Nevan Chang Wins Record APT Superstar

Chang Claims His Tenth APT Title

Yu Chung "Nevan" Chang has been crowned champion of the Superstar Challenge at the APT Jeju 2026 festival, an event that set a participation record for its current buy-in level. Along with the title, Chang collected the Black Lion Silhouette trophy and a first-place prize of 451,777,500 KRW, or roughly $337,150.

The result marks Chang's 10th title on the Asian Poker Tour circuit and, by the figures reported for this event, the largest single score of his career to date.

A Record-Breaking Field

The Superstar Challenge carried the highest buy-in in APT series history at approximately $27,300. It drew 51 entries, the largest turnout for this event since the buy-in was increased in 2024. The total prize pool reached 1,785,127,500 KRW, or about $1.33 million.

Twenty-six players returned for the final day of play, and the run toward the money was eventful. Two-time event champion Joseph Cheong was eliminated when his pocket aces were cracked by Nang Quang Nguyen, who made quads with pocket kings. Ryuta Nakai finished as the bubble boy in 12th place after his pocket sixes lost to Chang's pocket eights.

Final Table Dominance

Experienced Dutch player Rob Hollink entered the nine-handed final table as the chip leader, while Chang began in fifth place. From there, Chang took control, personally eliminating five of his eight opponents on the way to the title.

He carried a roughly 2:1 chip lead into heads-up play against Rudy Edenata. The finale was brief, lasting only three hands. After the turn brought Qd 2d 8d Qh, Edenata moved all-in and Chang called. Edenata held two pair with 9h 8s, but Chang had already completed a flush on the flop with Td 7d. The river 2c changed nothing, sealing Chang's victory.

Superstar Challenge Results at APT Jeju 2026

• 1. Nevan Chang, Taiwan — 451,777,500 KRW (~$337,150)
• 2. Rudy Edenata, Indonesia — 341,060,000 KRW (~$254,520)
• 3. Nang Quang Nguyen, Vietnam — 243,610,000 KRW (~$181,800)
• 4. Rob Hollink, Netherlands — 187,800,000 KRW (~$140,150)
• 5. Renji Mao, China — 132,880,000 KRW (~$99,165)
• 6. Johan Pedersen, Denmark — 99,220,000 KRW (~$74,045)
• 7. Yoko Sasaki, Japan — 77,960,000 KRW (~$58,180)
• 8. Chih Wei Fan, Taiwan — 67,330,000 KRW (~$50,245)
• 9. Fabian Gumz, Germany — 60,240,000 KRW (~$44,955)
• 10. Christian Harder, USA — 56,700,000 KRW (~$42,310)
• 11. Lester Edoc, Philippines — 53,150,000 KRW (~$39,665)

What the Result Means

Chang's run reflects a pattern common in high-roller and super high-roller events: a large buy-in concentrates the field into a smaller number of experienced players, and the prize pool is top-heavy. In this case, 51 entries produced a prize pool of roughly $1.33 million, with the winner taking home about a quarter of it.

For players following the APT circuit, the Superstar Challenge result adds another significant title to Chang's résumé. His own advice after the win, shared by the tour, was simple: study hard, and strong results can follow.

Key Takeaways

• Chang won the Superstar Challenge at APT Jeju 2026 for his 10th APT title.
• The event drew 51 entries, a record for its current buy-in level.
• The prize pool was approximately $1.33 million, with about $337,150 going to the winner.
• Chang eliminated five of eight final-table opponents and won heads-up in three hands.