Ceesvin Abdulla has achieved what many poker players dream of: redemption. The Singaporean player topped a massive field of 1,693 entries at the 2025 Asian Poker Tour (APT) Jeju Main Event, securing a career-high payout of ₩649.8 million (~$460,000 USD) and his first-ever APT Main Event title. This victory marks a dramatic conclusion to a tournament full of intense battles, dramatic hands, and a relentless pursuit of success.

“It feels like an amazing redemption,” Abdulla said after securing the title, reflecting on the long journey that led him to this monumental win. His victory comes after several years of consistent performances on the Asian poker circuit, and this win is a well-deserved payoff for his dedication to the game.

A Record-Breaking Event

The 2025 APT Jeju Main Event was one of the most successful in the tour’s history, both in terms of attendance and prize pool. Held at LES A Casino in Jeju, South Korea, the event attracted 1,693 entries across four entry flights, setting an all-time record for the APT in the country. This translated into a staggering ₩3.76 billion (~US$2.67 million) prize pool, the fourth largest in the tour’s history and the largest ever seen in Korea.

As the final table approached, Abdulla had to contend with an array of talented players, many of whom hailed from China, the dominant country at the table. However, it was Abdulla, the only Singaporean in the final nine, who proved unstoppable. His aggressive playstyle and impressive all-in showdowns helped him eliminate five players on his way to victory, culminating in the prestigious 24K APT Gold Lion Trophy.

The Dramatic Final Table

Abdulla’s run to victory was nothing short of spectacular. Starting with a solid stack of 142,000 chips on Flight C, Abdulla moved steadily up the leaderboard throughout the tournament. By Day 4, he was in 7th place with 4,490,000 chips, just behind the chip leader Hao Zhang.

The final table was filled with intense action, with Abdulla’s dramatic rise showcasing his ability to withstand pressure. Here’s a look at some of his key moments during the final table:

• Hand #5: Abdulla nearly found himself eliminated when his Aces were behind to Peng Zhou’s flopped two pair. However, the river paired the board, allowing Abdulla to eliminate Zhou and climb to 3rd place in chips.
• Hand #28: Abdulla outdraws Yita Choong, eliminating him in 8th place.
• Hand #32: Abdulla completes a runner-runner flush, eliminating Bizhen Li‘s flopped set in 7th place.
• Hand #100: Abdulla eliminates Yayun Liu in 5th place, keeping him in contention for the title.
• Hand #140: Abdulla moves ahead of Shuang Qiu in 3rd place, setting up the heads-up battle with Lili Tang.
• Hand #144: In the final hand, Abdulla flops the straight to defeat pocket queens, clinching the victory and the ₩649.8 million first-place prize.

A Career-Defining Victory

Abdulla’s career prior to this win had already seen several notable finishes. He had been a fixture in the APT circuit since 2016, reaching the final table at the APT Manila Main Event that year and finishing in 9th place. Over the years, Abdulla had consistently cashed in various APT events, including his standout performance at APT Incheon in August 2023, where he earned over US$162,000.

In September 2024, Abdulla came close to victory again, finishing 2nd at the APT Taipei Classic Main Event for ~US$250,000. His win in Jeju, however, eclipsed all his prior successes. With a total of US$1.2 million in live earnings, Abdulla’s victory in the APT Jeju Main Event is a career high that positions him among the top players in the region.

What’s Next for Abdulla?

With the APT Championship in Taiwan just around the corner, Abdulla’s win secures him a seat in this prestigious upcoming event in November. The 2025 APT Jeju Main Event win has not only boosted his career earnings but also solidified his place as one of the top poker professionals in Asia.

“I’m excited for what’s next,” Abdulla said as he looked ahead to the APT Championship. His victory in Jeju may just be the beginning of even greater successes to come.

Also Read: Keating’s Aggression vs. Veldhuis’ Patience: Big Game on Tour season 2

FAQs

1. How much did Ceesvin Abdulla win at the 2025 APT Jeju Main Event?
Ceesvin Abdulla won ₩649.8 million (~$460,000 USD) for his victory in the 2025 APT Jeju Main Event.

2. How many entries were in the 2025 APT Jeju Main Event?
The 2025 APT Jeju Main Event had 1,693 entries, setting a record for the APT in South Korea.

3. What trophy did Abdulla receive for his win?
Abdulla received the prestigious 24K APT Gold Lion Trophy for his victory.

4. What was Abdulla’s previous best finish at an APT Main Event?
Abdulla’s previous best finish at an APT Main Event was in 2016, where he placed 9th at the APT Manila Main Event.

5. What’s next for Ceesvin Abdulla after his victory in Jeju?
Abdulla will compete in the upcoming APT Championship in Taiwan this November, where he will aim to add to his career earnings and titles

Source: Somuchpoker