How to Win Your Way into the $5M APT Main Event in Taipei?

The Asian Poker Tour’s (APT) Championship 2025 is just around the corner, and anticipation is at an all-time high. Taking place from November 14 to 30 at Red Space, Taipei City, the festival marks the largest poker event ever held in Asia. Sponsored by Natural8, this year’s edition will feature over 200 events and more than TWD 288 million (~USD 8.7 million) in total guarantees. The highlight of the festival, the APT Championship Main Event Freezeout, runs from November 24 to 28 and boasts an incredible USD 5,000,000 guaranteed prize pool. With a USD 10,000 buy-in, it’s a dream tournament—but the organizers have ensured that even players with smaller bankrolls can take their shot at glory.

The Ultimate Giveaway: Win a $10K Main Event Pass for Free

Natural8 has launched the “Ultimate Giveaway,” a social media contest that gives everyone a chance to win a USD 10,000 APT Championship Main Event Pass. The rules are simple: follow Natural8 and the Asian Poker Tour on Facebook or Instagram, tag three friends, and share the post. One lucky winner will secure a direct seat at Taipei’s biggest poker stage, while other participants can win flights to Taipei, an iPhone 17 Pro Max, an Apple Watch SE, and more. Players who join during the promotion will also receive an extra C$88 credited directly to their accounts. This promotional push runs until October 24, giving fans of all skill levels an easy way to get involved and potentially win their way into the biggest game of the year.

Online Pathway: Satellites Starting from Just $20

For most poker players, online satellites are the most accessible route to poker stardom. Natural8, APT’s official online partner, has rolled out a full lineup of feeder satellites starting at only USD 20. These feed into the Mega Satellites held every Sunday through November 16. Each week, at least 50 APT Championship Main Event packages worth USD 12,000 will be awarded. Every package includes a USD 10,000 Main Event seat and USD 2,000 in travel credits.

Natural8’s unique “Level Up” system ensures excitement grows weekly. When a Mega Satellite reaches its guarantee, it “levels up,” adding 10 more Main Event packages to the next week’s pool. By the fifth week, the promotion could reach Level 5, offering 50 packages worth USD 600,000 in total prizes. This escalating structure not only rewards early participation but also gives returning players additional opportunities to win more value each week.

Adding more motivation, anyone who qualifies via Natural8 and goes on to win the Main Event will receive an extra USD 50,000 champion’s bonus on top of their winnings. This dual reward system makes online qualification both lucrative and thrilling for players worldwide.

Live Pathway: Earn Your Seat at the Festival

For players who prefer live action, the APT Championship in Taipei offers several ways to qualify on-site. Many seats have already been awarded through APT’s earlier stops across Asia, including events in Manila, Jeju, Taipei, and Incheon. Notable names like Ivan Govorov, Akira Takasugi, Junjie He, and Abraham Ceesvin have already secured their spots.

Once the festival kicks off, the Main Event satellites will continue offering seats daily. Over 50 Main Event entries will be awarded through these live satellites, with buy-ins ranging from USD 350 to USD 2,000. Championship Event winners—such as those of the National Cup, Mystery Bounty, Ultra Stack, and Super High Roller Championships—will also earn Main Event tickets as part of their prize packages.

With over a dozen satellite events and multiple Championship winners joining the Main Event roster, APT ensures that players of all bankroll levels can chase their dreams. Whether you’re a seasoned high roller or a newcomer hoping for your breakout moment, Taipei will be the stage where all roads converge.

APT Championship 2025 Main Event Schedule

• Dates: November 24–28, 2025
• Buy-in: USD 10,000
• Guarantee: USD 5,000,000
• Venue: Red Space, Taipei City, Taiwan
• Format: Freezeout
• Presented by: Natural8

The Main Event’s freezeout structure ensures that every decision counts. There are no re-entries, which means once your chips are gone, so are your chances. This format puts pure poker skill on display and heightens the tension as players battle for the lion’s share of the $5 million guaranteed prize pool.

As the countdown continues, the poker world’s focus turns squarely to Taipei. For many, this is not just another tournament—it’s the defining event of their careers. Whether you secure your seat through a freeroll, an online satellite, or a live championship victory, one thing is certain: the APT Championship 2025 promises to crown a new legend in Asian poker.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: How can I qualify for the APT Championship Main Event 2025?
A1: You can qualify through three main routes: the Ultimate Giveaway on social media, online satellites on Natural8 starting at USD 20, or live event victories and Main Event satellites in Taipei.

Q2: What is included in the APT Championship package from Natural8?
A2: Each USD 12,000 package includes a USD 10,000 Main Event seat and USD 2,000 in travel credits, allowing winners to cover expenses for their trip to Taipei.

Q3: What is the total guarantee of the APT Championship 2025?
A3: The overall festival boasts over TWD 288 million (~USD 8.7 million) in total guarantees, with the Main Event alone offering USD 5 million guaranteed.

Courtesy: SOMUCHPOKER