Asian Poker Tour confirms growth

Matt Savage, Tournament Director for the APT Macau Festival, stated that there were 326 players taking part, 133 for Day1A and 193 for Day1B, which was up from 257 in 2008.

The total prize pool for the twelve-day poker celebration reached us$ 1,408,832 with the winner of last weekend’s us$ 4,438 buy-in main event taking home us$ 391,592.

“One year ago we projected that we would get 300 runners for the main event so we are delighted with the turnout, especially in the current economic climate,” said Chris Parker, Chief Executive Officer for the APT.

“It vindicates our decision to transform the APT Macau into a twelve-day festival. What is hugely encouraging is the growth of Asian players in the field, which bodes very well for the future. For example, on Day1A just over 50 percent of the field was from Asia. We have also significantly increased the online qualifier contingent in comparison to 2008,” added Parker.

The APT Macau Festival saw a large regional contingent play alongside well-know names including its Poker Pack team of brand ambassadors, which includes JC Tran, Nam Le, Quinn Do, David ‘Chino’ Rheem, Steve Sung and Kwang Soo Lee. Also in attendance were John Juanda, Liz Lieu, James Akenhead, Stewart Scott, David Chiu, Ian Frazer, Praz Bansi, JP Kelly, Young Phan, Amnon Filippi, Casey Kastle, Steve Yea, David Steicke, Cecilia Nordenstam, Liv Boeree, Mel Judah and Kim Wooka.

Day1B also marked the start of filming for Poker King, the first Chinese-language movie dealing with poker. As players entered to take their seats, the cameras began rolling with numerous industry observers stating that the film could see a growth of the sport in Asia.