U Series Championship: The Road to Glory Begins in Osaka and Vietnam

Kai Cocklin is a poker journalist and live reporting manager who has worked with PokerNews at major festivals including the World Series of Poker and the European Poker Tour. He has managed multiple live reporting teams at the World Series of Poker and trained individual reporters to develop their skills. He now oversees Somuchpoker’s editorial and live coverage, ensuring consistent quality and engaging content across the Asian poker scene.

Updated: 2025.12.05

The U Series Championship has confirmed its official Q1 and Q2 dates for 2026, with four major festivals set to take place across two of Asia’s most exciting poker destinations: Osaka, Japan and Vietnam.

The championship season opens from February 27 to March 4 at the iconic Umeda Sky Building in Osaka, followed by the second leg in Vietnam from March 6 to 17. After a short break, the action returns to Japan from April 28 to May 6 at the prestigious Dojima River Forum , before concluding the first half of the season in Vietnam from May 15 to 27.

These well-timed dates and world-class venues reflect U Series Championship’s ongoing commitment to delivering a premium, consistent, and player-focused experience. Series dates for Q3 and Q4 will be announced soon.

Asia’s Premier Destinations

Osaka is a perfect launchpad for the season. The city blends modern design with deep cultural roots and is famous for its nightlife and comfort food. From panoramic views at Umeda Sky Building to the elegance of Dojima River Forum, both venues offer first-rate settings for a global poker audience.

Vietnam, meanwhile, continues its impressive rise as one of Asia’s most dynamic poker destionations. Its passionate local community, strong turnouts, and friendly atmosphere have made it a favorite stop for players worldwide. Between sessions, visitors can enjoy the country’s incredible street food, from hot bowls of pho to fresh banh mi, and immerse themselves in a culture that never fails to impress.

Together, these destinations form the perfect balance of high-level competition and unique travel experiences, setting the stage for another unforgettable season of poker.

The Road Ahead

The U Series Championship has become one of the defining tours on the Asian circuit, and the 2026 season looks ready to build on that momentum. With Japan’s iconic skylines and Vietnam’s vibrant poker culture uniting once again, the road to glory is set to begin.