Nevan Chang Wins Record-Breaking APT Jeju Superstar Challenge for Career-Best KRW 451.7M

Nevan Chang has done it again, claiming his 10th APT title with the Black Stealth Lion trophy. A new record has been set at APT Jeju 2026 , and it was Chang who walked away with the biggest prize.

The Taiwanese poker professional defeated Rudy Edenata heads-up in the APT Jeju 2026 Superstar Challenge to claim the KRW 451,777,500 (~USD 337,150) first-place prize, the largest cash of his career.

Nevan Chang Wins APT Jeju Superstar Challenge

The victory came in the biggest Superstar Challenge field since the tournament moved to its current buy-in structure in 2024, with 51 entries creating a massive KRW 1,785,127,500 (~USD 1.33 million) prize pool.

Chang also secured his 10th career APT title and the exclusive Black Stealth Lion trophy, adding another major achievement to what has already been his strongest year on the live tournament circuit.

The result pushes Chang’s 2026 live tournament earnings beyond USD 1.4 million, moving him into the top three on Taiwan’s all-time live tournament money list.

Along with the title and trophy, Chang also earned a USD 10,000 seat to the APT Championship 2026 Main Event in November.

“I can finally put this trophy in my home, because I already have a few Lion Trophies in this style, so I can place this black, premier one right in the middle,” Chang said after the win.

#35 Superstar Challenge - 1 Re-Entry (37,000,000 KRW)

Total Prize USD

$1,322,185

Total Prize

1.8B KRW

Entries

51

ITM

11

#	Payout	Player	SPI
1	₩451,777,500 $337,150	NC Nevan Chang Taiwan	2,113.61
2	₩341,060,000 $254,520	RE Rudy Edenata Indonesia	1,494.55
3	₩243,610,000 $181,800	NQ Nang Quang Nguyen Viet Nam	1,220.30
4	₩187,800,000 $140,150	RH Robertus Hollink Netherlands	1,056.81
5	₩132,880,000 $99,165	RM Renji Mao China	945.24
6	₩99,220,000 $74,045	JP Johan Pedersen Denmark	862.88
7	₩77,960,000 $58,180	YS Yoko Sasaki Japan	798.87
8	₩67,330,000 $50,245	CW Chih Wei Fan Taiwan	747.28
9	₩60,240,000 $44,955	FG Fabian Gumz Germany	704.54

Check the 12 Payouts & Results ...

Chang Takes Control on Final Day

The APT Jeju 2026 Superstar Challenge attracted some of the biggest names at APT Jeju 2026, with 16 players returning for the Final Day and 11 spots paid.

Chang entered the final table fifth in chips with 28 big blinds, while Robertus Hollink held the lead with 69 big blinds.

However, the Taiwanese pro quickly changed the dynamic.

Chang went on an aggressive run, eliminating five of his eight final-table opponents, including Hollink in fourth place, to build a commanding stack heading into the final stages.

After sending Hollink to the rail, Chang found himself in a strong position.

“After I eliminated the fourth-place player (Robertus Hollink), my chip stack jumped up. At that point, I felt my chances of winning were as high as 80 or 90 percent,” Chang said.

Three Hands to Victory

Chang entered heads-up play against Edenata holding nearly a 2:1 chip advantage, and he wasted little time finishing the job.

The match lasted only three hands.

On the final hand, Chang flopped a flush, raised Edenata’s bet and called the all-in shove on the turn to secure the title. “In the final heads-up match, I didn’t expect it to end in just three hands. Everything went very smoothly,” Chang said.

The victory was especially meaningful for Chang, who had previously fallen short in several attempts at the prestigious event.

“I’ve played this USD 25,000 APT event quite a few times before and never made the money. This was the first time, and I went all the way to take the championship.”

“Having accumulated a lot of experience from playing against many players before made me better and better. I’m really happy to win this competition today.”

APT Championship 2026 Main Event Seat Secured

With the win, Chang now has another major event on his schedule – the APT Championship Main Event in November.

The Taiwanese pro confirmed he plans to play the full festival after earning his seat.

“I will definitely play the entire schedule.”

Chang also revealed he is chasing another Lion trophy after winning last year’s championship event. “I heard this year’s Lion Trophy has been redesigned and looks different, so I’ll find a way to fight for another lion.”

All images & quotes courtesy of the Asian Poker Tour.

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