WPG Taiwan 2026 | May 23-31, 2026 | CTP Asia Poker Arena

The prestigious inaugural festival made a spectacular debut from May 23 to May 31, 2026, at the world-class CTP Asia Poker Arena in the heart of Taipei, Taiwan. Below, we look back at the historical attendance, record prize pools, and prominent winners who claimed titles during this milestone stop.

Recap of World Poker Games Taiwan 2026

The thrilling live poker action delivered intense competitive moments from May 23 to May 31, 2026, drawing an enthusiastic international crowd to the premium gaming venue of the CTP Asia Poker Arena in Taipei, Taiwan. The debut festival smashed expectations by attracting a grand total of 1,728 entries across 58 unique trophy events, generating an impressive cumulative prize pool of $730,405 against its initial NT$24,000,000 series guarantee. The series got off to a roaring WPG Kick Off, which featured a TWD 10,000 buy-in and a TWD 2,000,000 guarantee; it recorded a total field size of 154 entries, resulting in a stellar victory for local player Ting Chieh Chi who walked away with a top prize of TWD 510,000. Momentum continued to build through the mid-series schedule with the highly competitive Mini Main Event, which carried a TWD 12,000 buy-in and a TWD 2,000,000 guarantee, drawing a field of 136 entries where local talent Kuo Kai Ma outlasted the field to secure a top payout of TWD 507,800. The absolute centerpiece of the festival was the prestigious WPG Main Event, carrying an ambitious TWD 10,000,000 guarantee with a TWD 22,000 buy-in. It generated intense tactical play by attracting a massive field of 489 entries across five starting flights, where Guo Jin Zeng converted his dominant Day 2 chip lead into the inaugural championship title, capturing the marquee trophy and a monumental first-place prize of TWD 1,437,000 (approx. $45,655).

For the complete payout structures and full player standings of all events, visit the official World Poker Games Taiwan 2026 full schedule and results page.

Champions

Here are the prominent champions from the recently concluded festival who conquered the competition and claimed the prestigious trophies at the CTP Asia Poker Arena:

Full Tournament Schedule

The schedule of WPG Taiwan 2026 holds a total of 58 trophy and side events, with buy-ins ranging from an affordable 3,000 TWD to the elite category 77,000 TWD Super Star Challenge. The composition of the calendar perfectly combines classic Texas Hold’em events with more dynamic game types, so fans can also test their skills at the increasingly popular Pot Limit Omaha and the highly action-packed Short Deck tables.

Satellites & Qualification

Numerous live qualification tournaments run at the CTP Asia Poker Arena venue throughout the entire festival. Players with smaller bankrolls can secure their participation in the opening events through freeroll satellites starting at just 200 TWD, while qualifiers offering 50,000 TWD packages dedicated to the WPG Main Event will also be available.

Poker & Travel Guide

Taiwan, and specifically its capital, Taipei, has undoubtedly risen to become one of the most significant poker strongholds in Asia in recent years. In the special atmosphere of the metropolis of about 2.6 million inhabitants, modern technological innovations and centuries-old traditions intertwine in perfect harmony. For international poker players, Taipei is a highly safe, vibrant destination open 24/7, where culinary delights—from Michelin-starred restaurants to world-famous street vendors—are present on every corner. Exploring the city is a breeze thanks to the high-quality and clean MRT (subway) system, and daily living and dining costs are considered highly player-friendly compared to other modern cities in the Asian region.

Official Poker Guide (Rules, Structures)

The tournaments of WPG Taiwan 2026 take place according to the most modern international standards, predominantly in the Big Blind Ante format, ensuring continuous and fast-paced gameplay. In highlighted events like the WPG Main Event, organizers specifically favor those who enjoy serious poker tactics with a deepstack structure and slow, favorable blind increases.

Registration and Buy-in Information

The registration process takes place at the designated registration desks of the CTP Asia Poker Arena, which open for players one hour before the first scheduled event on every tournament day. The official currency of the tournaments is the New Taiwan Dollar (TWD), and buy-ins can only be settled in this currency.

Destination Guide & Must See

The atmosphere of Taipei is enchanting; peaceful, incense-scented Taoist temples hide in the immediate vicinity of crowded, neon-lit shopping streets. Between two hands, there is plenty to see in the city.
Must-see attractions in the city:

• Taipei 101: The city's iconic, bamboo-like 508-meter-tall skyscraper, from whose observation deck a stunning panorama of the entire basin opens up.

• Shilin Night Market: Taipei's largest and most famous night market, the epicenter of authentic Taiwanese street food—such as fried chicken and stinky tofu.

• Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall: A monumental historical complex and park, whose snow-white building and spectacular changing of the guard are a mandatory program point.

Travel Essentials

For a smooth arrival and comfortable local transportation, it is worth keeping the following logistical tips in mind.

• Airport Transfer: The Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) is located about 40 kilometers from downtown Taipei. The fastest way to get in is the Taoyuan Airport MRT (Express train), which takes about 40 minutes to reach Taipei Main Station, from where the CTP Asia Poker Arena is just a short taxi ride away.

• Transportation: Within Taipei, Uber is reliable and widespread. However, the most cost-effective solution is to get an "EasyCard" (smart card) at any convenience store, with which you can use the subways (MRT) and buses easily with a tap.

The Venue: CTP Asia Poker Arena

The CTP Asia Poker Arena is currently the largest permanent poker room in Asia, providing a stunning and premium environment for international fields. The grandiose facility located in the center of Taipei is capable of operating more than 80 tables simultaneously, elevating the standard of the festivals with a professional dealing staff and outstanding player hospitality.