VPL Vietnam Poker League III 2026 | Apr 29 - May 11 | Grand Plaza Hotel Hanoi

The prestigious festival made its highly anticipated return from April 29 to May 11, 2026, to Hanoi, Vietnam, delivering some of the most thrilling live action of the season. Below, we look back at the key statistics, historical milestones, and champions who conquered the field during this memorable stop.

Recap of VPL Vietnam Poker League III 2026

The highly anticipated festival made its grand return to the live poker circuit from April 29 to May 11, 2026, hosted at the luxurious Grand Plaza Hotel Hanoi in the vibrant capital of Vietnam. Rejuvenating the brand with the "WE ARE BACK!" slogan, the series proved to be a historic success, smashing records with a total of 4,811 entries across its action-packed schedule and generating a staggering total prize pool of $3,290,380. The absolute highlight of the festival was the prestigious ₫30,000,000 buy-in Main Event, which surpassed its massive guarantee by drawing 799 entrants to build an incredible ₫20,490,080,000 prize pool. Local hero Duy Thuc Nguyen captured the coveted championship title, walking away with a life-changing top prize of ₫3,710,000,000 (approx. $140,795) after sealing the victory. Another standout performer of the festival was China's Lei Li, who put on a spectacular run to finish as the entire series' highest earner.

Champions

Here are the key champions from the recently concluded festival who conquered the competition and claimed the prestigious trophies at the Grand Plaza Hotel Hanoi:

Full Tournament Schedule

The schedule has been crafted to meet international standards, offering a diverse range of buy-ins suitable for both recreational and professional players. The event is supported by key partners including THM, Korin, Ban Say, and Senka.

Poker & Travel Guide

In recent years, Vietnam has emerged as one of Asia's premier poker hubs, thanks to professional organization and warm hospitality. Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, offers an unforgettable experience both at the tables and through its rich culture and gastronomy. The city blends modern infrastructure with historic landmarks, with the Grand Plaza Hotel providing a central, luxury setting for the competition.

Official Poker Guide (Rules & Structures)

Tournaments are conducted according to international TDA rules, featuring the modern Big Blind Ante format. In light of the 100 Billion VND guarantee, structures have been refined to accommodate larger fields and allow for deeper play.

Registration and Buy-in Information

The registration desk is located at the entrance of the Grand Plaza poker room. A valid passport is mandatory for all international participants to register.

Tournament buy-ins are paid exclusively in the local currency, Vietnamese Dong (VND). Given the high stakes involved, professional currency exchange and banking services are available on-site within the casino complex.

Destination Guide & Must See

Hanoi's atmosphere is captivating, especially during the spring season when VPL III takes place. Between poker sessions, players are encouraged to explore the city.

Top attractions include:

• Hoan Kiem Lake and its surrounding walking streets

• The narrow, authentic alleys of the Hanoi Old Quarter

• The historic Temple of Literature

Travel Essentials

Grand Plaza Hotel is approximately 30-40 minutes from Noi Bai International Airport. We recommend using the Grab mobile app for reliable transportation.

Previous Festival Highlights

The VPL series makes its return to the international circuit after a significant break, adding special importance to the 2026 edition. This "comeback" season aims to re-establish the brand's prestige within the Southeast Asian region. The last successful stop was the VPL Winter Poker Season 2024, which concluded the previous chapter of the series. While the current 100 Billion VND guarantee far exceeds previous editions, past successes built the community trust that is now fueling the excitement for this return.

The Venue: Grand Plaza Hotel Hanoi

Grand Plaza Hotel Hanoi is one of the city's most exclusive venues, featuring a spacious, well-ventilated poker room and professional staff ready to welcome VPL 2026 participants.