In an exclusive interview, Anh Nguyen, the driving force behind Vietnam Poker Games (VPG), unveiled his ambitious new project — World Poker Games (WPG).
Nguyen shared the inspiration and long-term vision behind WPG, offering insight into the motivation and goals driving this bold new venture.
As one of Southeast Asia’s most influential poker organizers, his announcement marks the beginning of a new chapter for the regional poker scene, aiming to elevate competitive standards and create a truly global poker experience.
CEO Anh Nguyen Officially Launches the “World Poker Games” Poker Brand
In an exclusive interview, Anh Nguyen, the visionary behind Vietnam Poker Games (VPG), unveiled his long-awaited new project — World Poker Games (WPG) — and shared the story, inspiration, and vision behind this ambitious new poker brand.
🌍 A Vision Born from Passion
“This idea has been in my mind for a long time — it all started with passion. Since 2017, I’ve been deeply involved in organizing poker events in Vietnam. During this journey, I had the privilege of working with some of the industry figures I admire most — APT’s Lloyd Fontillas, WPT’s Danny McDonagh, and APL’s James Kim.
Their passion and dedication to the growth of Asian poker have always inspired me. If there were a Poker Hall of Fame in Asia, I’d be the first to vote for them.”
⚡ Turning Point: 2024 Event Cancellation
In November 2024, a government restriction forced VPG to cancel the final day of its Ho Chi Minh City festival — a difficult moment that ultimately became the catalyst for WPG’s creation.
“Although players weren’t severely affected, not being able to crown a Main Event champion was heartbreaking for me.
That incident, along with an increasingly uncertain regulatory environment, made me realize that we needed to think bigger.
Players deserve a stable, safe, and sustainable platform, so my team and I officially launched the WPG project at the start of 2025.”
🏆 The Birth of “World Poker Games”
“Inspired by CPG (China Poker Games) founder Pan Yu, we originally created Vietnam Poker Games (VPG).
But for this new chapter, we wanted a name with true global resonance.
That’s how World Poker Games (WPG) was born — accompanied by our slogan:
‘Where the World Plays.’Our mission is to create a tournament series that welcomes players from all over the world —
a platform that feels inclusive, professional, and inspiring to be a part of.”
🎯 WPG’s Core Values and Positioning
“The core philosophy of WPG is safety, integrity, professionalism, and unforgettable player experiences.
Poker isn’t just a mind sport — it’s a high-stakes journey that deserves respect, structure, and passion.
Every hand, every final table, every trophy should represent a story worth remembering.”
Anh Nguyen believes that despite the fierce competition in the Asian poker market, Vietnam’s poker community will serve as WPG’s strongest foundation.
🇻🇳 The Rise of Vietnamese Poker Power
“In recent years, Vietnamese players have been performing exceptionally well —
champions like Dao Minh Phu, Nguyen Quang Minh, Nguyen Trung Quan, Nang Quang Nguyen, and Hoang Hai Nam have all made their mark on the Asian poker stage.
Having such a passionate and fast-growing community is our greatest advantage.
Combined with our meticulous tournament structures and transparent operational policies,
I’m confident that WPG will earn the trust of players across Asia — and around the world.”
Commitment to Safety and Player Experience
“As someone who has been part of Vietnam’s poker development since its early days, I deeply understand how important safety is to players,” said Anh Nguyen.
“We will partner only with legitimate, reputable, and poker-friendly venues. From operational procedures to staff training, every detail will undergo strict quality control to ensure that players enjoy a safe, smooth, and enjoyable tournament experience.”
🌏 First Phase: The Five Poker Capitals of Asia
Although the official launch date has not yet been announced, Nguyen confirmed that details will be released soon.
He emphasized that WPG will follow a ‘quality over quantity’ strategy, focusing on hosting fewer but higher-quality tournaments during its initial years.
The long-term goal is to expand to eight major stops per year within five years.
The first phase of expansion will target five key cities:
Taipei
Jeju (South Korea)
Manila (Philippines)
Phnom Penh (Cambodia)
Incheon (South Korea)
“CTP (Chinese Texas Poker Club) and its founders David Tai and Raymond Wong have been longtime friends and partners.
We’re very excited to bring WPG to Taipei, and that dream will soon become a reality.”
🎯 Tournament Formats and Innovative Features
The WPG Tournament Director role will be filled by Benjamin Young from Australia,
a respected figure in the industry known for his integrity and consistency.
He will oversee the event’s structure and competitive framework.
WPG plans to integrate a blend of classic formats and innovative game types, including:
Mystery Bounty
Freezeout
Pot-Limit Omaha (PLO)
Mixed Games
Team Events
Heads-Up Battles
Additionally, several brand-new formats never before seen in Asia are being developed to keep players surprised, engaged, and excited.
💬 Anh Nguyen’s Closing Message
“I want to thank the community for years of support for Vietnam Poker Games.Now, we’re turning the page to a brand-new chapter — World Poker Games.I sincerely invite all players and partners to join us on this journey.Stay tuned — the best is yet to come.”
Red Dragon Poker APP Officially Launched
The long-established tournament brand Red Dragon Cup has now released its own app — “Red Dragon Poker.”
The Red Dragon Cup is a well-known Asian poker brand with a strong reputation across the region. Originating in Macau, it quickly became one of the most influential poker events in Asia. Red Dragon Poker tournaments regularly attract players from all over the world, offering massive fields and impressive prize pools.
For those interested, we highly recommend downloading the “Red Dragon Poker” app to join more exciting tournaments.