Won Poker Cup III Approaches: Everything You Need To Know

While much of the poker world is drawn to mega-festivals and massive prize pools, one ambitious series tucked away on Cambodia’s southwestern coast is slowly building a loyal international following. Running from May 14 to 21, 2025 is the Won Poker Cup, a poker festival organized by the luxurious Won Majestic Hotel, with a mission to grow the tournament scene in the popular seaside city of Sihanoukville.

Now in its third edition, news of the event’s return has made waves since its announcement last month. According to the organizers, rooms have sold out at the venue as regional grinders and traveling pros have shown high interest for a piece of the $880,000 festival guarantee. With just days before cards are in the air, here’s a refresher on what lies ahead along with new packages and info for first-timers.

WON POKER CUP – Schedule

What Makes Won Poker Cup Attractive

There are a multitude of reasons why players are drawn to the Won Poker Cup. For starters, its affordability. This is a low to mid stakes event with 22 tournaments scheduled featuring buy-ins that are easy on the pocket from $225 to $5,000. On top of that, there is “no winning fee” which means players take home 100% of their winnings – no cuts, no deductions. Additionally, for a beach town, Sihanoukville is quite inexpensive.

When it comest to spending, the US Dollar is widely accepted throughout Sihanoukville, the whole of Cambodia for that matter, and is the official currency used for all transactions at the festival.

Easy Access from across Asia

If you are just hearing of this event and are in the Asian region, another big draw is its location. Direct flights to Sihanoukville are available from major hubs in China, Vietnam, and Malaysia, with more options through capital city Phnom Penh, which is just under two hours away by car.

During the last two editions, both China and Vietnam made up the largest contingents followed by Europeans, Australians, and Southeast Asian grinders. This international mix can be expected once again at the upcoming event.

More Than Just Poker

There’s also plenty to do in Sihanoukville, especially if players need a break from the grind. At the top of the list are the beaches. Relaxing by the shore helps one rejuvenate from a hard day at the felt or before kicking off one’s day. The more adventurous can enjoy some of the exciting water sports offered. For sight-seers, there are also pagodas, temples, and the national park. And when the sun goes down, the city has a fun, youthful vibe with plenty of nightlife.

Event Highlights And High Rollers

Of course the biggest attraction is what the schedule brings. With 22 trophies up for grabs and two W rings, players will have a packed week of opportunities to claim cool WPC hardware.

$600K Main Event Guarantee

The biggest attraction is the Main Event and its solid $600,000 guarantee. The past two editions have already demonstrated the Won Poker Cup’s drive, and this series is no exception. With word of the WPC spreading wider each time, this upcoming headliner is looking like the largest one yet.

To give players ample chances at the pot, four entry flights are available with buy-in at $1,320. Players that sign up for Day 1A will have Bubble Protection. In the event a bubble-protected player falls as the bubble, that player will be compensated with tournament credits equal to the buy-in, taking out some of the sting of a narrow miss.

Main Event Schedule

• Buy-in: $1,320
• Guarantee: $600,000
• Day 1A: May 17, 2025 (Bubble Protection)
• Day 1B: May 18, 2025
• Day 1C: May 19, 2025
• Day 1D: May 19, 2025 (Turbo)
• Day 2: May 20, 2025
• Day 3/Final Day: May 21, 2025

Other Events

To get the games started, the festival opens with the $50,000 guaranteed Warm-Up which comes with a buy-in of just $565 kicked off by two starting flights. For those who don’t make the cut or bust early on the final day, they can jump right into the Mystery Bounty Event which costs $675 for a shot at the $80,000 guarantee and juicy mystery bounty prizes. The last key event on the schedule is the Mini Main Event which has a guarantee of $50,000 and just $450 to enter.

For high rollers, the highlight is the $5,000 W High Roller and its $100,000 prize pool. The first 8 players registered prior to the start will receive a 50% rakeback on their tournament fee to entice the kick-off in timely fashion. The same promotion also exists for the opening $1,350 High Roller Warm-Up and Single Day High Roller for the first 16 players that register before cards start flying at Level 1.

Be sure to browse the schedule for all of the details.

WPC III – Full Schedule

Sokha Beach Resort Packages

With the event drawing near, fence-sitters still have time to book rooms at a discount. While the venue has already sold out, there are packages available at Sokha Resort.