Poker Powerhouses Unite: WPF, TDA, and APSA Launch Landmark Summit to Elevate Poker in Asia

On July 21st, a monumental step for Asian poker will take place in Taiwan with the rapidly growing destination playing host to The Poker TDA + WPF Continental Summit: Asia Edition at the Asia Poker Arena in Taipei. Spearheaded by the World Poker Federation (WPF) and Tournament Directors Association (TDA) in cooperation with the Asian Poker Sports Association (APSA), this milestone event is the first of its kind in the region. The historic collaboration aims to raise the bar for professionalism, consistency, and unity in tournament operations across Asia, while supporting WPF’s broader goal of establishing poker as a globally recognized mind sport.

Designed for those heavily invested in the live poker scene – tournament directors, organizers, poker operators, and more, the summit represents a unified effort by three of the industry’s most influential organizations to align Asian poker practices with global standards. As the driving force behind the Continental Summit initiative, the WPF together with TDA, leads the charge in bringing structure, fairness, and technical prowess to poker events worldwide. Meanwhile, APSA plays a pivotal role in bridging efforts and ensuring its regional relevance by tailoring the content to meet the needs of Asia’s growing and diverse tournament landscape.

“The TDA Continental Summit – Asia Edition represents an important step in raising tournament standards across the region,” said David Tai, President of APSA. “As president of APSA, I fully support this opportunity for Asian poker leaders to align, learn, and grow together.”

The event will feature a stellar lineup of industry leaders known for their influence on the global stage. Among the panel speakers are TDA founder Matt Savage, TDA board members Neil Johnson and Lloyd Fontillas, and longstanding veterans Ray Chiu, Mylene Advincula, and Nobuyoshi Takizawa. Together, these experts bring decades of experience in tournament governance and aim to equip participants with both technical insights and strategic tools needed to thrive in their respective roles.

The summit’s full-day agenda will cover a wide range of essential topics, including technical discussions on tournament rules, case studies from recent high-profile rulings, an open industry forum, and a seminar dedicated to managing complex in-game decisions. Each session is tailored to offer practical insights that professionals can directly apply to future tournament operations.

“This summit reflects the core purpose of the WPF — to create a unified and professional framework for poker around the world. By joining forces with TDA and APSA, we’re bringing global standards to Asia while listening to regional realities. That’s how we strengthen poker — together.”, said Leonardo Cavarge, CEO of the WPF. 

Taiwan, as the prime venue, was strategically chosen not only for its rapidly growing poker fanfare but also for the strength and enthusiasm of its local community. Hosting the first Asian edition of the Continental Summit in the bustling capital signals the region’s rising importance in the future of global tournament poker and marks the start of an ambitious international campaign. While the WPF has plans to expand the Continental Summit series to the Americas and beyond, its mission to reach every continent by 2027 begins right in the heart of Taipei.

“By bringing the TDA Continental Summit – Asia Edition to Asia, we’re not only introducing best practices, we’re strengthening connections between tournament professionals across cultures. APSA is proud to support this historic first step.”, said Raymond Wong, APSA Secretary General & Membership Development.

Established in 2001, the TDA serves as the premier global authority on poker tournament rules. With a network of over 4,000 members spanning 65 countries, the TDA plays a critical role in promoting consistency, fairness, and professionalism across live poker events worldwide. Its leadership and technical guidance are foundational to the continued evolution of the game, with its standardized rules widely adopted by leading poker tours and venues around the globe.

For tournament professionals across the region, the Poker TDA + WPF Continental Summit: Asia Edition offers a rare and valuable opportunity to learn from the best, build lasting connections, and contribute to the continued growth and credibility of the game. More than just a conference, the Summit marks a clear path forward for Asian poker, a future defined by both professionalism, and progress.

Registration is still open for those interested, with limited seats available priced at US$50 or NT$1,500.

TDA + WPF Continental Summit Venue

The anticipated Summit will take place at the Chinese Texas Hold’em Poker Association (CTP) Asia Poker Arena in Zhongshan District, Central Taipei, Asia’s largest poker room to date. This state-of-the-art 540 sqm venue can accommodate up to 65 tables and is fully equipped to meet international tournament standards. The Asia Poker Arena has hosted numerous world-class events and continues to be the home base for several major tour stops. Located just 40 minutes by taxi from Taiwan’s Taoyuan International Airport, the venue prides itself in offering international guests both accessibility and top-tier facilities.

Address: 10491, Taiwan, Taipei City, Zhongshan District, Section 1, Jianguo N Rd, 80號b1
Phone: +886 2 2577 0051