The highly-anticipated Players Series Taipei 2024 takes place at the Chinese Texas Hold’em Poker Association (CTP) Asia Poker Arena from 13th – 23rd December 2024. Sponsored by Natural8, the inaugural live poker series is set to attract players from all across the world to compete in 38 trophy events highlighted by the main event, the NTD 16,500 buy-in event, which features a jaw-dropping NTD 15,000,000 ($465,865) guarantee, promising intense competition and substantial rewards.
As the countdown begins, Khurshid Ahmad from PokerProNews caught up with Mr. Alex Wong, a poker pro, the former U Series of Poker (USOP) COO and the visionary behind the Players Series. In this exclusive interview, Wong, under whose leadership the USOP became a significant poker event in the live Asia poker circuit, talks about the upcoming Players Series in Taipei, his journey and a lot more. Here are the excerpts!
Transition from USOP to Players Series
Khurshid: You’ve had a remarkable journey as the acting COO of the U Series of Poker (USOP). What inspired you to move on from the USOP brand and create the Players Series, and how has that transition been for you?
Wong: My journey with USOP was fulfilling and a great learning experience, but it came to an abrupt end due to creative differences as well as growing concerns surrounding transparency and accountability at the board level—values I couldn’t compromise on. These experiences strengthened my resolve to build something better—something truly player-focused and accessible to a broader audience, while emphasizing transparency and integrity in all aspects of operations.
Players Series wasn’t a solo endeavour—I collaborated with like-minded partners who shared my vision to create a series rooted in integrity, inclusivity, and affordability. The transition has been both challenging and rewarding, allowing me to channel my expertise into building a brand from the ground up that resonates with players across Asia.
As Vice President in charge of operations, I’ve focused on ensuring these principles are reflected in every aspect of the series. While the transition has been challenging, it’s also been incredibly rewarding to create something I truly believe in alongside a team that shares my vision.
Vision Behind Players Series
Khurshid: The Players Series is positioned as a new and exciting brand. Could you share your vision for this series and how it differentiates itself from other poker series/festivals in the region?
Wong: The vision for the Players Series is to create a truly affordable and inclusive poker experience, where players of all levels feel welcome and can compete in high-quality tournaments. We aim to offer an accessible alternative to traditional poker series, which often focus heavily on setting high guarantees and maximizing entries by tweaking tournament structures and formats that encourage excessive re-buys and re-entries. Players Series is driven by the desire to elevate the tournament experience by promoting tournament poker as a legitimate sport, rather than just a game of chance. To achieve this, we emphasize structures that prioritize fairness and skill development.
One key feature that differentiates us is our commitment to limiting the number of re-entries in the Main Event. This format not only makes the tournaments more competitive but also fosters better decision-making throughout the event. We believe that limiting re-entries creates a level playing field, encouraging players to play their best from the outset, rather than relying on the option of buying back in repeatedly. Inspired by prestigious events like the World Series of Poker (WSOP) and leading European tournaments, we believe this approach better prepares Asian players for global competition.
We are also revising the buy-ins for our High Roller and Super High Roller events to better align with the Asian market. Similar to how AirAsia made travel accessible with the slogan “Now Everyone Can Fly,” our goal is to democratize high-stakes poker with the motto “Now Everyone Can Play the High Roller and Super High Roller.” This approach makes elite poker more accessible, ensuring it is not limited to professionals or the wealthy, but open to all players looking for a premier tournament poker experience.
Player-Centric Approach
Khurshid: You’ve been an advocate for a player-centric approach throughout your career. How does the Players Series embody this philosophy?
Wong: Players Series was built with players in mind. From the beginning, we have worked to integrate player feedback into every aspect of our events—from thoughtfully curated schedules to tournament structures and the overall experience. Our commitment to affordability, inclusivity, and transparency ensures that players of all levels feel valued.
One of our core principles is maintaining the integrity of the tournament. We do not allow members of the operations or management teams to participate in our events, a key measure to uphold the series’ credibility. Why is this important? The real question should be: Are we organizing this event for the players or for ourselves? Allowing a tournament organizer to participate in their own event invites negative press and unfounded claims of rigging. When the staff consists of the organizer’s own people, it naturally raises doubts.
If organizers want to play, there are countless poker tours to choose from—why must they play in their own event? It simply doesn’t make sense to players who come to support it. I’ve personally spoken with players, and a significant number have expressed their disapproval of organizers participating in—and especially winning—their own events.
At the Players Series, we are deeply committed to player feedback and integrity. That’s why we will never allow our team to participate in a Players Series tournament. This is just one way we listen to player feedback and act on it.
Ultimately, the player experience is our top priority. We value all constructive criticism and are committed to addressing challenges as they arise. By continually striving to improve, we aim to deliver the highest level of customer service and the best playing experience for our supporters.
Addressing Industry Gaps
Khurshid: What gaps in the poker tournament ecosystem are you aiming to address with the Players Series?
Wong: There’s a noticeable gap in the availability of high-quality poker tournaments that are also affordable. Many existing poker tours set buy-ins for the Main Event and High Roller tournaments at levels that are simply not sustainable for the average Asian income-earner. These are the marquee events of any poker series, known for their deep structures and high-quality formats. However, by setting the buy-ins of these events too high, many players are effectively priced out of the opportunity to compete at that level. The Players Series aims to bridge this gap by adjusting the buy-ins to a more reasonable level that suits the bankrolls of a wider range of Asian players. Our focus is on creating an environment where players of all financial backgrounds can compete in high-caliber tournaments without feeling excluded.
Inspiration For The Players Series
Khurshid: What was the driving force or the “aha moment” that led you to conceptualize the Players Series?
Wong: The “aha moment” came when I realized that the poker community in Asia needed something different. It wasn’t about reinventing the wheel but about creating a brand that aligned with the core values of accessibility, integrity, and inclusivity. Many players who have come to know me over the years offered their support and encouragement to create something fresh and impactful. That is exactly what the Players Series represents: we’re not just another poker tour; we’re here to make a meaningful difference. The idea was to create a series that stands out not just in terms of the tournaments we offer, but also in the values we uphold—affordability, non-exclusion, and a deep commitment to the player experience. That vision, combined with the collaboration of like-minded partners, turned the concept into a reality.
Key Highlights of the Inaugural Players Series
Khurshid: With the inaugural Players Series starting next month in Taipei, could you give us an overview of the standout features, including the Main Event and the High Roller tournaments?
Wong: PS Taipei 2024 has been meticulously crafted to deliver an exceptional poker experience that balances accessibility with thrilling competition. A highlight of the series is our Main Event, featuring an affordable buy-in of approximately USD $500. This price point makes the tournament accessible to a diverse range of players across Asia, aligning perfectly with our mission to create a poker series that is both affordable and inclusive.
The Main Event stands out with its player-centric structure. Each Day 1 flight features up to 50-minute levels and concludes after 12 levels, rather than playing through to the ITM (In The Money) stage. This format ensures participants enjoy a good and deep structure on Day 1 while remaining well-rested for Day 2, when the race to ITM truly begins. Additionally, we are implementing a one re-entry per flight rule—a rare, and perhaps unprecedented, feature in the region. By limiting re-entries, we aim to foster a level playing field, encouraging players to bring their best game from the outset without relying on unlimited buy-ins. This creates a more competitive and fair environment for players of all financial backgrounds.
For those seeking higher stakes, our High Roller and Super High Roller events have been tailored to suit the Asian market with adjusted buy-ins of approximately USD $1,000 and $1,500, respectively. These events feature exceptionally deep structures, offering starting stacks of 100,000 chips for the High Roller event and an impressive 250,000 chips for the Super High Roller event.
Players seeking the ultimate poker challenge can immerse themselves in the PS Trifecta, a thrilling trio comprising the Main Event, High Roller, and Super High Roller tournaments. With a combined investment of around USD $3,000, participants gain access to three premium events that prioritize deep gameplay, excitement, and unmatched value.
Natural8 Partnership
Khurshid: The Players Series has partnered with Natural8 for online qualifiers. How do you see this partnership enhancing accessibility and engagement for players?
Wong: Natural8, an official sponsor of Players Series, is a highly respected brand in the poker industry and part of the GGNetwork, one of the largest online poker networks globally. Their strong presence in Asia aligns perfectly with our vision, as it provides the Players Series with exposure to markets that might otherwise take time to penetrate.
This partnership is a game-changer for us, enabling players across Asia to participate in our live events through online qualifiers. By connecting online and live poker communities, the collaboration with Natural8 not only extends our reach but also elevates the player experience. Together, we are taking significant steps toward making poker more inclusive, accessible, and enjoyable for everyone.
Players Series Main Event USP
Khurshid: The Main Event comes with a buy-in of NTD 16,500 and offers a significant guarantee of NTD 15 million. What makes this event special for both recreational and professional players?
Wong: The Main Event strikes the perfect balance. For recreational players, the affordable buy-in and player-friendly structure provide a great entry point into competitive poker. For professionals, the substantial guarantee and high level of competition make it a compelling opportunity. It’s a tournament designed to be both exciting and rewarding for all.
Long-Term Goals
Khurshid: What are your long-term aspirations for the Players Series, and how do you plan to scale its impact across the Asian poker circuit and beyond?
Wong: Our long-term goal is to establish Players Series as the go-to brand for affordable, high-quality poker tournaments in Asia. We plan to expand into new cities and countries, continually adapting to player feedback to stay relevant. Introducing flagship events like the Players Series Championship and smaller tours under the brand will help us cater to a wider range of players.
Message to Aspiring Players
Khurshid: Lastly, what message or advice would you like to share with players looking to participate in the inaugural Players Series this December?
Wong: My message is simple: come with an open mind and enjoy the experience. The Players Series is designed with you in mind, whether you’re chasing trophies or simply looking to have fun. Take advantage of the inclusive environment, meet players from diverse backgrounds, and make the most of this opportunity to be part of something special.
I also encourage you to share your feedback with me directly—constructive criticism is always welcome. The Players Series exists for the players, and your insights are invaluable in helping us continually improve. Together, we can shape this series into an even better platform for the entire poker community.
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