13 teams confirmed for WPT’s upcoming Global Teams Event at WPT Korea

The inaugural WPT Teams Event is set to debut at WPT Korea, with the event scheduled for September 19th to the 21st.

There are 13 teams already confirmed as participating. This innovative new concept will see four-player teams from countries across the world going head to head for this prestigious title.

Danny McDonagh, the event’s creator, commented:

“My aim in setting the format was twofold. One to make it an affordable buyin which has resulted in a variety of teams entering …. I am really excited with the teams and players who have confirmed and my hope is that the WPT Global Teams Event will build in prominence and be a major drawcard on the WPT calendar here in Asia in the future”.

Teams confirmed

– Australia: While it is confirmed that there will be an Australian team, its components are not yet confirmed. WPT League Australia is undertaking promotions in New South Walesand Queensland which will determine the team’s players through a process of qualification.

– New Zealand: Thomas Ward will lead this team, and will be supported by Jack Efaraimo, Alicia Tangiiti and Paul Hockin. The latter two members are established regulars, while Jack Efaraimo holds the illustrious accolade of having been WPT New Zealand Player of the Series 2018. Thomas Ward also has credentials, having finished runner-up in the 2015ACOP Main Event.

– Malaysia: This team will be headed by Victor Chong, who will be joined by Michael Soyza – a player who has been racking up many big results over the course of the last 12 months. These two stars will be joined by recent Triton event winner Ivan Seng Yee Leow and Webster Lim Chin Wei.

– Singapore: The captain of team Singapore needs little introduction. Bryan Huang has been a familiar face on the Asia-Pacific circuit for many years and has over $1.4 million in live cashes. He is joined by Alex Lee and Chris Chong, both of whom are also in the top 5 places on Singapore’s all-time money list. The final slot is yet to be filled.

– Taiwan: Pete Chen will be in charge of team Taiwan, and as reigning Asia WPT Player of the Year and WPT Champions Club member, there couldn’t be a better choice. Reigning champion of the Macau Millions, Chen An Lin is also on board, as are Fubon Huang and Li-ta Hsu (Leon).

– Hong Kong: This team will be fronted by none other than Sparrow Cheung. As the most recognisable and prolific player from Hong Kong, this choice is no surprise. Cheung will be joined by accomplished pros Ken Wong, Danny Tang and Vincent Kwun Ngai Li.

– USA: Only two players have so far been confirmed for team USA, and both are members of the WPT Champions Club. Sam Panzica and Dylan Wilkerson are the names confirmed, although there is no indication of who will captain the team just yet.

– UK: Team UK will be led by Sam Razavi, who has the highest profile of any UK player on the Asian circuit. He took home US$750,000 for finishing 2nd in the Millionaire Maker event just a couple of months ago and has already announced that Simon Burns will be joining him on the team. The other two members are yet to be confirmed.

– Vietnam: Anh Nguyen has been chosen as captain of team Vietnam, and he will be joined by Nha Nguyen. Anh Nguyen is Pro Poker Club’s general manager and an accomplished player. The other two names have yet to be decided.

– China: Only one name has been unveiled for team China, and that is Wenling Gao. Gao has several cashes across the Asian circuit. Her team mates are yet to be decided.

– Korea: Team Korea has been announced in full and will feature Calvin Lee, Daniel Lee, Jimmy Lee and Hyunsik Yun.

– Japan: Team Japan is comprised of some unexpected players, with musicians Takumi Samejima, Harunobu Kojima being joined by street dancer Hiroki Kato.

– India: Having just picked up a WSOP bracelet this summer, Nikita Luther takes up the role of captain for this team and is joined by some serious star talent. ADDA52 LIVE pros Kunal Patni, Amit Jain are joined by Poker Sports League Season 2 winning mentor Dhaval Mudgal.

Event details

This event will unfold during the WPT Korea festival that takes place between September 18th and 24th at Paradise City in Incheon.

The team event will cost US$5,000 per team and will take place across several events over a three-day period between September 19th and 21st. Up to 16 teams can take part, with only one team allowed per country and registration remains open. Each player will get equal playing time and events will include 9-max, heads-up and 6-max.

While primarily Hold’em based, there will also be a PLO event too. For all but one event, only one player from each team will be able to participate.

Event 5 will see the number of teams reduced to 12, with only 9 teams taking part in the grand finale, which will include an Action Clock with two 2-minute time out buttons allowed.

Assuming the event prize pool reaches US$70,000 the prize money will be distributed in the following way:

– US$14,000 to the points leader after event 5
– 3rd place will take home US$11,200
– 2nd will collect US$16,800
– The champions will win a grand prize of US$28,000.
– WPT have also added a WPT Korea Main Event entry ticket for each team member in the winning team.

Detailed Schedule

The WPT Korea festival

WPT Korea will feature aKRW400,000 Kickoff NLH Event and aKRW600,000 Superstack NLH event during the first few days of the festival, alongside smaller buy in satellites for those looking to earn their way into the Main Event.

Day 1A of the KRW1,100,000Main Event will begin on September 21st at 3pm, with day 1B beginning at midday on the 22nd. Day 2 of theMain Eventgets underway on the 23rd, with the final table playing out on the 24th.

There will be other side events going on from the 22nd through the 24th including a KRW350,000 Turbo Freezeout, a KRW400,000 Shootout, a KRW700,000 two-day PLO event and a KRW4,000,000 High Roller event.

More: WPT Korea Schedule