The 2024 APPT Cambodia Festival Is Only Two Weeks Away

In recent years, the Kingdom of Cambodia has become a hotbed for major live poker events in South East Asia with several international brands visiting Phnom Penh. For the third time in as many years, the PokerStars sponsored Asia-Pacific Poker Tour (APPT), in partnership with Connaissance Management Group, is returning to the city. The latest installment comes just after APPT staged two highly successful festivals in the Philippines this year.

APPT Cambodia

Host venue for APPT Cambodia will once again be the five-star NagaWorld Integrated Resort in the capital and the tournament series runs from November 15 to 25, 2024. A total of 50 trophy events await with more than $1 million in guaranteed prize pools spread across several key tournaments.

Before we dive into all the excitement to be expected at the festival, we go off the felt as there are just as many reasons to arrive early or extend to enjoy what the city and country have to offer.

Off The Poker Felt

For first-time visitors, Cambodia’s appeal extends well beyond the poker tables. Due to the lower cost of living and rich culture, poker players near and far have made this country their home.

The Kingdom of Cambodia was the center of one of the oldest known cultures in Asia, the Khmer. Their symbols can be found all over the country and starts with the national flag. Perhaps the most well-known site of Khmer culture currently still available are the temples of Angkor Wat in Siem Reap. A trip there by mini van or bus takes around five hours from Phnom Penh, while a flight is a mere hour. The temples date back more than 900 years and provide a fascinating view at all times, though sunrise and sunset are the most frequented hours for visitors from near and far. Other popular day trips outside of the country’s capital include the Cu Chi tunnels, Silk Island, and the Mekong Delta via small boats.

It is, however, not necessary to go as far to soak in the local culture as Phnom Penh is littered with sights of Khmer culture. The Royal Palace is only a short walk away from NagaWorld and features the stunning Silver Pagoda. Nearby are also several other temples such as Wat Phnom Daun Penh and you can hire a TukTuk driver to explore the city in a day or two.

NagaWorld itself has several top class restaurants and a diverse food court to offer. Night and day markets are within walking distance. For shoppers, the Russian Market is a must-visit. Interestingly, for currency, the US Dollar is widely used, moreso than the local Cambodian Riel.

On The Felt Highlights

Of course on the felt is what the excitement is truly all about which is why players from around the globe fly in to attend this annual celebration. Unlike most places in Asia, APPT Cambodia will feature a truly international lineup as locals are not permitted to participate. This can either up one’s edge or be just the opposite. Among the contingents expected from outside of Southeast Asia are players from Taiwan, China, Japan, Russia, and Australia. Trophy hunters will have plenty to chase as the iconic PokerStars Spades can be won for as low as $200 while PokerStars Shards are reserved for the main event and high rollers champions.

2024 APPT Cambodia – SCHEDULE / PLAYER GUIDE

Speaking of the APPT Main Event, the headliner features a minimum $500,000 prize pool for a price tag of $1,650. The event takes place from November 21 to 25. The first ever champion was Canada’s Alexander Puchalski in 2022, then Taiwan’s Chao Ting Cheng clinched it on the following year.

The series kicks off with a highlight for the low-stakes players as the APPT NagaWorld Kickoff only costs $400 to enter but boasts a $50,000 guarantee. It runs from November 15 to 16 and is swiftly followed by the APPT National, featuring an entry fee of $900 and $150,000 guarantee from November 16 to 19. The chase for the golden envelope then unfolds in the APPT Mystery Bounty from November 18 to 20 with a guarantee worth at least $100,000.

There is an event to suit nearly every bankroll, including high-stakes options where players can show their talents in the $10,000 APPT Cambodia Super High Roller on November 20 and 21, and the APPT High Roller with a buy-in of $5,000 and $200,000 guarantee on the final two days of the festival. Several other Single Day High Rollers, the $2,000 Mini High Roller and a High Roller Bounty Event with a buy-in of $3,000 buy-in are part of the schedule as well.

Here the key events in a nutshell:

APPT NagaWorld Kickoff

• Date: November 15-16, 2024
• Buy-In: $400
• Guarantee: $50,000

APPT National

• Date: November 16-19, 2024
• Buy-In: $900
• Guarantee: $150,000

APPT Mystery Bounty

• Date: November 18-20, 2024
• Buy-In: $600
• Guarantee: $100,000

APPT Cambodia Super High Roller

• Date: November 20-21, 2024
• Buy-In: $10,000

APPT Cambodia Main Event

• Date: November 21-25, 2024
• Buy-In: $1,650
• Guarantee: $500,000

APPT High Roller

• Date: November 24-25, 2024
• Buy-In: $5,000
• Guarantee: $200,000

Promotions for all Poker Players

As of October 7 and until November 12, NagaWorld is running Mega Satellites for the $1,650 APPT Main Event (every Monday) and the $900 APPT National (every Tuesday) with further promotions available to all players as well.

For example, an Early Bird Package can be claimed by the first 50 players with a room rate of just $35 at NagaWorld 2 for a Superior Room from November 14 to 26. This special deal is available on a first-come first serve basis and requires participation in the NagaWorld Kick-Off, APPT National, and APPT Main Event.

High Rollers have a similar deal available where free accommodation of up to 12 nights can be claimed in a Deluxe Room. The number of free nights granted depends on the number of entries in the ten qualifying High Roller tournaments on the schedule and re-entries count towards the tally.

Visiting players can take advantage of special room rates for as low as $55 per night at the location itself with just a short walk to the tournament area. Depending on the number of nights booked, complimentary dining credits will be granted as well.

NagaWorld – HOTEL PROMOS