Uprize, comprising singers Cuong Bach, Phuc Nguyen, Lam Anh, Duc Duy, Wonbi, Duy Lan, and Long Hoang – a group that emerged from the reality show "Tan Binh Toan Nang" (Show It All) – rehearsed their song "Thunder" at 10:15 PM. The melody resonated, drawing applause and enlivening the atmosphere at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC).

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After "Show It All", the group's development has been oriented towards a professional artist training model similar to the K-Pop system. During their time on the competition, Uprize released notable songs such as "Ma Dao Thanh Cong", "Beautiful Girl", "Exposure", and "Real Talk". Following their official launch as a seven-member group, Uprize released singles to establish their distinct identity in the V-pop market. For example, "Thunder" (early 2026) was chosen as the theme song for the "Dau Truong Sam" concert. Their tracks "Mo Giua Ban Ngay" (at Gala Nhac Viet) and "Take U Home Tonight" also received acclaim.

Negav, whose real name is Dang Thanh An, 24, arrived at SECC with his dance troupe at 8:50 PM, attracting a large number of fans from the show "Anh Trai Say Hi". The atmosphere was vibrant as each part of the performance was refined. Many spectators took photos and videos of Negav from the audience area and backstage, creating an exciting moment.

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Negav, who has popular YouTube hits like "Da Nghi" and "Minh Anh Thoi" (with 16 million listens), discussed choreography, expressions, and song delivery with his team to ensure the most dynamic performance. "Tomorrow I will perform even 'hotter'," he stated after finishing his rehearsal. Minh Ha, 24, from TP HCM, a fan who attended the rehearsal, expressed her anticipation for Negav's performance on the main stage of the Vietnam Game Awards 2026. "The first time I heard Negav rap, I didn't think rap could be so gentle and relatable. It's not overly showy, but each line carries its own emotion; after listening, it just repeats in my head. My friends and I plan to cheer him on at the game community festival on may 8-9," Ha shared.

Negav has had several hits, including "Ngu Mot Minh" (2022, featuring Hieu Thu Hai), "Cham Soc Em" (2023), and "Em Khien Anh Muon Tro Thanh Nguoi Ha Noi" (2023). Participating in the first season of "Anh Trai Say Hi", the rapper delivered notable performances such as "Ngan Nga", "Catch Me If You Can", and "Da Nghi".

ICD, whose real name is Pham Ngoc Huy, 30, arrived at SECC – the venue for Vietnam GameVerse – at 7:00 PM. He expressed his excitement about performing for the first time at a major game awards ceremony. The rapper also stated that he would bring many surprises to the awards gala on may 9 and hoped the domestic Esports industry would continue to grow.

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Despite a busy schedule, ICD maintains an interest in Esports and occasionally relaxes with friends over a few game matches. ICD won the "King of Rap 2020" competition. Following the rap show, he continuously released tracks such as "Tai San Cua Bo", "Goodbye", "Rapper So 1", "Chan Cham Dat", and collaborated on projects with other artists.

My My, known from "Em Xinh Say Hi", whose real name is Vu Thi Ngan My, 29, coordinated jeans with a striped top and accessorized with a baseball cap. She performed two songs: "Khong Ai Khac Ngoai Em" and "Cach Yeu Dung Dieu". Performing for the first time at the Vietnam Game Awards, My My conveyed a mix of excitement, nervousness, and enthusiasm for a new stage where music and game atmosphere blend to create a unique experience.

My My began her career as a dancer in the Buoc Nhay dance troupe. With a strong dance foundation, she shined on the show "Em Xinh Say Hi", delivering several performances that garnered millions of views, including "Dong Dao Xinh Gai", "Khong Dau Nua Roi", and "Cach Yeu Dung Dieu".

Vietnam GameVerse 2026 will open at 8:00 AM on may 8 at SECC in TP HCM, featuring a series of activities: Game Expo, Wonderland, a B2B zone, and Esports tournaments. This year, the event gathers over 100 booths, supported by numerous entities in the game, technology, and payment sectors, including Garena, VNGGames, Funtap Games, Gamota, Google, MoMo, Monster Energy, FPT, and Be.

Attendees can participate in expert dialogue forums, explore the Wonderland exhibition space, join cosplay competitions, and watch professional Esports tournaments. This year, organizers expect to welcome over 50,000 visitors and expand the area dedicated to the business-to-business (B2B) sector and independent game developers.

Vietnam GameVerse 2026 is directed by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism; and jointly organized by the Authority of Broadcasting and Electronic Information, VnExpress newspaper, FPT Online Services Joint Stock Company (FPT Online), and the Vietnam Game Alliance.

The Vietnam Game Festival, taking place on may 8-9, offers two ticket categories: a one-day ticket for 50,000 VND and a two-day combo ticket for 79,000 VND. Tickets grant access to the entire event space at SECC, including the Game Expo, Wonderland, B2B zone, Esports tournaments, fan meetings, and the main stage. Readers can view detailed terms and purchase tickets online.

Phu Cat

Photos: Quynh Tran, Duy Phong

Video: Duy Phong