The Asia Pacific Poker Tour (APPT) is the premier live poker tournament series in the Asia-Pacific region, operated by PokerStars Live . Established as the tour that ignited the poker boom in Asia, it offers a sophisticated tournament experience that bridges the gap between recreational players from the region and visiting international professionals. Whether you are playing in Manila, Seoul, or Cambodia , the APPT is known for its high organizational standards and prestigious titles.

At a Glance

Below is a quick summary of the key details regarding the Asia Pacific Poker Tour to help you get oriented. This section covers the essential facts, including the tour’s foundation date, the currencies used at the tables, and the most iconic venues where festivals are held.

Founded: 2007
Region: Asia & Oceania
Currency: Local currencies (e.g., PHP, KRW, USD)
Iconic Venues: Okada Manila ( Philippines ), Paradise City (Incheon), City of Dreams ( Macau – Historical)
Official Website: Asia Pacific Poker Tour (APPT)

History and Prestige

The Asia Pacific Poker Tour has a rich history that mirrors the explosive growth of poker across the entire continent. Since its inception, it has established itself as the standard-bearer for major live tournaments in the region, bringing world-class organization to emerging poker markets.

Origin Story

The Asia Pacific Poker Tour was established in 2007, marking a historic moment as the first major government-sanctioned real-money poker tour in the region. It was created by PokerStars to bring the “EPT experience” to the growing Asian market. The inaugural season famously included the first major event in Macau, which set the stage for the city becoming the gambling hub of the East.

Evolution & Records

Over the years, the APPT has played a pivotal role in popularizing Texas Hold’em in countries like the Philippines , South Korea , and New Zealand . It has hosted massive fields, including record-breaking events at the APPT Manila , which has become one of the most popular stops due to its vibrant cash game scene and large turnouts.

Events & Structure

The APPT offers a wide range of tournaments designed to appeal to players of all skill levels and bankrolls. From high-stakes competitions to accessible side events, the schedule is meticulously built to provide a comprehensive and professional poker experience at every stop.

Flagship Events

A typical APPT festival schedule caters to all bankrolls but centers around three key tournaments:

APPT Main Event: The prestigious highlight with a deep structure.
APPT High Roller: Attracting the region’s wealthy enthusiasts and pros.
APPT National/Open: Often a lower buy-in opener with massive fields.

Player Experience

The field is generally considered “soft” compared to European tours, with a healthy mix of aggressive local players and satellite qualifiers. As a PokerStars Live event, the structures are player-friendly, often featuring shot clocks in later stages to speed up play.

Online Qualification & Partners

Securing a seat at an APPT event doesn’t always require a direct buy-in, as players have numerous opportunities to qualify online. Whether through direct satellites or via our trusted partner sites, there are multiple pathways to join the action at a fraction of the cost.

How to Qualify

Direct satellites for the Asia Pacific Poker Tour are hosted exclusively on PokerStars. However, for players in Asia looking for the best online action and regional satellites for other major Asian tours, our partners offer the best value.

Play with our Partners

For those looking to play online or qualify for various regional events, our trusted partners offer excellent opportunities. These platforms provide secure environments, soft fields, and lucrative promotions specifically tailored for Asian-based players.

GGPoker: The world’s largest room, hosting many Asian-focused events,
WPT Global: Excellent for soft fields and massive global events.
Natural8: The leading skin for Asian players on the GGNetwork.