In just under a month, U Series of Poker returns to Hanoi, Vietnam to stage what promises to be another unforgettable series. Since its inception in February 2023, the brand has been crushing records at nearly every stop, making it one of the most sought after festivals in the Asian region.
For the upcoming USOP Hanoi, a mighty VN₫ 60 Billion (~USD 2.36 Million) in guarantees has been announced. This is the second time a figure this large has been advertised by the brand, following in the footsteps of its recent blockbuster USOP Danang which paid out the equivalent of over USD 9.2 Million.
In partnership with Crown Poker Club, the festival runs a total of 13 days from May 29 to June 10, 2024. A total of 65 trophy events catering to all types of bankrolls are scheduled along with a list of satellite tournaments for bargain hunters. Here is a review of everything that has been announced.
USOP Hanoi – Main Event
The crown jewel of every festival is the Main Event and at USOP Hanoi it is backed by a VN₫ 15 Billion (~USD 591,450) prize pool. This figure however is just a mere suggestion. At previous stops in this location, the turnout of local and international players were through the roof that in September 2023, USOP became the first brand to pay out the equivalent of over a million USD in Hanoi.
Past winners of the USOP Main Event are Edwin Dela Cruz, Nguyen Ngoc Dai, Vishal Ojha, The Naing, Sam Hung, and Ian Lee. Lee cleared the biggest check in USOP history of VN₫ 7.12 Billion (~USD 287,000) in Danang last month. The next crown could be yours!
USOP Hanoi Main Event
Date: June 6 to 10, 2024
Buy in: VN₫ 30,000,000 (~USD 1,180)
Guarantee: VN₫ 15,000000,000 (~USD 591,450)
Day 1A: Thursday, June 6, 2024
Day 1B: Friday, June 7, 2024
Day 1C: Saturday, June 8, 2024
Day 1D (Turbo): Saturday, June 8 2024
Day 2: Sunday, June 9, 2024
Final Day: Monday, June 10, 2024
To get in for less, players can sign up to any of the three Main Event Satellite tournaments. Buy in is VN₫ 6,600,000 (~USD 260). A combined total of eight seats are guaranteed.
As early as now, players can avail of the Main Event Early Bird Package which offers three types of hotel accommodation deals at the Pullman Hanoi: Basic, Premium, Custom. The latter is quite convenient as players can design their own package. Players that avail of the package will also receive added perks such as Free Airport Pick Up, Complimentary Breakfast for 2, Main Event Bubble Protection, and Free 3 Laundry.
USOP Hanoi – Highlights
While everyone lines up for a chance at winning the big one, the side events are just as juicy. Players can seize glory for as low as VN₫ 3,000,000 (~USD 120) to VN₫ 22,000,000 (~USD 880) at the Mini High Roller. Among those to consider are listed below:
Phased Events
Phased Events are multi-day tournaments with multi flights to enter. These are the most popular side tournaments and are attended by all types of players.
Kick Off
Date: May 29 to 31, 2024
Buy in: VN₫ 8,800,000 (~USD 352)
Guarantee: VN₫ 2,000,000,000 (~USD 78,860)
Mystery Millions
Date: May 31 to June 2, 2024
Buy in: VN₫ 16,500,000 (~USD 660)
Guarantee: VN₫ 4,000,000,000 (~USD 157,720)
Mini Main Event
Date: June 3 to 5, 2024
Buy in: VN₫ 12,000,000 (~USD 480)
Guarantee: VN₫ 3,000,000,000 (~USD 118,300)
Megastack
Date: June 9 to 10, 2024
Buy in: VN₫ 11,000,000 (~USD 440
Guarantee: VN₫ 1,000,000,000 (~USD 39,430)
USOP Hanoi – High Roller Series
At every USOP festival, the demand for high roller events increases. At the USOP Danang Part 1 last month, the High Roller Series paid out over USD 4.5 Million, which was about half of the total festival prize pool. For the upcoming USOP Hanoi, 11 events events fill the roster for a total of VN₫ 25.8 Billion in guarantees. Buy ins range from VN₫ 44 Billion (~USD 1,735) to VN₫ 250 Billion (~USD 9,860).
For a smoother experience, players can avail of the High Roller Early Bird Package with rooms at the Pullman Hanoi Hotel. There are three types offered: Platinum, Gold, and Silver. Sign up now before they run out.
USOP in Hanoi
Poker has been booming in Hanoi for several years with international festivals putting the quaint city on the poker world map. Since 2022, big brands have consistently staged events, driving prize pools to incredible heights. The upcoming USOP will be the first international event to take place in the capital city this year.
For first timers to USOP and to Hanoi, this event is frequented by players by players both local and international. While the Vietnamese make up a bug bulk, large international contingents are alse seen from Malaysia, India, Philippines, Australia, and France. This year has also seen an increase in Chinese attendance.
Visa
Entering Vietnam is easy. There are 26 countries in the visa-free list which includes most Southeast Asian nations and Europe. Players from South Korea, Japan, Russia are also visa free. For those not in the list, all that’s needed is an eVisa. Just apply online and choose between single entry or multiple. It is best to apply well before your planned arrival as it can take up to seven days. You can also pay more to speed up the process. Players without an eVisa will be denied entry.
Getting in and around Hanoi
If you are flying into Vietnam capital city Hanoi, most likely you will be landing at the Noi Bai International Airport. It only takes a quick 40-45 minute ride to the venue Crown Poker Club. The safest way to go is via Grab. If you need a Vietnam SIM card, get it at the airport as they are hard to find in the city. The country currency is the Vietnamese Dong. Make sure to exchange at the airport. The poker venue also provides this service.
Once situated, the best way for a solo traveler to move around the city is via motorcycles. You can book a Grab bike. If it will be your first time in Vietnam, the chaos of the streets may be a bit shocking as motorbikes are the preferred mode of travel.
Accommodations
The closest hotel to Crown Poker Club is the Pullman Hanoi Hotel. This is a five start hotel. Breakfast is usually included, and players should take advantage as the buffet offers a variety that is certain to fill the belly.
Tourist info
As the country’s capital city, Hanoi has plenty to offer tourists from high end restaurants to some of the best banh mi street-side. There are also historic sites scattered all over the city so we suggest to just search for what to do in Hanoi and you will find plenty of options. The Old Quarter is unique to the city, offering plenty of history, the Temple of Literature is one of the most visited and it is near the venue, most popular with the locals is Hoan Kiem Lake.
For those that want to mix poker and exploratioin, this is a good time of year to visit Hanoi as it is summer time. In other words, it will be hot so make sure to bring sunblock. The Vietnamese have a very strong outdoor culture with low chairs seen practically everywhere. Locals come in packs to sit and eat, drink, have coffee, or simply just to relax. This is a great time to do as the locals do!
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