Youngjun JiSouth Korea	628,000(52 BB)
YL Yoda LinTaiwan	466,000(39 BB)
KB Kouichi BabaJapan	435,000(36 BB)
JT John Tech (2)Philippines	408,000(34 BB)
TL Tingwei LeeTaiwan	398,000(33 BB)

On the direct bubble, Jen Ii Liu called off his stack against Youngjun Ji’s shove, putting his pocket queens up against Ji’s pocket kings. However, the deck flipped the script in dramatic fashion, completing Liu’s quad queens and allowing him to narrowly escape the day’s most unwanted title.

Following Liu’s nail-biting moment, Yu Yung Lin rode the momentum and avoided the title successfully, his ace connecting with the board to outlast Ting Yu Chen’s pocket jacks. Another player joining the winners’ ride was Yang Hsin Shih, whose pocket aces cracked John Tech’s big slick, securing him a key double-up.

After roughly fifteen hands of tense hand-for-hand play, Moses Saquing was the one who delivered the final knockout of the day as he sent Chan Man Lok out in 45th, securing the rest of the field a payday. Saquing’s ten kicker paired on the flop, easily besting Lok’s eight-four and earning him the dreaded bubble boy title.

Moses Saquing

Saturday, October 25, will play host to the final two starting flights, with the regular-paced Day 1c kicking off at 11 a.m. Day 1d offers a much faster way into Day 2 with 20-minute levels, and both will offer spots in the money for the top 15%.

Stay tuned to Somuchpoker to keep up to date with all the action from the TMTC Main Event inside the Asia Poker Arena.

Kai CocklinKai Cocklin

10/24/2025, 4:19:45 PM

Day 1b Wraps Up

Level 18: 6,000 / 12,000 ante: 12,000

That's a wrap for Day 1b. Stay tuned for a recap of the day's action plus those all-important chip counts.

Zoe ChangZoe Chang

10/24/2025, 4:09:10 PM

Bubble Bursts as Lok Falls to Saquing

Level 18: 6,000 / 12,000 ante: 12,000

Chan Man Lok

Moses Saquing raised to 24,000 from under the gun, and Chan Man Lok called for his last 16,000 from the big blind.

Chan Man Lok: 8♠ 4♦

Moses Saquing: A♠ T♠

Saquing was ahead with ace-high and extended his dominance on the T♥ 6♦ J♣, improving him to a pair of tens and leaving Lok drawing very thin.

Soon after, the deck sealed the title for Lok with a runout of 6♥ 3♥, bursting the bubble and guaranteeing the remaining 44 players a share of the prize pool.

Player	Chips
MS Moses SaquingPhilippines	382,000(32 BB)
CM Chan Man LokMacao	busted

Kai CocklinKai Cocklin

10/24/2025, 3:55:46 PM

Yung and Shih Both Survive on the Bubble

Level 18: 6,000 / 12,000 ante: 12,000

Yang Hsin Shih

Ting Yu Chen opened to 40,000 from the hijack and Lin Yu Yung shoved around 400,000 from the cutoff. When it got back to Chen, he called.

Lin Yu Yung: A♦ K♥

Ting Yu Chen: J♦ J♣

Chen had a chance to end the night, but that seemed a lot less likely after the 4♦ A♣ T♠ flop gave Yung a pair of aces. No jacks appeared on the 2♥ 9♠ runout, and Yung survived.

On another table, John Tech had opened the cutoff and then put Yang Hsin Shih at risk, who moved all in from the big blind for around 142,000.

Yang Hsin Shih: A♥ A♦

John Tech: A♠ K♦

Shih had the goods, but was made to sweat as the 4♦ J♦ T♠ flop gave Tech a gutshot to Broadway. However, no queens appeared on the 3♥ turn or 7♦ river, and Shih survived.

Player	Chips
TY Ting Yu ChenTaiwan	1,000,000(83 BB)
LY Lin Yu YungTaiwan	820,000(68 BB)
JT John Tech (2)Philippines	380,000(32 BB)
YH Yang Hsin ShihTaiwan	300,000(25 BB)

Level 18: 6,000 / 12,000 ante: 12,000

40 minutes

Remaining Players: 45/289

Zoe ChangZoe Chang

10/24/2025, 3:43:54 PM

Quad Queens Save Liu from the Bubble Boy Title

Level 17: 5,000 / 10,000 ante: 10,000

Jen Ii Liu

Jen Ii Liu made it 22,000 to go from the hijack, only to be jammed by Youngjun Ji from the big blind for around 730,000. Liu called for his 311,000, putting his tournament life on the line.

Jen Ii Liu: Q♠ Q♦

Youngjun Ji: K♦ K♥

Ji held the lead with pocket kings; however, the dealer brought bad news on the 2♦ 8♠ Q♥ flop, which connected with Liu’s queens.

To end the hand in an even more dramatic fashion for Liu, the runout came 4♦ Q♣, giving him quads and shipping him the double-up in style.

Player	Chips
JL Jen li LiuTaiwan	637,000(64 BB)
YJ Youngjun JiSouth Korea	420,000(42 BB)

Zoe ChangZoe Chang

10/24/2025, 3:33:42 PM

Park's Hooks Cracked by Bullets

Level 17: 5,000 / 10,000 ante: 10,000

Jaesung Park

Youngjun Ji made it 22,000 to go from under the gun, only to be shoved by Jaesung Park in the cutoff for 150,000. Ji dropped in the call to put his countryman at risk.

Jaesung Park: J♦ J♠

Youngjun Ji: A♣ A♠

Park's pocket jacks ran straight into Ji's aces. Much to Park's dismay, the dealer spread a clean board of 9♣ 9♦ 7♣ 5♥ 6♠, sending him to the rail.

With Park’s exit, the field was down to 45 players, marking the start of the direct bubble. One more knockout, and the remaining players will be guaranteed a share of the NT$30,000,000 prize pool.

Player	Chips
YJ Youngjun JiSouth Korea	726,000(73 BB)
JP Jaesung ParkSouth Korea	busted

Zoe ChangZoe Chang

10/24/2025, 3:23:57 PM

Kim's Doubles Through Hsin

Level 17: 5,000 / 10,000 ante: 10,000

Wonki Kim

Po Hsin made it 22,000 to go from middle position, only to be jammed by Wonki Kim for 64,000 in the big blind. Hsin dropped in the call to put Kim at risk.

Po Hsin: A♠ 5♦

Wonki Kim: T♣ T♥

Kim picked up the lead with pocket tens and maintained his dominance on the 9♥ 3♦ 8♦ flop. The dealer revealed a Q♦ on the turn, giving Hsin a flush draw.

Unfortunately for Hsin, the river bricked out a J♠, securing a much-needed double-up for Kim.

Player	Chips
PH Po HsinTaiwan	251,000(25 BB)
WK Wonki KimSouth Korea	145,000(15 BB)

Kai CocklinKai Cocklin

10/24/2025, 3:05:43 PM

Hand-For-Hand Play Begins

Level 17: 5,000 / 10,000 ante: 10,000

With just two spots to go until the money bubble bursts, the remaining 46 players are now hand-for-hand until two more eliminations have been recorded.

Once that happens, the survivors will bag up for the night and return for Day 2 on Sunday, October 26.

Level 17: 5,000 / 10,000 ante: 10,000

40 minutes

Remaining Players: 51/289

Zoe ChangZoe Chang

10/24/2025, 2:45:15 PM

Chen's Three Working Well

Level 16: 4,000 / 8,000 ante: 8,000

Yousef Nassr

Liao Po Hsun made it 16,000 to go from under the gun and got himself two callers in the blinds: Ching En Chen and Yousef Nassr.

The trio checked through the 8♦ 3♦ 7♠ flop to the Q♣ turn, where action checked to Chen, who bet 8,000. Only Nassr check-called.

It went check-check on the T♥ river. Nassr revealed 6♥ 5♥, while Chen tabled A♣ 3♣ for a flopped pair of threes.

Player	Chips
YN Yousef NassrUnited States of America	993,000(124 BB)
CE Ching En ChenTaiwan	785,000(98 BB)
LP Liao Po HsunTaiwan	227,000(28 BB)

Zoe ChangZoe Chang

10/24/2025, 2:22:43 PM

Lin Calls Himself Out

Level 16: 4,000 / 8,000 ante: 8,000

Anson Lau

Tzu En Lin made it 16,000 to go from the hijack and got himself two callers from the blinds: Anson Lau and Takatoshi Memoto.

On the 6♠ 7♣ K♠ flop, the blinds checked to Lin, who continued for 13,000. Only Lau tagged along.

The dealer revealed a T♠ turn and Lau changed his pace here with a bet of 21,000. Lin stuck around.

When a 9♦ rolled off on the river, Lau shoved all in 345,000, sending Lin into the tank. After mulling it over, Lin eventually flicked in a call.

Lau quickly tabled 9♠ 8♠ for a turned straight to beat Lin's two pair with K♣ 9♣.

Player	Chips
CH Cheuk Hung Anson LauHong Kong	599,000(75 BB)
TM Takatoshi MemotoJapan	166,000(21 BB)
TE Tzu En LinTaiwan	busted

Level 16: 4,000 / 8,000 ante: 8,000

40 minutes

Remaining Players: 56/289

Break

Remaining Players: 56/289

Zoe ChangZoe Chang

10/24/2025, 1:46:39 PM

Yanagi's Seven Isn't Lucky Seven

Level 15: 3,000 / 6,000 ante: 6,000

Songgi Yanagi

Chuyi Huang raised to 13,000 on the button and Songgi Yanagi shoved all in for 62,500 from the small blind. Huang made the call to put the Japanese player at risk.

Chuyi Huang: A♦ 9♦

Songgi Yanagi: A♠ 7♣

Huang dominated the lead with a stronger kicker nine and held control on the 4♣ 2♠ A♣ flop. The turn showed a 3♠, giving Yanagi a chance to chop.

Unfortunately for Yanagi, the river revealed a Q♣, sending him to the rail.

Player	Chips
CH Chuyi HuangTaiwan	319,500(53 BB)
SY Songgi YanagiJapan	busted

Zoe ChangZoe Chang

10/24/2025, 1:29:01 PM

Wang's Bullets Launch a Heavy Attack on Chen

Level 15: 3,000 / 6,000 ante: 6,000

Pete Chen

Pete Chen raised the hijack to 12,000, only to be jammed by Yan Zhi Wang for 38,000 on the button. Chen dropped in the call.

Pete Chen: J♣ 9♣

Yan Zhi Wang: A♦ A♥

Chen's jack-high ran straight into Wang's aces. Despite receiving help from the dealer on the K♠ 9♦ K♥ flop, Chen still couldn't take over the lead.

Soon after, the deck locked up a double-up for Wang with a runout of 3♠ T♦, leaving Chen a short stack.

Player	Chips
YZ Yan Zhi WangTaiwan	93,000(16 BB)
PC Pete ChenTaiwan	51,500(9 BB)

Level 15: 3,000 / 6,000 ante: 6,000

40 minutes

Remaining Players: 67/289

Zoe ChangZoe Chang

10/24/2025, 1:03:15 PM

Kawagoe Doubles Through Tech

Level 14: 2,500 / 5,000 ante: 5,000

John Tech

Shingo Kawagoe shoved all in on the button for 47,500 and John Tech called from the small blind.

John Tech: K♥ 9♠

Shingo Kawagoe: K♣ Q♦

Kawagoe picked up the lead with a stronger kicker queen and held control on the J♥ 7♦ 6♣ flop.

The dealer then sent the J♦ turn and 3♦ river, locking up a double-up for Kawagoe.

Player	Chips
SK Shingo KawagoeJapan	105,000(21 BB)
JT John Tech (2)Philippines	105,000(21 BB)

Zoe ChangZoe Chang

10/24/2025, 12:45:41 PM

Kim's Queen Works Well

Level 14: 2,500 / 5,000 ante: 5,000

Ching En Chen

Yejun Kim was all in on the button for 66,000 and Ching En Chen called in the big blind.

Yejun Kim: K♣ Q♦

Ching En Chen: A♣ T♠

Chen picked up the lead with ace-high, but the dealer delivered bad news to him with a 2♣ Q♣ 8♦ flop, connecting to Kim's queen.

The 6♦ landed on the turn, and Chen was still looking to spike an ace to avoid Kim's double-up. However, the river bricked out the 5♥, prolonging Kim's tournament life.

Player	Chips
CE Ching En ChenTaiwan	181,000(36 BB)
YK Yejun KimSouth Korea	139,500(28 BB)

Level 14: 2,500 / 5,000 ante: 5,000

40 minutes

Remaining Players: 77/289

Zoe ChangZoe Chang

10/24/2025, 12:13:39 PM

Hak’s River Bet Forces Fan to Fold

Level 13: 2,000 / 4,000 ante: 4,000

Chih Wei Fan opened to 8,000 from under the gun and Lee Sung Hak called from middle position, as did Yu Yung Lin from the big blind.

On the T♥ A♠ 7♣ flop, action checked to Fan, who continued for 7,500. Only Hak stuck around to see the J♥ turn. Fan checked over and Hak bet 18,400 after thinking for a long time. Hsu made the call.

An A♦ filled out the board, Fan checked again, and Hak fired out 60,000, sending Fan into the tank. Hsu eventually tossed his cards into the muck after a long time.

Player	Chips
YY Yu Yung LinTaiwan	320,000(80 BB)
LS Lee Sung HakSouth Korea	202,000(51 BB)
CW Chih Wei FanTaiwan	90,000(23 BB)

Level 13: 2,000 / 4,000 ante: 4,000

40 minutes

Remaining Players: 96/289

Break

Remaining Players: 96/289

Zoe ChangZoe Chang

10/24/2025, 11:31:50 AM

Cowboys' Rope Breaks for Chang

Level 12: 1,500 / 3,000 ante: 3,000

The action was picked up when a board showing 5♣ T♠ 5♥ 7♣ and around 45,500 chips in the pot.

Chien Chang Liu checked in the big blind. Sheng Wen Chang bet 30,000 from under the gun, only to be jammed by Liu for around 160,000. Chang called off his remaining 30,000, putting himself at risk.

Sheng Wen Chang: K♦ K♥

Chien Chang Liu: Q♦ 5♦

Chang's pocket kings ran headfirst into Liu's flopped trip fives. The dealer then delivered a 2♥ on the river, sending Chang out of the field.

Player	Chips
CC Chien Chang Liu	247,000(82 BB)
SW Sheng Wen ChangTaiwan	busted

Zoe ChangZoe Chang

10/24/2025, 11:22:12 AM

Tee Correctly Calls With King-High

Level 12: 1,500 / 3,000 ante: 3,000

Jia Sen Tee

Jia Sen Tee limped in from the small blind and I He Huang checked in the big blind.

Both players checked through the 5♣ A♠ Q♠ flop to the 9♣ turn, and Tee check-called after Huang bet 4,500.

A board-pairing 9♥ filled out the board, Tee checked to Huang again, who sent another bet of 10,000. Tee called.

Huang revealed T♣ 7♥, while Tee tabled K♠ 2♦ for king-high and took down the pot.

Player	Chips
JS Jia Sen TeeMalaysia	127,000(42 BB)
IH I He HuangTaiwan	74,000(25 BB)

Level 12: 1,500 / 3,000 ante: 3,000

40 minutes

Remaining Players: 120/289

Zoe ChangZoe Chang

10/24/2025, 11:05:01 AM

Lin Finishes Lou's Last Chapter

Level 11: 1,500 / 2,500 ante: 2,500

Yu Yung Lin raised 5,000 from early position, and Kei Wong Lou shoved from middle position for 25,500. Lin made the call.

Kei Wong Lou: A♦ 7♠

Yu Yung Lin: A♣ 9♠

Lin picked up the lead with a stronger nine kicker and maintained his dominance throughout the 6♥ 3♦ 4♥ Q♥ K♥ board, sending Lou to the rail.

Player	Chips
YY Yu Yung LinTaiwan	91,500(37 BB)
KW Kei Wong LouTaiwan	busted

Zoe ChangZoe Chang

10/24/2025, 10:54:22 AM

Hasler Takes It Down with Eight-Three

Level 11: 1,500 / 2,500 ante: 2,500

Kevin Hasler

The action was picked up on the turn with around 35,000 chips in the pot and a board reading 8♣ 4♣ 9♥ 3♠. Kei Wong Lou checked from middle position, and Kevin bet 12,000 on the button. Lou called.

The dealer then delivered a J♠ on the river, and action went check-check. Lou revealed J♥ T♠ for a rivered pair of jacks, but it was not enough against Hasler's turned two pair with 8♦ 3♦.

Player	Chips
KH Kevin HaslerSwitzerland	182,000(73 BB)
KW Kei Wong LouTaiwan	25,500(10 BB)

Kai CocklinKai Cocklin

10/24/2025, 10:44:00 AM

Sun Brightens Up His Day

Level 11: 1,500 / 2,500 ante: 2,500

Ka Ho Sun

Seeing the all-in triangle in the middle of the table on a flop of 5♠ K♦ 3♠ , Ka Ho Sun had his stack of around 28,500 in the pot from the big blind, and was put at risk by the hijack.

Sun held a flush draw with Q♠ 8♠ , and needed to connect as his opponent held A♥ 4♥ for ace-high with a wheel draw.

It wasn't a spade that came to Sun's rescue though, instead it was the unlikely snowman that helped him as the 8♣ turn gave him a pair. Nothing changed on the J♣ river, and Sun doubled up.

Player	Chips
KH Ka Ho SunHong Kong	75,000(30 BB)

Zoe ChangZoe Chang

10/24/2025, 10:41:56 AM

Huang's Sailboats Go Through

Level 11: 1,500 / 2,500 ante: 2,500

Chien Chang Liu raised to 5,000 from under the gun and I He Huang defended his big blind.

The two checked through the 3♦ 2♣ 8♦ flop to see a 6♠ turn, and Huang bet 7,000. Liu stuck around.

The J♣ rolled off on the river, and action went check-check. Huang revealed his pair with 4♥ 4♣, while Liu mucked his cards.

Player	Chips
CC Chien Chang Liu	158,000(63 BB)
IH I He HuangTaiwan	117,000(47 BB)

Zoe ChangZoe Chang

10/24/2025, 10:41:56 AM

Huang's Sailsboats Go Through

Level 11: 1,500 / 2,500 ante: 2,500

Chien Chang Liu raised to 5,000 from under the gun and I He Huang defended his big blind.

The two checked through the flop to see a 6♠ turn, and Huang bet 7,000. Liu stuck around.

The J♣ rolled off on the river, and action went check-check. Huang revealed his pair with 4♥ 4♣, while Liu mucked his cards.

Player	Chips
CC Chien Chang Liu	158,000(63 BB)
IH I He HuangTaiwan	117,000(47 BB)

Kai CocklinKai Cocklin

10/24/2025, 10:26:00 AM

Okamoto in the Mix

Level 11: 1,500 / 2,500 ante: 2,500

Shiina Okamoto

Shiina Okamoto, who is having a stellar series so far at TMTC, is in the Main Event looking to advance to Day 2.

So far, things are going smoothly for the Japanese player as she has around 60,000 in her stack, good for around 24 big blinds as the level just hopped up.

Player	Chips
SO Shiina OkamotoJapan	60,000(24 BB)

Level 11: 1,500 / 2,500 ante: 2,500

40 minutes

Remaining Players: 152/289

Zoe ChangZoe Chang

10/24/2025, 10:18:20 AM

Lee Can’t Withstand Huang’s Trips

Level 10: 1,000 / 2,000 ante: 2,000

Chuyi Huang

Chien Te Lee opened the cutoff to 4,500 and Chuyi Huang three-bet to 13,500 in the big blind. Lee dropped in the call.

Both players checked through the T♥ A♠ 3♣ flop to a board-pairing A♥ turn, where Lee check-called after Huang bet 10,000.

When a K♥ rolled off on the river, Lee checked over again, and Huang sent another barrel of 10,000. Lee check-called.

Huang quickly showed A♣ J♠ for trip aces and dragged in the pot as Lee mucked.

Player	Chips
CH Chuyi HuangTaiwan	83,000(42 BB)
CT Chien Te LeeTaiwan	21,500(11 BB)

Zoe ChangZoe Chang

10/24/2025, 10:01:32 AM

Minsung Walks Out

Level 10: 1,000 / 2,000 ante: 2,000

Jun Minsung opened the cutoff to 4,000 and Fang Chi Hsweh called on the button, only to be jammed by Tin Chieh Yang from the small blind for 20,000. Minsung made the call, and Hsweh stepped aside.

Jun Minsung: A♥ 6♣

Ting Chieh Yang: A♦ J♠

Yang’s jack stayed ahead against Minsung’s six-kicker as the dealer spread a 7♦ 3♣ A♣ flop, offering little help to Minsung.

The K♠ turn and 4♣ river sealed his fate, sending the pot Yang’s way and Minsung out of the tournament.

Player	Chips
TC Ting Chieh YangTaiwan	115,000(58 BB)
JM Jun MinsungSouth Korea	busted

Zoe ChangZoe Chang

10/24/2025, 9:52:55 AM

Hsweh Hooks in a Double-Up

Level 10: 1,000 / 2,000 ante: 2,000

Fang Chi Hsweh

Fang Chi Hsweh shoved all in from under the gun for 23,000 and Ting Chieh Yang called from early position.

Ting Chieh Yang: A♣ J♣

Fang Chi Hsweh: J♠ J♦

Hsweh was well ahead with his jacks and maintained his dominance well throughout the 8♥ 2♥ 2♠ 8♣ Q♦ board, securing a tournament-extending double-up.

Player	Chips
FC Fang Chi Hsweh	49,000(25 BB)
TC Ting Chieh YangTaiwan	42,500(21 BB)

Kai CocklinKai Cocklin

10/24/2025, 9:51:27 AM

44 Spots in the Money

Level 10: 1,000 / 2,000 ante: 2,000

TMTC Branding

With a total of 289 entries being recorded in Day 1b, it means there are 44 spots on offer in Day 2, which plays out on Sunday, October 26.

Currently, there are 160 players still with chips, meaning the field needs to be cut into around a quarter before the survivors can bag up for the evening.

Level 10: 1,000 / 2,000 ante: 2,000

40 minutes

Remaining Players: 170/289

Zoe ChangZoe Chang

10/24/2025, 9:31:09 AM

Final Call: Players on Break Before Registration Closes for Flight B

Level 9: 1,000 / 1,500 ante: 1,500

Players are now on a 15-minute break. Once play resumes, registration will officially close.

Zoe ChangZoe Chang

10/24/2025, 9:21:54 AM

Huang Lassos A Knockout

Level 9: 1,000 / 1,500 ante: 1,500

Yuan Jui Chang raised the hijack to 3,000 and Hsin Kai Huang three-bet to 13,000 from the cutoff. Chang called.

Chang checked the 5♣ 7♠ J♠ flop to Huang, who then shoved all in for around 172,000. Chang responded with a call with his last 34,000, putting his tournament life on the line.

Yuan Jui Chang: A♣ J♥

Hsin Kai Huang: K♦ K♥

Huang picked up the lead with his Cowboys, leaving Chang drawing thin. The deck sealed Chang's fate soon after with a runout of 5♦ 3♥, shipping the pot Huang's way.

Player	Chips
HK Hsin Kai HuangTaiwan	229,500(153 BB)
YJ Yuan Jui ChangTaiwan	busted

Zoe ChangZoe Chang

10/24/2025, 9:10:07 AM

Steady Aggression Pays Off for Kim

Level 9: 1,000 / 1,500 ante: 1,500

Changjun kim

Kevin Hasler raised the hijack to 3,000 and Hong Leung Ip called from the cutoff, as did Changjun Kim in the big blind.

The trio checked through the 9♦ J♥ Q♠ flop to see a board-pairing 8♥ fall on the turn, where Kim led out for 4,000. Only Hasler dropped in the call.

When a 7♦ filled out the board, Kim sent another barrel of 10,000, and it was good for the pot as Hesler let go of his cards.

Player	Chips
HL Hong Leung IpHong Kong	222,500(148 BB)
KH Kevin HaslerSwitzerland	75,000(50 BB)
CK Changjun KimSouth Korea	busted

Level 9: 1,000 / 1,500 ante: 1,500

40 minutes

Remaining Players: 167/259

Zoe ChangZoe Chang

10/24/2025, 8:39:45 AM

Liu One Step Away from Elimination

Level 8: 600 / 1,200 ante: 1,200

Chien Chang Liu

After a raise from under the gun, Chien Chang Liu shoved for 9,100 from the small blind. Kequn Wu called in the big blind. The initial raiser folded, leaving Liu's tournament life on the line against Wu.

Chien Chang Liu: A♦ Q♣

Kequn Wu: 8♦ 8♣

Wu picked up the lead with his snowmen, but soon they melted by the heat from Liu as he improved to a pair on the K♣ Q♠ 4♠ flop.

The dealer revealed a 9♦ on the turn while Wu was still looking to spike an eight to avoid Liu's double-up. Unfortunately for Wu, the river bricked out a J♠, locking up a double-up for Liu.

Player	Chips
KW Kequn WuTaiwan	57,000(48 BB)
CC Chien Chang Liu	23,000(19 BB)

Zoe ChangZoe Chang

10/24/2025, 8:24:09 AM

Sia Turns the Nuts, Leaves Liu Short

Level 8: 600 / 1,200 ante: 1,200

Mark Sia

Ting Chieh Yang raised the cutoff to 2,500 and Mark Sia called on the button, as did Chien Chang Liu from the big blind.

On the K♥ 9♠ 8♣ flop, Liu led out for 1,300, and Yang cranked it up to 3,500. Sia and Liu came along for the ride.

When the J♣ hit on the turn, Liu fired another barrel of 2,800 and Yang called. Sia turned up the heat here with a 15,000 raise, which didn't deter his two opponents from dropping in the calls.

A 4♦ filled out the board, and action checked to Sia. He then shoved for 20,400. Liu called and Yan stepped aside.

Sia quickly revealed a turned straight with Q♥ T♥ to beat the flopped pair of kings of Liu's K♣ 5♠.

Player	Chips
MS Mark SiaMalaysia	114,500(95 BB)
TC Ting Chieh YangTaiwan	108,500(90 BB)
CC Chien Chang Liu	9,100(8 BB)

Kai CocklinKai Cocklin

10/24/2025, 8:14:11 AM

A Unique Trophy Awaits the Winner

Level 8: 600 / 1,200 ante: 1,200

TMTC Main Event Trophy

Unlike the typical metal or glass trophies seen across the poker circuit, the TMT Championship Main Event trophy stands out as a true work of art. Crafted in the shape of a large ceremonial plate, its design highlights the outline of Taiwan engraved into polished wood with a golden geometric inlay that reflects the country’s character and craftsmanship. The intricate border pattern and natural woodgrain finish make it a symbol of heritage as much as victory, perfectly representing the local pride behind the Taiwan Millions Tournament Championship.

The trophy’s circular form also carries meaning. It represents unity, continuity, and the unending pursuit of excellence, which are all values shared by both the players and the community behind TMTC. This is not a prize that sits quietly on a shelf; it is a statement piece that celebrates culture, skill, and the spirit of competition that defines poker in Taiwan.

Level 8: 600 / 1,200 ante: 1,200

40 minutes

Remaining Players: 162/226

Zoe ChangZoe Chang

10/24/2025, 7:59:56 AM

Wu’s Second Barrel Seals the Deal

Level 7: 500 / 1,000 ante: 1,000

Chien Yu Lin

Ting Hao Wu opened the button to 2,000 and Chien Yu Lin defended her big blind.

Both players checked through the T♥ T♣ J♠ flop to see a 4♠ fall on the turn, where Lin check-called after Wu bet 2,000.

When the T♠ filled out the board, Lin checked and Wu sent another barrel of 3,500. Lin then immediately laid it down.

Player	Chips
TH Ting Hao WuTaiwan	78,000(78 BB)
CY Chien Yu LinTaiwan	45,000(45 BB)

Zoe ChangZoe Chang

10/24/2025, 7:50:50 AM

Wang Scores a Knockout with Snowmen

Level 7: 500 / 1,000 ante: 1,000

Yoonsang Jo shoved for 11,700 from middle position and was put at risk by Ta Wei Wang on the button.

Yoonsan Jo: A♦ 3♦

Ta Wei Wang: 8♣ 8♦

Wang picked up the lead with pocket eights and maintained his dominance on the Q♠ Q♦ 2♣ flop. When the dealer sent a 4♦ on the turn, Wang sweated as Jo received a flush draw.

Much to Jo's dismay, the river didn't come to his favor and revealed a 7♠, sending him to the rail.

Player	Chips
TW Ta Wei WangTaiwan	38,000(38 BB)
YJ Yoonsang JoSouth Korea	busted

Level 7: 500 / 1,000 ante: 1,000

40 minutes

Remaining Players: 151/191

Break

Remaining Players: 147/186

Zoe ChangZoe Chang

10/24/2025, 7:09:37 AM

Ho Walks Out

Level 6: 400 / 800 ante: 800

Taeyong Kwon

Taeyong Kwon made it 1,600 to go from early position and Andy Ho called in the cutoff.

After seeing the dealer reveal the T♦ Q♦ 7♠ flop, Kwon continued for 1,300, only to be jammed by Ho for 19,500. Kwon snap-called to put his opponent at risk.

Taeyong Kwon: A♦ Q♠

Andy Ho: J♦ J♠

Ho's pocket jacks ran straight into Kwon's flopped pair of queens. The deck offered no help to Ho as a runout came T♥ 9♥, sending him out of the field.

Player	Chips
TK Taeyong KwonSouth Korea	56,500(71 BB)
AH Andy HoUnited States of America	busted

Zoe ChangZoe Chang

10/24/2025, 6:53:12 AM

Chop It Up

Level 6: 400 / 800 ante: 800

Chen Hsuanyu

Koichi Baba limped in from the hijack, only to be jammed by Chen Hsuanyu for around 19,000. Baba dropped in the call to put Yu at risk.

Koichi Baba: A♥ 3♠

Chen Hsuanyu: A♦ 3♥

It looked destined to be a chop, and as expected, the dealer spread a 7♣ A♣ K♣ 9♦ 7♠ board, splitting the pot between both players.

Player	Chips
KB Koichi BabaJapan	140,000(175 BB)
CH Chen HsuanyuTaiwan	20,000(25 BB)

Level 6: 400 / 800 ante: 800

40 minutes

Remaining Players: 139/160

Zoe ChangZoe Chang

10/24/2025, 6:36:24 AM

Hsu's Bullet Flys with One Knockout

Level 5: 300 / 600 ante: 600

Chieh Hsiang Hsu open-shoved for 10,100 from under the gun. Jong Hyun Park called off his last 9,000 on the button, putting his tournament life on the line.

Jong Hyun Park: J♦ 8♥

Chieh Hsiang Hsu: A♣ T♠

Hsu picked up the lead with ace-high and held control on the 7♣ K♣ Q♥ flop while he received a gutshot from the dealer.

Soon after, the deck sealed Park's fate with a runout of 4♥ 9♣, sending him to the rail.

Player	Chips
CH Chieh Hsiang HsuTaiwan	21,000(35 BB)
JH Jong Hyun ParkSouth Korea	busted

Zoe ChangZoe Chang

10/24/2025, 6:18:40 AM

Yanagi's Queen Gets the Job Done

Level 5: 300 / 600 ante: 600

Songgi Yanagi

Fumihiro Baba made it 1,500 to go from early position and Ting Yu Chen called in the cutoff, as did Songgi Yanagi from the big blind.

On the 6♥ K♥ 8♦ flop, Yanagi checked to Baba, who continued for 2,200. Chen and Yanagi came along for the ride.

When a 9♥ landed on the turn, three players checked through to see a 5♣ fill out the board. After action checked to Chen, he sent a bet of 5,500. Only Yanagi called.

Chen tabled K♦ J♦ for a flopped pair of kings, while Yanagi also revealed a pair of kings with K♠ Q♥ and raked in the pot.

Player	Chips
SY Songgi YanagiJapan	96,500(161 BB)
FB Fumihiro BabaJapan	64,500(108 BB)
TY Ting Yu ChenTaiwan	22,000(37 BB)

Level 5: 300 / 600 ante: 600

40 minutes

Remaining Players: 94/103

Zoe ChangZoe Chang

10/24/2025, 5:51:41 AM

Baba's Queens Crush Chen's Sailboats

Level 4: 300 / 500 ante: 500

Koichi Baba

Koichi Baba limped in from middle position and Yin Kwan Chim raised the hijack to 1,600. Chi Jen Chen defended his big blind. Baba then cranked it up to 3,200. Chim and Chen tagged along.

Chen checked the J♥ 8♥ 9♠ flop to Baba, who continued for 2,000. Only Chen stuck around to see a 2♣ land on the turn, where Chen check-called a bet of 2,000 from Baba.

Action went check-check on the 7♥ river. Chen revealed his pair with 4♦ 4♥, but it was no match for Baba's ladies with Q♥ Q♠.

Player	Chips
KB Koichi BabaJapan	74,500(149 BB)
CJ Chi Jen ChenTaiwan	65,500(131 BB)
YK Yin Kwan ChimHong Kong	52,000(104 BB)

Zoe ChangZoe Chang

10/24/2025, 5:36:20 AM

Yip's Hooks Cracked with a Double-Up Price

Level 4: 300 / 500 ante: 500

Ki Young Kim

Ki Young Kim opened the button to 2,100, and Alan Yip three-bet to 4,300 in the big blind. Kim then shoved for 17,100, and Yip snap-called to put his opponent at risk.

Ki Young Kim: A♦ K♦

Alan Yip: J♥ J♠

Kim was behind as his Big Slick ran straight into Yip's pocket jacks, but the dealer delivered help on the K♥ 8♠ T♠ flop, improving him to top pair.

The Q♣ landed on the turn, giving Yip more outs with a straight draw.

Unfortunately for Yip, the river bricked out a 4♠, locking up a much-needed double-up for Kim.

Player	Chips
KH Kevin HaslerSwitzerland	64,000(128 BB)
SK Shinichiro KanoJapan	62,500(125 BB)
SH Shotaro HatanakaJapan	57,000(114 BB)
KY Ki Young KimSouth Korea	44,500(89 BB)
AY Alan YipUnited Kingdom	34,000(68 BB)

Level 4: 300 / 500 ante: 500

40 minutes

Remaining Players: 87/95

Break

Remaining Players: 87/95

Zoe ChangZoe Chang

10/24/2025, 5:07:18 AM

Chien Lin Forces a Fold with River Raise

Level 3: 200 / 400 ante: 400

With around 2,600 chips in the middle, a flop revealed 7♥ Q♥ 3♦ and action checked to Cheng Yi Lin, who bet from early position to 1,100. Wen Chien Lin called from the small blind. Jintae Yang stepped aside in the big blind.

It went check-check on the 8♣ turn, and the T♣ filled out the board, where Chien Lin checked. Yi Lin bet 2,300. Chien Lin then cranked it up to 5,300, sending his opponent into the tank. After burning one time bank card, Yi Lin eventually let go of his cards.

Player	Chips
WC Wen Chien LinTaiwan	57,000(143 BB)
CY Cheng Yi LinTaiwan	46,000(115 BB)
JY Jintae YangSouth Korea	45,000(113 BB)

Level 3: 200 / 400 ante: 400

40 minutes

Remaining Players: 71/76

Zoe ChangZoe Chang

10/24/2025, 4:36:19 AM

Chip Counts

Level 3: 200 / 400 ante: 400

Player	Chips
MR Min Ryo KimSouth Korea	88,000(220 BB)
SW Sheng Wen ChangTaiwan	53,000(133 BB)
DL Duhan LeeSouth Korea	49,000(123 BB)
LY Lu Yu ChangTaiwan	49,000(123 BB)
SK Shingo KawagoeJapan	49,000(123 BB)
BH Beng Hong KerSingapore	41,500(104 BB)
SC Sunjoon ChoiSouth Korea	41,500(104 BB)

Zoe ChangZoe Chang

10/24/2025, 4:25:46 AM

Action Unfolds on the River; Hwuan Kim Takes It Down

Level 2: 200 / 300 ante: 300

Chang Hyun Kim

Jan Hwuan Kim limped in from middle position, as did Chang Hyun Kim in the small blind. Yao Wen Yang checked his big blind.

Three players checked to the river on the 2♦ 6♣ 5♥ K♣ K♦ board, where Hyun Kim checked to Yang, who bet 500. Hwuan then put in a raise to 1,500. Only Hyun Kim dropped in the call.

After seeing Hwuan Kim revealed trip kings with K♠ 8♥, Yang laid it down.

Player	Chips
CH Chang Hyun KimSouth Korea	83,500(278 BB)
YW Yao Wen YangTaiwan	34,000(113 BB)
JH Jan Hwuan KimSouth Korea	25,000(83 BB)

Zoe ChangZoe Chang

10/24/2025, 4:09:57 AM

Chip Counts

Level 2: 200 / 300 ante: 300

Player	Chips
PJ Pao Jung HuangHong Kong	58,000(193 BB)
YN Yousef NassrUnited States of America	52,500(175 BB)
HL Huawei LinTaiwan	52,000(173 BB)
HL Han Lin (2)Taiwan	49,000(163 BB)
FT Fei Tang LoHong Kong	49,000(163 BB)
CY Chi Yzng LinTaiwan	48,500(162 BB)
YH Yang Hsin ShihTaiwan	44,500(148 BB)
RC Roger Chen (2)Taiwan	41,500(138 BB)

Level 2: 200 / 300 ante: 300

40 minutes

Remaining Players: 43/45

Zoe ChangZoe Chang

10/24/2025, 3:37:54 AM

Tam’s River Raise Forces a Fold

Level 1: 100 / 200 ante: 200

Tung Man Tam

Tung Man Tam raised the hijack to 500 and received calls from the blinds: Jaehyung Park and Guojin Zeng.

Action checked to Tam, who continued for 1,000 on the K♦ 4♦ Q♠ flop. Only Park came along for the ride.

It went check-check on the 3♥ turn, then the river brought a 2♦. Park bet 1,000, to which Tam cranked it up to 3,500. It successfully pushed Park out of the pot.

Player	Chips
JP Jaehyung ParkSouth Korea	53,000(265 BB)
TM Tung Man TamViet Nam	52,000(260 BB)
GZ Guojin ZengTaiwan	48,500(243 BB)

Zoe ChangZoe Chang

10/24/2025, 3:19:34 AM

Chinen Forces a Fold with Relentless Pressure

Level 1: 100 / 200 ante: 200

Tatsuto Chinen

Po Hsin opened to 600 from under the gun and Ashton Goh called in the cutoff. Tatsuto Chinen then three-bet the small blind to 2,500, which only Po Hsin dropped in the call.

On the 9♥ K♦ Q♦ flop, Chinen continued for 1,800 and Hsin stuck around.

Chinen kept his pace and fired out another barrel of 5,500 on the 8♦ turn. It was good for the pot as Hsin tossed his cards into the muck.

Player	Chips
TC Tatsuto ChinenJapan	44,500(223 BB)
PH Po HsinTaiwan	44,000(220 BB)
AG Ashton GohSingapore	41,000(205 BB)

Level 1: 100 / 200 ante: 200

40 minutes

Remaining Players: 18/18

Zoe ChangZoe Chang

10/24/2025, 2:59:52 AM

Shuffle Up & Deal

Play has begun, and cards are in the air for Flight B of the TMTC Main Event. Players are now on their journey toward Day 2.

Zoe ChangZoe Chang

10/24/2025, 2:25:25 AM

Flight B Opens the 2025 TMTC Main Event as Ming Ken Thoo Awaits New Challengers

Flight B of the Taiwan Millions Tournament (TMT) Championship today kicks off inside the Asia Poker Arena at 11:00 local time, featuring a guaranteed prize pool of NTD 30,000,000.

After nearly 13 grueling hours of play in Flight A yesterday, 38 survivors bagged their chips and advanced to Day 2.

It was Malaysia’s Ming Ken Thoo who outlasted a 249-entry field to emerge as the chip leader with a commanding stack of 1,046,000, becoming the only player so far to cross the one-million mark.

Chasing close behind is Korea’s Won Gyun Lee with 785,000, while Taiwan’s Yu Chang rounds out the top three with 677,000.

Following the same structure, players will start with 50,000 in chips today, blinds at 100/200 with a 200 big blind ante, and play through 40-minute levels. To keep minds sharp and energy steady, 15-minute breaks will be held after every three levels.

Late registration closes at Level 9, giving hopefuls plenty of time to take their shot at this premier event.

Stay tuned as we bring you live coverage, chip counts, and highlights from start to finish as the race for the 2025 TMTC Main Event title continues.