APLPT Sydney - April 2025 Wrap Up

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14th of April

APLPT Sydney - April 2025 Wrap Up

APLPT Sydney Wrap-Up | Over $1M Prize Pool at West HQ!

What. A. Series!

The APLPT Sydney at West HQ has officially wrapped up – and what a ride it's been. Across six unforgettable days, players from all over the country gathered to chase glory, and the results were staggering: $1,007,100 in total prize money – the largest series at West HQ! From fresh faces to seasoned grinders, every event delivered moments to remember.

Let’s take a look at the key highlights, starting with a massive thank you to those who helped make it all happen.

💼 Sponsor Shout Out – Ezy Move

As the final trophies leave the display and find new homes, it’s a bittersweet sign that this incredible series has come to a close. But we couldn’t have done it without the unwavering support of our Series Sponsor – Ezy Move.

Moving thousands of kilos of poker gear post-series isn’t exactly light work, but Adrian and the Ezy Move team made it seamless from start to finish. Their attention to detail, professionalism, and can-do attitude are second to none – whether it’s a poker event, a business move, or your next residential relocation.

We highly recommend checking them out at 👉 ezymove.com.au – when only the best will do, Ezy Move’s got your back.

🏆 Main Event Glory – Vader Taylor Makes APLPT History

History has been made – introducing your first-ever APLPT Main Event champion, Vader Taylor!

With 576 entries and a prize pool of $218,880, this brand new Main Event format proved to be a huge hit. Newly reinvigorated and now dealer dealt – players embraced the change and showed up in force.

Vader, a Canberra-based engineer and mathematician, only started playing APL events recently, making his debut just six weeks ago in Albury. On Day 2 of the Main, he started with just 12 big blinds and had to survive four all-in situations early on – talk about battling from the bottom!

Despite his humble outlook, Vader played with precision and poise on the live stream, taking down his first major title, his first APL trophy, and his biggest live cash to date.

“I got very lucky,” he said modestly. But the stream said otherwise.

Congratulations Vader – here’s to more titles in your well-earned retirement!

Final Placings – APLPT Main Event:
🥇 Vader Taylor – $38,145* + $100K Invitational Seat + $1,500 APL Million Seat
🥈 Qile Liao – $36,000* + $1,500 APL Million Seat
*Deal made
576 Entries | $450 Entry | 72 Paid

💎 Jackstar Super High Roller – Josh Donoghoe Shines Bright

From back-to-back WPT podiums to a career-best win at APLPT Sydney – Joshua Donoghoe is on a heater!

Taking down the Jackstar Super High Roller for $43,150, Josh solidified his spot among the tour’s rising stars. The Gold Coast local juggles poker with FIFO work, so availability is limited – but when he shows up, he delivers.

“Tired, but stoked,” Josh said post-win. And rightfully so.

Still riding the high, Josh also managed to bag a healthy stack heading into Main Event Day 2. What a series for the 28-year-old!

Final Placings – Jackstar Super High Roller:
🥇 Joshua Donoghoe – $43,150* + $100K Invitational Seat
🥈 Collin Tran – $38,000*
*Deal made
167 Entries | $1,500 Entry | 18 Paid | $217,100 Prize Pool

🛡️ The Centurion – Joe Antar’s Strategic Brilliance

Joe Antar etched his name into APLPT lore with a gutsy and calculated win in The Centurion – the $2,500 signature deep-structure event.

Battling from short stack to the top, Joe’s survival instincts and strategic awareness were on full display – navigating a field that included some of the most elite players in the country. His sharp reads, especially in a live-streamed feature table setup, played a huge role in his win.

The heads-up match against Charles Tsai lasted over 2 hours and 20 minutes, swinging wildly in both directions – at one point Tsai had a 120-to-4 big blind advantage before Joe completed a miraculous comeback.

This was poker at its finest.

Final Placings – The Centurion:
🥇 Joseph Antar – $39,835* + $100K Invitational Seat
🥈 Charles Tsai – $39,000*
*Deal made
73 Entries | $2,500 Entry | 9 Paid | $164,250 Prize Pool

🙏 Thank You & See You at Southport!

A massive thank you to West HQ for hosting another world-class series. From the tables to the feature stage to the off-table experience – this venue continues to raise the bar for live poker in Australia.

To our players, dealers, staff, sponsors, and supporters – we appreciate you.

📍 Next stop: APLPT Southport Sharks – running from Tuesday 22nd to Sunday 27th April. Mark your calendars and get ready – because the APLPT train keeps on rolling!