The Taiwan Millions Tournament 2026 kicked off January 22 in Taipei and runs through February 9, offering grinders nearly three weeks of tournament action. The 19th edition features 124 events with NT$59 million guaranteed across the series, organized by the Chinese Texas Hold’em Poker Association.
What makes TMT worth considering is the track record. Last July’s edition crushed expectations with over 30,000 entries and $5.4 million paid out. The Main Event alone drew 8,478 players—exceptional for a $280 buy-in tournament—and paid $215,860 to the winner.
For context, that’s roughly triple the field size of a typical mid-stakes European festival and significantly larger than most Asian stops outside Macau. The combination of deep fields, affordable buy-ins, and proven overlay protection creates a compelling value proposition for tournament grinders.
The Main Event: NT$30M Guaranteed
The centerpiece runs February 1-9 with a 9,000 TWD buy-in (approximately $280) and a NT$30 million guarantee. Based on the previous edition pulling 8,478 entries at the same price point, this guarantee should be covered comfortably with room for overlay protection.
Structure-wise, you’re getting multiple Day 1 flights, deep starting stacks, and Big Blind Ante format. The July 2025 edition played down to a final table over eight days, which suggests proper blind progression rather than turbo formats designed to finish quickly.
The series splits between two venues: Asia Poker Arena handles the opening two weeks (Jan 22-31), then moves to Red Space for the championship phase (Feb 1-9). Both venues are in Taipei proper with solid infrastructure and established reputations from previous major series.
Other Tournaments Worth Playing
The Mini Main (Jan 29 – Feb 1) offers a 6,000 TWD buy-in with NT$10M guaranteed. At roughly $185, this sits in an even softer price bracket and should pull significant recreational volume. It’s a legitimate option if you’re bankrolling TMT conservatively or looking for a lower-variance alternative to the Main.
On the higher end, the Master NLH (Feb 2-4) runs 15,000 TWD (~$470) with NT$5M guaranteed. Expect tougher competition here—this price point typically filters for more experienced players and local pros.
Early in the series, the Kick-off (Jan 22-25) guarantees NT$5M at a 4,000 TWD buy-in (~$125). Low enough to attract massive recreational participation, and a four-day structure means it’s not a one-day sprint.
| Event | Dates | Buy-in | Guarantee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kick-off | Jan 22–25 | 4,000 TWD (~$125) | NT$5M |
| Mystery Bounty | Jan 27–29 | 6,000 TWD (~$185) | NT$4M |
| Mini Main | Jan 29–Feb 1 | 6,000 TWD (~$185) | NT$10M |
| Main Event | Feb 1–9 | 9,000 TWD (~$280) | NT$30M |
| Master NLH | Feb 2–4 | 15,000 TWD (~$470) | NT$5M |
Beyond the headline events, the schedule includes daily tournaments across multiple formats: standard NLHE, Pot Limit Omaha, Short Deck, and Open-Face Chinese Poker. Most use Big Blind Ante and avoid turbo structures, which is player-friendly for anyone looking to grind volume without sacrificing post-flop play.
What the Fields Look Like
TMT attracts a diverse mix. You’ll see regional recreational players (Taiwan, Hong Kong, Southeast Asia), local semi-pros, and a smaller contingent of international grinders. The 30,000+ entries from last July suggest strong recreational turnout—important for maintaining soft fields across multiple events.
Taiwan officially recognized poker as a sport in recent years, which has grown the local player base significantly. More recreational players entering the ecosystem means softer fields compared to saturated markets where only regulars show up.
The buy-in range (most events between $125-$470 USD equivalent) sits below the threshold where you start seeing exclusively tough regulars. Even the Main Event at $280 keeps the field diverse enough that solid players have clear edges without needing to navigate a minefield of full-time pros.
Satellites and Bankroll Management
Live satellites run daily at the venue with step structures feeding into the Main Event and other flagship tournaments. If you’re shot-taking or managing variance, satellites offer a cost-effective path into bigger buy-ins without directly risking full amounts.
Everything runs in New Taiwan Dollars (TWD). Current exchange rate sits around 32 TWD per USD, which makes buy-ins exceptionally affordable compared to European or North American stops. Registration is cash-preferred at the venue, though credit cards may work with processing fees.
Exchange currency at the airport or a local bank before heading to the venue—airport rates in Taiwan are generally reasonable, and you’ll want cash on hand for buy-ins, rebuys, and daily expenses.
Logistics: Getting There and Staying
Taipei is straightforward. Fly into Taoyuan International Airport, then take the Airport MRT Express into the city (35-40 minutes, ~$5 USD). Taxis run about $40-50 and take roughly the same time depending on traffic.
The Taipei MRT connects both venues efficiently. Uber and Grab work reliably if you prefer ride-sharing. Hotels near the venues range from budget to mid-tier—plenty of options within walking distance or a short subway ride. Taipei is clean, safe, and easy to navigate even if it’s your first visit.
Food is cheap and accessible. Convenience stores (7-Eleven, FamilyMart) are everywhere and stock quick meals, snacks, and have ATMs. Night markets offer local food at low prices, and both venue areas have nearby restaurants. You can eat well on $10-15 USD per day if you’re budget-conscious, or spend more for sit-down meals.
Visa-wise, many nationalities get 90-day visa-exempt entry (US, EU, UK included). Verify your specific country’s requirements before booking flights, but logistics are generally hassle-free for extended stays.
Important: No Cash Games
Cash games aren’t legal in Taiwan. TMT is tournaments only. If your usual grind involves mixing cash and MTTs, plan accordingly. The upside? All the action funnels into tournaments, which run consistently and on schedule throughout the festival.
Why Taiwan Works for Grinders
Taiwan became the first Asian country to recognize poker as a sport, which stabilized the regulatory environment and encouraged growth. The Chinese Texas Hold’em Poker Association runs professional operations with reliable dealers, consistent structures, and a track record of meeting guarantees.
Nineteen editions in, TMT is a proven stop. You’re not gambling on a first-time series or a market with uncertain regulations. For grinders planning annual live schedules, this is a dependable option with soft fields, high volume, and low living costs.
If you’re evaluating ROI, TMT offers clear advantages: affordable buy-ins, recreational-heavy fields, deep structures, and a city where you can live comfortably without burning through profit margins. It’s a practical choice for regional players and international grinders looking for value on the Asian circuit.
