Shih Chen Tai Triumphs in Record Breaking TMT 18 Main Event

The 18th season of the Taiwan Millions Tournament (TMT) made history once again, drawing a staggering 8,478 entries for its Main Event, making it the largest in series history. After a marathon week of poker at Red Space, Taipei, it was local gunner Shih Chen Tai who emerged victorious, lifting the iconic Incense Cedar TMT Main Event trophy and turning his mere NT$ 9,000 (~US$ 300) buy-in into a colossal NT$ 6,400,000 (~US$ 215,860) payday, along with a coveted seat to the upcoming TMT Championship games.

“I’m very happy, this is my first Main Event win!” Tai said with a smile following his victory. “Finally, finally! I won!”

This year’s Main Event was a true celebration of how far the game has come in Taiwan. With multiple satellites, Day 1 flights, and side events filling the venue throughout the week, anticipation for the final showdown was intense. Only 36 players returned for the Final Day, each hoping to etch their names into TMT’s growing legacy.

TMT 18 Main Event Final Table Recap

The final table was charged with tension from the start, with Jia Lin Luo quickly establishing herself as the dominant force, running table captain and steamrolling the competition down to just four players remaining.

“I wouldn’t say I was lucky,” he said when asked about key moments. “Almost every hand is 50/50. Maybe the 66 vs AT before the final table—that was important. But I just tried to play every hand well.”

Tai, who entered the final table second in chips, behind the aggressive and commanding Luo, held his composure and stayed behind the scenes early in the game. While Luo stormed out of the gates with early pots and eliminations, the tone of the match shifted in a single, defining moment.

The turning point came when Tai made a massive hero call with just middle pair on a triple barrel bluff from Luo. That pot was worth 46 big blinds, and it gave Tai not just chips, but momentum. 

From there, he took command, eliminating Po Chia Liao in 4th place then Bo Sin Wu in 3rd, setting the stage for a heads up duel with Luo with the advantage. Despite a brief discussion to flatten the payout structure, Tai kept his foot on the gas. Tai remained in control from start to finish, crippling early table captain Luo in one decisive hand to eventually seal the win minutes later.

Now, with the TMT Incense Cedar Trophy in hand, Tai is looking forward to a quiet celebration. “I’ll probably just relax, have a great meal with friends, and take it easy.” But one thing’s certain, “I’ll definitely play the next TMT Championship Main Event”, he added.

In a week defined by record numbers and unforgettable moments, it was Tai’s timing and discipline that carried him to victory on Taiwan’s biggest poker stage. Congratulations to all the winners!

#45 Main Event (9,000 NTD)

Shih Chen Tai Triumphs at Record-Breaking TMT 18 Main Event

In the biggest Taiwan Millions Tournament season to date, local gunner Shih Chen Tai etched his name in the record books, conquering a massive 8,478-entry field to win his first ever Main Event title, along with NT$ 6,400,000 and a seat to the upcoming TMT Championship games.

“I’m very happy, this is my first Main Event win!” Tai said with a smile following his victory. “Finally, finally! I won!”

Now, with the TMT Incense Cedar Trophy in hand, Tai is looking forward to a quiet celebration. “I’ll probably just relax, have a great meal with friends, and take it easy.” But one thing’s certain, “I’ll definitely play the next TMT Championship Main Event”, he added.

Read up on the action via the Live Updates.

Total Prize USD

$2,110,880

Total Prize

NTD 62,262,500

Guaranteed

NTD 31,000,000

Entries

8,478

ITM

673

#	Payout	Player
1	NTD 6,400,000 $215,860	SC Shih Chen Tai Taiwan
2	NTD 5,245,000 $176,905	JL Jia Lin Luo Taiwan
3	NTD 3,445,000 $116,740	BS Bo Sin Wu Taiwan
4	NTD 2,575,000 $87,260	PC Po Chia Liao Taiwan
5	NTD 1,950,000 $66,080	JK Josei Kamei United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
6	NTD 1,481,000 $50,185	ES En Shyang Wang Taiwan
7	NTD 1,141,000 $38,665	WC Wei Chen Lin Taiwan
8	NTD 891,000 $30,195	ZJ Zhen Jia Hong Taiwan
9	NTD 698,000 $23,655	JK Jihwan Kim Korea (Republic of)

Check the 673 Payouts & Results ...

TMT 18 Main Event Review

• Date/s: July 20–28, 2025
• Buy-in: NTD 9,000 (~USD 300)
• Guarantee: NTD 31,000,000 (~USD 1,000,000)
• Entries: 8,478
• Prize pool: NTD 62,262,500 (~USD 2,110,880)

By the Numbers

• Online: 537 entries
• Local: 258 entries
• Overseas: 171 entries, 28 ITM / 14 qualified
• Day 1A: 985 entries, 148 ITM / 79 qualified
• Day 1B: 502 entries, 76 ITM / 41 qualified
• Day 1C: 628 entries, 95 ITM / 51 qualified
• Day 1D: 817 entries, 123 ITM / 65 qualified
• Day 1E: 884 entries, 133 ITM / 70 qualified
• Day 1F: 958 entries, 144 ITM / 77 qualified
• Day 1G: 1,507 entries, 227 ITM / 121 qualified
• Day 1H: 1,231 entries, 184 ITM / 98 qualified
• Day 2: 673 players, 36 qualified

TMT Championship Up Next

All eyes now turn to the upcoming TMT Championship, scheduled for October 17–27 at CTP Asia Poker Arena in Taipei. As one of Taiwan’s most prestigious annual poker events, the Championship consistently draws top talent from across the region, and this year, it introduces a striking new symbol of victory.

Making its debut is the Golden Taiwan Incense Cedar Trophy Plate, crafted exclusively for the TMT Championship winner. The design features a pure gold outline of Taiwan, set against a base of native Incense Cedar, a wood deeply rooted in Taiwanese heritage and prized for its rich aroma and natural elegance. The result is a trophy that blends national identity with elite competition, offering a fitting tribute to both the players and the place they compete.

With this one of a kind trophy and prestige on the line, the TMT Championship is set to headline “October Go Taiwan!”, an annual celebration of local poker at its peak. For one player, the moment of victory will represent more than a payday, but a career-defining milestone in front of a homegrown crowd.