Local Hero Dao Minh Phu Wins Triton Poker Vietnam Title and $1.67M

Dao Minh Phu, a 42-year-old local hero from Vietnam, made an unexpected triumph at the Triton Poker Vietnam stop. He topped a field of the world’s finest highroller MTT players to lift the $50k SHR title and pocket $1,670,000. There were 139 entries (88 unique players) who combined to produce a $6,950,000 prizepool.

Several notable players, including Adrian Mateos, Jonathan Jaffe, and Ike Haxton, were among those who bowed out before the paid spots on day two. Steve O’Dwyer, Stephen Chidwick, Chris Brewer, Bryn Kenney, and Nick Petrangelo all fell before the final table. Linus Loeliger’s bustout at the hands of Dan Smith was as dramatic as poker hands get, the Swiss pro out in 8th with $215,500 as consolation.

Biao Ding accounted for Heath and Chappe-Gatien before Phu took over. Patrik Antonius was eliminated when K♦ J♥ couldn’t improve against the Vietnamese player’s pocket sixes. Dao Minh Phu said afterwards, “This is the first time I have played a big tournament, and I’m so happy.”