The prestigious Asian Poker Tour (APT) is making its highly anticipated return to Taipei, Taiwan, from April 25 to May 4, 2025. Without a doubt, players from around the globe will once again flock to Taipei to compete for the iconic Lion Trophy.
Over the course of ten thrilling days, the festival will feature 126 exciting events, headlined by the Main Event, which boasts a massive NT$70,000,000 (approximately USD 2.1 million) guaranteed prize pool.
While that’s more than enough reason to head to APT Taipei 2025, there’s plenty more to enjoy beyond the poker tables. We’ve gathered a few helpful suggestions to help players make the most of their stay — balancing intense poker action with a taste of what this vibrant city has to offer.
Stay Energized: Essential Tips to Recharge During the Tournament
To perform at your best throughout the tournament, maintaining your energy and focus is key — and fortunately, Taipei is the perfect city to stay active and refreshed. Here are a few ways to keep your body and mind in top shape during APT Taipei 2025:
🏃♂️ Stay Active in Taipei
Taipei Arena: Just a short walk from the tournament venue, it’s a great place for jogging, stretching, or light workouts.
City Streets: Taipei is both bike-friendly and runner-friendly, with well-maintained lanes and safe routes throughout the city.
Elephant Mountain Trail (Xiangshan): A short but scenic hike that rewards you with the best panoramic view of Taipei 101 — especially stunning at night.
Daan Forest Park: The largest urban park in Taipei — ideal for a morning run, people-watching, or simply relaxing between games.
Late April to early May marks the start of spring in Taiwan, bringing mild weather and lower humidity — perfect for outdoor walks, bike rides, and exploring the city’s many small parks and green spaces.
🚇 Getting Around Taipei
Taipei offers a range of reliable and efficient transportation options to help you move easily around the city:
MRT (Metro): Fast, clean, and highly efficient — the best way to get around.
Uber & Taxis: Readily available and reasonably priced.
Buses: Extensive routes connecting all neighborhoods, including areas not covered by the MRT.
YouBike: Taipei’s public bike-sharing system, perfect for short trips or casual exploration.
For first-time visitors, consider taking the Taipei Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Bus, which stops at major attractions like Taipei 101, Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, and the National Palace Museum — a flexible and easy way to see the city at your own pace.
💡 Helpful Tip
While many locals speak some English, having a translation app like Google Translate can be a big help when reading signs, menus, or navigating small shops, food stalls, and subway stations.
🍜 Taipei Food Guide
Taipei is a food lover’s paradise, offering countless delicious dishes and local favorites. Don’t miss these must-try eats:
Yong Kang Beef Noodles: A national favorite and one of Taipei’s most famous dishes — rich broth and tender beef make it unforgettable.
Gua Bao (Pork Belly Bun): Fluffy steamed bun filled with braised pork, pickled greens, and crushed peanuts — a night market staple.
Stinky Tofu: Yes, it’s strong-smelling, but locals love it for its crispy texture and cheesy flavor. Try it at Shilin Night Market if you’re feeling adventurous!
SunnyHills Pineapple Cake: A beloved souvenir treat — buttery, fragrant, and perfectly sweet.
And of course, don’t leave Taipei without visiting its vibrant night markets — such as Shilin, Raohe, and Ningxia. They’re not just for eating but for experiencing the lively pulse and flavor of the city after dark.
APT Taipei 2025 Accommodation Guide
During APT Taipei 2025, finding great accommodation deals is something every traveler hopes for — and through DK Tour, players can enjoy exclusive, convenient hotel packages near the new tournament venue, Red Space.
These discounted rooms tend to sell out quickly, so players are strongly encouraged to contact DK Tour and secure their reservations early, as the festival’s opening day is just around the corner.
DK Tour Partner Hotels:
Mayer Inn Hotel
Urtrip Hotel
Simple + Hotel
arTree Hotel
ILLUME Taipei
Horizon Inn
Deja Vu Hotel
All of these hotels are conveniently located, offering easy access to the tournament venue and a comfortable stay for participants throughout the event.
APT Taipei 2025 Overview
APT Taipei 2025 is hosted in collaboration with the Chinese Texas Hold’em Poker Association (CTP Club) and Natural8, bringing an unprecedented schedule of 126 tournaments, catering to all types of players.
The total guaranteed prize pool reaches a record-breaking NT$126,000,000 (approximately USD 5.4 million).
Buy-ins range from NT$3,500 (USD 106) for entry-level events to NT$800,000 (USD 24,420) for the Superstar Challenge, offering opportunities for every player level.
The Main Event once again sets new records, featuring a massive NT$70,000,000 (USD 2.1 million) guarantee with a NT$55,000 (USD 1,680) buy-in.
Below are some of the festival’s key highlights
🏆 Main Event
Guaranteed Prize Pool: NT$70,000,000 (≈ USD 2,100,000)
Buy-in: NT$55,000 (≈ USD 1,680)
Dates: April 27 – May 3, 2025
🌏 APT National Cup
Guaranteed Prize Pool: NT$10,000,000 (≈ USD 305,000)
Buy-in: NT$12,000 (≈ USD 365)
Dates: April 25 – 28, 2025
🎁 Mystery Bounty – Sponsored by Natural8
Guaranteed Prize Pool: NT$15,000,000 (≈ USD 458,000)
Buy-in: NT$17,000 (≈ USD 520)
Dates: April 26 – 27, 2025
💰 Sunday Super Stack
Guaranteed Prize Pool: NT$5,000,000 (≈ USD 152,000)
Buy-in: NT$30,000 (≈ USD 915)
Date: April 27, 2025
♠️ Mini Main Event
Guaranteed Prize Pool: NT$15,000,000 (≈ USD 458,000)
Buy-in: NT$25,000 (≈ USD 765)
Dates: May 2 – 3, 2025
🔥 Double Stack
Guaranteed Prize Pool: NT$10,000,000 (≈ USD 305,000)
Buy-in: NT$20,000 (≈ USD 610)
Dates: May 3 – 4, 2025
🃏 Micro Main Event
Guaranteed Prize Pool: NT$2,000,000 (≈ USD 61,000)
Buy-in: NT$11,000 (≈ USD 335)
Date: May 4, 2025
APT Taipei 2025 promises to be an unforgettable poker festival, combining world-class competition, huge prize pools, and the vibrant energy of Taipei — one of Asia’s most exciting poker destinations.
Red Dragon Poker APP Officially Launched
The long-established tournament brand Red Dragon Cup has now released its own app — “Red Dragon Poker.”
The Red Dragon Cup is a well-known Asian poker brand with a strong reputation across the region. Originating in Macau, it quickly became one of the most influential poker events in Asia. Red Dragon Poker tournaments regularly attract players from all over the world, offering massive fields and impressive prize pools.
For those interested, we highly recommend downloading the “Red Dragon Poker” app to join more exciting tournaments.