For years, the globally renowned World Poker Tour has been staging multiple festivals in the Asian region with the largest international turnout seen at the Kingdom of Wonder. In just over a week’s time, the premier brand returns. WPT Prime Cambodia makes landfall from August 11 to 23 at the luxurious NagaWorld Phnom Penh. No matter your bankroll or skill level or just looking to have fun at the cash tables, this is the poker event of the year, one that every player must have on their bucket list.
For those just getting wind of the upcoming festival, the WPT first set foot in Cambodia back in 2019. Players from five continents walked away victorious with USA’s Brian Tougias outlasting the 750 entry field Main Event for a career high US$ 131,430 payout. This year, the roster has expanded to a 24-game schedule with the headliner Main Event guaranteeing a massive US$ 500,000. It is the largest guarantee offered by any brand this year in Asia. Since the announcement was made, excitement has been building over the past months, and with contingents from various countries confirming attendance, there is high confidence that the prize pool will reach seven digits. Among those certain to be there is WPT Prime Vietnam Main Event champion Zarvan Tumboli. Main Event runs from August 18 to 22 with buy in of US$ 1,100.
To spice up the champion’s purse further, included in this year’s title is a US$ 10,400 entry ticket to the WPT World Championship $15M GTD. This is the tour’s most ambitious event in history and it happens at the end of the year at the Wynn in Las Vegas. The winner is also eligible for the WPT Player of the Year title.
Great news for early birds, it pays to get to the festival by kickoff day because you can get started on building your bankroll. The WPT Prime Cambodia Opener is the event to get warmed up. It features a US$ 150,000 guarantee with buy in of US$ 550. This is the largest opener guarantee ever put forth by the WPT in Asia. To join the action, four entry heats are scheduled. The event runs from August 11 to 14. You can browse the entire schedule and other event info via the links provided.
WPT Prime Cambodia schedule
Road to WPT Prime Cambodia
New and Updated player information
As the festival approaches, more good news has popped up! Unlike most places in Asia, no Cambodian tax will be deducted from winnings. That’s correct, no tax deducted. This is a very big deal for players who tend to see their hard-earned winnings lose a chunk to added taxes. This applies to both tournaments and cash games.
Aside from the tournaments, there will be plenty of cash games running simultaneously at the venue. Both No Limit Hold’em and Pot Limit Omaha are offered with stakes of $1/$3, $2/$5 and $25/$50. Other stakes can be considered.
In regards to currency, Cambodian currency is the Riel which is roughly 4,110 to USD 1. Riel is used around the city but to make thing’s convenient, at the festival venue, only USD will be used for both tournaments and cash games. Exchange counters are available at the hotel lobby.
Another big piece of news, vaccine requirement has been lifted but there are mixed reports on whether an antigen test is still administered for the partial or non vaccinated upon arrival. Most foreigners will still need to acquire a Cambodian Visa. Passport holders from Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Vietnam, Laos, Singapore, and Seychelles are exempted. For the rest, the most convenient route is via e-Visa. You can also get a visa upon arrival but you may have to endure long lines.
Andrew Neeme and Vince Van Patten to attend
Speaking of attendance, recently announced, WPT Ambassador / YouTube vlogger, Andrew Neeme will be making the trip. A meet up game is happening on August 17 and will be followed by a session where everyone is welcome to give him a chat. Also confirming attendance is actor / WPT commentator Vince Van Patten.
Flights
For those traveling by air, there are many airlines that fly into Phnom Penh however due to Covid-19, flight times and frequency may be limited. Make sure to book early or you may have to endure stopovers.
NagaWorld Rewards
One of the requirements to participate at any of the WPT Prime Cambodia games is the NagaWorld Rewards card. This card is free. As early as now, you can sign up for one and pick it up anytime at the venue.
Stay tuned to Somuchpoker for more updates on WPT Prime Cambodia
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