Thailand To Host The First World Poker Tour in 2025: A Tourism Boost

Thailand is poised to make poker history in 2025 as it prepares to host its first-ever World Poker Tour (WPT) event. Announced on April 19 by the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, the tournament, part of the WPT Prime series, will take place in Bangkok and is expected to draw over 10,000 poker players and spectators. The event is projected to generate a significant economic boost, contributing around 1 billion Baht (roughly $27 million) to the local economy.

A Historic First for Thailand

The upcoming WPT Prime Thailand will mark the country's debut on the world poker stage. Although the exact venue has not been confirmed, it is likely to be held at a prominent location, such as the Impact Arena in Bangkok. The Ministry, led by Sorawong Thienthong, views this as an opportunity to boost tourism while generating business for hotels, restaurants, and shops.

Broadcast coverage is already confirmed across major networks, including ESPN, FOX, and Eurosport, reaching viewers in over 150 countries. This kind of exposure is rare for poker events in Asia and shows Thailand’s growing interest in regulated gaming and esports-style competitive events.

WPT Prime events are recognized for their lower buy-ins, typically ranging from $500 to $2,000, making them accessible to both seasoned players and enthusiastic amateurs. The tournament in Bangkok will include a main event, side events, and likely a satellite structure to allow broader participation. For context, the 2024 WPT Prime Amsterdam drew over 1,200 entries and built a prize pool of €1.1 million.

Boosting Tourism and the Economy

Thailand expects this single event to contribute roughly 1 billion Baht to the national economy. Previous WPT events, such as a 2022 tournament in Paris, drew 8,000 players and spectators and generated 500 million Baht in economic value. With over 10,000 expected attendees in Bangkok, the financial upside could be even greater.

The Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), under the leadership of Chiruit Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya, is coordinating logistics across the hospitality and entertainment sectors. The broader strategy is clear: position Thailand as a premier destination for major international events, including those in the gaming space.

The announcement comes just months after Thailand passed its Entertainment Complex Bill, paving the way for integrated resort-style developments. Although full-scale casinos remain controversial, hosting a poker event under strict regulation aligns well with this framework and may serve as a test case for further gaming tourism opportunities.

A Strong Partnership with WPT

To make this event a success, Thailand has partnered with the World Poker Tour and the Thai RF Tourism and Sports Competition Club. WPT, now in its 23rd year, boasts a track record of hosting professional events in regions such as Cyprus, Cambodia, and Australia. CEO Adam Pliska has already described the Bangkok tournament as a “landmark moment” for Asian poker.

The addition of online poker qualifiers through ClubWPT and other WPT partner platforms means players worldwide can secure a seat at the table. As with other WPT events, prize pools are expected to be substantial, and global standards back tournament integrity.

Challenges on the Table

Despite the excitement, challenges lie ahead. Gambling laws in Thailand remain strict, and hosting a poker event, even one that is skill-based, requires careful compliance. The country continues to battle illegal betting, and regulators will closely monitor this event. Measures such as age verification, spending limits, and secure payment channels will likely be enforced to avoid legal and public relations issues.

Logistics are another consideration. Hosting thousands of players and spectators will put pressure on infrastructure, accommodation, and security. While the Impact Arena is a likely venue, final details will depend on ongoing coordination between local partners and international organizers.

Poker's Rising Popularity in Asia

The WPT’s expansion into Thailand mirrors a broader trend across Asia. The Asia Pacific Poker Tour (APPT) has already lined up events in Cambodia and the Philippines for 2025, while PokerStars’ Manila Megastack saw a record turnout in 2024.

Poker is one of the most popular casino games across the region, particularly among younger, middle-class players, Thailand is well-positioned to tap into the momentum. Variants like Pot-Limit Omaha are gaining traction, and affordable buy-ins are drawing attention from countries such as China and India, helping to stimulate regional tourism through gaming events.

Final Thoughts

WPT Thailand 2025 is more than just a poker tournament; it’s a strategic move to combine tourism, international attention, and gaming in a new format for the country. With the potential to bring in over 10,000 visitors, televised coverage, and strong partnerships, Thailand is taking a calculated bet on poker as part of its tourism strategy.

If everything goes to plan, Bangkok could become a key stop on the global poker circuit. Whether you're a pro, a recreational player, or just curious about the growing poker scene in Asia, this is one event to watch. And if you're thinking of making the trip, keep an eye on the WPT website for qualifiers, packages, and the full schedule.