With Chinese players making up over 90 percent of the playing field, the CPG Championship continues to cement itself as the crown jewel of Asian poker, one step closer to fulfilling its vision of becoming the “WSOP of China.” What started as a national event over a decade ago has grown into a festival that now attracts thousands of entries, a multi-million-dollar prize pool, and unmatched prestige in the region.
This year’s event, held in Sanya, Hainan Island, saw a stunning 4,211 entries across three starting flights. Despite a looming typhoon that briefly disrupted the schedule, players showed up in record numbers, reaffirming the CPG Championship as Asia’s biggest live poker event and a cultural phenomenon.
From Local Festival to Global Stage
The event’s growth is a testament to its unique positioning. It offers not just high-stakes competition but a celebration of the game itself. The organizers have consistently worked to bring in international players, but this year, competing events elsewhere slightly reduced the foreign turnout to around 5–6% of the field.
However, this didn’t dampen the atmosphere one bit. Thousands of enthusiastic Chinese players filled the tables, many making their CPG debut. For these players, stepping into the buzzing tournament hall was more than just entering a poker event—it was the realization of a dream nurtured by years of watching and learning the game.
Notably there was representation of Chinese players in WSOP Vegas
Poker Celebrities Draw the Spotlight
Adding to the excitement were the appearances of poker celebrities who have become household names in China. WSOP bracelet winners Renjie Mao and Xixiang Luo were mobbed by fans seeking selfies and photos, transforming the venue into a sea of poker fandom. Their presence symbolized the aspiration and growth of the game in China, inspiring a new generation of players to dream big.
Among the familiar faces was Lei Yu, a veteran who traveled from England to attend his tenth consecutive CPG Championship. Speaking about his decade-long connection with the festival, Yu captured its unique spirit:
“I’ve been here for 10 years. This is the WSOP of China. More and more Chinese players come here every year and the players are growing. Non-Filipinos are also invited to partake in the CPG tradition.”
His words echo the sentiment of many: that the CPG Championship is more than just an event; it’s a community-driven celebration of poker’s growth and inclusivity.
Day 1 Numbers at a Glance
| Day | Players | Survivors |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1A | 1,657 | 553 |
| Day 1B | 1,656 | 554 |
| Day 1C | 898 | 326 |
With 1,433 survivors advancing to Day 2, the stakes are higher than ever, with a prize pool of approximately $5.6 million USD up for grabs. Players will now battle through intense fields as the tournament moves closer to crowning its newest champion.
A Decade of Growth
The numbers tell the story of the CPG Championship’s meteoric rise:
| Year | Entries | Prize Pool (~USD) |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 4,211 | $5,587,000 |
| 2024 | 3,787 | $5,000,000 |
| 2023 | 4,080 | $5,454,000 |
| 2022 | 4,405 | $5,754,000 |
| 2021 | 3,282 | $4,809,000 |
| 2020 | 3,352 | $4,620,000 |
| 2019 | 3,132 | $4,169,000 |
| 2018 | 1,926 | $2,264,000 |
| 2017 | 1,322 | $1,557,000 |
From fewer than 1,000 entries in 2014 to over 4,000 today, the CPG has evolved into a premier poker festival recognized across the globe. This growth underscores the rising popularity of poker in China and its potential as a major hub for the game in Asia.
Notable Names Heading Into Day 2
Day 2 promises to deliver plenty of drama and high-level play, with some of China’s best-known players still in contention:
- Dong Chen
- Haohui Ma
- TaoWei Zheng
- XiaQing Ji
- Yilong Wang
- JianFeng Sun
- Rong Long
- Xiaosheng Zheng
- Chenxu Zhang
- Zhe Li
- TieZheng Zhao
- Yu Xiang Yu
The international contingent also remains strong, with players like Alex Lee, Grant Gardner, Tom Verbruggen, Jeremy Chan, and Feng Zhao flying their flags proudly as they navigate the challenging field.
Festival Highlights So Far
The 10-day festival, running until August 30, 2025, has already been packed with unforgettable moments:
- August 23 – Dominick French secured his 69th career flag in the Msport Deepstack Turbo.
- August 23 – JianFeng Sun claimed the 13th Anniversary Event, adding another trophy to his cabinet after winning the 11th Anniversary Event in 2023.
- August 24 – A rare typhoon pause forced the festival to halt for one day.
- August 25 – For the first time, Day 1B drew fewer players (1,656) than Day 1A (1,657).
- August 25 – The Super Cup Deepstack Turbo smashed records with 662 entries, far surpassing the previous mark of 480.
Looking forward, players are eagerly awaiting the Lucheng Cup, set to kick off on August 27—one of the festival’s most anticipated side events.
The Road Ahead
As the Main Event heads into its deeper stages, excitement in Sanya is reaching a fever pitch. Side events continue to run alongside the marquee tournament, giving players at every level a chance to shine.
The CPG Championship has once again proven that it’s far more than just a poker tournament—it’s a celebration of the game, the culture, and the vibrant community that powers it. Whether you’re a seasoned pro, an ambitious newcomer, or an international visitor, the CPG offers a unique experience that blends world-class poker with the warmth and enthusiasm of the Chinese poker community.
Source: SoMuchPoker
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