The Asian Poker Tour Returns to Manila: Bigger and Better Than Ever
The Asian Poker Tour (APT) is making waves as it returns to Manila for an exhilarating poker festival that promises thrills, excitement, and an impressive array of events. Kicking off on October 28, this 11-day festival is a celebration of poker enthusiasts from around the globe. Three weeks after the conclusion of the APT Taipei Poker Classic, the stage is now set in the opulent Grand Ballroom of the City of Dreams Manila, in collaboration with Soul Poker.
An Unprecedented Tournament Lineup
This year, APT Manila features a staggering lineup of 109 events, which includes 101 trophy events and various satellite tournaments. With total prize pool guarantees exceeding ₱170 Million (~$3 Million), players of all skill levels will find something to entice them. The atmosphere is electrifying, as players from different regions compete not just for cash prizes but for prestigious APT trophies.
A Historic Return
The APT’s 42nd visit to Manila marks a significant milestone as players flock from all corners of Asia, especially following a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic. The competition has been fierce right from the start, with 17 players already claiming their APT trophies within the first two days of the series. This revitalized tournament is being recognized as a flagship event in the realm of Asian poker, potentially setting the tone for future festivals.
Exciting Player Crossovers and Early Performers
Interestingly, the APT Manila commenced just a day after the APPT Manila Championship, hosted nearby at Okada Manila. This overlapping schedule has resulted in several Indian players staying on for the APT, eager to continue their poker journeys.
One name to watch has been Dilip Ajitkumar Menon, who secured his first APT cash by finishing fourth in Event #1: ₱12K Philippines National Cup, taking home ₱24,000 (~₹34,674).
Siddharth Karia, the PokerStars India ambassador and fresh off impressive performances in the APPT Championship, made an early mark with a third-place finish in Event #9: ₱6K Hyper Turbo – NL Single Draw A-5, claiming ₱17,000 (~₹24,561), before heading home to celebrate Diwali.
Big Winners in the First Few Days
As the tournament unfolded, several players distinguished themselves with impressive victories.
John Matsuda’s High Roller Triumph
Japanese professional John Matsuda outshone a competitive field in Event #11: ₱130K Single Day High Roller – Mystery Bounty, capturing ₱2,014,950 (~$34,254). Notably, over half of his earnings stemmed from bounties, showcasing his tactical prowess in high-stakes environments.
Filipino Representation
The pride of the Philippines, Marco Espela, emerged victorious in Event #1: ₱12K Philippines National Cup. Besting a record-breaking field of 726 entries (with 425 unique players), Espela’s triumph earned him ₱1.17 Million ($19,890) after a heads-up deal with fellow countrywoman Maggy Cenon, who finished as a runner-up.
South Korea’s Rising Stars
Youngje Ahn of South Korea also celebrated a momentous victory in Event #10: ₱20K Mystery Bounty Hunter, claiming ₱1,096,680 (~$18,809). This record-setting event saw 480 entries, making it the largest APT Mystery Bounty Hunter tournament ever held in the Philippines.
Notable Performances and Additional Winners
The tournament has seen a diverse range of talent, with players from various countries making their mark. Vietnamese player Nang Quang Nguyen took home a second APT trophy by winning Event #2: ₱100K Single Day High Roller – Freezeout, splitting the prize equally with the Filipino David Erquiaga, and both pocketing ₱954,750 (~$16,230) in a heads-up deal.
Overview of Current Winners
As the tournament progresses, here is a snapshot of the top winners thus far:
| Player Name | Event Name | Prize (PHP) |
|---|---|---|
| Marco Espela | Event #1: Philippines National Cup | ₱1,170,050 |
| Youngje Ahn | Event #10: Mystery Bounty Hunter | ₱1,096,680 |
| John Matsuda | Event #11: Single Day High Roller – Mystery Bounty | ₱2,014,950 |
| Nang Quang Nguyen | Event #2: Single Day High Roller – Freezeout | ₱954,750 |
Conclusion and What’s Next
With the APT Manila festival still ongoing, the excitement is palpable, and many more thrilling events lie ahead. Players are eager to vie for the coveted titles and take home incredible cash prizes. Poker fans should stay tuned for updates from this remarkable series, as the Asian Poker Tour inches toward redefining the poker landscape in Manila once again.
For those intrigued by the unfolding events and eager to participate, make sure to follow PokerGuru for the latest updates directly from APT Manila 2024! As the professional poker community descends upon this vibrant city, the excitement and intensity promise to continue for days to come.
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