Jeju Poker Festival Returns This November Featuring ₩2.88 Billion Across Three Main Events

The picturesque island of Jeju has quickly gone from a quiet luxury destination to one of Asia’s fastest growing poker hubs. In just a few years, the island has proven time and time again that it can host events that rival some of the region’s biggest stages, blending a world-class resort with international fields, and the unmistakable buzz of a true festival atmosphere.

Jeju Poker Festival Returns

From November 1 to 12, the Jeju Poker Festival returns to Landing Casino at Jeju Shinhwa World, South Korea, delivering twelve straight days of action with an expanded lineup of 90 trophy events. The series represents a three brand tie up organized by Red Dragon Poker Tour and co-hosted by K Poker Cup and World Poker Tour , united to deliver one of the most anticipated poker celebrations of the year.

Building on Last Year’s Success

Last season proved that Jeju could deliver on every front, showcasing strength in numbers, international prestige, backed by a growing sense of community. This November, all signs point to an even stronger showing, with larger fields, bigger prize pools, and wider recognition set to define the series. Now entering its second chapter, the Jeju Poker Festival promises to be more ambitious than ever while delivering an experience just as unforgettable.

With over seventeen days of play across its debut, the series crowned 65 champions, drew 5,471 total entries, and paid out a staggering KRW 15.1 billion (~USD 10.8 million) in combined prizes. International runners like Chenxiang Miao, Joris Michl, and Jianting Cai walked away with major titles, rewriting career-best scores with life-changing victories. As a whole, Chinese players dominated the scene, hoisting over half the trophies awarded, marking a clear demand from the largest player market in the region. 

Beyond the impressive numbers, last year’s games proved to be a fun-filled affair with a wide variety of events on the menu. Though this year’s edition is shorter in duration, the expanded daily schedule ensures that every day is packed with great value events, and something for every player coming in.

Three Tours United

The annual Jeju Poker Festival thrives thanks to the partnership of three powerhouse brands, each adding its own identity to the mix.

World Poker Tour

World Poker Tour brought the international spotlight last season, with its Main Event drawing a 667 entry field and reinforcing its reputation as a globally recognized brand. Known for its perfect mix of prestige and accessibility, WPT Prime’s polished structure attracts ambitious amateurs eager for the experience of a world class stage, while also drawing traveling professionals who know the value of a WPT title on their resumé.

K Poker Cup

The K Poker Cup carried the momentum midway, offering accessible buy-ins that produced a fiercely contested 530 entry Main Event. KPC has been steadily growing its reputation, rewarding grinders who thrive in highly competitive yet approachable environments. 

Red Dragon Poker Tour

Rounding out the trio, the Red Dragon Poker Tour delivered its trademark prestige, with its Championship games attracting a 642 entry field, reaffirming its place as one of Asia’s most sought out events. More than just a competition, the Red Dragon Championship stands as this season’s crown jewel, commanding the highest buy-in amongst the three, along with the largest guarantee. Elite talent is expected to fly in from the region and beyond, each eager to lift the trophy and join its legacy of champions. 

At the heart of the 2025 edition, these three brands return to power the festival’s flagship Main Events, collectively guaranteeing a massive KR₩ 2.88 billion (~USD 2.05 million) in prize money. With distinct buy ins and prize pools, they are built to appeal across the player spectrum, from first timers taking their shot at a major title to seasoned pros chasing trophies across the big stage:

• WPT Prime Korea Main Event | Buy in: KRW 1,500,000 (~USD 1,070) | Guarantee: KRW 350,000,000 (~USD 250,000) 
• K Poker Cup Main Event | Buy in: KRW 1,300,000 (~USD 930) | Guarantee: KRW 880,000,000 (~USD 630,000) 
• Red Dragon Championship | Buy in: KRW 2,500,000 (~USD 1,780) | Guarantee: KRW 1,650,000,000 (~USD 1.18 million) 

The momentum from last year’s debut has created a wave of anticipation, and with expanded schedules, stronger partnerships, and a growing international presence, the 2025 edition is poised to raise the bar even higher. With three Main Events anchoring the twelve-day lineup, expectations are high that this year’s festival will not only match the success of 2024, but surpass it.