The World Poker Tour (WPT) is heading to South Korea in July for another multi-million-dollar schedule that includes a landmark Alpha8 One Drop.
The WPT partnered with the One Drop foundation in February and, soon after, it announced its first high-stakes charity event at the Wynn Summer Classic. That initial collaboration will be followed by a two-day WPT One Drop event at Jeju Shinhwa World, South Korea.
Also on the WPT Korea schedule between July 15 and 24 will be a $12,735 high roller and $2,550 main event with a $1.5 million guarantee.
WPT tapping into emerging Asian market
The WPT’s trip to South Korea will see a total of 18 tournaments take place at Jeju Shinhwa World, but the decision to host an Alpha8 One Drop there is most interesting.
Asia has long been an emerging market, but it’s yet to fully break through due to fragmented gambling laws and the dominance of other regions, such as North America. However, the fact WPT Korea will host the second One Drop event signals an intent to make Asia a destination for high-profile events.
One Drop events have become synonymous with large payouts and landmark moments in poker. The first collaboration between Cirque du Soleil founder Guy Laliberte and the WSOP was a $1 million buy-in event.
Part of the 2012 WSOP schedule, the Big One for One Drop attracted 48 players. Antonio Esfandiari emerged victorious and took home $18.3 million after beating Sam Trickett heads-up.
WPT Korea to make history
The combination of six and seven-figure WSOP One Drop buy-ins continued for another six years, and every event raised money for the One Drop Foundation.
The WSOP/One Drop collaboration ended in 2019 and, after disruption caused by COVID-19, a deal was struck with the WPT in 2023. That signaled the start of a new era and, now, the first One Drop poker tournament in Asia.
The innovations at WPT Korea don’t start and end with a maiden One Drop event in Asia. The WPT Korea schedule also features a Milestone qualifier, which is a five-seat guaranteed satellite format that was first held at the 2022 WPT World Championship.
Additionally, both the WPT Korea main event and high roller will be live streamed for free on YouTube, Twitch, and Facebook. Finally, a percentage of every One Drop buy-in will go to charity. The WPT’s efforts to become a truly global poker tour have intensified over the last two years and, in July, it will make history in Asia.
Click here to learn more about the One Drop Foundation and its mission to provide clean drinking water to those who need it.
