TMT 16: Taiwan’s Kai Hung Hu tops Dragon of the Year Special Event Day 1A; Qualifying rounds to wrap up today
Several trophies have so far been awarded across the thrilling Taiwan Millions Tournament at Asia Poker Arena, Taipei City, Taiwan with the buzzing series past its halfway mark. Running through July 29th, players joining the festivities have one more week to go to secure a victory along with a sweet payday.
Currently ongoing is one of this year’s highlights, the NTD 2,000,000 (~USD 60,980) guaranteed Dragon of the Year Special Event. The first of two flights closed in yesterday with local runner Kai Hung Hu topping the 18 player list through to Day 2. This Tuesday, July 23rd runs the event’s final starting heat with action kicking off at 13:00.
Additionally, the record breaking NTD 31,000,000 (~USD 1 Million) guaranteed Main Event resumes its qualifying rounds this July 24-27, running through six more flights before Day 2 plays down on July 28th. Day 1A booked a chart topping field of over 1,000 runners, signaling a good hint of what lies ahead.
Taiwan Millions Tournament 16 – Schedule
Dragon of the Year Day 1A Recap
Following seven hours of registration, a total of 179 entries were locked in for the first of two flights on schedule, already generating a prize pool over the listed guarantee. The field played down to 15% at 27 players making the money, and only 10% at 18 survivors advancing to Day 2. Taiwan’s own Kai Hung Hu amassed a massive 805,000 (80 BB) stack throughout the flight after clinching the lead right on bubble time. Kai used the money bubble period, which took roughly two hours before ITM was reached, to his advantage and secured numerous pots to inch over the field.
By the 12th hour, Day 1A concluded following the exit of South Korea’s Kwak Gun in 19th place by the hands of Huang Wei Hao. Kwak suffered a crushing bad beat after getting it in with 
against his opponent’s 
, only to have the board run a one card flush to Huang’s spade. Kwak’s bubble finish sealed the list of qualifiers, and earned him a minimum payout of NTD 24,000 (~USD 730) as well as another chance at the money on today’s games.
Also a first this season, the Dragon of the Year champion is geared to receive a unique TMT piece showcasing a dragon emblem. Made with a combination of two different types of wood, the inner part of the shield maintained the Xiao Nan wood while the outer edge made use of Calocedrus Formosona, which is a rare root material that has unique grains. The exquisite wood plaque trophy / shield is complimented by a gold mold that reads “TMT Champion”, giving it a luxurious and elegant finish.
Date/s: July 22 to 24, 2024
Guarantee: NTD 2,000,000 (~USD 60,980)
Buy in: NTD 15,000 (~USD 450)
Day 1A: 179 entries / 27 ITM / 18 survivors
Day 1B: Tuesday, July 23
Day 2/ Final Day: Wednesday, July 24
Look back at Day 1A Live Updates to see how all the action went down.
End of Day 1A Chip Counts
For more information about the TMT Season 16, including registration details and event schedules, please visit https://asiapokerarena.com/about.
