1 Week to Go: K Poker Cup Returns to Jeju With ₩2 Billion Guarantee

Eliot Thomas
Editor, Poker & Casino
5 min read
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One of the summer's marquee stops on the Asian poker calendar is almost here.

Now just one week away, the K Poker Cup & King Poker Cup (KPC) series will run from July 25 through August 10, 2026, with more than two weeks of tournament action set against the backdrop of Les A Casino in Jeju, one of Asia's most luxurious entertainment venues.

Backed by title sponsor QQPK, the series carries atotal guarantee of KRW 2,000,000,000, making it unmissable for those who want to play some top-class poker tournaments this summer.

Three Leaderboards, Serious Hardware on the Line

KPC has rolled out three separate "Player of the Series" (POS) races, each rewarding grinders who stack up multiple cashes across the festival. All POS cash rewards are paid out in Tournament Credits rather than cash.

King Poker Cup POS

KPC award
  • 1st: A gold ring plus $10,000 in credits
  • 2nd: $8,000 in credits
  • 3rd: $5,000 in credits

These credits are restricted to King Poker Cup events only.

Poker Cup POS (3+ cashes required)

KPC award
  • 1st: A rose gold bracelet plus $2,000 in credits
  • 2nd: $1,500 in credits
  • 3rd: $1,000 in credits

These credits carry more flexibility, usable across both the K Poker Cup and King Poker Cup branches of the festival.

K Poker Cup Mixed Games Series POS (3+ cashes in mixed-game events required)

kpc mixed award
  • 1st: An exclusive gold bracelet plus $2,000 in credits

The Road to the King's Main Event

kpc photo

The series has built in a satellite-style progression system for players chasing bigger buy-ins without paying full price. Strong finishes in select events convert directly into non-transferable, non-refundable seats funded by the prize pools themselves. For example:

  • A deep run in Event #1: Jeju Opener, or a stroke of luck in the Event #5 Mystery Bounty draw, can earn a ticket into "King's Debut," a $5,000 buy-in event.
  • Winning Event #7 (the KRW 5M High Roller), the KPC Main Event (#23), or Event #26 (the KRW 7M High Roller) punches a direct ticket into The King's Main Event, a $15,000 buy-in showpiece.

Beyond the prize money, whoever claims the King's Main Event title will walk away with a one-of-a-kind "Crown K" custom necklace to go with the cash. Check it out here:

Star Power on the Felt and Behind the Mic

livestream kpc

Poker icon Tan Xuan headlines a lineup of more than a dozen top professionals expected to take their seats throughout the series. Calling the action of those star players is a dedicated commentary team that will provide strategic breakdowns, psychological reads, and full play-by-play coverage.

Overseas fans can tune in starting July 26, with broadcasts running in original Mandarin audio on YouTube. And you'll want to circle the calendar for the two biggest final tables of the series: the KPC Main Event Final Table on August 3, and the King Poker Cup Main Event Final Table on August 9.

Check out the live stream schedules here:

livestream 1
livestream 2

Act Fast to Secure Packages

The standard early bird packages have already sold out, but a handful of premium options remain available directly through KPC customer service:

PackagePriceIncludesSpots Left
KPC Double M Combo (New)KRW 5,500,000#23 Main Event Day 1 + #49 Super Deepstack entries, KRW 2.5M tournament wallet, 4 nights at Landing Hotel60
Ultimate High Roller PackageKRW 20M + $5,000Full high roller seat coverage, 10 nights at the Marriott5
Premium High Roller PackageKRW 17,500,0004 major High Roller events, 6 nights at the Marriott15
King's Glory PackageUSD 30,000King's #K1, #K8, #K9 events, 8 nights at the Marriott, VIP airport transfers3

The Supreme Package (KRW 5,650,000), which includes 4 key events, a KRW 800,000 wallet, and a 5-night stay at Landing Hotel, is now sold out. Organizers have advised that demand is very high across all packages because of interest in the event, so those looking to secure a package should get in touch with KPC VIP customer service as soon as possible to secure their accommodation.

Don't Sleep on These Two Events

A pair of specialty events are strictly capped and expected to fill quickly:

Event #22: OFC Challenger (Ultimate Jokers, 3-Handed) — July 29 at 11:30, capped at just 27 seats.
Event #38: NLH Heads-Up — July 31 at 14:30, capped at just 32 seats.

Registration for both can be completed via the official WhatsApp or LINE QR codes listed on the tournament poster.

Perks for Players On-Site

discounts

KPC has lined up several nice hospitality perks for players, including:

  • Dining discounts: Players who show their KPC membership card with the tournament sticker get up to 20% off at Jeju Shinhwa World's premium dining outlets.
  • Airport shuttle: A complimentary round-trip shuttle is available for arriving players — look for staff holding the "KPC Pickup Sign" at International Exit 5. Transfers must be booked in advance through KPC customer service with flight details provided.
  • Venue shuttle: Regular shuttle buses will run between partner hotels and the Les A Casino venue throughout the series.

The Road to KPC LIVE Super League Joins the Schedule

road to kpc super league

To deliver the highest level of competition, tournament officials are proud to announce a major addition to the festival schedule: Event #L1 – Road to KPC LIVE Super League, taking place July 27–29.

More than just another high-stakes tournament, the Road to KPC LIVE Super League is where elite players prove themselves against the very best. Featuring a massive prize pool, a premium deep-stack structure, and extensive KPC LIVE coverage, this event offers competitors the opportunity to compete on poker's biggest stage.

Players will battle alongside world-renowned professionals, testing their skills under relentless pressure while experiencing the highest level of strategic play—from sophisticated hand reading to fearless high-pressure decision-making. Every key moment will be captured through KPC LIVE's panoramic broadcast, bringing the action to audiences around the world.

Elite Structure Built for Championship Poker

Designed to meet the expectations of serious tournament professionals, the Road to KPC LIVE Super League features a structure that rewards skill, patience, and post-flop excellence.

    With deep stacks and extended levels, players will have every opportunity to maximize their edge throughout the tournament.

    Earn Your Seat in the 2027 Super League

    The stakes extend far beyond this summer's prize pool.

    The champion, runner-up, and third-place finisher will each earn direct entry into the January 2027 Road to KPC LIVE Super League, securing their place in one of the region's premier poker events.

    Schedule Update

    Tournament update kpc

    Please note that Event #18 – Single-Day High Roller on July 28 has been cancelled.

    Players who purchased Early Bird packages that included Event #18 do not need to take any action. Their tournament buy-in will be automatically transferred to the new Road to KPC LIVE Super League, which carries the same KRW 2,500,000 buy-in.

    The Ultimate Summer Challenge

    With elite professionals, internationally recognized poker stars, and ambitious rising talents all expected to compete, the Road to KPC LIVE Super League promises to be one of the festival's premier events.

    Whether you're looking to establish your reputation, challenge the world's best, or capture a career-defining title, this is your opportunity to shine.

    The road begins on July 27. Take your seat, embrace the challenge, and compete where champions are made.

    -

    For full structures, schedules, and registration details, players should check the official King Poker Cup and K Poker Cup website.

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    Eliot Thomas
    Editor, Poker & Casino

    Eliot Thomas is an Editor at PokerNews, specializing in casino and poker coverage. He is currently on the ground in Las Vegas covering the 2026 World Series of Poker and has previously worked at the European Poker Tour and Triton Super High Roller Series.

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