In less than a week, all roads will lead to Hanoi, Vietnam for the second World Poker Tour (WPT) Prime festival in the capital city. For the first time, the globally renowned brand will stage a two-week event in the region. An ambitious VN₫ 28,500,000,000 (~US$ 1.2 Million) in prize pools is guaranteed. This is the first time an amount of this magnitude has been announced by the WPT in Asia. In addition, 76 seats are guaranteed to select key events. Games take place from May 16 to 29 at the Crown Poker Club. Mark the dates!
“WPT Prime Vietnam holds a certain significance because it marked our first-ever Prime festival as the tour was revamped in 2022.” said WPT CEO Adam Pliska. “We look forward to the upcoming festival at Crown Poker Club and plan to share a special announcement during the main event, pertaining to the continued progress of our Prime Tour.”
WPT Prime Vietnam is the seventh Prime Tour stop of Season XXI. The festival features a packed lineup of 38 trophy events. The highlight is undoubtedly the VN₫ 12 Billion (~US$ 511,200) guaranteed MAIN EVENT which kicks off on May 25 and runs until May 29. This is a significant increase from last year’s VN₫ 8BN guarantee. The final table will be broadcast live by ShareHand, allowing fans to follow the action as it unfolds.
To add more spice, the eventual winner will not only lock up the largest cut of the prize pool but will also receive a US$ 10,400 ticket to the upcoming WPT World Championships at the Wynn in Las Vegas this December. WPT value adds airfare and accommodations.
WPT PRIME VIETNAM PLAYER GUIDE
Among the players certain to attend is India’s Zarvan Tumboli who was crowned the first ever WPT Prime Main Event champion. Tumboli walked away with a career high payout of VN₫ 3,050,000,000 (~US$ 131,394). Other WPT champions are also expected such as Dhaval Mudgal, Ashish Munot, and Vincent Chauve.
Main Event info
Dates: May 25 to 29, 2023
Buy in: VN₫ 25,000,000 (~US$ 1,065)
Guarantee: VN₫ 12,000,000,000 (~US$ 511,200)
Day 1A: Thursday, May 25, 2023
Day 1B: Friday, May 26, 2023
Day 1C: Saturday, May 27, 2023
For players hoping to get in the Main Event at a discount can try to win a seat via any of the satellites. Buy in is just VN₫ 4,000,000 (~US$ 170).
Event
Seats Guaranteed
Buy in VN₫
Date
Main Event Satellite
3
4,000,000
May 23
Main Event Mega Satellite – Milestone Format
10
4,000,000
May 24
Main Event Satellite
2
4,000,000
May 24
Feeder to Mega Satellite
5
800,000
May 24
Main Event Satellite
2
4,000,000
May 25
Main Event Satellite
5
4,000,000
May 25
Main Event Satellite
2
4,000,000
May 26
Main Event Satellite
5
4,000,000
May 26
Main Event Satellite
2
4,000,000
May 27
High Roller Events
In addition to the Main Event are numerous key events of varying buy ins and guarantees. For the upper crust, six high roller events are scheduled. Carrying the highest price tag is the Billionaire Club High Stakes Challenge (Multiple Re-Entry). This is the newest item on the menu and is sure to attract the region’s poker elite. Buy in is a huge VN₫ 210,000,000 (~US$ 8,950), nearly twice the cost of the 100M Super High Roller event.
Event
Guarantee
Buy in VN₫
Date
Single Day High Roller
55,000,000
May 16
Billionaire Club High Stakes Challenge
210,000,000
May 19
Megastack Single Day High Roller
77,000,000
May 21
High Roller Warm Up
2,000,000,000
55,000,000
May 24-25
100M Super High Roller
2,500,000,000
107,000,000
May 25-26
High Roller Warm Up
4,000,000,000
66,000,000
May 28-29
Middle to Low Tier Key Events
On the more affordable side is a long list of trophy events with buy ins from VN₫ 3,300,000 (~US$ 140) to VN₫ 16,500,000 (~US$ 700). A wide variety of NLH formats is offered such as freezeouts, deep stack events, bounty events, and turbos. Listed below are key events featuring guaranteed prize pools. Satellites are also listed for select events.
Event
Guarantee
Buy in VN₫
Date
WPT Opener
2,000,000,000
8,800,000
May 16-18
Mystery Bounty
3,000,000,000
11,000,000
May 18-21
8 Max ME
2,000,000,000
16,500,000
May 22-24
WPT Superstack Closer
1,000,000,000
8,800,000
May 29
Satellites to Select Events
Event
Seats Guaranteed
Buy in VN₫
Date
Opener Satellite
3
1,100,000
May 16
Opener Satellite
2
1,100,000
May 16
Opener Satellite
3
1,100,000
May 17
Opener Satellite
2
1,100,000
May 17
Mystery Bounty Satellite
2
2,050,000
May 18
Mystery Bounty Satellite
2
2,050,000
May 18
Mystery Bounty Satellite
3
2,050,000
May 19
Mystery Bounty Satellite
2
1,100,000
May 19
Mystery Bounty Satellite
3
1,100,000
May 20
Superstack Satellite
2
880,000
May 20
Superstack Satellite
3
880,000
May 21
8 Max ME Warm Up Satellite
2
2,300,000
May 22
8 Max ME Warm Up Satellite
2
2,300,000
May 22
8 Max ME Warm Up Satellite
2
2,300,000
May 23
High Roller Satellite
1
1,100,000
May 27
Superstack Classic Satellite
3
1,100,000
May 28
Closer Satellite
3
770,000
May 29
Other Variants and New Events
The schedule also ensures enjoyment for players seeking other variants and new challenges. For Omaha enthusiasts, three are scheduled. For Short Deck fans, one is scheduled. WPT Prime Vietnam will introduce a WPT Ladies Event and a Tag Team Freezeout.
Event
Buy in VN₫
Date
15/15/15 PLO(Multiple Re-Entry)
3,300,000
May 18
PLO (Multiple Re-Entry)
4,400,000
May 21
WPT Ladies Event
3,300,000
May 22
Short Deck
6,600,000
May 23
PLO 2 Day Event
16,500,000
May 25-26
Tag Team Freezeout
6,600,000
May 27
WPT PRIME VIETNAM PLAYER GUIDE
FULL SCHEDULE
Early Bird Packages
With opening day fast approaching players can take advantage of the Early Bird Packages. These are hot items so make sure to secure yours before May 14.
WPT Player of the Festival
At the conclusion of the series, the player with the highest number of points accrued will be crowned WPT Player of the Festival. For the achievement, the winner will receive a WPT Passport worth up to US$ 5,000 for a Main Tour entry of their choice in 2023.
Tourist info
For players visiting Hanoi for the first time, it is one of the most charming cities in Southeast Asia. Aside from poker, players can immerse in the richness of the culture and influences of French colonialism as showcased by the city’s architecture. Touring temples and night markets are also fun for first timers. For the more adventurous, an overnight tour in a junket on Halong Bay is recommended.
Country currency is the Vietnamese Dong. International players can exchange currency at the airport. There are also numerous exchange counters around the city including a bank in the same building as Crown Poker Club
Tags:
Live Poker, News
