The 2024 U Series of Poker (USOP) Grand Finale in Hai Phong, Vietnam, has transformed the Pullman Grand Hotel into the ultimate poker battleground. Partnering with the Crown Poker Club, this 13-day festival features a jaw-dropping VN₫ 100 Billion (~$4 Million) prize pool guarantee, shattering records in Vietnam and setting new standards for USOP.
With 69 tournaments on the schedule, the series has drawn players from across the globe. Veterans and newcomers alike are vying for the coveted USOP Player of the Series Ring, making the competition intense. Among them, Team India has emerged as a powerhouse, dominating tables and making headlines with their exceptional performances.
Kunal Patni Leads Team India’s Charge 🇮🇳
The Natural8 India Executive Director, Kunal Patni, is proving once again why Vietnam is his stomping ground. Fresh off an impressive run at APT Phu Quoc, where he secured two wins and a second-place finish, Patni is replicating his success in Hai Phong.
- Event #7: VN₫ 22 Million Mini High Roller: Finished 3rd, adding to his growing list of achievements.
- Event #17: VN₫ 66 Million High Roller 6-Max: Secured 4th place and took home a massive VN₫ 505 Million (~₹16.83 Lakhs).
With these deep runs, his total earnings for the series have soared to VN₫ 692 Million (~₹23.07 Lakhs). Vietnam continues to bring out the best in him, and all eyes are on what he’ll conquer next.
Indian Players Making Waves
The Madness Kickoff event set the tone for the series, with its record-smashing VN₫ 14.72 Billion (~$580,000) prize pool. While France’s Herve Gouzil clinched the title, Team India stood tall with stellar performances:
- Ritwik Khanna finished 37th for VN₫ 57 Million (~₹1.90 Lakhs).
- Kunal Patni added another cash with a 42nd place finish for VN₫ 57 Million (~₹1.90 Lakhs).
- Rising stars like Siddharth Karia, Harsh Bubna, and Aayush Arya also secured payouts, showcasing the depth of India’s talent pool.
Side Events: A Goldmine for Indian Pros
The action isn’t just in the main events; Indian players are excelling in side tournaments too:
- Event #10: VN₫ 11 Million Sunday Superstack: Ashwin Vijayvergiya and Siddharth Karia secured payouts, each earning VN₫ 26 Million (~₹86,667). Harsh Bubna bagged VN₫ 22 Million (~₹73,331).
- Event #18: VN₫ 7 Million Freezeout: Deepankur Gupta reached the final table, finishing 8th for VN₫ 22 Million (~₹73,331).
Mini Main Event: Kartik Ved Takes the Lead
The VN₫ 20 Million Mini Main Event is heating up, with Indian players among the top contenders:
- Kartik Ved, a WSOP bracelet winner, topped the Day 1A flight with 608,000 chips (76 BBs).
- Harsh Bubna also advanced with a respectable 184,000 chips.
- In Day 1B, Aayush Arya bagged 92,000 chips, staying in contention as the competition intensifies.
High Roller Drama: Breaking Records at Every Turn
- The VN₫ 120 Million Superstar Challenge smashed its guarantee, generating a VN₫ 13.01 Billion (~$513,000) prize pool. Ashish Munot represented India strongly, finishing 17th for VN₫ 210 Million (~₹7 Lakhs).
- China’s Hon Cheong Lee took down the VN₫ 66 Million High Roller 6-Max, earning VN₫ 1.54 Billion (~$60,617), while Singapore’s Bao Qiang Ho finished second for VN₫ 1.04 Billion (~$40,937).
Records Were Meant to Be Broken
The opening event, Madness Kickoff, didn’t just live up to expectations – it obliterated them! With a stunning 1,582 entries, the prize pool soared to VN₫ 14.72 Billion (~$580,000), setting a new benchmark for Vietnamese poker.
- France’s Herve Gouzil emerged victorious, clinching the title after a dramatic comeback in the heads-up battle.
- His winning moment? A daring three-bet shove with King-Jack offsuit, turning the tide and securing him VN₫ 2.15 Billion (~$85,000).
What’s Next?
With the Main Event approaching and Indian players riding high on momentum, expectations are sky-high. From record-breaking guarantees to thrilling comebacks, the USOP 2024 Grand Finale is delivering poker drama at its finest.
Will Team India dominate the Main Event and end the series with a bang? Stay tuned for more updates from Vietnam’s poker extravaganza!