A new live poker series is preparing to make its mark in Asia with a vision of shorter tournament days, a fairer playing field, and a strong sense of community. The Gods of Poker (GOP), launched by veteran tournament director Lloyd Fontillas, will hold its first festival in December and has already mapped out a multi-stop schedule across the region.
A Tour with a Mythological Identity
From the names of events to the design of trophies, every element of the GOP brand draws on ancient mythology. But beyond the creative theme lies a structural shake-up aimed at changing how tournaments are played.
“If you love good poker, great people, and the feeling that you’re part of something — this is the tour you’ve been waiting for,” said Fontillas.
The Cronus Structure: Fair Play and Shorter Days
At the heart of the GOP is the “Cronus structure,” named after the God of Time. All events will feature strict registration rules, with late entry allowed only through the first two levels. This approach is designed to eliminate ultra-short stacks at buy-in and create a fairer competition.
The format also trims tournament days by as much as four hours, ensuring players no longer face sessions that run until sunrise. According to organizers, the balance between poker and leisure is central to the experience, giving traveling players more time to enjoy the destinations.
The blind structures for each type of event are as follows:
- Main Events, High Rollers, and key tournaments: 120-60-30
- Turbos: 100-50-25
- Titans: 160-80-40
- Kraken Stack: 200-100-50
First Three Stops on the Schedule
The inaugural festival, Eden Awakens, will take place from December 5-14, 2025, at Landing Casino in Jeju, South Korea. In addition to a full slate of poker, players will be able to enjoy golf, beaches, and resort amenities.
The second stop, The Titan Assembly, is scheduled for January 8-18, 2026, at the CTP Asia Poker Arena in Taipei, Taiwan. Situated in the heart of the local poker scene, the venue is surrounded by restaurants and nightlife, offering plenty of entertainment away from the tables.
The third festival, from March 26 to April 5, 2026, will be staged at the NagaWorld Integrated Resort in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. The property combines five-star accommodations with fine dining and a vibrant entertainment complex, while the city itself offers riverside promenades and historic temples.
Building a Player-Centered Tour
Ray Chiu, CEO of Gods of Poker, described the mission as straightforward: “Our goal is simple — to create the most loved and fun-filled event for the world to experience.”
After its first three stops, the GOP plans to expand further with at least five additional festivals in Taiwan, South Korea, and the Philippines. The full details of these events will be announced before the end of 2025.
With its mythology-inspired identity, player-first structures, and commitment to balancing poker with lifestyle experiences, the Gods of Poker Tour is positioning itself as a refreshing new entry in the global tournament calendar.
