Zodiac Series of Poker (ZSOP): Schedule, Venues, and History

The Zodiac Series of Poker (ZSOP) is one of the freshest and most exciting players in the Asian poker scene, having quickly become a favorite among players in the region. The series features a unique theme based on Chinese Zodiac signs, where players compete not only for massive prize pools but also for unique trophies modeled after golden animal statues. This festival primarily targets recreational and semi-pro players in Asia‘s most popular poker rooms, offering a friendly atmosphere and excellent structures.

At a Glance

• Founded: 2024
• Region: Asia
• Currency:
  • NT$ (New Taiwan Dollar)
  • PHP (Philippine Peso) – depending on the stop
• Venues:
  • Asia Poker Arena ( Taipei )
  • Additional partner casinos in the Philippines and South Korea

History & Prestige

The Zodiac Series of Poker is a relatively new entrant on the international stage, created in response to the explosive growth of the Asian poker market. The series concept is built on collectibility and prestige: every festival and main event bears the sign of the current Chinese horoscope (e.g., Zodiac Snake Main Event), so champions are enriched with an exclusive zodiac trophy.

The ZSOP has quickly proven its legitimacy: events held in Taipei – especially at the Asia Poker Arena – regularly surpass their guaranteed prize pools. For instance, the stop named Final Snake saw over 1,400 entries for the Main Event, demonstrating the series’ appeal to both local and traveling players. The key to the festival’s success is its ability to combine serious tournament poker with a lighter, thematic experience built on luck symbols deeply rooted in Chinese culture.

Events & Structure

The ZSOP schedule is designed so that players of every bankroll can find a suitable tournament. The structures are modern, frequently utilizing the Mystery Bounty format, which is particularly popular in this region.

• Flagship Events: The highlight of the series is always the Main Event named after the current zodiac sign (e.g., Zodiac Snake Main Event). Additionally, the Zodiac Dragon Super High Roller and the smaller buy-in but large-field Mini Main tournaments are also popular.
• Player Experience: The field is mixed, with many local recreational players from Taiwan , South Korea , and Hong Kong , resulting in a “soft” field for professionals.
• Trophies: The trademark of the series is the 12 different, collectible golden animal statues, for which a separate battle is waged among returning players.

Online Qualifiers (Satellites)

The ZSOP maintains close relationships with major online poker rooms, which offer thematic satellites and qualifiers, often linked to their own Chinese Zodiac promotions.

Players can access numerous online satellites on the platforms of GGPoker, WPT Global, and Natural8.