Countdown Is On For USOP Grand Finale, The Biggest Poker Festival In Vietnam
In just one month’s time, the U Series of Poker (USOP) in partnership with Crown Poker Club, will stage its 2024 USOP Grand Finale in Vietnam boasting its most lucrative festival guarantee yet, an incredible VN₫ 100 Billion which is a staggering 3.9 Million in USD! And that’s only the beginning. Known for drawing massive crowds, USOP events in Vietnam have consistently smashed guarantees, and with side events just as thrilling and competitive, players can expect that enormous figure to balloon further and set new records in the country.
If you are only hearing of the USOP, the young brand burst into the Asian live scene in February 2023 and in under two years, has gained a massive following, as witnessed during its highly successful events in Vietnam. To date, USOP has held five events in the country with its sixth coming up from November 29 to December 11, 2024.
Back in September, the USOP held a first-time event in the city of Hai Phong which will once again be the location of the brand’s upcoming season-ender. This is the country’s third largest city. For the USOP Grand Finale the event will be held at the upscale Pullman Grand Hotel in Hai Phong Central.
USOP Grand Finale Must-Attend Events
Browsing the schedule, the USOP Grand Finale is packed to the hilt with 69 trophy events designed to appeal to all levels of players. Leading the pack is the Main Event which roars in with a VN₫ 40 Billion (~US$ 1.58 Million) guarantee. This is just over a billion VN₫ more than its previous result however the target will be to breach the current USOP record of VN₫ 44.5 Billion (~US$ 1.8 Million) set in Da Nang, Vietnam last April. Main Event runs December 5-9. Buy in is VN₫ 35 Million (~US$ 1,380).
The festival opens with a huge bang featuring the Madness Kick Off – VN₫ 10 Billion (~US$ 395,000) guarantee. This figure already surpasses its previous high and chances are, this one will be even bigger and richer. The previous event was truly a head-turner with over 700 entries thundering in. Opener runs November 29 to December 1. Buy in is VN₫ 10, Million (~US$ 395)
One of the most popular bounty events worldwide is the Mystery Hunter where players rely on their luck for the biggest bounty prizes. At the finale, the USOP has ensured a stunning VN₫ 15 Billion (~US$ 590,000) guaranteed prize pool, which is a record in itself for this event in the country. Buy in is VN₫ 20 Million (~US$ 790).
Also on the must-play list is the Championship Event which picks up as the main begins to wrap up. Running from December 9-11, players are in for a treat. For its second installment, the guarantee has been raised tremendously to VN₫ 20 Billion (~US$ 780,000)., nearly matching the first edition’s VN₫ 10.4 Billion prize pool. Buy in is VN₫ 25,000,000 (~US$ 990).
Discounts and Satellite Events
Players looking to get in for cheap at some of these mentioned events can test their skill at the satellites. For the Main Event there are five scheduled with each one guaranteeing 3 seats and the cost is roughly one-fifth of the price. Buy in is VN₫ 7,700,000 (~US$ 308).
- December 5, 2024 – 11am and 6pm
- December 6, 2024 – 11am and 6pm
- December 7 – 11am
Satellites are also offered for other events:
- Madness Kick Off – November 29-30 – with three seats guaranteed per satellite
- Mystery Hunter – December 2-3 – with three seats guaranteed per satellite
- Championship Event – December 9-10 – with three seats guaranteed per satellite
Players looking for accommodations have plenty to choose from in the city however staying onsite is recommended. The Pullman Grand Hotel is a world-class venue offering everything players need, from a swimming pool and fitness room to a restaurant with an irresistible buffet. Of course players will be seeking budget-friendly options, and USOP has that covered with Early Bird Packages available for the Main Event.
High Roller Lineup
The USOP festival will not be complete without events for the sharks. For this edition, the USOP has 9 major High Roller events in a roster of 14 high roller events. Buy ins range from VN₫ 33,000,000 (~US$ 1,320) to VN₫ 250,000,000 (~US$ 10,000). As early as now, players can secure High Roller Early Bird Packages to avail of sizable discounts.
One major factor driving the attendance at high roller events is the availability of satellites, which offer aspiring players a chance to secure seats at a fraction of the cost. For just 10% of the price, players can win a spot in USOP premier events, giving them a shot at the coveted high roller titles and prize pools without having to compromise one’s bankroll.
High Roller Satellites
- High Roller – Warm Up Single Day – November 29 -VN₫ 4.9M buy in
- High Roller Weekend Single Day – November 30 – VN₫ 6M buy in
- High Roller Superstar Challenge – December 1 – VN₫ 13M buy in
- High Roller 6- Max Event – December 2 – VN₫ 6.6M buy in
- High Roller Megastack – December 3 – VN₫ 8.4M buy in
- Billionaire Club Challenge – December 4 – VN₫ 27.5M buy in
- Super High Roller – December 5 – VN₫ 9.6M buy in
- High Roller Single Day – VN₫ 6M buy in
- High Roller Sunday Special Mega Boost – VN₫ 8.4M buy in
- High Roller Championship – VN₫ 16.5M buy in
- High Roller Last Chance – VN₫ 3.6M buy in
Player of The Series and Player of The Year
With 2024 coming to a close, one contest players have a chance at winning the first-ever USOP Player Of The Year (POTY) title. The eventual champion will win the exclusive POTY bracelet, a highly sought-after prize marking a year of consistent deep runs across three USOP events. This new title ups the stakes, especially as each USOP event brings added points depending on the size of the field.
Currently at the top of the leaderboard is Taiwan’s Tao Wei Chang aka David Chang who was the first ever USOP Player of the Series winner.
Speaking of the USOP Player of the Series title, this too will be awarded. Like previous, it is expected to come down to the wire with games enticing from opening day to the last. The USOP POTS will win the exclusive USOP ring.