Poker Hall of Famer John Juanda delivered an impressive display of skill and experience at the 2025 Asian Poker Tour (APT) Taipei festival. He took home his second major title of the year by triumphing in the prestigious Single Day High Roller event. This victory solidified his position as one of the game’s greats. It also marked his first APT title in 15 years, continuing his remarkable comeback in 2025. With a prize of TWD 3,571,700 (approximately $110,401), Juanda added another significant achievement to his legendary career. He has once again shown the poker world that he’s far from done.
The Road to Glory: Juanda’s Triumphant Return to the APT
John Juanda
John Juanda’s victory at APT Taipei was his second tournament win of 2025, following his success at Poker Dream 16 in Jeju, South Korea. A fixture in the poker world, Juanda has four WSOP bracelets and a major EPT victory. His win in the Single Day High Roller event, with a $523,179 prize pool, added another title to his resume. In a thrilling final table, Juanda defeated Myunghwan Han from South Korea. This marks his second APT title, his first coming in 2010 at APT Manila. With multiple accolades under his belt, Juanda continues to prove that experience and skill are key in poker’s ever-evolving landscape.
Indian Star Shines Bright: Nishant Kumar’s Strong Run at APT Taipei Main Event
Nishant Kumar
While Juanda stole the headlines, Indian poker star Nishant Kumar made waves in the APT Taipei Main Event. Competing against a global field of over 2,500 players, Kumar played a standout game. He finished in 5th place, securing TWD 4,419,500 (around $136,400). This impressive performance highlights the growing presence of Indian players on the international poker stage. It also signifies a strong future for poker in India.
Takes the Crown: A Thrilling Finish to the APT Taipei Main Event
Akira Takasugi
The APT Taipei Main Event was the festival’s marquee competition. It drew a record 2,547 entries and created a prize pool of TWD 121,033,440 (roughly $3.7 million). Japanese player Akira Takasugi clinched the coveted title. He defeated Iat Man Leong of Macau to take home TWD 19,009,440 (around $586,710).. Takasugi started the heads-up battle with a significant chip lead and maintained control throughout, securing a dominant victory. His triumph was a career-defining moment, marking a major milestone in his poker journey.
Record-Breaking Festival: A Celebration of Poker Excellence
The APT Taipei festival was nothing short of historic, setting multiple records and showcasing the global nature of competitive poker. The festival spanned 126 events, drawing 3,549 players from 51 countries and accumulating a total prize pool of TWD 612 million. High-stakes pros such as Biao Ding and Dinesh Alt also made their mark, capturing titles in their respective events.
This year’s APT Taipei festival has set a new standard for poker in Asia, featuring a diverse range of events—from high rollers to specialized games like Omaha and Triple Draw. With Taiwan at the heart of this action, the APT festival has further cemented its status as one of the premier poker events in Asia.
Poker on the Global Stage: The Continued Rise of Asian Talent
The APT Taipei festival reinforced the increasing dominance of Asian players in the global poker scene. From Japan to Taiwan to India, the poker talent in Asia is on the rise. Players like Takasugi, Kumar, and others have shown that the continent is now a force to be reckoned with, providing fresh competition to the established poker powerhouses.
The APT’s growing success is a testament to the global reach of poker and its ability to bring players from diverse backgrounds together. As the poker world looks to the future, Asia will undoubtedly play an increasingly pivotal role in shaping the landscape of the game.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How much did John Juanda win at the APT Taipei festival?
John Juanda won TWD 3,571,700 (approximately $110,401) for his victory in the Single Day High Roller event at the APT Taipei festival.
2. What was Nishant Kumar’s finishing position in the APT Taipei Main Event?
Nishant Kumar finished 5th in the APT Taipei Main Event, earning TWD 4,419,500 (around $136,400).
3. Who won the APT Taipei Main Event?
Akira Takasugi from Japan won the APT Taipei Main Event, securing TWD 19,009,440 (approximately $586,710) as the champion.
4. What was the total prize pool for the APT Taipei festival?
The total prize pool for the APT Taipei festival amounted to TWD 612,341,874, with over 22,909 entries from players in 51 countries participating in the 126 events.
