Launch of WPT Prime underway at Crown Poker Club in Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam‘s capital city, is one of the newest locations in Asia to see live poker balloon in such a short period of time and one place providing plenty of excitement is the Crown Poker Club. For the next twelve days, running from May 19 to 30, this spacious 700 square meter venue will be the place to be as the globally renowned World Poker Tour launches the first ever WPT Prime series.

Full WPT Prime Vietnam schedule
WPT Prime debuts in Hanoi

As of 11am today, games were underway with the WPT Prime Opener welcoming in the crowd. The event features a VN₫ 2,500,000,000 (~US$ 107,933) guarantee with three starting days scheduled. According to WPT Live Events Specialist Danny McDongah, the event has potential to breach 500 entries.

Among the many eager locals already in the field are pro players Quang Nguyễn, Trần Hùng Mạnh aka Macaron, and Vu Duc Trung. Also getting an early start are players from Hong Kong and Singapore – Yik YinRay Chiu, Chi Chung Ho, Li Wenxuan, and To Siu Yan. Representing India are WSOP bracelet winner Kartik Ved and online beast Gaurav Sood.

In the coming days, the India contingent is expected to grow with a large group of players organized by Manish Adnani of Thank God For Poker (TGFP) confirming their attendance. Among the expected are 2018 WPT Vietnam Main Event champion Dhaval Mudgal and 2019 WPT India Main Event champion Ashish Munot. Other players also expressing interest are Filipino pros David Erquiaga and Richard Marquez.

The debut of WPT Prime is the first big event hosted by the WPT in Asia since the pandemic struck. The event coincides with the brand’s 20th year anniversary. In total, the brand new series guarantees a solid VN₫ 15 Billion (~US$ 649,645) and features 24 trophy-bearing events. The highlight of the festival is none other than the Main Event VN₫ 8 Billion (~US$ 346,477) guarantee. The event runs from May 26 to 30. Buy in is VN₫ 25,000,000 (~US$ 1,083) with three entry days. The final table will be broadcasted live by premier video production ShareHand.

Click link for WPT Prime Vietnam Main Event details

Here’s a look at some of the faces at Day 1 of WPT Prime. More photos will be posted at the end of the day in the Somuchpoker facebook page.