Aussie Poker Power Surges Across Asia

Asia has seen a wave of Australian dominance in recent APT events, with players from Down Under taking control at multiple tables and leaving their mark on the tournament scene. From seasoned pros to rising stars, the Aussie presence has been impossible to ignore.

FELICIA WONG CLAIMS HER FIRST TROPHY

The Women’s Event at APT Taiwan saw Felicia Wong, a dealer on the Australian circuit, capture her first career trophy and take home a fantastic APT Lion trophy along with TWD 69,000 ($AUD 3,410). Outlasting 115 competitors in the TWD 3K buy-in event, Wong showcased steady composure and precise decision making. Starting with 30,000 chips, she navigated a diverse field with skill and determination, proving she belongs among the series’ top contenders.

SYDNEY’S AMANDA WONG MAKES HER MARK IN LIMIT HOLD’EM

Just two days later, Sydney-based Amanda Wong secured a victory in the Women’s Event Limit Hold’em, earning her own APT Lion trophy. The TWD 6K buy-in drew 30 players and built a TWD 144K prize pool. Starting with 50,000 chips, Wong outplayed the field to claim TWD 20,000 ($AUD 990). Her tactical approach and calm table presence highlighted her growing reputation as a formidable competitor.

MELBOURNE’S ANDREW SHANAHAN TAKES QUADRUPLE STUD TITLE

Melbourne-based Andrew Shanahan, an experienced player in all forms of poker, claimed victory in the Limit Quadruple Stud event, lifting a coveted APT Lion trophy along with TWD 106,511 ($AUD 5,260). The TWD 10K buy-in attracted 35 players and built a TWD 287K prize pool. Starting with 50,000 chips, Shanahan showcased his deep understanding of Stud, Stud Hi-Lo, Razz, and Razzdugi, making precise moves and dominating the field. His consistency and skill at the tables once again highlighted why he is one of Australia’s most respected and versatile tournament players.

JOHN CARIDAD TAKES THE TURBO BIG O TITLE

Australian pro John Caridad, the most experienced of the Aussie tourists with around 20 years playing all variations of poker, proved his versatility by winning the Turbo PL Omaha Hi-Lo 5 Card event, also known as Big O, and lifting an APT Lion trophy. With 81 players battling for a TWD 518K prize pool, Caridad navigated the fast-paced action and emerged with TWD 141,925 ($AUD 7,010). His strategic play and patience in a high-pressure environment underscored the strength of Australian poker talent.

JARRYD GODENA WINS HYPER TURBO TRIPLE DRAW

In another standout performance, Sydney-based Jarryd Godena, a highly consistent mixed-game player frequently seen at final tables, claimed the Hyper Turbo NL Triple Draw Mix 7-Game title and an APT Lion trophy. The TWD 7K buy-in attracted 29 entrants and created a TWD 162K prize pool. Godena’s aggressive yet calculated approach allowed him to seize the title and a TWD 59,918 ($AUD 2,910) payout, reinforcing Australia’s reputation for producing adaptable and skilled players.

AMANDA WONG STRIKES AGAIN!

Amanda Wong returned to the felt and delivered a second trophy in the Women’s Event, adding another APT Lion trophy to her collection. With a TWD 8K buy-in and a field of 69 players, she captured the top prize of TWD 83,522 ($AUD 4,120) from a TWD 441K prize pool. The Sydney-based pro’s back-to-back success cements her as one of the most exciting players to watch for the rest of the series and in 2026.

JARRYD GODENA LANDS A MAJOR SECOND TROPHY

Jarryd Godena continued his outstanding run with a massive victory in the Dealer’s Choice Masters event. The TWD 30K buy-in drew 72 of the most skilled mixed-game competitors and generated a TWD 1.8M prize pool. The Sydney regular showcased his deep experience across all formats, navigating a complex rotation of games and outlasting a tough field to claim TWD 544,140 ($AUD 26,900). With two titles already in the series, Godena’s consistency across mixed disciplines is becoming one of the defining stories of the Australian surge in Asia.

MARK FURNISS TAKES TURBO PL OMAHA ULTIMATE HI-LO

Mark Furniss claimed victory in the Turbo PL Omaha Ultimate Hi-Lo – Cry Me A River event, earning a coveted APT Lion trophy along with TWD 100,800 ($AUD 4,980). The TWD 6K buy-in drew 72 players and built a TWD 345K prize pool. Furniss navigated the fast-paced, triple-board format with precision, outlasting a competitive field and demonstrating his skill in one of the series’ most unique and challenging events.

JESSE STANLEY WINS HYPER TURBO DEALER’S CHOICE

Jesse Stanley claimed first place in the Hyper Turbo NL Dealer’s Choice – Single Draw Mix (7-Game), taking home a prized APT Lion trophy along with TWD 66,320 ($AUD 3,275). The TWD 7K buy-in attracted 32 players and built a TWD 179K prize pool. Stanley navigated the fast-paced, seven-game rotation with skill and precision, outlasting a strong field to secure the victory and add his name to the growing list of Australian champions making waves across the APT series.

JENNIFER CASSELL CLAIMS WOMEN’S EVENT TITLE

Jennifer Cassell, the 2024 Australian Female GPI Player of the Year and the 2024 APS Fans Choice Female Player of the Year, added another accolade to her resume by winning the Women’s Event at APT Taiwan. The TWD 15K buy-in drew 63 players and built a TWD 784K prize pool. Cassell’s mastery of the felt earned her the top prize of TWD 228,765 ($AUD 11,290) along with a prestigious APT Lion trophy. Her precision, experience, and strategic play left the competition behind, solidifying her reputation as one of Australia’s most formidable female poker players.

JARRYD GODENA CLAIMS HIS THIRD TROPHY OF THE SERIES

Sydney mixed-game specialist Jarryd Godena continued his incredible run at APT Taiwan by securing his third trophy of the series, this time in the Turbo PL Omaha Hi-Lo Stairway to Seven event. The TWD 8K buy-in drew 62 players and generated a TWD 396K prize pool. Godena’s mastery of split-pot variants once again shone through as he navigated the unique format and captured the top prize of TWD 115,719 ($AUD 5,710). His dominance across multiple disciplines has made him one of the standout performers of the entire festival.

JULIAN WARHURST WINS THE FREEZEOUT CHAMPIONSHIP

Australian standout Julian Andrew Warhurst captured one of the marquee titles of APT Taiwan by winning the prestigious Freezeout Championship. The TWD 50K buy-in attracted a massive field of 303 players, building an impressive TWD 13M prize pool. Warhurst outlasted the deep and talented lineup to claim the top prize of TWD 2,624,300 ($AUD 129,540) and lift an APT Lion trophy in one of the series’ most coveted events. Fellow Australian Justin Tsui also delivered a remarkable run, finishing in second place for TWD 1,744,800 ($AUD 86,090), giving Australia a brilliant one-two finish on Championship day.

JARRYD GODENA WINS HIS FOURTH TROPHY IN A REMARKABLE SERIES RUN

Sydney’s Jarryd Godena capped off an extraordinary festival performance by securing his fourth trophy of the series in the PL Omaha High event. The TWD 15K buy-in attracted 27 entrants and built a TWD 336K prize pool. Godena continued his dominant mixed-game form, outplaying the compact but tough field to claim the top prize of TWD 141,256 ($AUD 6,970). Capturing four titles in one series is an exceptional feat, further solidifying Godena as one of Australia’s most formidable and versatile tournament players.