TMT 20 Shatters Early Guarantees as Star Ambassador Shiina Okamoto Invites Players to the Felt

Updated: 2026.07.08

The highly anticipated 20th edition of the Taiwan Millions Tournament (TMT 20) is officially underway at the CTP Asia Poker Arena in Taipei, Taiwan , and the opening numbers are already proving that the regional poker boom shows no signs of slowing down.

Billed as a 27-day poker marathon running from July 8 to August 3, the milestone festival has started on a high note. The very first Trophy Plate Event on the schedule, the Warm-Up Giantstack, has already blown past its original expectations, shattering and doubling its guaranteed prize pool while entries continue to climb.

TMT 20

With the venue buzzing, the momentum is carrying straight into tonight’s feature event: the Kick-Off Day 1A, which boasts a hefty NTD 10,000,000 (~USD $310,000) guaranteed prize pool.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by TMT台灣百萬大賽 (@taiwanmillionstournament)

Ambassadors Invite Everyone to TMT 20

While TMT is celebrated for its accessible buy-ins and friendly, grassroots atmosphere, this year’s milestone event is drawing some serious star power.

Among those welcoming players to the felt is newly appointed TMT Ambassador Shiina Okamoto . The Japanese pro has become a dominant force in the global poker scene, famously putting together an incredible run at the World Series of Poker (WSOP) Ladies Championship in Las Vegas, finishing as the runner-up in 2023 before capturing historic back-to-back bracelets in 2024 and 2025.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by TMT台灣百萬大賽 (@taiwanmillionstournament)

After a tough, early exit at the 2026 WSOP Ladies Championship last month, Okamoto didn’t waste any time getting back to the felt. She has hopped straight on a plane to Taipei to join the TMT 20 festivities. Known for being incredibly down-to-earth and approachable despite her massive international success, Okamoto has been busy greeting local players and inviting everyone to join in on the action.

Shiina Okamoto’s Historic Three-Peat Bid Falls Short in 2026 WSOP Ladies Championship

Live Poker

Recap

WSOP

Shiina Okamoto’s Historic Three-Peat Bid Falls Short in 2026 WSOP Ladies Championship

Two-time defending champion Shiina Okamoto saw her historic 3-peat bid come to an end during Day 1 of the 2026 WSOP Ladies Championship.

06/26/2026

Joining her in welcoming the crowd is fellow poker personality Kurusu Usako, who is also on-site to support the festival, mingle with fans, and ensure that the signature friendly, community-first vibe of the CTP Arena remains front and center.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by TMT台灣百萬大賽 (@taiwanmillionstournament)

Goatergoat Drops TMT 20 Anthem

Adding some local flavor to the festival, popular Taiwanese melodic rapper and award nominee Mo Zai Yang, known online as goatergoat, has created a dedicated theme song for TMT 20.

The new track is already making the rounds on social media, serving as the perfect energetic backdrop for the 27-day tournament stretch. It features an incredibly entertaining video where CTP Founder Hsing Hsiung ‘David’ Tai joins in on the fun, bridging the worlds of Taiwanese hip-hop and poker culture.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by 莫宰羊 (@goatergoat)

What’s Next on the Schedule?

TMT 20

With the Warm-Up Giantstack setting a massive benchmark, all eyes are on the Kick-Off flights running over the next few days. It serves as the perfect appetizer for the dual headline events anchoring the month-long festival:

TMT 20 Main Event: A massive value tournament featuring a modest USD 300 buy-in paired with a staggering USD 2,000,000 guarantee, running from July 19 to 27.
Crown Main Event: A brand-new addition for the grand finale, offering a deeper structure with a USD 600 buy-in and a USD 1,000,000 guarantee, running from July 26 to August 3.

Whether you are a seasoned grinder looking to build a bankroll or a recreational player looking to take a shot at a massive prize pool in a relaxed environment, the doors at the CTP Asia Poker Arena are wide open.

For more information, check out the official TMT and CTP social media channels.

All photos courtesy of TMT.

Hsing Hsiung Tai#1632

About the Editor

Derick ElominaAuthor

Derick Elomina discovered poker at 14, playing home games with his high school friends. What began as a pastime quickly grew into a passion that shaped his career. By 21, he entered the poker industry as a field reporter — just old enough to step foot inside the casino. Starting as a hand reporter, he steadily honed his craft, blending sharp observation with growing writing skills. Known for his dedication, he constantly roams the floor to capture the action, conduct interviews, and deliver live updates. With a strong commitment to the game and a passion for telling poker’s stories, Derick continues to build his path in the industry.