A Record-Breaking Taiwan Millions Tournament (TMT)

Shane C

Aug 6, 2023

Chia Yun Wu Wins TMT 14 Main Event

The latest edition of the Taiwan Millions Tournament (TMT), sponsored by Natural8, stormed the prestigious Asia Poker Arena in Taipei City and shattered previous records with its NTD 20,000,000 (~USD 648,400) in guaranteed prize pools, effectively doubling the guarantees of TMT 13. Notably, both the total guaranteed prize pools and the number of scheduled tournaments were doubled compared to the previous installment, adding to the tournament's allure and cementing its position as a premier poker event in Asia.

A Brief History of TMT

TMT was first introduced as a regional poker tournament catering to Taiwanese players. Over time, it gained recognition beyond Taiwan's borders and started to attract players from other Asian countries and even from different parts of the world. 

One significant milestone in TMT's history was its partnership with Natural8, Asia’s leading online poker platform. This partnership has brought enhanced exposure, improved prize pools, and access to a wider player base, thereby elevating TMT's stature within the Asian poker community.

Furthermore, the expansion of the player base, coupled with the sponsorship by Natural8, has contributed to heightened competitiveness and larger prize pools. As a result, TMT has become an appealing destination for both amateur and professional players.

The Taiwan Millions Tournament 14

From July 14th to 31st, 2023, players from diverse backgrounds descended upon the Asia Poker Arena, showcasing an unmatched level of enthusiasm. The tournament kicked off with a Freeroll to the Kick-Off event, attracting over 500 players on the opening day. Such overwhelming demand led to a cap of 10 tables, fueling excitement for the following days. The excitement continued to soar on the second day, with the Kick-Off event surpassing expectations and amassing an impressive 1,264 entries, doubling the NTD 2,000,000 guarantee. 

Of course, the Main Event stood as the most anticipated highlight of the tournament, boasting an impressive NTD 10,000,000 (~USD 319,760) guaranteed prize pool with a buy-in of NTD 8,000 (~USD 256). Despite the substantial buy-in, the event attracted a record-breaking 3,485 entries, leading to an eventual prize pool of NTD 22,987,100 (~USD 733,700). After an intense nine-hour battle, the eventual winner emerged at the Final Table, while an impressive 408 players successfully secured payouts during the in-the-money stage.

The Main Event's title was claimed by Taiwan's own beloved player, Chia Yun Wu. Despite being the underdog during the heads-up, holding 21,000,000 (17 bb) against Wei Kai Su's 65,000,000 (54 bb), Chia Yun Wu displayed exceptional skill and determination, ultimately securing the top spot and a remarkable payout of NTD 3,600,000 (~USD 114,900). 

Chia Yun Wu's victory at TMT 14 marked yet another triumph in a Natural8-sponsored event, following his previous success at the Asian Poker Tour (APT) Taipei sponsored by the same organization. There, he clinched first place in the NT$ 9,000 + 1,000 No Limit Hold'em - APT Kickoff (Event #2), further solidifying his status as a prominent force in the poker world.

The Taiwan Millions Tournament (TMT) has, without a doubt, firmly established itself as a premier poker extravaganza in Asia, drawing players from diverse backgrounds to compete for lucrative cash prizes and the honor of victory. With the record-breaking achievements in TMT 14, and continued sponsorship by Natural8, there’s no doubt that TMT will continue to be a driving force in the growth of poker in the region.

About Natural8

Natural8 is Asia's largest online poker room and geared towards recreational players. As an exclusive partner on the GGPoker Network - the world's largest online poker network - Natural8 is fully licensed and authorised. Anyone can join for free, and there are no hidden fees. 

On top of the $120 million guaranteed prize pool for tournaments every month, Natural8 also offers plenty of promotions for new players. These specials amount to a total of $1,858 - easily one of the best in the online poker scene - and include:

For media inquiries, please contact Natural8’s marketing team at [email protected].

Image Source: SMP