The first ever Vietnam Poker Cup reached it's conclusion today, with the Main Event drawing a very respectable sized field. Given the fact that Vietnamese nationals cannot enter, With over 60 runners in the Main Event for an inaugural series such as this represents a respectable turnout. There is every chance that the series will return, and the field sizes will continue to grow.
Several notable names showed up, including Men 'The Master'Nguyen, Norbert Koh, Sam Nee, David Steicke, with latter three players reaching the final table of the Main Event. Julien Tran finished 8th for USD$990, with Norbert Koh picking up USD$1,370 for 7th. Bien Nguyen finished 6th for USD$1,870 with David Steicke finishing 5th for USD$2,580. Hideki Samashi then won USD$3,540 for his 4th place before Camilla Samsing was eliminated in 3rd for USD$4,860.
This left Sam Nee and Hai Minh Nguyen to battle it out for the title, and the prize money for 1st which was inflated by the additional USD$8,800 added by sponsor M88 Poker Asia. This additional money led to the players striking a deal heads up. A part of the prize still had to be played for though, and it was Hai Minh Nguyen who took the victory.
Originally from the USA, he has been living in Ho Chi Minh City for a long time and divides his time between running businesses, and his passion for poker. After receiving his trophy Hai Minh Nguyen said to Somuchpoker “I am extremely happy to end up as the last man standing after 2 days of poker. It was a great experience and I will definitely be taking part in the next event.
He took home USD$14,360 for his win, and as a Somuchpoker community member, also won the "Last In The Main" promotion.
Julien Thabault wins the High Roller
The High Roller only attracted 8 runners, but still made for interesting viewing, as Norbert Koh, straight from 7th place in the Main Event, took his seat and ended up cashing in 2nd place. Heads up play came down to a coin flip in the end, with French national who currently resides in Ho Chi Minh City, Julien Thabault winning the event for USD$5040.
Patrick Honsel crowned in the Deep Stack Turbo
The Deep Stack Turbo attracted 22 runners, with only 3 being paid, was eventually won by a player who has recently relocated to Ho Chi Minh City, German online grinder Patrick Honsel.
This final result of the series ensures that all 4 victors were players who now reside in Ho Chi Minh City. With the Vietnam Poker Cup's first instalment now complete, poker lovers in this part of the world will now await the APT Vietnam 2 series which is scheduled for the same beautiful Ho Tram location during November.
Louis Hartwell
Graduated in Media Communication at the University of Lausanne, Louis Hartman is a co-founder of somuchpoker.com. He began his career in Cambodia as freelance journalist. In same time he was making his living by playing poker every night at that time. Intense learner, he read dozens of poker strategy books to improve his skills during many years. With a strong interest about poker "behind the scene" in Asia and his communication skills, Louis launched Somuchpoker in 2014.
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