The Asian Poker Tour prepares to celebrate a monumental milestone in 2026. Two decades after first dealing cards in the region, the tour returns to South Korea to launch its twentieth anniversary season. The APT Jeju Classic 2026 will serve as the opening festival for this landmark year, taking place from January 30 to February 8 at the luxurious Jeju Shinhwa World.
Organizers have announced a massive KRW 4.9 billion (~USD 3.4 million) in guaranteed prize pools for the ten day festival. To ensure the high stakes fields are stacked with elite talent, the tour has also unveiled a lucrative “Early Bird” accommodation package designed specifically for players competing at the highest level.
A Landmark Return to Jeju Island
Jeju has quickly become a favorite stop for poker professionals in Asia, known for its combination of high-end hospitality and accessible travel logistics. The 2026 season opener is sponsored by Natural8 and hosted in partnership with Landing Entertainment Korea at LES A Casino.
The schedule features a robust lineup of events headlined by the Main Event. This flagship tournament commands a KRW 2.3 million (~USD 1,600) buy-in and offers a substantial KRW 2.2 billion (~USD 1.5 million) prize pool guarantee.
While the Main Event is the centerpiece for most attendees, the festival schedule is heavily weighted toward the “nosebleed” stakes. Daily High Roller tournaments are on the docket, with buy-ins climbing up to USD 25,000. This structure signals that the APT intends to attract not just local grinders, but the traveling high roller circuit regulars.
Exclusive Perks for High Stakes Competitors
Recognizing the commitment required to play a full schedule of high buy-in events, the APT is offering a premium incentive to lock in attendance early. The High Roller Early Bird Special provides qualifying players with nine complimentary nights in a Deluxe Suite Room at the five star Jeju Shinhwa World Marriott Resort.
This offer is strictly limited to the first 20 players who complete the registration steps. To qualify, competitors must commit to playing four specific tournaments:
- APT Super High Roller
- Superstar Challenge
- Baby Superstar Challenge
- APT High Roller
Players secure the package by transferring funds amounting to KRW 70,000,000 (~USD 47,684). These funds act as a deposit for tournament buy-ins. The deadline for this transfer is January 9, 2026, but the limited availability suggests the spots will be claimed well before that date.
The complimentary stay covers the entire duration of the festival, with check-in on January 30 and check-out on February 8. It provides a seamless experience where players are just steps away from the tournament floor.
Essential Details for Traveling Players
Those interested in the package need to be aware of the fine print regarding currency and participation. The deposit is priced in Korean Won (KRW). Because exchange rates fluctuate, the APT reserves the right to adjust balances if the rate shifts by more than 1% by the start of the festival. Any excess payment will be refunded as tournament credit, while shortages must be settled before the series concludes.
Additionally, the hotel perks are contingent on participation. Players who book the suite but fail to enter the required four events will be charged the full retail cost of the hotel stay.
Why Jeju is the Perfect Season Opener
The choice of Jeju for the 20th anniversary kickoff is strategic. The island offers a visa-free entry policy for visitors from dozens of countries, removing the bureaucratic hurdles often associated with international poker travel. Combined with the integrated resort amenities of Jeju Shinhwa World, it allows players to focus entirely on the game.
With nearly USD 3.5 million in guarantees and a history of shattering attendance records, the APT Jeju Classic 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most significant events of the year in the Asia-Pacific region.
