The Asian Poker Tour (APT) has unveiled its ambitious 2025 season schedule, setting the stage for a year packed with excitement, innovation, and record-breaking tournaments. The tour begins with the APT Manila Classic in February, followed by stops across Asia, and ends with the groundbreaking $5 million guaranteed APT Championship (APTC) in November.
$5 Million APT Championship to Close the Season in Taiwan
In a major announcement, the APT introduced the APT Championship (APTC), a new series finale with the largest prize pool guarantee in its history. Scheduled from November 14 to 30 in Taipei, Taiwan, this 17-day event marks the longest festival ever held by the APT.
The centrepiece of the APTC is the Main Event, a TWD 350,000 (~USD 10,700) buy-in freezeout featuring a jaw-dropping TWD 165 million (~USD 5 million) guaranteed prize pool. This exclusive event promises to attract top poker players from around the world.
How to Earn a Seat at the APTC
Throughout 2025, players will have multiple opportunities to secure a seat in the prestigious APTC Main Event:
- Winners of the APT Main Event, Super High Roller, and High Roller tournaments at any APT festival will automatically qualify.
- Satellite tournaments, to be announced later, will offer additional paths to entry.
This structure aims to create a year-long narrative for players and fans, building momentum toward the grand finale in Taiwan.
Manila Classic Opens the Season with a $2M Prize Guarantee
The APT Manila Classic, running from February 7 to 16 at the Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria, will launch the 2025 season with a bang. This 10-day festival, organised in partnership with Metro Card Club, features a total prize pool guarantee of PHP 120 million (~USD 2 million).
Manila Main Event Highlights
The Manila Main Event, scheduled from February 9 to 15, is a standout with a PHP 60 million (~USD 1 million) prize pool guarantee. It’s a must-watch for poker enthusiasts, with expectations high following last year’s record-breaking turnout of 1,081 players. Champion Daniel Lee walked away with his first major title and the largest share of PHP 100 million (~USD 1.7 million).
Organisers are optimistic about surpassing these milestones in 2025.
A Schedule Packed with High-Stakes and Variety
The APT Manila Classic boasts an extensive lineup of 100 tournaments catering to players of all levels. With 18 high-roller events, 14 mixed games, and 16 Omaha tournaments, there’s something for everyone.
Here are 12 key events not to miss:
| Event | Dates | Buy-In (PHP) | Buy-In (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Philippines National Cup | Feb 7-8 | 12,000 | 200 |
| Mystery Bounty | Feb 8-9 | 20,000 | 340 |
| Sunday Super Stack | Feb 9 | 30,000 | 500 |
| APT Super High Roller | Feb 9-10 | 600,000 | 10,200 |
| Main Event | Feb 9-15 | 60,000 | 1,000 |
| Baby Superstar | Feb 11 | 300,000 | 5,000 |
| Zodiac Classic | Feb 13-14 | 90,000 | 1,500 |
| Superstar Challenge | Feb 13-14 | 1,500,000 | 25,000 |
| Double Stack | Feb 14-15 | 20,000 | 340 |
| APT High Roller | Feb 15-16 | 200,000 | 3,400 |
| Mini Main Event | Feb 15-16 | 25,000 | 425 |
| Micro Main Event | Feb 16 | 12,000 | 200 |
A Diverse Field of Competitors
From seasoned professionals to aspiring amateurs, the Manila Classic offers a platform for every poker enthusiast. Expect a mix of intense competition and camaraderie, with players vying for glory and life-changing prizes.
Full 2025 Tour Schedule: A Journey Across Asia
After Manila, the APT heads to Taipei in April, followed by stops in Manila again, Incheon and Jeju in South Korea, before concluding with the APTC in Taiwan. Here’s a quick look at the season’s highlights:
| Event | Dates | Location | Partner | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| APT Manila Classic 2025 | Feb 7-16 | Manila, Philippines | Metro Card Club | Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria |
| APT Taipei, Taiwan | Apr 25-May 4 | Taipei, Taiwan | Chinese Texas Hold’em | Red Point Business Center |
| APT Manila, Philippines* | May 30-Jun 8 | Manila, Philippines | Soul Poker | City of Dreams Manila |
| APT Incheon, South Korea | Aug 1-10 | Incheon, South Korea | Paradise Group | Paradise City Casino |
| APT Jeju, South Korea | Sep 26-Oct 5 | Jeju, South Korea | Landing Entertainment | Jeju Shinhwa World |
| APTC Championship, Taiwan | Nov 14-30 | Taipei, Taiwan | Chinese Texas Hold’em | Red Point Business Center |
With a schedule like this, APT 2025 promises a thrilling year for poker fans across Asia and beyond.
