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Poker is more popular than ever, and more than ever, poker is a global phenomenon. Even though poker has its roots in the United States and Europe, Asia is getting into the action as well.
Many of the strongest players today, even those who now call the U.S. their home, have Asian heritage, including Men Nguyen, Scotty Nguyen, J.C. Tran, Chino Rheem and Kelly Kim.
The Asia Pacific Poker Tour
Evidence of the growing popularity of poker in Asia is the arrival of the Asia Pacific Poker Tour, or APPT, now in its second season. The Asia Pacific Poker Tour is a series of high stakes poker tournaments that takes place throughout Asia and the Pacific Rim. In the second season, the tour features tournaments in Macau, China, Seoul, South Korea, Auckland, New Zealand, Manila, the Philippines and Sydney, Australia.
APPT Highlights
Macau poker, as the "Las Vegas of the East", was a natural stop on the Asia Pacific Poker Tour. 538 players traveled to this gambler`s paradise to compete to be one of the select few who can call themselves APPT champions
The ultimate winner was Edward Sabat, of the United States, who pocketed nearly half a million dollars for his victory. Asia was well represented at the final table, however, with Charles Chua of Malaysia finishing 2nd, Diwei Huang of Singapore coming in 3rd, and Macau native Kuok Wai Will Cheong taking the 6th spot.
The Seoul event had considerably fewer players, at 166. However, Asia was even more well represented, specifically Japan, who took four of the top ten spots, including Yoshihiro Tasaka’s heads up victory over Hidenari Shiono to take the title.
With several more big events still to come in the season, it cannot be doubted that poker tournaments and poker in general is alive and well in and around the continent of Asia.
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