Won Poker Cup III: Hoang Hai Nam, Neng Zhao, Hoang Duy Hien Ng Among Early Standouts

Now halfway through its eight-day run at the Won Majestic Hotel & Casino in Sihanoukville, Cambodia, the Won Poker Cup III has kicked off in full force. The first four days have delivered a vibrant mix of first-time participants and returning regulars, all soaking in the action-packed festivities.

The event continues to gain momentum, particularly among players from Vietnam and China, who make up a strong share of the field. The international presence is just as notable, with competitors from Australia, the Philippines, and neighboring regions contributing to the tournament’s diverse atmosphere.

Set to run through May 21, the series is anchored by its marquee attraction, the USD $600,000 guaranteed Main Event currently underway, drawing all the attention across the room. Among the early winners are Australia’s Neng Zhao, Vietnam’s Duy Hien, and most recently, Vietnam’s Hoang Hai Nam, who claimed victory in the prestigious W High Roller event.

Here’s what you’ve missed so far:

Hoang Hai Nam Shines in W High Roller Victory, Nears $1M Milestone

This season’s W High Roller once again proved to be one of the standout highlights of the Won Poker Cup III, with its $5,000 buy-in attracting some of the festival’s most seasoned contenders. The high-stakes affair was not for the faint of heart, and it was Vietnamese regular Hoang Hai Nam who rose to the occasion, skillfully outlasting a 59-entry field to claim the title and walk away with two exclusive Won hardware in hand.

As the saying goes, third time’s the charm and for Hoang, this third visit to the coastal city of Sihanoukville finally delivered the breakthrough. His final table performance was nothing short of dominant, blending composed strategy with well-timed aggression to run the table and secure the win.

For his impressive showing, Hoang pocketed $78,681,  pushing his total live earnings to over $966,000, just steps away from entering the prestigious $1 million club. With the Main Event still in play, another deep run could very well see him reach that milestone before the festival concludes.

Neng Zhao Rallies From Short Stack to Win Warm Up

The series kicked off in style with the Warm Up event setting a strong tone for the week ahead. A healthy 177-entry field broke the ice, signaling the momentum building around the Won Poker Cup III.

Emerging victorious was Australia’s Neng Zhao, who walked away with $16,475 following a heads-up deal with China’s Jinlin Shi. Zhao’s victory was particularly impressive — down to just over three big blinds with two tables remaining, he staged a remarkable comeback to capture his first Won trophy.

Hoang Duy Hien Ng Wins Mystery Bounty

A strong turnout of 263 entries filled the field for this season’s Mystery Bounty event, with the format’s unpredictable and entertaining nature bringing a vibrant buzz to the festival floor. The final stretch was dominated by two Vietnamese players, Nguyen Long and Duy Hien, who agreed to an even heads-up chop. Long emerged as the event’s top overall earner, boosted by a hefty collection of bounty prizes, while Hien claimed the trophy and spotlight, along with a cool $20,836 payout for his efforts.

Meanwhile, China’s Anshu Zheng made headlines of his own despite finishing in 7th place. His lucky draw revealed the event’s biggest mystery bounty $10,000 ticket, catapulting his overall earnings to nearly 20 times his buy-in and making him one of the most profitable runners on the list.

Other Highlights

$600,000 Guaranteed Main Event Heating Up

The Won Poker Cup III Main Event is in full swing, with two of four starting flights already in the books. So far, 20 players have secured their spots for Day 2, with the remaining two flights set to run today — both expected to draw the biggest fields of the series and potentially surpass last season’s turnout.

Among the notable names in the mix is defending champion Henri Hinds, who has been spotted in the field but has yet to lock in a qualifying spot. The Irish pro etched his name into the history books last year after besting a 361-entry field to claim $117,000 in prizes, and now returns with eyes on a repeat and redemption.

Stay tuned for all the latest action, chip counts, and highlights via SMP Live Updates.

Won Poker Cup III Main Event

• Date/s: May 17-21, 2025

• Buy-in: USD 1,320

• Guarantee: USD 600,000

• Day 1A: 70 entries, 9 qualified

• Day 1B: 89 entries, 11 qualified

• Day 1C: Monday, May 19

• Day 1D Turbo: Monday, May 19

• Day 2: Tuesday, May 20

• Day 3/ Final: Wednesday, May 21

WPC III – Full Schedule
WPC III - Results
WPC III - Photos