12th CPG Championship Finals Draws 3,787 Entries; Xudong Yang Bags Day 1C Lead

Jam-packed once again at the 12th CPG Championship Finals aka Main Event hosted by premier brand China Poker Games with the third and final flight pulling in 922 players throughout the eight levels of registration. Combined with the previous two flights, Day 1A – 1,296 and Day 1B – 1,569 – this brought the total to 3,787 entries for a prize pool of around US$ 5.5 Million (before deductions). According to the organizers, there were a total of 2,685 uniques.

While such a turnout would be celebrated at most Asian events, it was otherwise for CPG who had its sights set on breaking records.

“We knew the numbers would not break the record because of the new limitations imposed by the government. Unlike previous years, where players were able to sell, swap, or even purchase tickets on game days, this year registration for the Main Event closed at the start of the festival. Only players with their names listed in the CPG App were accommodated and swapping was no longer allowed. In fact, we turned down a high number of players the past two days, and they were already here at the venue.”

Still with players limited to one buy-in per starting day and no multiple stacks allowed, the daily turnout was one for the books. This once again displayed how popular the annual event has become. Indded the only chance for players to land a seat was via the Main Event satellites. The last satellite witnessed a mad rush of over 400 players for 81 seats awarded.

2024 CPG Championship Finals

The 2024 CPG Championship Finals aka Main Event opened on August 24 with three starting days kicking off the seven-day schedule. Day 1C wrapped up with another 382 players added to the 1,064 survivors list for a total of 1,446 players returning for Day 2.

Bagging up the Day 1C chip lead was China’s Xudong Yang with 302,500 (203 bb) in chips. and was closely trailed by Mao Li Zhongfu with 299,000 (199 bb). Another Chinese national making the cut was well known Asia circuit flyer Jinlong Hu with 26,500 (17 bb) in chips.

Among the international players, many were spread across the rooms throughout the day, with a good number securing their spots for Day 2. One of the largest to bag was Malaysia’s Chung Fai Ngeow with 169,500 (113 bb), followed down the rung by Japanese players Nana Nakamura 138,000 (92 bb) and Yuri Murakami 134,000 (89 bb).

Further down were Junsheng Cannon Lim, Andy Chen, Joris Michl, Shigeaki Okada, Simon Lim, Hoang Hai Nam, Thi Bao An Nguyen, and Nguyen Ngoc Dai who took a hit during that last hands called with outdrawn by on a board of .

Day 2 is up next, taking place on Tuesday, August 27, 2024 starting at 12pm. The 1,446 players will occupy 3 of the 4 poker areas with 161 tables in operation. Another ten levels of 60 minutes each will be played out with a dinner break after six levels. All three heat leaders will be leading in the pack with Day 1B chip leader Dang Wang up top with 317,500 (211 bb).

For those that missed the mark, there are still four days of side action remaining. These events are quite lucrative but just remember, only one bullet is allowed. One of the most popular side events is the Lucheng Cup with Day 1A starting at 4:30pm. Buy in is around US$ 1,160. If you enter and fall, you will be able to re-enter on the following starting day. However, no same day re-entry allowed.

CPG Championship Main Event Structure

Links:

2024 CPG Championship – News
2024 CPG Championship – Player Guide