Player Guide To APPT Cambodia Events, Who’s Going, And Essential Traveler Tips

The Asia-Pacific Poker Tour’s first event of the season is fast approaching! From May 2 to 13, 2025, APPT Cambodia takes over the world class NagaWorld Integrated Resorts in capital city Phnom Penh with 68 tournaments in tow and over $1.5 million in guaranteed prize pools.

Whether you’re just about to plan your trip or only now hearing of this buzz, check out our in-depth feature: “All The Reasons To Be At APPT Cambodia” where we break down everything you need to know, including incentives, room packages, and why this stop is one of the best value poker festivals in the region.

EVENT SCHEDULE

For our latest update, we’ve broken down the recently released Player Guide along with a glimpse on who to expect at the tables.

APPT Cambodia 2025

In partnership with NagaWorld Integrated Resorts and Connaissance Management Group, players can expect a full range of tournament options at APPT Cambodia 2025,  from deep-stacked marathons with juicy guarantees to fast-paced hyper turbos, and everything in between. Whether you’re in it for a multi-day grind or just have time for a one-day showdown, the schedule has something for every style, preference, and bankroll.

Events With Guarantees

High Roller Events (Buy-ins from US$ 1,500 to US$ 10,000)

PLO Schedule

Deep Stacked Events (Buy-ins from US$ 300- US$ 500)

Deep stacked events consistently attract large crowds as it offers players plenty of time to feel out the table and pick their spots. It’s best to get to the table early as muscling with a big stack can also bring an early boost.

Fun Games (Buy-ins from US$ 250-US$ 600)

Alongside the traditional No Limit Texas Hold’em events are a variety of fun poker games where players can snag one of the iconic PokerStars spadies on display. These events tend to run in the late afternoons and evenings, and are usually single day events. Buy ins range from US$ 250 to US$ 600.

• 6 Handed – Tables are short handed with only six players. This brings plenty of fast action and lots of playing time.
• Split Hold’em – Two chances to win the full pot with two separate boards dealt
• Teams Event – Two players per team
• Bubble Rush – Fast paced game running 15 minute blinds until the bubble bursts then it slows to 20 minute blinds
• Win The Button – Every time you win a hand, you earn the button on the next hand
• Showtime Hold’em – Every folded hand is exposed from the start of the game so make sure to keep your memory sharp
• Run It Twice – All-in players have the option of running the board twice. Winner of the first board wins half the pot and winner of the second board wins the other half
• 6+ Hold’em Short Deck – The deck only has 36 cards with all 2-5 numbered cards removed. Pots tend to balloon with five card spreads quite common making for exciting showdowns

Knockout Bounty Events (Buy-ins from US$ 300 to US$ 2,500)

Bounty hunter events have always been a crowd favorite with players instantly rewarded a cash prize for every player they knock out. While many variations have come about, the traditional knock out format remains one of the most attended. Expect aggressive plays from the get-go as players try to collect as many bounties as possible.

Notables Headed To APPT Cambodia

Through the years, the APPT has attracted a strong following  of international pros and recreational players to the Cambodia stop. Previous editions have seen large turnouts from countries like Russia, Vietnam, Philippines, China, and France. There is also a big community of European players living in Asia, particularly in Thailand and Cambodia, which has contributed to the festival’s numbers. With the event just around the corner, here’s a glimpse of decorated players that have confirmed.

Back in 2007, when the APPT had just been created, France’s Ira Blumenthal (lower left) nearly secured the Main Event title, finishing runner-up for six figures. One of Vietnam’s hottest running players, Trong Hieu Ngo (upper center), will certainly not miss a chance at adding another PokerStars shard trophy to his collection. Trong became the first ever APPT Manila Championship winner last year which he followed up the following month with a 3rd place finish at the APPT Cambodia Main Event.

Another decorated APPT champion confirmed to attend is Filipino Florencio Campomanes (upper right) who has a collection of  major PokerStars titles under his belt. In 2018, Campomanes won both the APPT Manila Main Event and Red Dragon Main Event, then in 2024 he added the APPT Manila Open title.

Russia’s Artem Vezhenkov (lower right) will also make an appearance having had incredible success in Cambodia. Last year, Vezhenkov won the APPT Cambodia Super High Roller and in February 2025 he clinched the WPT Cambodia Championship.

Added to these list of winners are Thailand’s Kiwanont Sukhum (upper right) who recently won the Manila Megastack 22 Main Event and Amit Kaushik (lower center), one of India’s most successful live tournament players for the past two years.

NagaWorld Hotel Packages

There are an abundance of packages made available for everyone. Whether you are staying for a brief period or the entire stretch, NagaWorld has that covered. High Rollers and Cash Game players also have exclusive offers tailored to one’s needs. Just follow the links provided below.

EXCLUSIVE APPT HOTEL RATES
HIGH ROLLER PACKAGES
MARATHON PACKAGES
STAY FOR FREE

No Tax At APPT Cambodia

Perhaps one of the other major selling points from poker enthusiasts of the region is the  “NO TAX” to be paid. This means players receive 100 percent of their winnings.

PokerStars Silver Power Pass

In June 2023, PokerStars released the PokerStars Power Path program wherein online players are able to qualify for live and online events. It remains as one of the brand’s most popular incentives. Good news to players that have acquired the PokerStars Power Path Silver Pass – valued at $2,500 – this can be redeemed at the APPT Cambodia Main Event. This includes a seat worth US$ 1,750 and US$ 750 credit for expenses.

Aside from the pass, players can use their PokerStars account to buy into the tournaments.

PokerStars LIVE APP

Players can now easily access all PokerStars LIVE events worldwide through the PokerStars LIVE App. The app provides comprehensive event details, including schedules, structures, and key updates for tournaments across the globe.

For those attending APPT Cambodia, the app will serve as a real-time hub for fresh news, schedule, tournament results, and live updates throughout the series, ensuring players stay informed every step of the way.

Traveler Tips

While most countries in Southeast Asia can be easy to get in and out of, Cambodia requires a tourist visa for many countries including most of Europe, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and the United States.

Visa on arrival is possible and takes a while but it can also be obtained online prior to the trip at an expense of $36. Make sure to print two copies, one for arrival and one for departure, to avoid any surprises at the airport. Furthermore, foreign visitors also need to submit the Cambodia e-Arrival card within seven days before getting off the plane: https://www.arrival.gov.kh.

Currency

Money wise, you don’t really need to exchange your own local currency for Cambodian Riel because the US Dollar is commonly accepted. Small change is usually given back in Riel, but everything else beyond that in US Dollars. Many of the stores also accept international credit cards.

Getting Around

The best way to get to the venue from the Phnom Penh International Airport is via Grab, however, as of last year, the pick up point has been moved outside of the airport grounds, which is about a minute walk. Getting around the city, the best way is via Tuk Tuk or Grab.

SIM Cards

In case you want to be online while exploring the country, local SIM cards with data are very affordable and reliable. Make sure to purchase it at the airport as they are difficult to find in the city.

Links:

APPT Cambodia Returns This May
All The Reasons To Be At APPT Cambodia
NagaWorlld Poker Promotions