Thailand to Host Inaugural World Poker Tour Aiming for $30.1 Million in Revenue

Thailand’s Tourism Ministry has partnered with the World Poker Tour to host the first-ever Texas Hold’em event in Bangkok. This event is anticipated to draw 10,000 visitors, providing a substantial boost to the local economy.

Thailand is set to host its inaugural World Poker Tour (WPT) in 2025, a landmark event aimed at boosting tourism and economic growth. The tournament, structured as a Texas Hold’em sports demonstration, will take place in Bangkok over 14 days. It is projected to attract over 10,000 visitors and generate approximately 1 billion Thai Baht (around $30.1 million USD) in revenue, impacting sectors like hospitality, food and beverage, retail, and entertainment. The event will be broadcast globally on channels such as ESPN, EURO Sports, and FOX, reaching audiences in over 150 countries, enhancing Thailand’s visibility as a global tourism and gaming destination.

A cross-agency joint task force, led by Minister of Tourism and Sports Sorawong Thienthong and the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), will ensure logistical support. The collaboration includes the WPT and Thailand RF Tourism and Sports Competition Club Co., Ltd. (RF). This initiative aligns with Thailand’s long-term vision to become a hub for mind sports, with plans to host WPT events seasonally, starting with one per season and scaling to 3-4 annually. The event builds on the WPT’s global success, as seen in 2023 when it generated over THB 40 billion in tourism revenue across 25 countries, including a 2022 Paris event that contributed THB 500 million to the local economy.

The event is set for 14 days and aims to attract over 10,000 attendees, with global broadcasts on channels like ESPN and FOX. This initiative is expected to significantly boost Thailand’s hospitality, food and beverage, retail, and entertainment sectors.

Ms. Keta O’Sullivan, Vice President of WPT emphasized that Texas Hold’em is a globally acclaimed sport that merges strategy, planning, and intellectual skill, while also offering significant economic opportunities.

Ms. O’Sullivan highlighted that the tournament not only boosts local tourism but also significantly contributes to the economy by creating over 1,500 specialized jobs. Thailand is emerging as a premier destination for global tournaments, utilizing its unique cultural appeal and hospitality to enhance the visitor experience.