Triton Poker 2026 Complete Player's Guide: Schedule, Travel, Structures, and Tips
If you are building a 2026 live schedule and want a shot at the highest-stakes action in poker, Triton deserves serious consideration. Triton sits in a category of its own: a super high roller series that blends elite competition, invitation-driven access, and a luxury hospitality experience. The 2026 season marks the series' tenth anniversary: two multi-week festivals spanning South Korea and Montenegro, with buy-ins from $2,000 up to $200,000.
This guide covers everything you need to know to attend and compete: schedule, structures, travel, lodging, food, registration, money movement, and practical tips from players who have been through it.
Triton Poker 2026 at a Glance
Triton Poker's roots trace to 2015 planning by Paul Phua and Richard Yong, with Winfred Yu and Andy Wong also named among the founding figures in Triton's own coverage. The inaugural event took place 3–4 January 2016 in Parañaque, Philippines. The Cali Cup was a $196,000 + $4,000 buy-in event (commonly referred to as a $200K event), drew 52 entries and a $10,039,120 prize pool, and was won by Fedor Holz for $3,072,748 after a deal.
Over the next decade, Triton grew into one of poker's defining high-roller circuits. The series introduced Short Deck Hold'em (6+ Hold'em) as a signature format alongside traditional No-Limit Hold'em and Pot-Limit Omaha. In 2019, Triton hosted the Triton Million: A Helping Hand for Charity in London, at the time the most expensive poker tournament ever held (£1,050,000 buy-in), with £50,000 per entry allocated to charity for a total of approximately £2.7 million — One Drop Foundation was confirmed among the beneficiaries.
2026 marks Triton's tenth anniversary, and the schedule reflects the milestone.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Event | Triton Poker 2026 — 10th Anniversary Season |
| Stops | Two: Jeju, South Korea and Budva, Montenegro |
| Dates | March 5 – April 1 (Jeju); May 13–28 (Montenegro) |
| Jeju Split | Triton ONE: March 5–15; SHR: March 14 – April 1 |
| Venues | Les A Casino at Jeju Shinhwa World Resort; Maestral Resort & Casino, Budva |
| Total Events | 30+ across both stops |
| Buy-in Range | $2,000 – $200,000 |
| Formats | NLHE, Short Deck (6+ Hold'em), PLO, Mixed |
| Official Site | tritonpokerseries.com |
Recent scale: In March 2025, the Triton Jeju series generated $144.27 million in prize pools across 18 tournaments and 3,349 entries — the largest Triton festival to date. The $100K NLHE Main Event drew significant fields, with Huang Wenjie defeating Dan Cates heads-up for $5,555,000. The September 2025 festival at the same venue saw Christoph Vogelsang win approximately $4.1 million in the $100K Main Event.
Triton events also qualify for PokerGO Tour leaderboard points, adding career ranking value to every cash.
2026 Schedule Overview: What to Play
The 2026 season runs across two stops with distinct tiers: the Triton ONE mid-stakes series and the Super High Roller Series.
Jeju, South Korea — March 5 to April 1, 2026
The Jeju stop is split into two back-to-back festivals at Les A Casino (formerly Landing Casino) at Jeju Shinhwa World Resort.
Triton ONE (March 5–15): The mid-stakes series, launched in September 2025, opens the festival with 11 days of accessible buy-in events. The ONE series includes 14 trophy events with buy-ins from $2,000 to $15,000, including the $3,000 Genesis event and the $8,000 Main Event. This tier was designed to broaden access to the Triton experience at a lower price point. The September 2025 debut generated $20.88 million in prize pools across 10 events and 3,541 entries. Joshua Gebissa won the inaugural $8K Main Event for $975,225.
Super High Roller Series (March 14 – April 1): The flagship format. Seventeen events across NLHE, Short Deck, and PLO with buy-ins ranging from $20,000 to $150,000. This is the core Triton experience: deep structures, major buy-ins, and fields that combine elite professionals with wealthy recreational players and invited guests. Expect Short Deck and PLO alongside NLHE. The 2026 Jeju schedule also features debut women's tournaments.
Montenegro — May 13 to 28, 2026
Triton returns to the Maestral Resort & Casino in Pržno/Budva, Montenegro for a 16-day Super High Roller festival. Check the official schedule at tritonpokerseries.com for the confirmed event list and buy-in tiers — previous Montenegro stops have featured $100K Main Events and the $200K Triton Invitational.
The Montenegro stop has become a fixture on the European high roller calendar. In 2025, the $200K Invitational drew 133 entries, and Aleksa Pavicevic took home $6,180,000. The Maestral venue stands out for its coastal setting and sea views, which give the stop a noticeably different feel from most tournament destinations.
Which Events to Target
If you are new to Triton: Start with Triton ONE at Jeju. The $2,000–$15,000 buy-in range is accessible compared to the flagship series, and the production quality and hospitality are the same. It is the most accessible way to experience the Triton format without committing to $25K+ buy-ins. Before committing to a schedule, review your bankroll management plan for live tournament players — the buy-in range at Triton spans a wide spectrum and knowing your comfortable tier matters.
If you are a high roller regular: The Super High Roller stops at both venues are the draw. For many regulars, the Montenegro $200K Invitational is the marquee event on the schedule.
If you play Short Deck: Triton is widely associated with Short Deck and routinely offers more 6+ Hold'em events than most major series. Both stops include Short Deck tournaments at multiple buy-in levels.
Tournament Structure Analysis
Triton structures tend to play deeper than most comparable circuits. For a full breakdown of how to evaluate structure quality, see how to read tournament structures like a pro.
Super High Roller Structures
Many Triton SHR events use a 300,000 starting stack (~300 BB at opening blinds), but blind levels, break schedules, and specific structures vary by event. Check the event-specific structure sheet at registration. As a general rule, Triton SHR structures are deeper than those used in most mid-major live series, which is a major part of their appeal to experienced tournament players. The depth means you will play deep-stacked poker well into Day 2, and post-flop skill and hand-reading ability carry significant weight.
Final table rule: If the average stack falls below 30 big blinds at the start of the final table, the tournament clock can be rolled back by up to two levels. It is a player-friendly rule that helps preserve post-flop play instead of turning the endgame into a shove-fest.
Short Deck Structure Notes
Short Deck (6+ Hold'em) uses a 36-card deck with 2s through 5s removed. The hand rankings differ from standard Hold'em: flushes rank higher than full houses due to the reduced number of suited combinations. Straights wrap with aces (lowest straight: A-6-7-8-9). Many Triton Short Deck events use a double-ante-on-button structure that creates larger pots preflop and increases preflop action.
Triton ONE Structure
The mid-stakes ONE series uses modified structures appropriate for the buy-in level. The September 2025 $8K Main Event used a typical structure for the tier. While not as deep as the SHR events, ONE structures are generally competitive with other mid-stakes series at similar buy-in levels.
Getting to Triton: Jeju and Montenegro
Jeju, South Korea
Airport: Jeju International Airport (CJU), one of South Korea's busiest airports. Frequent flights from Seoul, plus direct connections to Shanghai, Taipei, Hong Kong, Tokyo, and Bangkok via carriers including Korean Air, Jin Air, and Spring Airlines.
Ground transport to venue: Jeju Shinhwa World Resort is about 40 minutes from Jeju International Airport by car or taxi, traffic permitting.
| Option | Approximate Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hotel shuttle | Free | Available from participating Shinhwa World hotels, typically 6:00 AM–10:30 PM |
| Taxi | $25–$40 | Metered; rates vary by time of day |
| Limousine bus | $5–$10 | Airport Limousine Bus with 30+ stops; cash or T-Money card |
| Private transfer | $22+ | Sedan, SUV, or minibus options via Klook or hotel concierge |
International travel: Many nationals, including U.S., UK, and Australian passport holders, can enter South Korea visa-free for up to 90 days — confirm nationality-specific rules before travel. Passport must be valid for at least three months beyond departure. The currency is the South Korean won (KRW), though the casino and tournament buy-ins operate in USD. ATMs and currency exchange are available at the airport and resort.
Montenegro
Airports: Tivat Airport (TIV) is closer to Budva (roughly 22–30 km, typically 30–45 minutes depending on traffic). Podgorica Airport (TGD) is the capital's airport, approximately 65 km / 1 hour from Budva. International flights connect through major European hubs — London, Frankfurt, Istanbul, Belgrade.
Ground transport: Taxi or private transfer from Tivat to Maestral Resort & Casino costs approximately €20–€35. From Podgorica, expect approximately €50–€80.
International travel: Many nationals, including U.S., UK, Canadian, and Australian passport holders, can visit Montenegro visa-free for up to 90 days — confirm nationality-specific rules before travel. Passport must be valid for at least three months beyond travel dates. The local currency is the euro (EUR). Tournament buy-ins at Montenegro are typically denominated in USD.
Where to Stay
Jeju — Shinhwa World Resort Complex
The venue is part of the Jeju Shinhwa World Resort, which includes multiple hotels within walking distance of the casino.
| Property | Approximate Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Marriott Resort Jeju Shinhwa World | $120–$350/night | On-site; pool, fitness center, full casino |
| Landing Resort Hotel | $80–$200/night | 615 rooms; adjacent to casino; walking distance to theme park |
| Shinhwa Resort | $60–$150/night | 533 rooms; sea view options; compact but comfortable |
| Somerset Jeju Shinhwa World | $50–$120/night | Premium condominiums; good for longer stays |
Prices are directional estimates based on publicly listed rates. Prices checked March 2026. Book early — rates increase during major events.
The entire resort complex offers 2,000+ rooms, so availability during Triton is generally manageable if you book in advance. All properties provide Wi-Fi and most offer complimentary airport shuttle service.
Montenegro — Budva
| Property | Approximate Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Maestral Resort & Casino (venue hotel) | $150–$400/night | On-site; sea views; walking distance to everything |
| Splendid Conference & Spa Resort | $120–$300/night | 5-star beachfront in Bečići, just outside Budva; short drive to Maestral |
| Mid-range Budva hotels | $60–$120/night | Multiple options in Budva old town, 10–15 min drive |
| Budget Budva/Pržno options | $30–$70/night | Apartments and guesthouses; good availability |
Prices are directional estimates. Prices checked March 2026. Budva is a popular summer destination — book early for May dates.
Eating at and Around the Venues
Jeju
At the venue: Triton provides complimentary food and beverages for registered players during tournament play. The Shinhwa World Resort complex has 4+ restaurants ranging from casual to fine dining, and the Marriott property has its own dining options.
Jeju Island dining: Jeju is known for its seafood, black pork, abalone porridge, and citrus-flavored dishes. Multiple restaurants within a short taxi ride of the resort serve Korean, Japanese, Chinese, and international cuisine.
Dietary accommodations: Vegetarian, pescatarian, and gluten-free options are usually manageable with advance planning, though the exact range will vary by venue and restaurant. Vegan options are expanding but may be limited at the resort — communicate dietary requirements to the resort concierge or Triton's player services team at registration. Halal and kosher options are limited on Jeju Island; plan ahead and contact the venue.
Grocery/meal prep: Convenience stores and small grocery shops are available near the resort for players in condominiums or extended-stay accommodation.
Montenegro
At the venue: Maestral Resort & Casino has on-site dining with Mediterranean cuisine and sea views. Triton typically provides refreshments during play.
Budva dining: The Budva old town and coastline offer extensive restaurant options — Mediterranean, Italian, Balkan, and seafood are widely available. Late-night dining options exist along the coast during the May season.
Dietary accommodations: Vegetarian and gluten-free options are available at most Budva restaurants. Vegan, kosher, and halal options are more limited — contact the venue in advance. Fresh seafood and Mediterranean salads provide healthy alternatives to hotel buffets.
Practical Info: Venue, Registration, and Amenities
Registration
Triton registration does not work like a typical open-field tournament series. The process depends on the event tier:
Triton ONE: More accessible entry. Players can apply through Triton's VIP Relations team or through the Triton Plus portal (tritonpoker.plus). While the barrier is lower than the Super High Roller Series, expect a registration process that includes background verification.
Super High Roller Series and Invitational events: Application-based entry through Triton's VIP Relations team. The selection committee evaluates poker experience, community involvement, and fit with the event's atmosphere. A referral from a current Triton SHR player or team member strengthens the application. KYC (Know Your Customer) documentation — passport or government ID — is required.
Turbo satellites: Previous Montenegro stops have included morning turbo step satellites for major events, with four-figure buy-ins feeding into five-figure seats. This is a typical feature of Triton Montenegro festivals, though not guaranteed — check the official schedule closer to the event.
Phone and Device Policies
Electronic devices are not allowed on the table felt during play. Once a player has cards, phones and tablets must be put away. Recording and broadcasting devices are prohibited during tournament action. Floor personnel have authority to restrict anything causing distraction or slowing the pace of play.
Capture your key hands during the event with a hand logging app like LiveHands and review them between flights or after the day ends.
Venue Layout and Amenities
Jeju (Les A Casino): Purpose-built tournament room with player registration, food stations, and rest areas on-site. The resort complex includes a theme park, water park, pool, fitness center, and spa.
Montenegro (Maestral): Dedicated tournament area with sea views. The resort includes beach access, pool, spa, and fitness facilities.
Wi-Fi: Available at both venue hotels. Coverage extends to tournament areas.
Dress code: Smart casual. No pajamas or sandals. Photography and video recording inside the casino areas are restricted — only Triton's official production crew films the TV tables.
Money Movement: Funding Buy-Ins and Cashing Out
Funding Buy-Ins
Triton buy-ins are substantial. Payment methods vary by venue but typically include:
- Wire transfer: Standard for high-value buy-ins. Arrange through Triton's VIP services team in advance.
- Casino cage (cash): Available on-site at both venues.
- Bank check: Accepted at some events with prior arrangement.
Triton does not use the kind of unified self-service online registration flow many U.S. players may know from platforms tied to other major series. Contact Triton's player services team well before the event to arrange funding.
Cash Handling
Given the buy-in levels, most players arrange wire transfers rather than carrying large amounts of cash. Both venues have casino cages and on-site ATMs, but ATM withdrawal limits may not cover tournament buy-ins. If you plan to use cash, notify the venue in advance.
Hotel safes and casino safe deposit facilities are available at both resort properties.
Cashing Out
Prize payouts are typically in the tournament currency — USD at Jeju, USD (or EUR) at Montenegro. Payouts for large amounts are generally processed by wire transfer. Smaller amounts may be paid in cash or casino chips. Confirm payout procedures with tournament staff.
Tax Considerations
South Korea (Jeju): Players should obtain local tax advice on Korean-source gambling winnings, as treatment depends on the type of income, taxpayer status, and applicable tax treaties between South Korea and your home country.
Montenegro: Montenegro's gambling-winnings tax rules have changed in recent years, and treatment is now category-specific. Do not assume there is no withholding — get current local tax advice before the event. You may also owe taxes in your home country on foreign gambling income. U.S. players, for example, must report worldwide income regardless of where it was earned.
Consult a tax professional for guidance specific to your nationality and tax situation. This guide provides general logistics, not tax advice.
Tips from Triton Veterans
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Apply early. The registration process takes time — especially for first-time Triton players. Submit your application and KYC documentation weeks before the event, not days. The selection process is not instant.
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Book the venue hotel if you can. At both stops, staying on-site saves time and keeps you close to the action. The Marriott at Jeju Shinhwa World or Maestral in Montenegro are the most convenient options. Availability tends to tighten during Triton weeks.
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Bring USD and local currency. Buy-ins are in USD, but daily expenses — food, transport, tipping — run in KRW (Jeju) or EUR (Montenegro). A multi-currency card or pre-loaded travel card saves on exchange fees.
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Prepare for Short Deck. If you have never played 6+ Hold'em, spend time studying the format before arriving. The hand rankings differ, the math changes significantly, and the action is faster. Triton offers more Short Deck events than most major series — use the opportunity.
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Pace yourself at Jeju. The combined Triton ONE and Super High Roller festival runs nearly four weeks. Even if you are only playing one tier, the environment can be draining. Build rest days into your schedule.
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Use the amenities. Both venues are full resort properties with pools, spas, and fitness centers. Physical recovery matters during multi-day events — take advantage of what the venue offers.
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Explore on rest days. Jeju is a UNESCO World Heritage site with volcanic landscapes, beaches, and hiking trails — the island is large enough to fill rest days easily. May in Montenegro offers warm coastal weather, and Budva's old town is walkable.
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Understand the vibe. Triton does not feel like a typical mid-major live series. The atmosphere balances serious poker with luxury hospitality. The player pool mixes elite pros with business leaders who play high stakes. Treat it as a professional event with a social dimension.
Triton Poker 2026 FAQ
What is the Triton Poker Main Event buy-in? Triton runs multiple Main Events across its stops. The NLHE and PLO Main Events at Super High Roller stops are typically $100,000. The Triton ONE Main Event at Jeju is $8,000.
How do I register for Triton Poker tournaments? Apply through Triton's VIP Relations team or via tritonpoker.plus. Super High Roller events require an application and referral process. Triton ONE has a more accessible application path.
Do I need an invitation for Triton Poker? For the Triton Invitational ($200K buy-in), yes — invitation is required. For Super High Roller Series events, you need to apply and be approved. Triton ONE events have a lower barrier but still require registration through Triton's team.
What formats does Triton Poker offer? No-Limit Hold'em, Short Deck (6+ Hold'em), Pot-Limit Omaha, and mixed formats. Triton is widely regarded as the leading Short Deck series in poker.
Can I use my phone at the table at Triton events? No. Electronic devices are not allowed on the table felt once you have cards. Phones must be put away during active play.
What is the best hotel near Les A Casino in Jeju? The Marriott Resort Jeju Shinhwa World is on-site and the most convenient option. Landing Resort Hotel is adjacent and slightly more affordable. Both are within walking distance of the casino.
Do I need a visa for Triton Poker in Jeju? Many nationals, including U.S., UK, and Australian passport holders, can enter South Korea visa-free for up to 90 days. Confirm requirements for your specific nationality before booking travel.
Do I need a visa for Triton Poker in Montenegro? Many nationals, including U.S., UK, Canadian, and Australian passport holders, can visit Montenegro visa-free for up to 90 days. Confirm requirements for your specific nationality before booking travel.
Are there lower buy-in events at Triton? Yes. Triton ONE, launched in September 2025, features trophy events from $2,000 to $15,000. Previous Montenegro stops have also included turbo step satellites into higher buy-in events.
Does Triton award PokerGO Tour points? Yes. Triton events qualify for PGT leaderboard points based on buy-in amount and total cash.
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