In a game defined by momentum and moments, December 2025 could mark the beginning of something historic. The Gods of Poker (GOP) tour is stepping onto the world stage with its debut festival: Eden Awakens, set against the vibrant backdrop of Jeju Shinhwa World, South Korea.
Running from December 5 to 14, this inaugural festival isn’t just another series—it’s a bold statement. With ₩2 billion (~US$1.5 million) in guarantees across 80 events, GOP is putting its chips on the table with confidence, creativity, and a clear focus on the player experience.
Main Event: Deep Structure, Deeper Strategy In Gods of Poker
At the core of Eden Awakens lies the GOP Main Event, boasting a ₩1 billion (~US$725,000) guarantee and a player-first format that sets it apart from traditional tournament structures.
The Cronus Structure is GOP’s signature innovation—crafted to bring fairness, depth, and real competition to every hand. Players start with a 120 big blind stack, and with late registration closing after just two levels, there’s no waiting for a last-minute buy-in rush or short-stack gambling.
Multiple Day 1 flight options let players choose between fast-paced sprints or endurance-focused deepstack runs, but the balance and structure remain consistent. With the spotlight firmly on skill rather than gimmicks, this Main Event feels like a nod to what poker was always meant to be—intelligent, strategic, and rewarding.
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Main Event Schedule Highlights
- Buy-in: ₩2,000,000 (~USD 1,480)
- Guarantee: ₩1,000,000,000
- Dates: December 8–13
- Structure: Cronus (early registration, long levels, no short-stack late entries)
Poker, Packaged: Travel Made Easy
Poker travel doesn’t have to mean juggling hotels and taxis. To simplify things, GOP is offering Main Event Packages that include a five-night stay (Dec 9–14) at either the Jeju Shinhwa World Marriott Resort or Landing Hotel, plus roundtrip airport transfers.
There’s flexibility, too—options to suit different budgets and preferences, ensuring that whether you’re a high roller or a mid-stakes grinder, your stay is handled with comfort in mind.
For those eyeing the premium experience, GOP has also introduced 24 High Roller Packages (16 Titan, 8 Olympian), bundled with luxury accommodations, VIP treatment, and full tournament access.
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Not Just the Main Event: Flagship Side Events Shine
While the Main Event is the centerpiece, Eden Awakens is built to deliver variety. Its mythology-inspired lineup includes creative formats and standout tournaments that appeal across the board.
Some events to watch:
- The Opener (₩500K, ₩100M GTD) – The festival kicks off in style
- Pandora’s Mystery Bounty (₩550K, ₩150M GTD) – Bounty hunting with a twist
- Mini Main (₩700K, ₩130M GTD) – Another shot at deep run glory
- Titan Stack & Kraken Stack – Deep structures with massive upside
- Demigods Challenge (₩15.5M buy-in) – The true test of poker gods
- GOP Super High Roller (₩10M, ₩150M GTD) – Where the elite battle it out
These events aren’t just filler—they’re designed to complement the main attraction, giving every player a reason to engage, compete, and enjoy the action.
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Jeju: The Perfect Host for Poker’s Awakening
Why Jeju? It’s more than just a location—it’s a destination. With world-class resorts, international accessibility, and visa-free entry for many travelers, Jeju Shinhwa World provides the perfect playground for poker’s next evolution.
Les A Casino, formerly Landing Casino, has undergone a transformation to meet the standards expected of a tour like GOP. Spacious rooms, modern infrastructure, and seamless player service create a live poker environment ready to rival global hotspots.
Player-Focused Vision, Community-Driven Mission
At the heart of GOP’s vision is more than prize pools—it’s people. With experienced tournament leaders like Attila Kendefi, who recently joined Somuchpoker as Head of Live Poker, the festival is clearly built with care and purpose.
“For us, delivering an outstanding experience isn’t optional—it’s the goal,” said Kendefi. “Eden Awakens was crafted to give players structure, fairness, and a sense of belonging. You’re not just another seat. You’re part of the story.”
From exclusive trophies and concierge service to simple things like clear schedules and friendly registration, the entire vibe of Eden Awakens speaks to a deeper respect for the poker community.
What’s in a Name? Eden Awakens
The name Eden Awakens reflects more than just a festival—it’s symbolic. A paradise for players. A revival of real poker values. A rebirth of competitive spirit in the region.
For a first-time series, it’s impressively ambitious. But perhaps most importantly, it’s grounded in a sincere effort to build something lasting. Something human. Something meaningful.
As the countdown to December begins, one thing is certain—Asia’s poker scene may never be the same again.
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