In a surprising turn of events, the eagerly anticipated WPT Vietnam Passport to the World Championship series, slated to commence from May 14 to May 27 at the Crown Poker Club in Hanoi, has been canceled abruptly. This announcement marks the third major poker tournament disruption in Vietnam within a span of just six months.

Crown Poker Club’s unexpected announcement:

The cancellation announcement came via an emergency notice from Crown Poker Club, the host venue for the event. In their statement, the club cited “technical reasons” and expressed their decision as being in the best interest of all participants. They conveyed regret for the inconvenience caused, emphasizing their steadfast commitment to prioritizing safety and enhancing tournament quality.

As Inside Asian Gaming reports, the club’s statement reads, “Crown Poker Club regrets this inconvenience. This is truly a difficult decision because, throughout its operation, Crown Poker Club has always prioritized safety and improving tournament quality first.”

Players who had purchased early bird packages were advised to contact customer service for refunds, further underscoring the unexpected nature of the cancellation.

Ongoing turmoil in Hanoi’s poker scene:

This latest cancellation adds to a series of disruptions that have plagued the poker scene in Hanoi. Previously, the Asian Poker Tour’s Hanoi Billions event faced allegations of breaching local gambling laws, resulting in the cancellation of its final two days. Similarly, the Asian Poker Festival Hanoi Spring Series, in collaboration with Top Joy Poker Tour, met a similar fate in April.

Furthermore, Crown Poker Club found itself embroiled in controversy earlier this year when it levied a 10% “tax” on players’ winnings, a fee later revealed to be non-existent and merely a mechanism to cover the club’s operational expenses.

With the recurring disruptions and uncertainties surrounding poker tournaments in Hanoi, the city’s reputation as a stable poker destination has been called into question. The successive cancellations raise concerns among players and organizers alike about the viability and sustainability of hosting such events in the region.

Upcoming events: USOP Hanoi:

Despite the setbacks, the poker community looks ahead to the upcoming USOP Hanoi event, scheduled to take place at the Crown Poker Club from May 29 to June 10. Organizers, in collaboration with the club, are actively addressing the challenges faced, striving to ensure a smooth and successful series.

According to Life of Poker, the USOP Hanoi promises a thirteen-day extravaganza with guaranteed prize pools totaling VND 60,000,000,000 (~$2,361,200). Non-local players keen on participating are advised to stay tuned to the USOP’s social media channels for updates and announcements.

As the poker landscape in Hanoi navigates through turbulent waters, stakeholders remain hopeful for a resolution that reinstates stability and confidence in the city’s poker circuit.