As U Series of Poker (USOP) Danang enters its third day at Furama Resort Danang in Vietnam, excitement is way up for the brand’s premier High Roller events to come. These tournaments are the most sought-after as they consistently deliver intense competition and substantial payouts. Two events, in particular, will stand out – Superstar Challenge and Billionaire Club Challenge. These events have the potential to produce the richest prize pools of the festival. Let’s dive into these hot-ticket games.
USOP holds record for Superstar Challenge
The Superstar Challenge is the most famous super high roller event in Vietnam. Created by the Crown Poker Club (CPC) Hanoi, its initial run on May 2022 witnessed the VN₫ 210,000,000 (~$8,600) buy-in draw three tables, primarily comprising invited players. Filipino pro Florencio Campomanes won it for a payout of VN₫ 1.8 Billion (~$79K).
As the months went by, Hanoi evolved into a poker hub. The Superstar Challenge buy in was then halved, leading to a surge in attendance. Today, it has secured its place in nearly every festival lineup – local and international – held in the capital city.
In September, USOP Hanoi Superstar Challenge set a new turnout record of 94 entries and a record prize pool of VN₫ 10,212,100,000 (~$424,000). Vietnam’s Hoang Hai Nam emerged victorious to bank a huge VN₫ 3,000,000,000 (~$ 124K).
The upcoming USOP Danang Superstar Challenge aims to surpass the record, which is very probable with the arrival of more high roller enthusiasts to the venue. Among those expected to attend are WSOP bracelet holders Jinho Hong, Mike Takayama, WPT Prime Taiwan champion Seonguk Huh, Natural8’s Victor Chong, and New Zealand pro Thomas Ward.
The Superstar Challenge runs November 19 to 20, 2023. If you haven’t noticed, the guarantee has been bumped up to VN₫ 4 Billion (~$165,000), that’s 1.5 billion dong more than previous. Buy in is VN₫ 120,000,000 (~$5,074). Cards in the air at 12:30pm.
Billionaire Club Challenge added to USOP Danang lineup
The Billionaire Club Challenge made its debut in May 2023 at WPT Prime Vietnam, featuring a staggering VN₫ 210 Million (~$8,600) buy-in. This attracted a select field of elite and well-heeled players. However, in the months that followed, it didn’t gain any further momentum until preparations for USOP Danang. Responding to a demand for more high roller events, the Billionaire Club Challenge found a spot in the brand’s season finale.
Announced just ten days ago, the Billionaire Club Challenge is scheduled for November 24, 2023. The buy in is set at VN₫ 250,000,000 (~$10,250), making it the most expensive tournament in the roster. Like the Superstar Challenge, it features a VN₫ 4 Billion (~$165,000) prize pool. In addition, the inaugural champion will be immortalized in the USOP Hall of Fame. Players can expect to see Triton winner Dao Minh Phu hunting down this unique title.
The Billionaire Club Challenge bares some likeness to the Poker Dream Vietnam 2022 Super High Roller event that featured a VN₫ 220 Million (~$9,000) buy in. The event drew a stunning 92 entries for a prize pool of VN₫ 19.7 Billion (~$807K), setting a record as the richest event of its price in the country. Malaysia’s Ewe Eng Soon shipped it for over VN₫ 5.2 Billion. That amount alone is much larger than the upcoming BCC guarantee.
