Record-Breaking Main Event
This year’s APT Incheon Main Event, with a buy-in of 2.5 million KRW, set new statistical benchmarks. After four starting flights and open registration at the beginning of Day 2, entries totaled 1,393. The tournament became the largest international event ever in the city and the second-largest Main Event on Korean soil.
The initial guarantee of 1.5 billion KRW was doubled, with the prize pool soaring to an astronomical 3,008,540,000 KRW (~2,148,960$).
After a dramatic Day 2 with a bubble lasting over two hours in hand-for-hand play, 207 players cashed in, securing a minimum payout of 3,790,000 KRW (~2,700$). The overall winner will receive not only the coveted Gold Lion trophy but also a massive reward of 523,720,000 KRW (~374,085$).
The #APTIncheon2026 Main Event shatters last year’s record with 1,393 entries and a record KRW 3,008,540,000 (~USD 2.1M) prize pool, making it the largest international poker tournament in Incheon history.
— Asian Poker Tour (@AsianPokerTour) August 13, 2026
Day 3 action resumes today at 11:15 AM local time, with the 207 remaining… pic.twitter.com/l3u5OGBffv
Main Event Prize Table (Top 10):
|
Position |
Payout |
|
1st Place |
374,085$ |
|
2nd Place |
214,120$ |
|
3rd Place |
150,850$ |
|
4th Place |
111,180$ |
|
5th Place |
87,040$ |
|
6th Place |
66,030$ |
|
7th Place |
50,530$ |
|
8th Place |
35,800$ |
|
9th Place |
27,560$ |
|
10th Place |
23,020$ |
Zhentao Long Leads After Day 3
Day 3 of the record-breaking APT Incheon Main Event saw intense competition, narrowing the field from 207 players to the final 47 hopefuls. All remaining players are now guaranteed a payout of at least 10,050$ (14,050,000 KRW).
Leading the charge is Chinese player Zhentao Long, who bagged a massive 3,000,000 chip stack heading into Day 4. Hot on his heels are Japanese contenders Shinichiro Kano and Yoko Sasaki.
Day 3 proved decisive for several tournament stars. Among those saying goodbye to their title hopes were fresh Super High Roller champion Jeremy Chan and poker pro Punnat Punsri.
Interim Leaderboard Top 10 after Day 3:
|
Rank |
Player |
Country |
Stack |
|
1. |
Zhentao Long |
China |
3,000,000 |
|
2. |
Shinichiro Kano |
Japan |
2,900,000 |
|
3. |
Yoko Sasaki |
Japan |
2,600,000 |
|
4. |
Peng Chen |
China |
2,300,000 |
|
5. |
Shoumin Zhang |
China |
2,300,000 |
|
6. |
Tharit Nanthana |
Thailand |
2,200,000 |
|
7. |
Tempei Kotani |
Japan |
2,100,000 |
|
8. |
Haris Zambas |
Cyprus |
2,000,000 |
|
9. |
Phachara Wongwichit |
Thailand |
1,800,000 |
|
10. |
Chih Wei Fan |
Taiwan |
1,700,000 |
Kunlei Xie Triumphs in Ultra Stack
Alongside the Main Event, Event #37: High Roller - Ultra Stack with a 4.5 million KRW buy-in drew attention. The tournament attracted 222 entries, creating a prize pool worth 863,136,000 KRW (~619,625$).
The champion was Chinese player Kunlei Xie, who triumphed in the final heads-up against seasoned Australian pro Daniel Neilson. This marked a career-defining success for Xie, as his prior tournament earnings were a fraction of this prize.
He pocketed 179,636,000 KRW (~128,955$) for first place and secured a 10,000$ ticket to the APT Championship in Taipei.
Final Table Results for Event #37 High Roller - Ultra Stack:
|
Position |
Player |
Country |
Payout |
|
1. |
Kunlei Xie |
China |
128,955$ |
|
2. |
Daniel Neilson |
Australia |
86,810$ |
|
3. |
Chaiwut Jungpongsakorn |
Thailand |
61,205$ |
|
4. |
Tharit Nanthana |
Thailand |
49,625$ |
|
5. |
Yuki Ozaki |
Japan |
39,260$ |
|
6. |
Ryan Plant |
United Kingdom |
29,815$ |
|
7. |
Yuzhi Shen |
China |
21,765$ |
|
8. |
Van Tuan Pham |
Vietnam |
15,910$ |
|
9. |
Jianting Cai |
China |
13,165$ |
Sources: SoMuchPoker, APT, X