This year has been particularly challenging for poker organizers in China with government crackdowns resulting in the cancellation of many anticipated events. However, one brand that has managed to endure is China Poker Games (CPG).
Emerging in 2013, CPG has since become the largest and most popular brand in the country. Each year, the premier brand hosts several satellite events and two majors with thousands of players turning up. The next one is on the horizon.
Coming August 21 to 30, 2024, CPG celebrates its 12th Annual CPG Championship. This is the brand’s largest yearly event which takes place at the Howard Johnson Resort in Sanya Bay, Hainan Island.
China Poker Games – CPG Championship
The 2024 CPG Championship is a ten-day poker celebration featuring a boosted schedule of 85 poker tournaments. According to the organizers, the festival prize pool is expected to soar past the current record of CNY 100 Million (~USD $13.8 Million) set last year. The festival is headlined by the CPG Championship Finals wherein up to 400 players have already qualified via the live and online CPG satellites.
CPG Championship Finals
The CPG Championship Finals is the brand’s largest yearly tournament and while it is open to everyone, it is attended mostly by Chinese nationals. During the 10th annual CPG Championship Finals, the tournamet drew a record 4,406 entries across three starting days for a prize pool of around USD $6.5 Million. Just as impressive was the 11th annual celebration which drew 4,080 entries for approximately USD $5.5 Million. To emphasize the enormity of these yearly events, players were allowed only one bullet per entry day. Three entry days were scheduled. Last year, champion Liao Xiaohu walked away with the equivalent payout of USD 600,000.
The upcoming 2024 CPG Championship Finals runs from August 24 to 30, 2024. Buy in is CNY 10,000 (~USD $1,070). As always, three starting days are scheduled.
*Important reminder: Due to government regulations, players must notify CPG of attendance at least 24 hours prior.
More than just a poker event
While CPG is renowned for its massive turnouts, the brand delivers more than just poker. At every CPG event, the brand provides players with a wealth of activities to enjoy. For the upcoming CPG Championship, players are highly encouraged to explore the attractions that Sanya, Hainan Island has to offer.
For first-timers, Sanya Bay is on the southernmost tip of Hainan Island and is coined the Oriental Hawaii. Located just off the coast of China and to the east of Vietnam, it is lined with beautiful beaches on long stretches of gorgeous coastline. In recent years, the paradise island has gained the attention of international travelers and has since seen a significant rise in attendance. Apart from the breathtaking scenery, tasting the local cuisine and local fruits is also a must. For those that like to shop, Hainan Island is a free trade zone which means goods are cheaper than usual.
To ensure you get the full experience, players can contact CPG for booking assistance. Representatives will also be onsite for any questions and bookings.
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59 Countries Visa-Free to Hainan Island
Foreign nationals from up to 59 select countries can now travel to to Hainan Island visa-exempt however they cannot enter via mainland China without a regular visa. Visa-exempt travelers are given 30 days free to explore Hainan Isalnd. To apply for the 30-day free visa, players can contact CPG via the website: www.chinapokergames.com.
Visa-free countries
America: USA, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Chile
Oceania: Australia, New Zealand
Schengen Countries: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland
European Countries: Russia, United Kingdom, Ireland, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine, Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Montenegro, Macedonia, Albania, Belarus, Monaco
Asia: Korea, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Kazakhstan, Philippines, Indonesia, Brunei, United Arab Emirates, Qatar
Accommodations
While there are plenty of hotel options on Hainan Island, staying at the venue is still highly recommended and the most convenient. The Howard Johnson Resort in Sanya is one of the largest five-star world class hotels in the area and is beachfront making for spectacular sunrises and sunsets.
*Stay tuned to Somuchpoker for more updates or head to the CPG website on www.chinapokergames.com.
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