Triton Invitational in Asia for the first time: poker stars to gather in South Korea

In September 2026, the Triton Invitational will debut in Asia at the Super High Roller Series Jeju II. Poker stars and record-breaking prize pools are expected.

In September 2026, the poker community is anticipating one of the year’s most significant events — the debut of the flagship Triton Invitational tournament in Asia. The Super High Roller Series Jeju II will take place from September 4 to 17 at Les A Casino, located in Jeju Shinhwa World, South Korea. The main event will be the Triton Invitational with a $200,000 buy-in, scheduled for September 12 to 14. This is the first time such a prestigious tournament will be held on the Asian continent, and the organizers promise a record number of participants and a unique experience for all guests. A Milestone for Triton: The Invitational Debuts in Asia According to Triton Poker Series CEO Andy Wong, hosting the Triton Invitational in Asia is a significant step for the entire series. He noted that the region has developed a strong community of high-stakes poker fans, and now they will have the opportunity to participate in one of the world’s most prestigious tournaments. Wong emphasized that the tournament’s unique structure — separating invited amateurs and professionals at different tables on Day 1 — ensures a balanced and fair playing field. He also invited all interested enthusiasts to apply for this exceptional event. Despite the high $200,000 buy-in, the history of the Triton Invitational shows that the tournament is not the exclusive domain of top pros. Out of ten past tournaments, invited amateur players have won four times. Among them are Aaron Zang, Ramin Hajiyev, Aleksa Pavicevic, and perhaps the brightest star among the amateur winners, Argentine rapper Alejandro Lococo. This fact makes the Triton Invitational especially appealing to a wide audience. The organizers note that interest in the tournament in Asia is enormous, and twelve of the largest Triton tournaments by number of entries have taken place in Jeju. In 2024, a record was set in Montenegro with 137 entries, and now there is every reason to believe that this achievement could be surpassed in September 2026: for the first time since 2019, more than 50 pairs of participants are expected. The Unique Triton Invitational Format: How It Works The Triton Invitational stands out from most poker tournaments with its format. Each amateur participant (Invitee) invites a professional to join, and together they form a pair. On the first day of the tournament, amateurs and professionals play in separate groups, which helps reduce pressure on less experienced players and gives everyone an equal chance at success. From the second day, all participants merge into a single pool, and the battle continues until a champion is determined. This approach not only promotes fair competition but also creates a unique atmosphere where poker legends and new faces just starting their high-stakes journey can meet at the same table. For many amateurs, it’s a chance to play against their idols, and for professionals — an opportunity to showcase their skills in unusual conditions. The First 18 Pairs: Who Has Already Confirmed Participation The organizers have already announced the first 18 pairs of participants (36 players in total), and among them are true stars of the poker world. Among the invitees: Phil Ivey — the legendary player invited by Triton co-founder Paul Phua. Bryn Kenney — the all-time live tournament earnings leader, who recently surpassed the $90 million mark. His partner is Leonardo Drago. Ethan "Rampage" Yau — two-time WSOP bracelet winner, who invited Justin Saliba, his longtime friend and fellow poker vlogger. It was Saliba who supported Yau at the final table when he defeated Adrian Maetos in Las Vegas. Other confirmed participants include: Isaac Haxton, Artur Martirosian, Seth Davies, Ben Heath, Danny Tang, Kayhan Mokri. This is just the beginning — the list is expected to grow with new names in the coming weeks. You can follow updates on Triton Poker’s official social media and through the Triton Plus Poker App, where up-to-date information on pairs, tournament structure, and series history is published. Triton Invitational Records and History The Triton Invitational has been held ten times and has become one of the most prestigious events in the poker world. In 2024, a record for number of entries was set in Montenegro — 137 entries, with Adrian Maetos taking first place and winning the top prize of $6,370,000. This result has become a benchmark for organizers and participants, and has shown that not only professionals, but also invited amateurs, can succeed in the tournament. Previous champions include Aaron Zang, Ramin Hajiyev, Aleksa Pavicevic, and Alejandro Lococo. Their successes prove that the tournament format truly gives everyone a chance to win, regardless of status or experience. Tournament Standings and Prizes: Results of the Latest Triton Invitational To illustrate the scale of the tournament, here are the results of the most recent Triton Invitational, held in Montenegro in May 2024: 1st place: Adrian Maetos — $6,370,000 Total entries: 137 These figures highlight the level of competition and the size of the prize pool awaiting participants in Jeju. How to Apply and Where to Follow the News Those wishing to participate in the Triton Invitational can apply through the Triton Plus Poker App. The app also provides detailed information about the tournament structure, rules, series history, and the current list of pairs. The organizers emphasize that interest in the tournament is huge, so it is recommended not to delay your application. All updates on the lineup, new pair announcements, and the schedule will be published on Triton Poker’s official social media and the series website. What This Means for PPPoker Club Players For PPPoker club members, this news is an excellent example of how poker tournaments can combine a high level of organization, unique formats, and openness to players of all skill levels. The paired competition format, where amateurs invite professionals, can serve as inspiration for hosting your own club events, where experienced players help newcomers grow and develop. Moreover, the Triton Invitational shows that even in tournaments with the highest buy-ins, amateurs have real chances for success. This motivates PPPoker players not to fear ambitious goals and to strive for participation in major events, where not only experience and bankroll matter, but also the ability to adapt to the format and connect with different opponents. Finally, a careful study of the Triton Invitational’s structure and history can help PPPoker club players better understand modern trends in poker, as well as adopt best practices in tournament organization, contributing to the growth of the club movement and the skill development of all its members.