Exploring Cambodia & The Thrill of WPT: A Journey with Somuchpoker 2025

The Somuchpoker team packed their bags, left the office, and headed to the beautiful country of Cambodia. This country is rich in culture, food, and history. We’re here not only to immerse ourselves in its beauty but also to attend the World Poker Tour Festival (WPT) , one of the most exciting poker stops on the global poker calendar.

Before the shuffle

Before diving into the poker action, we wanted to see some of Cambodia’s most breathtaking sights. Our journey began in Siem Reap, where we spent three days exploring the cultural heart of Cambodia. We started our exploration at the majestic temples of Angkor Wat, where history and spirituality blend seamlessly into the landscape.
The Temple was built in the early 12th century by King Suryavarman II of the Khmer Empire. The vast complex, covering approximately 162 hectares, is renowned for its breathtaking architectural design, intricate bas-reliefs, and towering spires, which symbolize Mount Meru, the mythical home of the gods in Hindu and Buddhist cosmology. 

Beyond the temples, we ventured to the Tonlé Sap Lake. This lake is home to floating villages, where entire communities live on stilted houses and boats, adapting to the lake’s shifting waters.
Located in the heart of Cambodia, this unique body of water undergoes dramatic seasonal changes due to its connection with the Mekong River. During the dry season, the lake shrinks to about 2,500 square kilometers, while in the monsoon season, the influx of water from the Mekong causes it to expand up to 16,000 square kilometers, flooding surrounding forests and farmlands. This natural phenomenon creates one of the world’s most productive inland fisheries, supporting a rich biodiversity and sustaining countless local communities.
Many residents rely on fishing as their primary livelihood, using traditional techniques passed down through generations.

The lake supplies around 70% of Cambodia’s freshwater fish catch, which is crucial to the country’s food security. It also supports a vast array of wildlife, including migratory birds, reptiles, and over 300 fish species, making it a designated UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
Our time in Siem Reap wasn’t just about sightseeing—we also indulged in the city’s vibrant nightlife, enjoying rooftop bars, lively night markets, and local performances.
We tried many traditional Cambodian dishes, such as Fish Amok, Khmer Red Curry, Red Tree Ants with Beef and other Asian cousins, and all the local beers to ensure no one got dehydrated. 

NagaWorld Hotel & WPT Cambodia: High-Stakes Poker Action & Intense Competition

It is just a short flight from Siem Reap to the capital city of Phnom Phen. We found ourselves in a different atmosphere. The city starkly contrasts the more laid-back and historic atmosphere of Siem Reap. While Siem Reap is known for its ancient temples and cultural heritage, Phnom Penh is the country’s political and economic hub, filled with modern developments and vibrant markets, restaurants, and clubs.
From the airport, we headed straight to the luxurious NagaWorld Hotel and Casino Complex. This Hotel and Casino is Cambodia’s premier integrated resort in the heart of Phnom Penh, where the WPT Cambodia series regularly takes place.

As the country’s largest and most luxurious casino complex, it offers high-end accommodations, world-class gaming, fine dining, and entertainment options. Even just entering the door is absolutely breathtaking.
The resort attracts tourists and high-stakes poker players and serves as a key destination for gambling and leisure in Southeast Asia. This time of year brings together poker’s finest from around the world. The event has become a must-play for professionals and ambitious grinders alike.
NagaWorld offers players a wide range of amenities to enhance the player experience. Special hotel rates are available for participants, including early bird and high roller packages. Players can also enjoy complimentary beverages and earn comps based on their play, redeemable at the resort’s award-winning restaurants, spa services, and more.

Getting into the Action: WPT Cambodia at NagaWorld

Upon arriving at the Hotel, we immediately jumped into the vibrant atmosphere of the World Poker Tour festival. The event, running from February 6 to 24, 2025, has transformed NagaWorld into a bustling hub for poker enthusiasts from around the globe. The poker festival features over 60 tournaments with over $3 million in guaranteed prize money, including the $1,100 WPT Prime Cambodia, $3,500 WPT Cambodia Championship, and HigRoller events.
As we entered the poker room, we observed a buzzing room full of players drawn by the WPT’s allure. Apart from the WPT tournaments, the cash games ran continuously, offering nonstop action for those looking to test their skills outside the tournament. You can find various stakes, ranging from $1/$3 to $25/$50 limits, NLH, and PLO games, ensuring a game suitable for every participant. The dealers and staff are very professional and kind; the servers ensure you never get dehydrated. Almost all cash game tables are very deep-stacked; you can tell people here to play.

The Story Unfolds: Stay Tuned for More!

Stay tuned for more updates as we cover the action, key results, and the stories that define WPT Cambodia. Whether you’re here to play poker, watch, or simply explore, one thing is sure—this is poker at its finest in one of the most mesmerizing locations on the planet.