The 2025 TMT Championship concluded with an electric finish at the Asia Poker Arena in Taipei, Taiwan, as local hero Chih Kai Chang captured the prestigious TMT Main Event title. The tournament, which ran from October 19 to 27, drew an impressive 1,076 entries and generated a staggering NT$23,323,300 (~US$713,000) prize pool, marking another high point for the growing Asian live poker scene.
The atmosphere inside the Asia Poker Arena was charged with excitement from Day 1. With players flying in from across the region, including Hong Kong, Japan, and Malaysia, the TMT Championship 2025 showcased not only Taiwan’s expanding poker ecosystem but also its emergence as one of Asia’s key destinations for international poker tournaments.
A Festival of Records and Rivalries
The TMT Championship 2025 was a poker festival that combined world-class organization with a deep local passion for the game. The Main Event, featuring a NT$25,000 (US$800) buy-in, easily surpassed its NT$20 million guarantee. Over the course of multiple flights, thousands of players fought for a seat at the final table — but it was Chih Kai Chang, a seasoned pro with a calm, calculated demeanor, who ultimately emerged victorious.
His victory was not just about the prize money — it was a testament to endurance, patience, and strategic brilliance. Chang navigated through one of the most competitive fields in TMT history, defeating DJ Koseoglu in the heads-up battle to secure the championship trophy and the NT$3,000,000 (~US$94,000) top prize.
“It feels surreal,” Chang said after his win. “I’ve dreamed of this moment for years. The TMT Championship has become one of Asia’s most important poker events, and lifting this trophy on home soil makes it even more special.”
TMT Championship 2025 Main Event — Final Table Results
| Place | Player Name | Country | Prize (NT$) | Approx. USD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chih Kai Chang | Taiwan | NT$3,000,000 | (~US$94,000) |
| 2 | DJ Koseoglu | Turkey | NT$2,020,000 | (~US$63,000) |
| 3 | Chenrong Yang | Taiwan | NT$1,480,000 | (~US$46,000) |
| 4 | Youwei Cheng | Taiwan | NT$1,120,000 | (~US$35,000) |
| 5 | Eri Koizumi | Japan | NT$850,000 | (~US$27,000) |
| 6 | Chiaochi Chien | Taiwan | NT$680,000 | (~US$21,000) |
| 7 | Hyoung Kim | Korea | NT$530,000 | (~US$17,000) |
| 8 | Rongcheng Liu | China | NT$400,000 | (~US$12,500) |
| 9 | Han Yi Zheng | Taiwan | NT$310,000 | (~US$9,700) |
Each finalist displayed incredible skill and composure throughout the event. From Japan’s Eri Koizumi to Korea’s Hyoung Kim, the diversity of the table reflected the truly global nature of modern poker in Asia.
Chang’s Path to Victory
Chih Kai Chang’s journey to the title was marked by key turning points — including a crucial double-up on Day 3 that put him back in contention. As the field narrowed, his discipline and timing shone. By the time the final table was set, Chang had built a healthy stack and a clear strategy: attack when needed, defend wisely, and capitalize on opponent tendencies.
In the heads-up duel against DJ Koseoglu, a Turkish grinder known for his fearless aggression, Chang showcased composure and adaptability. The final hand saw Koseoglu pushing all-in with Ace-Ten, only to run into Chang’s Pocket Jacks. The board ran clean, and the crowd erupted as Chang lifted the TMT Championship trophy — a moment that symbolized not just personal triumph but also Taiwan’s growing prominence in the international poker world.
Player of the Series: Wu Chiyuan Shines Bright
While Chang took home the Main Event crown, the coveted TMT Player of the Series title went to Wu Chiyuan, who earned NT$750,000 (~US$24,000) and the series leaderboard bonus. Wu demonstrated exceptional consistency across multiple events, proving that mastery in poker is not defined by one win, but by sustained excellence.
The High Roller division was dominated by William Ho, who claimed the top spot with an additional NT$150,000 (~US$4,600) bonus — adding another layer of prestige to a week filled with remarkable performances.
TMT 2026 Schedule Announced
The Chinese Texas Hold’em Tournament Poker Club (CTP) has officially confirmed the TMT 2026 schedule, featuring three major festivals next year:
| Date | Series | Main Event Buy-in |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 22 – Feb 9, 2026 | TMT 19th | $800 |
| Jul 8 – 27, 2026 | TMT 20th | $800 |
| Oct 16 – 26, 2026 | TMT Championship | $1,700 |
Each stop will feature guarantees of $1,000,000 USD, cementing TMT’s position as one of Asia’s most trusted and prestigious poker brands. For players looking to experience world-class live poker action, these dates are already being circled on calendars worldwide.
Final Thoughts
The TMT Championship 2025 was a resounding success — breaking records, elevating champions, and showcasing the strength of the Asian poker community on a global stage. Chih Kai Chang’s victory is more than just another title — it’s a testament to how far Taiwan’s poker culture has evolved, blending discipline, creativity, and competition into a thrilling festival of skill.
As live poker continues to grow across Asia, events like TMT are setting new standards for organization and player experience, ensuring that the region remains at the heart of poker’s global expansion.
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