The Asian Poker Tour (APT) has released its preliminary schedule for 2018, featuring a total of seven stops around the region including two events in Macau and stops in the Philippines, Korea and Vietnam.
Although more stops are likely to be added at a later date, the current schedule kicks off in Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh City from 19 to 28 January before returning to Resorts World Manila in March. The first Macau stop at Macau Billionaire Poker in Babylon Casino runs from 25 April to 6 May with Macau to also host the APT Finale for the second year running from 28 November to 7 December.
Full details can be found below.
The APT has also announced a series of key changes to its tournament series in 2018, including guaranteed prize pools at its Macau and Philippines events and a revamped pay table that will pay out one place for every six entries. The change will make it easier for players to identify the number of places paid in any given event with the “1 for every 6” formula equating to deeper payouts.
Another major change will be the axing of the APT Player of Year race, to be replaced instead by a Player of the Series program whereby the top player at each stop will receive a five night stay at the following stop and US$500 in cash.
The full 2018 schedule and event information is as follows:
APT Kickoff Vietnam 2018: 19 January to 28 January
To ring in the New Year, the APT heads to the vibrant city of Ho Chi Minh in Vietnam. This will be the first time the APT will host its annual opener at a location outside of the Philippines. In partnership with host venue Pro Poker Club, the APT Kickoff Vietnam 2018 will run for 10 days from 19 to 28 January. This marks the APT’s second visit to Vietnam since 2015 but the first in Ho Chi Minh City.
APT Philippines Championships 2018: 21 March to 1 April
In March, the first 12-day festival takes place with the APT Championships Philippines 2018 slated for 21 March to 1 April. This event will be held at the APT’s most popular venue, Resorts World Manila in Newport City. RWM has been APT’s long-standing partner in the Philippines dating back to 2010. Earlier this year, RWM hosted the first APT Championships event attracting big numbers, with players flocking in from all over the globe.
APT Macau Championships 2018: 25 April to 6 May
Towards the end of April, the APT heads to the gaming capital – Macau – for the next 12-day festival, the APT Macau Championships 2018. This event will be held at Macau Billionaire Poker in Babylon Casino. Players can expect a massive turnout of Japanese players as this event falls under Japan’s Golden Week, one of the country’s celebrated holidays.
APT Korea Seoul 2018: 15 June to 24 June
In June, the APT heads to South Korea – the land of the morning calm – to stage a 10-day poker festival in Seoul. Through the years, the APT has held events in the country however this will be their first in the capital city. In partnership with Geutebruck Korea, Inc, the APT Korea Seoul 2018 will take place at one of their poker rooms, Paradise Casino Walker Hill.
APT Korea Incheon 2018: 10 August to 19 August
APT action continues in Korea for the second season of APT Korea Incheon. The 10-day festival will once again be held at Paradise City in Incheon at the poker room operated by partner Geutebruck Inc. With the venue located in the world famous Incheon Airport complex, this convenience draws big numbers as it is an easy hop in and hop out.
APT Philippines 2018: 11 September to 20 September
Every year, the APT consistently hosts two events in Resorts World Manila with the second one running in the latter part of the year. From 11 to 20 September, the highly enjoyable APT Philippines 2018 will take place but unlike the festival held in April, this one is scheduled to run for only 10 days. Through the years, this event has had a track record of attracting a large number of local enthusiasts that rarely travel outside of the country.
APT Finale Macau Championships 2018: 28 November to 7 December
The APT wraps up its 2018 calendar year by returning to the “Las Vegas of Asia” to host the APT Finale Macau 2018 at partner and host venue, Macau Billionaire Poker inBabylon Casino. The festival will run for 10-days.
