The poker world is turning its attention to Manila this month. When the APPT Manila Championship kicks off at Okada Manila on October 16, industry watchers are predicting something significant – potentially the largest live online poker festival the Philippines has ever hosted.
Early registration numbers suggest this could be special. Over 1,000 players are expected across twelve days of action, with hundreds of tables running simultaneously. That represents a substantial jump from typical tournament fields in the region.
The Money Behind the Hype
This year’s championship carries serious weight – ₱155 million in total guarantees across all events. The centerpiece Main Event alone puts up ₱60 million guaranteed, with a ₱165,000 buy-in that positions it firmly in high-stakes territory.
But here’s what makes this festival interesting: the range. While the Main Event caters to serious players, the schedule opens much more accessibly. The Okada Kick-Off starts at ₱20,000 with an ₱8 million guarantee – still substantial money, but within reach for recreational players who’ve been saving up.
The middle ground gets plenty of attention. The APPT Open (₱60,000, ₱20M GTD) and PokerStars Red Dragon (₱70,000, ₱20M GTD) both carry guarantees that attract traveling professionals. The APPT National at ₱35,000 offers ₱10 million guaranteed, likely drawing strong local participation.
At the top end sits a ₱500,000 Super High Roller with ₱10 million guaranteed. That’s serious business by any standard.
Beyond the Main Events
The festival rounds out its calendar with Mystery Bounty events, a Mini Championship, additional High Rollers, and various side events. What stands out is how PokerStars LIVE Manila has successfully secured this guarantee structure. The venue, situated in Okada Manila’s Coral Lounge, has infrastructure for large-scale operations, but this represents a significant step up in ambition.
Okada Manila brings something extra to the table. As one of Metro Manila’s premier resort complexes, it offers amenities that can keep players around for the full twelve days rather than just dropping in for specific events.
What’s Worth Watching
The real test will be whether these guarantees hold up. On paper, the numbers look achievable, but that assumes strong international participation alongside local players. The mix of buy-in levels suggests organizers are casting a wide net – smart strategy, but success depends on drawing from multiple player pools.
Logistics represent another storyline. Running hundreds of tables simultaneously requires serious dealer depth, experienced tournament direction, and smooth operations. Any hiccups become magnified when dealing with this scale and money.
Pre-event satellite action could significantly boost participation, particularly for higher buy-in events. Strong satellite performance might push field sizes beyond even optimistic projections.
The international versus local player breakdown will be telling. Strong local participation would signal genuine growth in the Philippine poker scene, while significant international representation might indicate Manila’s increasing appeal as a poker destination.
Either way, October 16-27 should provide answers. For now, early indicators suggest Manila is about to host something memorable.
