Record breaking WPT Prime Taiwan pays out over US$2.3M; Kristof Segers clinches Player of the Festival; highlights inside
The World Poker Tour concluded another record-breaking event in Asia with WPT Prime producing the largest festival prize pool and Main Event numbers ever seen in Taiwan. Running from November 11 to 21 at the Chinese Texas Hold’em Poker Association (CTP Club) in Taipei City, the festival paid out an enormous NT$ 73,290,969 (~$2,352,410) over 22 events. Of that figure was a record Main Event payout of NT$ 25,520,700 (~$825,150).
With border and quarantine requirements lifted, WPT Prime Taiwan was the brand’s first event that welcomed in players from outside of Taiwan. Among the various countries represented were large contingents from Japan, Korea, and Hong Kong.
To officially open the games were ceremonial speeches by WPT CEO, Adam Pliska and Mayor of Taipei City, Ko Wen-Je. The Main Event closed with 877 entries, which was a record for an international event in Taiwan. France’s Marc Inizan claimed it for his first ever live tournament victory. To close out the series, Belgium’s Kristof Segers clinched three titles to be hailed Player of the Festival.
Here are the highlights.
Festival review
Festival prize pool: NT$ 73,290,969 (~$2,352,410)
Entries: 2,969
Record Main Event prize pool: NT$ 25,520,700 (~$825,150)
Record Main Event entries: 877
Main Event champion: MARC INIZAN
Super High Roller winner: HON CHEONG LEE
Multiple wins: KRISTOF SEGERS
Most final tables: KRISTOF SEGERS – 4 final tables
Winners by Flag: Taiwan – 13, Belgium – 3, South Korea – 2 – UK – 1, Japan – 1, Malaysia – 1, Hong Kong – 1, Thailand -1
KRISTOF SEGERS wins three to clinch Player of the Festival
Belgium’s Kristof Segers delivered a standout performance to be crowned Player of the Festival. Segers claimed the fiercely chased WPT Passport worth $5,000 to be used at any WPT Main tour in Season XXI.
Segers kicked off his hot run as the luckiest at the Mystery Bounty. He drew the single largest bounty reward of NT$ 400K and one of the second largest worth NT$ 200K. Added to his 5th place winnings, Segers cashed out more than the 2nd place finisher.
Days after, Segers secured his first win at Event 15: PLO. This tightened the gap between him and then leader Hon Cheong Lee. Two days later, he locked up his second win at the NLH Turbo event to slide into the POF top spot. He became the first player to win multiple titles at the series. On closing day, Segers bagged a third event, one of the fun new additions – 10/10/10/10 Finale, to further ensure ensure his POF victory.
Record breaking Main Event
It was elbow to elbow at the Main Event with the first three starting days filling the room to capacity. Day 1A and Day 1B drew a combined 425 entries, while Day 1C thundered in with 452 entries. To accommodate the overflow and the scheduled side events, Zone B was created (two doors down) where another 10 tables were set up.
This was the largest international Main Event turnout seen in Taiwan of 877 entries and the single largest prize pool produced of NT$ 25,520,700 (~$825,150). France’s Marc Inizan emerged victorious to win the NT$ 4,326,600 (~$138,870) first place cash and a ticket worth $10,400 to the WPT World Championship Main Event.
That wraps up our coverage of WPT Prime Taiwan. Read up on the action and view the results via the links below. Up next for the brand is the Season XX finale WPT World Championship happening at the Wynn Las Vegas this December.
WPT Prime Taiwan Main Event – FULL RESULTS
Up next: WPT World Championship $15M guaranteed
Throughout the year, WPT celebrated its 20th year anniversary all over the world. In Asia, WPT Prime Taiwan was the brand’s last festival in the region for Season XX with definite plans for its return next year. To close out another outstanding year, the brand brings players the highly awaited season finale WPT World Championship $15 Million guaranteed. This is the most ambitious guarantee ever seen in the history of poker. The event takes place from December 1 to 20 at he Wynn Las Vegas. The Main Event runs from December 12 to 18 with buy in of $10,400.
WPT World Championship – FULL SCHEDULE
Links:
WPT Prime Taiwan Main Event – FULL RESULTS
WPT Prime Taiwan Main Event – WINNER STORY
WPT Prime Taiwan – MAIN EVENT Day 1A
WPT Prime Taiwan – MAIN EVENT Day 1B
WPT Prime Taiwan – MAIN EVENT Day 1C
WPT Prime Taiwan – Main Event Day 2
