SOMUCHPOKER

Discover CTP Asia Poker Arena: Taiwan's Premier Poker Hub

Derick Elomina
Derick ElominaLead Content Writer & Interview Specialist
Reviewed by Kai Cocklin

CTP Asia Poker Arena (APA) is the crown jewel of Taiwan's booming poker scene and stands as the largest dedicated tournament venue in Asia. Located in the heart of Taipei, this 540-square-meter facility was established by the Chinese Texas Hold'em Poker Association (CTP) to provide a world-class environment for "mind sports." With its sleek, modern design and state-of-the-art livestreaming capabilities, the Arena serves as the primary home for international giants like the World Poker Tour (WPT) and Asian Poker Tour (APT) when they visit the island.


Why CTP Asia Poker Arena?

  • Massive Capacity: A sprawling venue that can accommodate up to 65 tables, ensuring space for massive player fields during international series.

  • Livestream Ready: Features a professional 9-player feature table equipped with the latest RFID technology and a dedicated commentary room.

  • Automated Experience: Membership and registration are fully integrated through the CTP app, streamlining seat assignments and chip distribution.


GAMES
Tournaments Only

LOCATION
Zhongshan, Taipei

MEMBERSHIP
CTP App Required

The Tournament Experience

The Arena is strictly a tournament destination, as cash games are not permitted under Taiwan's current legal framework. Action runs daily, typically starting at 11:00 AM and continuing until the final table of the night concludes. Buy-ins for daily events usually range from TWD 1,000 to TWD 4,000 (~$30–$125), making it accessible for local enthusiasts.

For the more serious grinders, the venue hosts major regional series like the Taiwan Millions Tournament (TMT), Zodiac Series of Poker (ZSOP), Players Series (PS), Asia Poker Championship (APC), and Ola Poker Tour . During these festivals, buy-ins scale significantly, with Main Events around TWD 9,000–45,000 (~$285–$1,425) and High Roller events reaching upwards of TWD 100,000. The facility even includes a dedicated section for Match Poker, a team-based variation that has gained significant traction in Taiwan.


Venue Logistics

📍 Location: B1, No. 80, Section 1, Jianguo North Road, Zhongshan District, Taipei City. It is easily accessible via the Taipei Metro (MRT).

🍴 Amenities: The venue features an on-site restaurant, Mr. Chee, and a lounge area. Its central location means hundreds of local food vendors and convenience stores are within walking distance.

🎒 Travel Tip: Most players stay in the Zhongshan or Songshan districts. A 5–10 minute taxi or Uber ride is the most convenient way to reach the Arena from most major hotels.


🃏 Official CTP Asia Poker Arena Updates

Stay informed about daily schedules, TMT dates, and major international tour announcements.

Festivals at CTP Asia Poker Arena

CTP Asia Poker Arena related news

“PUSO!” Lester Edoc Tops Record 1,418-Entry Field at TMT Championship 2026 Main Event
“PUSO!” Lester Edoc Tops Record 1,418-Entry Field at TMT Championship 2026 Main Event

Lester Edoc wins the record-breaking TMT Championship 2026 Main Event, topping 1,418 entries for NTD 4,757,400 after a three-way ICM deal.

Malaysia Flies the Flag at WPF Asian Nation Cup 2026
Malaysia Flies the Flag at WPF Asian Nation Cup 2026

The WPF Asian Nation Cup 2026 brought nine national teams together in Taipei for three days of poker competition, with Malaysia ultimately taking the title and eight TMT Championship Main Event seats. Taiwan finished runner-up on home soil, the Philippines claimed third after a close tiebreaker, and Lu Qi En and Hazel Tan led the individual categories.

Taik Ki Yeo Wins TMT Championship Target Stack for TWD 683,000
Taik Ki Yeo Wins TMT Championship Target Stack for TWD 683,000

TMT Championship 2026 Day 4 recap: Taik Ki Yeo wins the Target Stack for TWD 683,000, Wei Huang takes the Head Hunter, and the Mini Main gets under way.

Philippines’ Martin Barril Wins Taipei Open for NTD 245,400 as TMT Championship 2026 Kick Off Draws 501 Entries
Philippines’ Martin Barril Wins Taipei Open for NTD 245,400 as TMT Championship 2026 Kick Off Draws 501 Entries

The Taiwan Millions Tournament Championship 2026 (TMTC 2026) continued in Taipei on Day 2, with the Philippines’ Martin Barril winning the Taipei Open for NTD 245,400 (~USD 7,670). The TMTC Kick-Off drew 501 entries across three flights, with 77 players advancing to Day 2.

GOP Taipei - The Trial of Wisdom Kicks Off Today at CTP Asia Poker Arena!
GOP Taipei - The Trial of Wisdom Kicks Off Today at CTP Asia Poker Arena!

GOP Taipei kicks off at 12:30 PM local time at the CTP Asia Poker Arena. Somuchpoker is on the ground providing exclusive content.

Daily Guarantees and an Accumulator Event Added to GOP Taipei Schedule
Daily Guarantees and an Accumulator Event Added to GOP Taipei Schedule

GOP adds the Titan Stack Daily and a new Multi Qualifier Accumulator event to the GOP Taipei schedule, alongside a refined Cronus Structure.

GOP Returns to Taipei as The Trial of Wisdom Awaits with NTD 17M Main Event
GOP Returns to Taipei as The Trial of Wisdom Awaits with NTD 17M Main Event

GOP Taipei 2026 starts in 10 days, bringing The Trial of Wisdom to CTP Asia Poker Arena from Sep 18-27 with a NTD 17M guaranteed Main Event.

Seungmook Jung Goes from PS Championship Taipei SHR Runner-Up to Main Event Champion
Seungmook Jung Goes from PS Championship Taipei SHR Runner-Up to Main Event Champion

Seungmook Jung, also known as “Big Brother 7high,” wins the PS Championship Taipei 2026 Main Event, taking NTD 2,555,888 (~USD 81,790)

Ola Poker Tour Returns to Taipei This December with Over NTD 16M Guaranteed
Ola Poker Tour Returns to Taipei This December with Over NTD 16M Guaranteed

Ola Poker Tour Taipei 2026 returns this December, running December 16–21 with over NTD 16M guaranteed, including a NTD 10M Main Event.

Yohwan “Boxer” Lim Claims Second Players Series Trophy of 2026
Yohwan “Boxer” Lim Claims Second Players Series Trophy of 2026

PS Championship IV Taipei 2026 sees Yohwan “Boxer” Lim claim his second Players Series trophy of 2026 after winning the PS Mystery Bounty.

About the Editor

Derick Elomina

Derick Elomina is Somuchpoker's Lead Content Writer and Interview Specialist, reporting live from WSOP bracelet events and Asia Pacific poker festivals such as TMT, APT, RDPT and APL Jeju, alongside player features and interviews for the site's Stories section. He discovered poker at 14 playing home games with friends, and by 21 he had entered the industry as a field reporter, starting as a hand reporter before building his current role on the tournament floor.

Frequently asked questions

Are there cash games at CTP Asia Poker Arena?

No. Traditional cash games are strictly prohibited under Taiwan’s current legal framework. Poker is legally recognized as a "mind sport," which allows for tournament formats only. You will find tournament action running daily, but no live cash tables.

What do I need to register for a tournament?

All players must download the CTP app and register for a membership before they can play. This is a legal requirement for participating in events at the Arena. When you arrive at the registration desk, you must present a valid ID - a Passport is required for foreign players, while local players can use their National ID.

What payment methods are accepted for buy-ins?

The primary currency for all transactions at the Arena is the New Taiwan Dollar (NTD). For daily tournaments, cash in NTD is the standard. For major international festivals (WPT, APT), the venue may facilitate other currencies or bank transfers, but having local cash is always the most reliable method.

Are there high-stakes poker events at CTP Asia Poker Arena?

Yes, CTP Asia Poker Arena is the primary hub for high-stakes poker in Taiwan. While cash games are not permitted in the country, the Arena compensates by hosting massive international tournament series with significant buy-ins and multi-million dollar prize pools.

Are tournament winnings taxed in Taiwan for international players?

Generally, for non-resident foreign individuals, a flat withholding tax of 20% applies to "other income" sources in Taiwan, which includes tournament winnings. However, specific tax treaties (e.g., with Australia, Austria, or Japan) may provide relief or different rates. It is recommended to check with the registration desk during major festivals like the APT for the most current local withholding practices.