The World Poker Tour is heading back to Asia this autumn, with WPT Seoul set to take place from October 30 to November 9, 2026 at INSPIRE Entertainment Resort in Incheon.
The series will also mark the official opening of a brand-new poker and entertainment complex that aims to become one of the biggest live poker destinations in the region.
For players looking ahead to the final months of the live tournament calendar, the festival offers a packed schedule, a billion-won guaranteed Main Event, and one of the largest dedicated poker venues in South Korea.
WPT Seoul Championship Offers KRW 1 Billion Guarantee
The headline attraction is the WPT Seoul Championship, which begins on November 5 before playing down to a live-streamed final table on November 9.
The Championship carries:
- Buy-in: KRW 1,750,000
- Guaranteed prize pool: KRW 1,000,000,000 (around US$720,000)
The televised final table is expected to attract viewers from around the world, continuing WPT’s strategy of expanding its global live coverage.
46 Tournament Events Across 11 Days
WPT Seoul is designed to appeal to players across a wide range of bankrolls.
The festival schedule includes 46 tournaments spread across 11 days, with buy-ins starting at KRW 300,000 and climbing to KRW 8,000,000 for the highest-stakes events.
That mix gives recreational players plenty of affordable opportunities while still offering high rollers several marquee tournaments.
New YY Poker Club Makes Its Debut
The series will be the first major event hosted inside the newly opened YY Poker Club, a purpose-built poker venue featuring:
- 70 live poker tables
- Dedicated livestream production studio
- Modern tournament facilities
- Premium player amenities
The poker room forms part of a wider entertainment complex inside INSPIRE that also includes the exclusive Daia gaming room and the Ultra Lounge, where players can enjoy complimentary nightly entertainment throughout the festival.
INSPIRE Resort Continues to Grow as a Poker Destination
Located next to Incheon International Airport, INSPIRE Entertainment Resort has quickly become one of South Korea’s largest integrated entertainment developments.
The resort includes:
- A five-star hotel with more than 1,200 rooms
- A 15,000-seat indoor arena
- Indoor water park
- Restaurants, bars and entertainment venues
- South Korea’s largest foreigner-only casino
Its location makes it particularly attractive for international visitors travelling from across Asia, Europe and North America.
Experienced Tournament Team Confirmed
Tournament operations will be overseen by veteran tournament director Danny McDonagh, one of the most recognisable figures in live poker after decades of organising major events throughout the Asia-Pacific region.
His appointment is likely to reassure players expecting professionally run tournaments and internationally recognised tournament standards.
Hotel Offers Expected for Visiting Players
Players travelling to South Korea for the series will also be able to book discounted accommodation at INSPIRE Entertainment Resort. Organisers say special room rates and booking information will be released closer to the festival.
Why WPT Seoul Matters
Asia continues to be one of poker’s fastest-growing regions, with major tours investing heavily in destinations that can attract international fields while serving expanding local poker communities.
By combining a new purpose-built poker venue with a major WPT festival, organisers are clearly hoping to establish Seoul as another regular stop on the global poker calendar.
If the inaugural event proves successful, WPT Seoul could quickly become one of the standout festivals in the region alongside established stops across Asia.
With a billion-won guaranteed Championship, dozens of side events and a luxury resort venue just minutes from one of the world’s busiest airports, October’s festival looks set to draw players from across the globe.
