Hijack Poker Takes Part in the Record-Setting 2023 WPT Prime Vietnam Main Event

Joe Darcy and Hijack Poker founder Steve Burgess

WPT Prime Vietnam was the first international destination for Hijack Poker, premier poker organisation from Western Australia. Led by founder Steve Burgess, 20 members came out to the festival. The trip proved to be a success for the team, with Richard Balkau, one of their own, making it to Day 2 of the Main Event as chip leader and eventually finishing 34th out of 1,151 entries.

Established a mere five months ago in January 2023, Hijack Poker aims to take Western Australia poker to the next level and catch up with the rest of Australia. The organisation has already experienced rapid growth, boasting over 2,400 registered members in such a short time. Burgess attributes their success to the unique advantage they have in Western Australia, where they can offer both tournaments and cash games, providing a comprehensive poker experience not commonly found in other states.

The organisation has attracted notable Australian players to its events, including Travis Endersby, Dale Marsland, Joe Darcy, Andrian Chin, Hans Dorn, and Peter Brasile.

Hijack Poker hosts events six times a week. The most popular games are Thursday night at The Woodvale Tavern, and a double venue game on a Sunday. In Western Australia, poker organisations are only allowed to run at a specific venue for 6 hours a week. On Sundays, Hijack Poker runs a 12 hour tournament, running the 1st half at one location, then running the 2nd half at a nearby location. Hijack Poker is working hard to remove these restrictions.

With their international venture marking a successful milestone for the organisation, Hijack Poker looks poised to continue its mark in the poker scene, both within Western Australia and outside.

Richard Balkau on Day 2 of the Main Event