Action Heating Up At TMT Championship With WPF Asian Nation Cup & Main Event

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Kai Cocklin
Kai Cocklin is a poker journalist and live reporting manager who has worked with PokerNews at major festivals including the World Series of Poker and the European Poker Tour. He has managed multiple live reporting teams at the World Series of Poker and trained individual reporters to develop their skills. He now oversees Somuchpoker’s editorial and live coverage, ensuring consistent quality and engaging content across the Asian poker scene.

The 2025 Taiwan Millions Tournament Championship (TMTC) has already delivered a thrilling first week of poker action in Taipei, and the best is still to come.

From its explosive opening on October 17, TMTC 2025 has brought together players from across Asia for 11 days of high-stakes battles, national pride, and unforgettable moments inside the Asia Poker Arena, with a schedule to fit all kinds of bankrolls.

Joshua Figuerres TMT Win
Joshua Figuerres TMT Win

The festival launched in style with packed fields across multiple headline events. The NT$1,000,000 GTD Warm-Up drew 445 entries, with Hong Kong’s Wai Ho Leung claiming the first TMTC 2025 title. This event was particularly significant as it set the tone for the rest of the festival, drawing attention and participation from both local and international players.

The Taipei Open followed closely, attracting 317 entries across three flights before 33 advanced to Day 2, illustrating the immense interest in poker in the region. Over in the Mini High Roller, Joshua Figuerres emerged victorious from a talented 54-player field. Local player Yunhsi Hsieh showcased her skills by winning the Ladies Warm-Up, further highlighting the growing recognition and success of female players in the poker community.

Momentum continued through the weekend with the NT$3,700,000 Kick-Off Event, where Chang Ju Wu lifted the first major TMTC trophy. This event not only marked a significant moment in the tournament but also provided a platform for players to shine and gain recognition. The Mystery Bounty then took center stage, drawing 319 entries and creating an electric atmosphere filled with high-stakes drama and surprise rewards. Players were on the edge of their seats, as each bounty held the potential for unexpected winnings, amplifying the competitive spirit that defines TMTC.

Chang Ju Wu TMT Win
Chang Ju Wu TMT Win

The WPF Asian Nation Cup Begins at TMTC

Even heavy rain could not dampen spirits as the Mini Main Event reached 697 total entries, generating a prize pool exceeding NT$7,200,000. The atmosphere was electric with anticipation, as players from various backgrounds and countries faced off. Simultaneously, poker history was made as the inaugural WPF Asian Nation Cup began, sanctioned by the World Poker Federation (WPF) and organized by the Asian Poker Sports Association (APSA). Eight national teams from Taiwan, Japan, Korea, Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Hong Kong competed to showcase poker’s growth as a true mind sport, highlighting the camaraderie and competitive nature of international poker.

2025 WPF Asian Nation Cup
2025 WPF Asian Nation Cup

After three rounds of play, Chinese Taipei leads the standings with 110 points, followed closely by Thailand (106), Philippines (88), and South Korea (76), all securing spots in the Final Four on October 23. This competitive environment not only encourages skill but also fosters a sense of national pride as players represent their countries. The strategic gameplay and teamwork displayed among the national teams highlight the depth of talent present in the Asian poker scene.

In the individual categories, Jason Cheng tops the male leaderboard, while Mami Taira, Lancy Chan, and Jice Tan share the women’s top honors in a rare triple tie. The final results won’t be known until later on tonight, adding to the suspense and excitement of the tournament. With a fantastic turnout and a lot of hype around the event, it’s no doubt that it has been a huge success, fostering a sense of community and competition among players from diverse backgrounds.

The Excitement of the TMT Main Event

Now, all eyes turn to the NT$30,000,000 GTD Main Event, which officially kicked off today, October 23, with Day 1a. Featuring a NT$35,000 buy-in, players will have multiple chances to qualify, with Day 1b and 1c running over the next two days, followed by a turbo Day 1d on October 25.

Survivors will return for Day 2 on October 26 to play down to the final table, which will take place on October 27, where one player will walk away as the TMTC 2025 Main Event champion. This Main Event represents the pinnacle of the festival, drawing elite competitors and ensuring an exhilarating progression to the final showdown.

With national pride, massive guarantees, and record attendance fueling the atmosphere, TMTC 2025 has already proven itself as one of Asia’s most exciting poker festivals. Be sure to stay tuned to Somuchpoker for all of the latest updates from the tournament floor inside the Asia Poker Arena.