With four World Series of Poker bracelets and one WPT title to his name, it’s safe to say that David Chiu is one of the most successful poker players to ever come out of China. Now, after years of successfully plying his trade in casinos around the world, David is looking to help bring professional quality poker to his homeland by working as an ambassador for the upcoming WPT National China Sanya tournament running December 14 – 17.
This unique, invitation-only tournament is being run in partnership with Ourgame, China’s leading online gaming company, and the support of the Sanya government. As the first-ever WPT tournament held in Mainland China we sat down with David to find out what players can expect from this historic event.
WPT Blog: We hear Sanya is called the Hawaii of China. Describe the city and setting for those unfamiliar with Sanya. What will surprise people the most when they come visit?
David Chiu: You’re right about the Hawaii of China description. Sanya is the only tropical city you’ll find on the China coastline. it has beautiful white beaches, lush jungles, and swaying palm trees, and you can pack up and do a lot snorkeling, jet skiing, and hiking through the jungle while you’re there. Sanya also has an area called Tianya Haijiao, which literally translates to Edges of the heaven, corners of the sea. It’s a must see. Also, most people would probably be surprised to know that if you stay in the right hotel, everything in Sanya is within walking distance.
WPT Blog: One of the greatest aspects of the World Poker Tour is that it gives poker players a chance to see the world and visit new and distant places, all while playing poker. What would you say makes this event particularly special in this regard? How can visitors make the most of this opportunity to experience a new place, in addition to playing in an historic WPT event?
David Chiu: Well, the WPT Sanya is the first World Poker Tour event ever held in China – that itself is significant enough. Also, the tournament is scheduled for December, which makes this a very nice getaway for those who don’t want to suffer in the winter weather. Sanya is a great place for them to come out and enjoy the refreshing tropical air.
World Poker Tour, Ourgame, and I have all worked very hard to make this event happen, and it’s always been my dream to bring poker to China and to introduce China to players from around the world. This event will be a milestone for the future poker boom in China. It really shouldn’t be missed.
WPT Blog:We read reports about the uber-high stakes games played in China by wealthy businessmen and international pros, but we’re curious… what’s the casual poker scene like in China? Are there a lot of home games being played around the country?
David Chiu: The poker boom in China just started a few years ago and China has a ton of poker enthusiasts. They love poker and they have talent. Technically, home games are still prohibited by law, but by allowing this WPT China event, I think the government is showing that it believes poker is a skill game instead of just gambling, and that it’s willing to take the first step to help boost poker in the country. That’s great news.
WPT Blog: What’s the most popular variation of poker played in China right now?
David Chiu: It’s definitely No-Limit Texas Hold ‘Em. In most places, poker means No-Limit Texas Hold ‘Em.
WPT Blog: As the first-ever World Poker Tour event to be held in China, what would you say is the significance of this event in China for the game of poker? What do you think its impact will be for the game in Sanya and China in general?
David Chiu: The Chinese government doesn’t allow gambling, but it is permitting this WPT tournament. That’s enough to show how the government views poker… they regard it as a skill game, not gambling. You can’t overemphasize the significance of this event and I have no doubt that a great poker boom will happen in China following this event.
WPT Blog: When poker players think of China, it’s generally Macau and the high-stakes games there that come to mind. Is it a similar scene in Sanya?
David Chiu: Sanya isn’t another Macau – at least not yet. You won’t see much high-stakes poker here in Sanya and this WPT event is pretty much all that’s available when it comes to poker right now. But, don’t forget the beautiful beaches here – that’s the real reason we’re having this in Sanya.
WPT Blog: Finish this sentence – When you visit Sanya, you must _______?
David Chiu: Bring your sunglasses, sunscreen, and bathing suits.
WPT Blog: For any poker player who may be reluctant to make the trip to Sanya for this event because it’s far away or they’re concerned about the logistics of travelling, what would you say to persuade them to make the trip?
David Chiu: Just look at all of the beautiful coastline, the cultural heritage, the gourmet food, and the warm Chinese people. There’s just so much to enjoy beyond poker. Also, we have the world’s best looking dealers. Don’t miss out.
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