- Guaranteed Prize Pool
- NT$60,000,000
- Number of Events
- 66 (83)
ZSOP The Horse Awakens 2026 - SOMUCHPOKER
ZSOP The Horse Awakens 2026 – Full Guide & Schedule
The ZSOP The Horse Awakens marks the grand entrance of the Year of the Horse in Taiwan! Hosted by the Zodiac Series of Poker (ZSOP), this festival returns to the prestigious CTP Asia Poker Arena in Taipei, Taiwan. Players can expect a massive series to kick off 2026, featuring a wide array of tournaments and substantial prize pools. Whether you are hunting for a Golden Dragon trophy or looking to experience the best cash game action in Asia, this guide covers everything from the full schedule to travel essentials.
ZSOP The Horse Awakens 2026 Highlighted Events
The 2026 edition promises to be the biggest yet, with a carefully curated selection of tournaments designed to test the skills of every player. Below you will find the key events that are expected to draw the largest crowds and offer the most significant prize pools, ensuring there is something for everyone from recreational players to high rollers.
Full Tournament Schedule
The complete schedule for ZSOP The Horse Awakens 2026 features a variety of formats catering to all bankrolls. From the flagship Main Event to high-octane High Rollers, the series offers non-stop action across dozens of trophy events. The organizers have ensured a balanced mix of structures, allowing plenty of play for deep-stack enthusiasts and fast-paced excitement for turbo lovers.
The festival includes classic Texas Hold’em tournaments, as well as plenty of action for Pot Limit Omaha lovers. For those seeking faster-paced games, look out for Short Deck events. Mixed game enthusiasts can also expect formats like Chinese Poker and possibly Badugi or 2-7 Single Draw to be part of the side event lineup.
Click here for the full schedule of ZSOP The Horse Awakens 2026
Satellites & Qualification
Qualifying for major tournaments has never been easier, with a robust schedule of satellites designed to give players a shot at glory for a fraction of the price. Players can qualify for the Main Event and High Rollers through live satellites held at the CTP Asia Poker Arena. These satellites typically run daily leading up to the major events, offering a cost-effective route to compete for huge prize pools. Keep an eye on the official ZSOP social media channels for announcements regarding online satellite partners.
Poker & Travel Guide
Taiwan is one of Asia‘s premier poker destinations, known for its safety, incredible food scene, and welcoming player community. Taipei offers a vibrant mix of modern skyscrapers like Taipei 101 and traditional temples, making it a perfect spot for a poker vacation that combines high-stakes action with rich cultural experiences.
Official Poker Guide (Rules & Structures)
Understanding the local rules is key to a smooth tournament experience, and the ZSOP adheres to the highest global standards to ensure fair play. The ZSOP operates under international TDA rules tailored to the local regulations.
- Currency: All buy-ins and payouts are in New Taiwan Dollars (TWD).
- Structure: Most events feature a Big Blind Ante structure to speed up play.
- Taxes: Prize pools are subject to local withholding tax regulations (usually around 20% for international players, but check the official player guide for the latest rates).
Registration & Buy-in Information
Getting into the action is straightforward, but it helps to be prepared with the right identification and payment methods before you arrive at the venue. Here is everything you need to know about the registration process.
- Registration: The registration desk is located inside the CTP Asia Poker Arena main hall. You must bring your passport to register for a CTP membership card if it’s your first time.
- Payment Methods: Cash (TWD) is the primary method. Credit cards may be accepted with a surcharge. There are ATMs nearby, but bringing cash or exchanging currency at the airport/bank is recommended for better rates.
Destination Guide & Must See
Taipei is a city that never sleeps, offering endless entertainment options for players looking to unwind after a long day at the tables. The CTP Asia Poker Arena is centrally located, making it easy to explore the city between tournaments.
- Raohe Street Night Market: Just a short taxi ride away, this is a must-visit for local street food like pepper buns and stinky tofu.
- Taipei 101: Visit the observatory for a breathtaking view of the city.
- Elephant Mountain: A short hike offering the best photo opportunities of the Taipei skyline.
- Accomodation: There are numerous hotels within walking distance of the venue, ranging from budget hostels to luxury 5-star hotels.
Travel Essentials
Planning your trip to Taipei is easy thanks to the city’s world-class infrastructure and convenient transport links. Whether you are arriving by air or navigating the city by metro, getting to the poker tables is hassle-free.
- Airport Transfer: The main gateway is Taoyuan International Airport (TPE).
- Taxi: Takes about 45-60 minutes to the venue/city center. Cost is approx. 1,200 – 1,500 TWD (~$40-$50 USD).
- MRT (Subway): The Airport MRT Express takes you to Taipei Main Station in 35 minutes (160 TWD). From there, you can take a short taxi or local MRT to the venue.
- Getting Around: Uber is widely available, safe, and convenient. The Taipei MRT is world-class: clean, cheap, and easy to navigate with English signs.
- Safety: Taipei is extremely safe, even at night. Standard precautions against pickpocketing in crowded markets apply.
- Money: The currency is the New Taiwan Dollar (TWD). 1 USD is approximately 32 TWD. Exchange money at the airport upon arrival for convenience, or at local banks.
Past Results & Champions
The ZSOP brand has quickly established itself as a major powerhouse in the Asian poker scene, delivering record-breaking numbers and massive prize pools. The previous edition, ZSOP The Final Snake 2025 , was a testament to this growth, attracting players from across the region including large contingents from Korea, Thailand, the Philippines, and Vietnam.
Building on a launch series that awarded over NT$ 80 Million (~US$ 2.45 Million) in total prizes, the festival featured 63 trophy events. The Main Event has historically drawn massive fields, with previous editions seeing over 1,497 runners smashing guarantees to create prize pools exceeding NT$ 29 Million. High Roller events also saw intense action, with top pros battling for six-figure USD paydays. The series has become known for its diverse schedule, “Zodiac” themed trophies, and a player-friendly atmosphere that continues to set attendance records at the CTP Asia Poker Arena.
| Event | Buy-In | Winner | Country | 1st Prize | Entries | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25,000 TWD (22,500 + 2,500) | ![Taiwan [TWN]](/assets/images/flags/4x3/tw.svg "Taiwan [TWN]"){kind=small} TWN | $149,920 4,510,600 TWD | 1506 ITM: 150 | Finished | ||
| 15,000 TWD (13,500 + 1,500) | TWN | $31,300 941,700 TWD | 853 ITM: 130 | Finished | ||
| 10,000 TWD (8,800 + 1,200) | TWN | $23,770 715,200 TWD | 477 ITM: 46 | Finished | ||
| 120,000 TWD (111,000 + 9,000) | ![Germany [DEU]](/assets/images/flags/4x3/de.svg "Germany [DEU]"){kind=small} DEU | $57,290 1,723,700 TWD | 44 ITM: 7 | Finished | ||
Past Champions
Winning a ZSOP trophy is a mark of distinction in the Asian poker community, symbolizing mastery over the cards and the zodiac signs. Below are the champions who rose to the occasion and claimed the prestigious zodiac trophies in the previous series, etching their names into the festival’s history.
Taiwan
Taiwan
GermanyThe Venue: CTP Asia Poker Arena
The CTP Asia Poker Arena is the heart of poker in Taiwan and stands as the largest specialized poker venue in Asia. Featuring dozens of tournament tables, a dedicated final table stage with RFID streaming capabilities, and professional dealers, the venue provides a world-class playing environment. The facility is spacious, modern, and located in the Songshan District, surrounded by restaurants and entertainment options.
![Taiwan [TWN]](/assets/images/flags/1x1/tw.svg "Taiwan [TWN]"){kind=small}
CTP Asia Poker Arena (APA) is the crown jewel of Taiwan’s booming poker scene and stands as the largest dedicated tournament venue in Asia. Located in the heart of Taipei, this 540-square-meter facility was established by the Chinese Texas Hold’em Poker Association (CTP) to provide a world-class environment for “mind sports.” With its sleek, modern design and state-of-the-art livestreaming capabilities, the Arena serves as the primary home for international giants like the World Poker Tour (WPT) and Asian Poker Tour (APT) when they visit the island.
Why CTP Asia Poker Arena?
- Massive Capacity: A sprawling venue that can accommodate up to 65 tables, ensuring space for massive player fields during international series.
- Livestream Ready: Features a professional 9-player feature table equipped with the latest RFID technology and a dedicated commentary room.
- Automated Experience: Membership and registration are fully integrated through the CTP app, streamlining seat assignments and chip distribution.
GAMES
Tournaments Only
LOCATION
Zhongshan, Taipei
MEMBERSHIP
CTP App Required
The Tournament Experience
The Arena is strictly a tournament destination, as cash games are not permitted under Taiwan’s current legal framework. Action runs daily, typically starting at 11:00 AM and continuing until the final table of the night concludes. Buy-ins for daily events usually range from TWD 1,000 to TWD 4,000 (~$30–$125), making it accessible for local enthusiasts.
For the more serious grinders, the venue hosts major regional series like the Taiwan Millions Tournament (TMT) , Zodiac Series of Poker (ZSOP) , Players Series (PS) , Asia Poker Championship (APC) , and Ola Poker Tour . During these festivals, buy-ins scale significantly, with Main Events around TWD 9,000–45,000 (~$285–$1,425) and High Roller events reaching upwards of TWD 100,000. The facility even includes a dedicated section for Match Poker, a team-based variation that has gained significant traction in Taiwan.
Venue Logistics
📍 Location: B1, No. 80, Section 1, Jianguo North Road, Zhongshan District, Taipei City. It is easily accessible via the Taipei Metro (MRT).
🍴 Amenities: The venue features an on-site restaurant, Mr. Chee, and a lounge area. Its central location means hundreds of local food vendors and convenience stores are within walking distance.
🎒 Travel Tip: Most players stay in the Zhongshan or Songshan districts. A 5–10 minute taxi or Uber ride is the most convenient way to reach the Arena from most major hotels.
