The Triton Poker Series will bring its $200K Invitational to Asia for the first time in September 2026, with Jeju, South Korea hosting a record-chasing field and a unique pro-am format
The Triton Poker Series has confirmed that its flagship $200K Triton Invitational tournament will be held in Asia for the first time, with Jeju, South Korea set to host the event from September 12-14, 2026. This marks a significant expansion for the high-stakes series, which is known for pairing elite professionals with invited recreational players in a distinctive pro-am format. The tournament will be part of the Super High Roller Series Jeju II, running at Les A Casino at Jeju Shinhwa World from September 4-17, 2026.
Record Field Expected in Jeju
Organizers have already confirmed 18 pairs for the Invitational, with more expected to join in the coming weeks. The current record for the largest Triton Invitational field stands at 137 entries, set in Montenegro in May 2026. With Jeju historically drawing large fields for Triton events, there is cautious optimism that the 2026 edition could surpass 50 pairs for the first time since the tournament's inaugural running in 2019. The unique structure separates recreational invitees and professionals on Day 1, before merging the field on Day 2 to play down to a single winner.
Confirmed Players and Pairings
The initial lineup features some of the most recognized names in poker. Phil Ivey, invited by Triton co-founder Paul Phua, headlines the list, while Bryn Kenney—currently the all-time live tournament money leader—will play alongside Leonardo Drago. Ethan "Rampage" Yau, fresh off his second WSOP bracelet, has paired with Justin Saliba. Other confirmed professionals include Isaac Haxton, Artur Martirosian, Seth Davies, Ben Heath, Danny Tang, and Kayhan Mokri. The full list of confirmed pairs is available on the Triton Plus Poker App, and additional pairings are expected to be announced via Triton's social channels.
Format and Historical Context
The Triton Invitational stands out for its format, which intentionally balances the field by separating invited recreational players from professionals on the opening day. This approach has led to notable upsets in past editions, with four of the last ten tournaments won by invitees rather than pros. Previous champions from the invitee side include Aaron Zang, Ramin Hajiyev, Aleksa Pavicevic, and Argentinian rapper Alejando Lococo. The event's $200,000 buy-in and unique structure continue to attract both high-profile professionals and well-bankrolled enthusiasts, contributing to its reputation as one of the most exclusive tournaments in live poker.
In poker tournaments, the buy-in is the amount each player pays to enter, forming the prize pool that is distributed among top finishers. High buy-in events like the Triton Invitational often attract a mix of elite professionals and wealthy recreational players, especially when the format is designed to balance the field. The separation of pros and invitees on Day 1 is intended to create a more level playing field and encourage participation from non-professionals, while still offering significant prize money and prestige for all entrants.
