The World Poker Tour announced yesterday that it will be launching a new series of mid-stakes tournaments under the brand name WPT Prime. This will replace the WPT Deepstacks series which will close up shop this year with its three mid-year events in Amsterdam, Sydney, and Thunder Valley.
Assuming Vietnam opens its borders to tourists in time (as is currently predicted), then the WPT Prime will launch on May 19, 2022, at the Crown Poker Club in Hanoi. The series will run from the 19th to the 30th, with a VND25 million (US$1,100) Main Event.
Two follow-up series are on the calendar so far. The first is booked in for August 11 to August 18 at the NagaWorld Integrated Resort in Phnom Penh.
After the Cambodian leg, the second follow-up will be held at the Chinese Texas Hold’em Poker Association in Taipei, Taiwan, from November 11 to November 21.
"Starting this year we're debuting the WPT Prime series," the WPT tweeted. "The first three stops we're announcing on the tour will be in Cambodia, Taiwan, and Vietnam, bringing the Main Tour experience worldwide."
WPT Prime schedule
The series aims to hit a sweet spot similar to the WPT DeepStacks which it is replacing. Affordable buy-ins with all the trappings of the Main Tour's streamed tables, live updates, and trophies.
“As we announce more of our Season XX events around the world after a tumultuous period, we are absolutely delighted to be back in Vietnam, Cambodia, and Taiwan," Angelica Hael, VP of Global Tour Management, told the press. "Now that international borders are opening up, the incredible hospitality of Crown Poker Club, NagaWorld Integrated Resort, and Chinese Texas Hold’em Poker Association will once again be on display for regional and global players.”
Cathy Zhao, the Senior Director of Global Tour Management, explained that the WPT Prime series serves the WPT's "continued efforts to improve the WPT live tournament experience will benefit more players than ever during Season XX."
Zhao is in charge of the Prime series launch and coordinating the various international entities and venues involved.
"WPT Prime is the embodiment of our goal to provide the best possible poker tournament experience to players everywhere," Zhao explained. She then added, "Our strong relationships with our global partners will elevate the WPT experience around the world.”
Many players are excited to see the WPT living up to the "W" in its title after two years of COVID restrictions that have made international events almost impossible to plan.
"Say, goodbye, to the WPTDeepStacks brand later this year as @WPT launches the Prime series with a trio of events in Asia," wrote Kevin Mathers on Twitter.
Featured image source: Twitter
