Cards in the Air at WPT Prime Thailand Exhibition

A long-awaited moment in tournament poker history has finally arrived, with the first official hands dealt on Thai soil. Following a brief delay that pushed back the original schedule by one day, the doors to the inaugural WPT Prime Thailand Exhibition officially opened on July 31st at UOB LIVE, Emsphere Mall, in the heart of Bangkok.

The series runs through August 5, headlined by the WPT Prime Thailand Exhibition Championship, which boasts a staggering THB 37 million (~USD 1.1 million) travel fund guarantee. While a few hiccups disrupted the early schedule, organizers have confirmed that the Championship dates, slated for Aug 1–5, remain unaffected.

Despite the initial setbacks, the action got underway late in the evening, with The Opener converted into a freeroll freezeout event. With a surprise THB 3,000,000 (~USD 91,715) travel fund on the line, the two-day opener drew an impressive 677 entries, a remarkable turnout that underscored the high anticipation surrounding Thailand’s WPT debut. The tournament area, which boasts a 70-table capacity, was quickly filled to the brim, confirming the immense demand and growing appetite for live poker in Thailand.

Alongside The Opener, a freeroll satellite exclusive to Thai nationals also played down, offering a unique path into the Championship event. Only fifteen seats were awarded in this initial domestic qualifier, with two more scheduled in the coming days, providing a rare and historic opportunity for local players to earn their place at the country’s first poker event.

Opening Ceremony: A Historic Moment for Thailand

The ceremonial opening of the festival was marked by appearances from key figures in Thailand’s tourism and sports sectors, highlighting the broader significance of this event beyond just the felt. Taking the stage were Vice Minister of the Ministry of Tourism and Sports of Thailand, Jakkaphon Tangsutthitham, Secretary to the Minister of Tourism and Sports, Krisda Tanterdtit, Commander of Tourists Police, Lieutenant General Saksira Pueak-am, WPT General Manager of the Asia-Pacific region, Michael Chan, and Event Management Director, Christine Sou.

“It is my great honor to represent the WPT Group at this historic moment: the opening of Thailand’s very first WPT Exhibition Event.”

“This event marks a meaningful step in combining poker and tourism, introducing a new concept where international visitors can enjoy world-class competition while experiencing the rich culture and warm hospitality of Thailand.“, said Michael Chan in his opening remarks.

“As many of you know, poker in Thailand has recently gained greater recognition as a sport and skill-based activity, opening the door for events like this — made possible through the strong support of the government and tourism agencies.”

“We sincerely thank the Thai government and all supporting organizations for their efforts in making this possible. This event is not only a celebration of poker, but also a demonstration of Thailand’s commitment to innovation in sports and tourism development.“

“We’d also like to extend our heartfelt thanks to all the competitors joining us today. Your skill, passion, and dedication are what truly bring this event to life, and we’re honored to share this historic moment with you.”

As the WPT adds another nation to its global footprint, the atmosphere inside UOB LIVE was more than alive, with hundreds of international players clearly hungry for action. For players, fans, and industry insiders, the WPT Prime Thailand Exhibition represents far more than just a tournament, but also the foundation of a new era in one of Southeast Asia’s most vibrant and welcoming destinations.

WPT Championship Around the Corner

With the opening day wrapped and history already made, the spotlight now turns to what everyone’s been waiting for, the WPT Prime Thailand Exhibition Championship, set to kick off later tonight at 6:00 PM.

Though the full day-by-day schedule is still being finalized behind the scenes, organizers have confirmed there will be four starting flights, leading up to the grand finale on August 5th.

On the felt, it’ll be a mix of both international players who booked their seat through the THB 37,000 (~USD 1,100) travel package, and 45 Thai nationals who earned their spot through freeroll qualifiers, all chasing a slice of the THB 37 million (~USD 1.1 million) total guaranteed travel fund, and the honor of becoming the very first WPT champion crowned in Thailand . For many, this isn’t just another stop on the tour, but a meaningful step toward growing the game and building a stronger poker community.

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*All photos courtesy of WPT Prime Thailand Exhibition