WSOP Circuit Liechtenstein: Germany's Hong Ngoc Do Van Wins Gold Ring in Ladies Event

Grand Casino Liechtenstein has established itself as a primary destination for poker players from Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. On September 18, the spotlight turned to the WSOP Circuit II Ladies Event. While the field was relatively small with 33 total entries—consisting of 22 unique players and 11 re-entries—the competition at the tables was intense. The buy-in of 320+30 CHF created a net prize pool of 10,032 CHF, distributed among the top five finishers.

The final stages of the tournament were particularly gripping as two well-known figures in the scene faced off for the coveted gold ring. Ultimately, Germany's Hong Ngoc Do Van emerged victorious. she relegated Austria's Chiara Knowle, widely known in the community by her alias Big Chick, to second place. Knowle, who had already secured a 49th-place finish among 961 entries in the Mini Main Event earlier in the festival, settled for the runner-up title and a prize of 2,530 CHF.

Numbers and facts

Hong Ngoc Do Van's victory was lucrative both financially and symbolically. In addition to the top prize of 3,822 CHF, she received a special add-on provided by the WSOP for all ring event winners: a $5,000 package for WSOP Paradise, held in the Caribbean at the end of the year. For many participants, this extra incentive was the primary reason to join Ring Event #10. The minimum cash started at 950 CHF, claimed by Shandy Wong from the Netherlands in fifth place. Between them, Thi Kim Thu Le from Switzerland took third (1,590 CHF) and Zita Erika Farkas from Hungary finished fourth (1,140 CHF).

The tournament proved once again that while Ladies Events may have smaller fields, they offer high-quality poker. Chiara Knowle demonstrated her consistency in Liechtenstein yet again. According to official statistics, her total live earnings now exceed $4,400, with this recent cash in Liechtenstein representing her best result to date. Tax deductions for the tournament totaled 990 CHF, including 528 CHF allocated as staff tax.

Background

The World Series of Poker Circuit event in Liechtenstein is part of a global tour offering players the chance to win prestigious gold rings without traveling to Las Vegas. Grand Casino Liechtenstein provides the necessary professional infrastructure for such high-stakes events. Parallel to the Ladies Event, the first flights of the Main Event began, featuring a guaranteed prize pool of 750.000 CHF. High rollers were also treated to cash games with blinds of 25/50 CHF, some of which were broadcast via livestream to fans worldwide.

"Given the comparatively small field and the modest buy-in, the win was definitely very satisfying." - Editorial assessment of Hong Ngoc Do Van's success.

Why it matters for German players

For German players, success at a live event in Liechtenstein offers a welcome alternative to the heavily regulated online market at home. While the Interstate Treaty on Gambling 2021 (GlüStV 2021) limits online poker in Germany through a 1,000 Euro monthly deposit limit and restrictions on seat selection, live tournaments abroad provide the classic poker experience. However, German participants must remember that while poker winnings are often tax-free for hobbyists, the tax office may intervene if the activity is deemed professional. The GGL strictly ensures that only providers on the whitelist operate in Germany. Liechtenstein applies local laws that take player protection as seriously as Germany but allow more freedom regarding betting limits.

What it means for GGL-licensed casinos

The popularity of live events like the WSOP Circuit puts pressure on licensed German online casinos. Since providers on the GGL whitelist must adhere to strict rules, such as the 1 Euro limit per spin on slots or limited poker formats, many ambitious players migrate to live events or, unfortunately, illegal MGA or Curacao platforms. German authorities, particularly the Joint Gambling Authority of the States (GGL), repeatedly emphasize the importance of the channeling mandate. Events in Liechtenstein show that the demand for high-quality poker remains unbroken. German licensees would arguably need more flexibility to compete internationally, but the GGL's current focus remains primarily on monitoring the LUGAS system and the OASIS lock file.