The Asian Poker Tour (APT) is preparing for a historic milestone as it enters its twentieth anniversary year in 2026. To celebrate two decades of poker excellence, the tour will launch its new season on the volcanic island of Jeju, South Korea.
The APT Jeju Classic 2026 is scheduled to run from Friday, January 30 to Sunday, February 8. Hosted at the luxurious Jeju Shinhwa World in partnership with LES A Casino, the festival promises a massive KRW 4.9 billion (~USD 3.4 million) in guaranteed prize pools.
Sponsored by Natural8, this season opener features a packed schedule of 99 events. It offers players a prime opportunity to capture early titles in what is set to be a landmark year for the brand.
Main Event Targets KRW 2.2 Billion Guarantee
The crown jewel of the festival is the APT Main Event, taking place from Sunday, February 1 to Saturday, February 7. This tournament features a KRW 2.3 million (~USD 1,600) buy-in and carries a guaranteed prize pool of KRW 2.2 billion (~USD 1.5 million).
Competitors will fight for the prestigious 24K Gold Lion Trophy. In a special addition for the anniversary season, the top three finishers will also secure seats to the APT Championship 2026 Main Event later in the year.
Players have four starting flights to choose from:
- Flight A (Feb 1): Ten 60-minute levels.
- Flight B (Feb 2): Six 45-minute levels followed by four 60-minute levels.
- Flights C & D (Feb 3): Faster structures with 30 and 45-minute levels.
All flights will standardize to 60-minute levels from Day 2 onwards. Late registration remains available until the start of the second level on Day 2, February 4.
High Stakes Action and Exclusive Trophies
The Jeju festival offers a robust schedule for high-stakes competitors, with several events awarding seats to the future APT Championship 2026 Main Event alongside their trophies.
The APT Super High Roller runs from January 31 to February 1. It commands a KRW 15 million (~USD 10,200) buy-in and features a KRW 500 million guarantee. The winner will claim the Pewter Lion Trophy.
Closing out the high-tier action is the APT High Roller on February 7 and 8. With a buy-in of KRW 5 million (~USD 3,400), this event boasts a KRW 700 million guarantee and awards the Rose Gold Lion Trophy.
Also returning is the Zodiac Classic, sponsored by Natural8. Scheduled for February 5 to 6, this event has a KRW 3.6 million (~USD 2,450) buy-in and guarantees KRW 500 million in prizes.
Opening Weekend Highlights
Action begins immediately on Friday, January 30, with the APT National Cup. This opener has a KRW 850,000 buy-in and a KRW 200 million guarantee. The previous Jeju edition of this event set local records for field size, making it a must-play tournament to start the series.
Following closely is the Mystery Bounty Hunter, sponsored by Natural8. Running from January 31 to February 1, this format remains a player favorite. It features a KRW 400 million guarantee with a KRW 1.1 million buy-in. The bounty stage begins on the Final Day, where players can pull mystery envelopes for cash prizes.
Weekend Warriors and Value Events
The schedule includes diverse formats designed to suit various bankrolls and schedules:
- Sunday Super Stack (Feb 1): A single-day event with deep stacks and a KRW 500,000 buy-in.
- Mini Main Event (Feb 6-7): Offers the Main Event experience with a lower KRW 1.2 million buy-in and a KRW 300 million guarantee.
- Ultra Stack (Feb 7-8): Known for deep structures, this event guarantees KRW 100 million for a KRW 1 million buy-in.
- Micro Main Event (Feb 8): The festival closer offers a KRW 450,000 buy-in, giving players one final shot at a trophy before the series concludes.
With record-breaking prize pools in previous visits to Jeju, the APT Jeju Classic 2026 is poised to set the tone for the tour’s 20th-anniversary celebrations.
