Philippines, Okada ManilaEVENT #23

2025.01.27Add to Calendar

PokerStars Live

Blind level

Level 16: 2,000 / 5,000 ante: 5,000

Entries

15/101

Total Chips

3,030,000

Average

202,000

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/24/2025, 6:03:16 PM

Edilberto Gopez Dominates Main Event Flight B

Level 16: 2,000 / 5,000 ante: 5,000

Edilberto Gopez

Today's Manila Megastack 21 Main Event action has officially wrapped up with another 101 entries added to the tally. Only 15 players survived the day's battle, with local runner Edilberto Gopez bagging a show-stopping 546,000 chip count, enough to surpass Flight A chip leader Mark Almusajin's 520,000 record and set the benchmark for the rest of the tournament.

Gopez’ rise to the top came at the perfect moment, just as the bubble time drew near. The Filipino contender's reign kicked off at the final level of play after a pocket pair clash against Brenton Buttigieg, shipped Gopez a hefty boost. With newfound chips, Gopez pumped up the aggression, applying maximum pressure on his opponents just as the field tightened up and shifted into survival mode.

Right behind Gopez sees South Korea’s Ju Won Chung hold strong with 398,000 in chips, followed closely by Japan’s Michihiko Matsuda with 334,000. Also advancing through is defending champion Richard Marquez with a short, yet playable stack of 86,000.

All Flight B survivors have a day to rest before they return back to the scene on Sunday, January 26, each guaranteed a payday. Two more flights are set to heat up later this afternoon, giving players a last chance to enter and claim a share of the PHP 20,000,000 (~USD 342,705) pot.

Manila Megastack 21 Main Event

Date/s: January 23-27, 2025

Buy-in: PHP 45,000 (~USD 770)

Guarantee: PHP 20,000,000 (~USD 342,705)

Starting stack: 30,000

Flight A: 83 entries, 13 qualified

Flight B: 101 entries, 15 qualified

Flight C: Saturday, January 25

Flight D [20/15]: Saturday, January 25

Day 2: Sunday, January 26

Final Day: Monday, January 27

SMPSMP

1/24/2025, 5:20:18 PM

End of Flight B - 15 Survivors

Level 16: 2,000 / 5,000 ante: 5,000

Player	Chips
EG Edilberto GopezPhilippines	546,000(109 BB)
JW Ju Won ChungSouth Korea	398,000(80 BB)
MM Michihiko MatsudaJapan	334,000(67 BB)
KY Kunlong YuChina	303,000(61 BB)
JG Jonald GarciaPhilippines	301,000(60 BB)
GC Graham CowanAustralia	231,000(46 BB)
MC Michael Concepcion (2)Philippines	171,000(34 BB)
JI Jester IntiaPhilippines	167,000(33 BB)
KE Kim EnriquezPhilippines	149,000(30 BB)
KJ Kyuhyung Jung	113,000(23 BB)
RM Richard MarquezPhilippines	86,000(17 BB)
JD John Dela CruzPhilippines	73,000(15 BB)
HT Hachiya Takahiko	73,000(15 BB)
JM Joseph MagnottiUnited States of America	46,000(9 BB)
ER Euryd RiveraPhilippines	3,000(1 BB)

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/24/2025, 5:19:30 PM

Ho Tai Tsai Bubbles Main Event Flight B

Level 16: 2,000 / 5,000 ante: 5,000

Ho Tai Tsai

Michihiko Matsuda sent out a 40,000 three bet against an utg open, and saw Ho Tai Tsai on the big blind, push for 117,000 total. Initial raiser got out of the way, leaving Matsuda to make the final call for a showdown.

Tsai in rough shape, failed to catch up on board 6♠ 6♣ T♦ 4♦ 2♥ , sending him out as the day's stone cold bubble.

Player	Hand	Chips
MM Michihiko MatsudaJapan	K♠K♣ HJ	334,000(67 BB)
HT Ho-Tai TsaiTaiwan	A♦Q♣ BB	busted

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/24/2025, 5:17:19 PM

Edilberto Gopez Piles It High

Level 16: 2,000 / 5,000 ante: 5,000

Takahiko Hachiya opened 10,000 on the hijack and was called behind by Edilberto Gopez. On flop 4♥ Q♦ 9♦ , Hachiya check called a bet of 15,000, revealing turn Q♣ . Both checked it through to river A♥ , where Gopez gunned for a final 75,000. Hachiya paid the price, only to muck as Gopez tabled trip queens K♠ Q♠ .

Player	Chips
EG Edilberto GopezPhilippines	546,000(109 BB)
HT Hachiya Takahiko	73,000(15 BB)

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/24/2025, 5:04:30 PM

Aggression Pays Off for Edilberto Gopez

Level 16: 2,000 / 5,000 ante: 5,000

Edilberto Gopez

Action folded to Kunlong Yu on the small blind, leading him to open for 12,000. Edilberto Gopez right behind, raised to 45,000 and saw Yu complete. On board 9♣ 7♦ 8♠ 2♥ Q♣ , Gopez triple barreled - 15,000, 55,000, and a final 140,000. Yu called down two streets yet surrendered by the river, shipping Gopez the win with no showdown.

Player	Chips
EG Edilberto GopezPhilippines	415,000(83 BB)
KY Kunlong YuChina	265,000(53 BB)

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/24/2025, 4:54:50 PM

Richard Marquez Down to Crumbs

Level 16: 2,000 / 5,000 ante: 5,000

Richard Marquez

Richard Marquez opened utg+1, and went on to four bet jam against Ju Won Chung's raise on the button. Chung snap called for his entire 193,000, and smooth sailed to victory across board 7♠ J♦ 3♠ 5♣ 5♠ , earning him a big double up right on bubble time.

Player	Hand	Chips
JW Ju Won ChungSouth Korea	A♦A♠ D	398,000(80 BB)
RM Richard MarquezPhilippines	A♣K♥ UTG+1	70,000(14 BB)

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/24/2025, 4:52:09 PM

Quick Double for Takahiko Hachiya

Level 16: 2,000 / 5,000 ante: 5,000

Takahiro Hachiya

Edilberto Gopez sent out a 32,000 three bet against an utg open, and saw Takahiko Hachiya push all-in on the big blind for 75,000. Initial raiser folded, leaving Gopez priced in to call.

Hachiya a huge favorite, cruised to victory on board 8♣ T♦ 5♣ K♦ J♣ , easily bagging the win with top set.

Player	Hand	Chips
HT Hachiya Takahiko	K♠K♣ BB	169,000(34 BB)
EG Edilberto GopezPhilippines	K♥J♠ UTG+1	316,000(63 BB)

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/24/2025, 4:43:25 PM

Bubble Time!

Level 16: 2,000 / 5,000 ante: 5,000

Action is right on bubble time with two tables remaining, and one more elimination due before the day wraps up. 15 players are set to advance to Day 2, all guaranteed a share of the PHP 20,000,000 (~USD 342,705) pot.

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/24/2025, 4:40:26 PM

Brenton Buttigieg Runs Into the Cowboys

Level 16: 2,000 / 5,000 ante: 5,000

Brenton Buttigieg

A blind vs blind battle saw Brenton Buttigieg limp call a 13,000 raise from Edilberto Gopez, revealing flop J♦ 5♦ 2♠ . Buttigieg check raised to 75,000, and called for his remaining 33,000 after Gopez moved all-in.

Edilberto Gopez K♦ K♥

Brenton Buttigieg T♠ T♣

Crushed against pocket kings, Buttigieg headed out shortly after runout K♠ 6♣ left him behind on all streets.

Player	Chips
EG Edilberto GopezPhilippines	420,000(84 BB)
BB Brenton ButtigiegAustralia	busted

Level 16: 2,000 / 5,000 ante: 5,000

40 minutes

Remaining Players: 16/101

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/24/2025, 4:38:11 PM

Kunlong Yu Busts John Constiniano

Level 15: 2,000 / 4,000 ante: 4,000

Kunlong Yu

Kunglong Yu opened on the cutoff and called John Constiniano's all-in from the big blind.

Constiniano in trouble, bound for the exit shortly after failing to improve on board 5♣ 6♥ K♥ T♣ 5♥ .

Player	Hand	Chips
KY Kunlong YuChina	A♠K♠ CO	487,000(122 BB)
JC John ConstinianoPhilippines	A♣6♠ BB	busted

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/24/2025, 4:36:14 PM

Kyuhyung Jung Gives Up the Fight

Level 15: 2,000 / 4,000 ante: 4,000

Kyuhyung Jung

Kyuhyung Jung opened 9,000 utg, joined by two players behind onto flop T♠ K♣ 4♣ . Jung bet 17,000, check called by Jonald Garcia on the small blind. On turn J♣ , Garcia took the initiative, and led out a bet 35,000. Jung paused for a minute, and eventually found a fold.

Player	Chips
JG Jonald GarciaPhilippines	247,000(62 BB)
KJ Kyuhyung Jung	82,000(21 BB)

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/24/2025, 4:33:39 PM

Graham Cowan Bets to Win

Level 15: 2,000 / 4,000 ante: 4,000

Graham Cowan

Joseph Magnotti opened 9,000 on the cutoff, called by the button and Graham Cowan on the big blind. Magnotti continued for 8,000 on flop T♦ 4♠ K♦ , and saw only Cowan stick around to turn 7♦ . Both checked it through to river 7♠ , where Cowan led 30,000. Magnotti slipped the fold, shipping his opponent the boost.

Player	Chips
GC Graham CowanAustralia	262,000(66 BB)
JM Joseph MagnottiUnited States of America	82,000(21 BB)

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/24/2025, 4:30:58 PM

Ju Won Chung Leaves Euryd Rivera Unable to Continue

Level 15: 2,000 / 4,000 ante: 4,000

Ju Won Chung

Euryd Rivera defended his big blind against Ju Won Chung's 8,000 hijack open, and check called 12,000 on flop 5♣ K♦ 8♠ . Chung followed with another 30,000 on turn 2♣ , convincing Rivera to give it up and save his chips.

Player	Chips
JW Ju Won ChungSouth Korea	126,000(32 BB)
ER Euryd RiveraPhilippines	68,000(17 BB)

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/24/2025, 4:11:52 PM

Takahiko Hachiya Saved by Runout

Level 15: 2,000 / 4,000 ante: 4,000

Takahiko Hachiya

A blind vs battle saw Kunlong Yu open and call off Takahiko Hachiya's all-in behind for 46,000.

Hachiya dominated, turned the tables as board 4♥ T♠ 8♥ 7♥ 6♥ ran him a straight flush to snag the win.

Player	Hand	Chips
HT Hachiya Takahiko	A♦5♥ BB	96,000(24 BB)
KY Kunlong YuChina	A♥J♠ SB	387,000(97 BB)

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/24/2025, 4:02:00 PM

Three Back to Back Pots for Kunlong Yu

Level 15: 2,000 / 4,000 ante: 4,000

Kunlong Yu

Following two previous wins, Kunlong Yu fired a 21,000 three bet on the button against Joseph Magnotti's cutoff open, and saw the latter complete. Yu continued for 22,000 on flop 2♠ 7♠ 8♦ , and left Magnotti to quickly give it up, shipping Yu his third consecutive pot.

Player	Chips
KY Kunlong YuChina	375,000(94 BB)
JM Joseph MagnottiUnited States of America	97,000(24 BB)

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/24/2025, 3:56:11 PM

John Constiniano Suffers Minimum Damage

Level 15: 2,000 / 4,000 ante: 4,000

John Constiniano

Kunlong Yu defended his big blind vs John Constiniano's 8,000 cutoff open, and check called another 10,000 on flop A♥ 6♣ T♥ . No more bets went in on either turn K♥ or river 8♠ , revealing Yu's two pair A♠ 8♣ for the win.

Player	Chips
KY Kunlong YuChina	339,000(85 BB)
JC John ConstinianoPhilippines	110,000(28 BB)

Level 15: 2,000 / 4,000 ante: 4,000

40 minutes

Remaining Players: 18/101

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/24/2025, 3:45:55 PM

Euryd Rivera Wins Flip to Survive

Level 14: 1,500 / 3,000 ante: 3,000

Euryd Rivera

Kim Enriquez opened utg and called off Euryd Rivera's 38,000 all-in from the big blind, putting the latter at risk.

Running a flip, Rivera's pocket pair held on board T♠ 7♦ Q♣ Q♠ 8♥ , shipping him the much needed double up.

Player	Hand	Chips
ER Euryd RiveraPhilippines	5♥5♠ BB	80,500(27 BB)
KE Kim EnriquezPhilippines	A♥J♥ UTG	126,000(42 BB)

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/24/2025, 3:43:26 PM

Edilberto Gopez Takes Out Won Il Bae

Level 14: 1,500 / 3,000 ante: 3,000

Won Il Bae

With a pot of 57,000 spread out across board K♥ 4♣ Q♠ 7♣ 9♥ , Edilberto Gopez fired an overbet of 60,000 from the big blind, sending Won Il Bae deep in the tank. Bae eventually called off with top pair K♦ T♦ , costing him his run as Gopez revealed straight J♠ T♥ .

Player	Chips
EG Edilberto GopezPhilippines	277,000(92 BB)
WI Won Il BaeSouth Korea	busted

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/24/2025, 3:38:49 PM

John Constiniano Stands Strong with Top Pair

Level 14: 1,500 / 3,000 ante: 3,000

John Constiniano

With 34,000 in the middle across board J♦ 2♣ 5♥ 8♠ , action was caught on Graham Cowan on the small blind, with a bet of 25,000. John Constiniano a seat after made the call, and arrived at showdown after no more bets went in on river T♣ .

Cowan showed A♦ 4♣ , no good against Constiniano's top pair J♠ 6♦ .

Player	Chips
GC Graham CowanAustralia	221,000(74 BB)
JC John ConstinianoPhilippines	150,000(50 BB)

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/24/2025, 3:36:34 PM

Kyuhyung Jung Doubles Through Jonald Garcia

Level 14: 1,500 / 3,000 ante: 3,000

Jonald Garcia

With 50,000 in the middle on flop 4♥ 5♣ T♦ , Kyuhyung Jung bet all-in for 65,000, and was called by Jonald Garcia behind.

Kyuhyung Jung A♦ A♥

Jonald Garcia K♥ K♣

A cooler situation, Jung's better pair held through turn 8♠ and river 8♥ , earning him the full double up just as the day is about to close.

Player	Chips
KJ Kyuhyung Jung	180,000(60 BB)
JG Jonald GarciaPhilippines	77,000(26 BB)

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/24/2025, 3:33:52 PM

Graham Cowan Spikes Two Outer

Level 14: 1,500 / 3,000 ante: 3,000

Graham Cowan

Takahiko Hachiya opened utg and went on to four bet jam against Graham Cowan's raise behind. Cowan called off for his 133,500 stack and found himself in rough shape for his tournament life.

Lucky for Cowan, board 4♣ 8♣ 2♣ K♠ 9♦ rolled one of his two outs, keeping him in the Main Event games.

Player	Hand	Chips
GC Graham CowanAustralia	9♥9♣ HJ	274,500(92 BB)
HT Hachiya Takahiko	J♠J♣ UTG	81,000(27 BB)

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/24/2025, 3:18:49 PM

Brenton Buttigieg Puts On the Pressure

Level 14: 1,500 / 3,000 ante: 3,000

Brenton Buttigieg

With 93,000 in the middle across board 8♣ A♣ 6♦ T♣ , Brenton Buttigieg on the big blind, made an attempt for it with a bet of 60,000. Richard Marquez surrendered, giving up the pot to his opponent.

Player	Chips
BB Brenton ButtigiegAustralia	252,000(84 BB)
RM Richard MarquezPhilippines	169,000(56 BB)

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/24/2025, 3:15:37 PM

Marc Rivera Crashes Into Aces

Level 14: 1,500 / 3,000 ante: 3,000

Marc Rivera

Marc Rivera pushed all-in for his last 57,000 against an utg open, and saw Ju Won Chung behind push likewise. Initial raiser opted out, leaving the two to showdown.

Rivera in rough shape, failed to crack the rockets on board Q♦ 3♥ T♣ 4♦ T♥ , ending his run at today's Main Event qualifier.

Player	Hand	Chips
JW Ju Won ChungSouth Korea	A♥A♣ BB	190,000(63 BB)
MR Marc RiveraPhilippines	A♦Q♥ SB	busted

Level 14: 1,500 / 3,000 ante: 3,000

40 minutes

Remaining Players: 20/101

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/24/2025, 3:08:44 PM

Chip Count Update

Level 14: 1,500 / 3,000 ante: 3,000

Jester Intia

Today's Main Event Flight B action is set to close once the field is down to 15 players. That means only six more eliminations are due before bagging time. Stacking atop is local runner Jester Intia, trailed closely behind by Kunlong Yu.

Chip Counts

Player	Chips
JI Jester IntiaPhilippines	293,000(98 BB)
KY Kunlong YuChina	260,000(87 BB)
RM Richard MarquezPhilippines	238,000(79 BB)
BB Brenton ButtigiegAustralia	208,000(69 BB)
HT Hachiya Takahiko	206,000(69 BB)
MC Michael Concepcion (2)Philippines	192,500(64 BB)
JC John ConstinianoPhilippines	170,000(57 BB)
HT Ho-Tai TsaiTaiwan	164,000(55 BB)
MM Michihiko MatsudaJapan	157,000(52 BB)
EG Edilberto GopezPhilippines	151,000(50 BB)
JG Jonald GarciaPhilippines	129,000(43 BB)
JW Ju Won ChungSouth Korea	126,000(42 BB)
KE Kim EnriquezPhilippines	121,000(40 BB)
GC Graham CowanAustralia	110,000(37 BB)
JD John Dela CruzPhilippines	105,500(35 BB)
JM Joseph MagnottiUnited States of America	99,000(33 BB)
WI Won Il BaeSouth Korea	85,000(28 BB)
MR Marc RiveraPhilippines	57,000(19 BB)
KJ Kyuhyung Jung	50,000(17 BB)
ER Euryd RiveraPhilippines	38,000(13 BB)

Break

Remaining Players: 21/101

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/24/2025, 2:58:12 PM

Kim Enriquez Picks Up a Boost

Level 13: 1,000 / 2,500 ante: 2,500

Kim Enriquez

Kim Enriquez opened to 5,000 and was joined by Brenton Buttigieg on the small blind. Enriquez continued for 7,000 on flop 6♠ Q♦ 9♥ , and called 13,000 more following a check raise from Buttigieg. On turn 5♥ , Enriquez didn't hesitate to lead out 27,000, enough to get Buttigieg to lay it down.

Player	Chips
BB Brenton ButtigiegAustralia	212,000(85 BB)
KE Kim EnriquezPhilippines	128,000(51 BB)

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/24/2025, 2:55:23 PM

Kunlong Yu Delivers Double Bust

Level 13: 1,000 / 2,500 ante: 2,500

Kunlong Yu

Kunlong Yu opened 5,500, and was joined by both players on the blinds - Johnson Tan and Nathan Gathercole. On flop 7♠ K♥ 4♥ , all three stacks rushed to the middle with Yu covering both opponents.

Kunlong Yu A♦ K♦

Johnson Tan Q♥ J♥

Nathan Gathercole K♣ Q♦

Turn 2♦ and river 8♦ ran safe for Yu, leaving him to scoop it all with top pair and ace kicker in play.

Player	Chips
KY Kunlong YuChina	221,000(88 BB)
JT Johnson TanPhilippines	busted
NG Nathan GathercoleAustralia	busted

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/24/2025, 2:50:21 PM

Joseph Magnotti Cripples Mike Takayama

Level 13: 1,000 / 2,500 ante: 2,500

Joseph Magnotti

Mike Takayama raised all-in on the cutoff and saw Joseph Magnotti call off for a slightly lesser 41,000 right on the big blind.

A crucial flip, Magnotti dodged a bullet, having spiked a set on board A♠ 8♠ 2♦ T♣ Q♠ to survive through.

Player	Hand	Chips
JM Joseph MagnottiUnited States of America	T♥T♠ BB	84,500(34 BB)
MT Mike TakayamaPhilippines	K♠Q♥ CO	500(0 BB)

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/24/2025, 2:47:59 PM

Brenton Buttigieg on Fire

Level 13: 1,000 / 2,500 ante: 2,500

Takahiko Hachiya opened 5,000 utg+1, followed by a raise to 18,000 from Brenton Buttigieg. Richard Marquez cold called from the small blind, and was met with a four bet from Hachiya to 55,500. Buttigieg pushed all-in, and shipped the dead money in the middle as both surrendered.

Player	Chips
BB Brenton ButtigiegAustralia	253,000(101 BB)
RM Richard MarquezPhilippines	204,000(82 BB)
HT Hachiya Takahiko	107,000(43 BB)

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/24/2025, 2:45:26 PM

Brenton Buttigieg Stands His Ground

Level 13: 1,000 / 2,500 ante: 2,500

Brenton Buttigieg

Ju Won Chung opened 6,000 on the cutoff, called by Brenton Buttigieg on the button along with Richard Marquez on the big blind. Action on flop K♦ T♠ 8♣ was checked to Buttigieg, pushing him to bet 8,000. Marquez raised to 16,000, called by Chung behind. Buttigieg fired back 60,000, and left both unable to continue.

Player	Chips
RM Richard MarquezPhilippines	222,000(89 BB)
BB Brenton ButtigiegAustralia	188,000(75 BB)
JW Ju Won ChungSouth Korea	84,500(34 BB)

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/24/2025, 2:37:11 PM

John Dela Cruz Flops the World

Level 13: 1,000 / 2,500 ante: 2,500

John Dela Cruz

John Dela Cruz opened 5,000 on the hijack, called behind by Kyuhyung Jung along with the big blind. Action on flop K♥ K♣ 4♠ was checked to Jung, who bet 7,000. Dela Cruz check called, and paid another 11,500 on turn 7♠. On river 9♠ , Jung slowed down and checked it back, revealing Dela Cruz's trip kings K♠ J♦ for the win.

Player	Chips
JD John Dela CruzPhilippines	154,000(62 BB)
KJ Kyuhyung Jung	48,000(19 BB)

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/24/2025, 2:35:03 PM

Nathan Gathercole Doubles Through Marc Rivera

Level 13: 1,000 / 2,500 ante: 2,500

Nathan Gathercole

Nathan Gathercole opened utg and called a 17,000 three bet from Marc Rivera on the button. On flop 9♠ 7♣ 5♦ , Gathercole check jammed his remaining 26,000, called by Rivera with ace-high.

Nathan Gathercole Q♥ Q♠

Marc Rivera A♣ K♠

Gunning for overcards, Rivera found none on runout 9♦ 6♣ , shipping Gathercole the double up.

Player	Chips
NG Nathan GathercoleAustralia	92,000(37 BB)
MR Marc RiveraPhilippines	40,000(16 BB)

Level 13: 1,000 / 2,500 ante: 2,500

40 minutes

Remaining Players: 27/101

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/24/2025, 2:31:02 PM

Edilberto Gopez Knocks Out Luqman Alghanim

Level 12: 1,000 / 2,000 ante: 2,000

Edilberto Gopez

Edilberto Gopez completed his big blind vs a utg open from Luqman Alghanim, and proceeded with a check raise to 15,000 on flop T♣ 8♠ T♠ . Alghanim called to see turn A♠ , and committed his last 48,500 after Gopez barreled all-in.

Edilberto Gopez 6♠ 5♠

Luqman Alghanim A♥ J♣

Alghanim drawing slim, headed for the exit as river J♦ failed to save him from his demise.

Player	Chips
EG Edilberto GopezPhilippines	255,000(128 BB)
LA Luqman AlghanimSaudi Arabia	busted

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/24/2025, 2:20:33 PM

Top Pair Wins It for Jester Intia

Level 12: 1,000 / 2,000 ante: 2,000

Jester Intia

Jester Intia opened 4,000 utg, called by Jonald Garcia along with the big blind. On board K♠ 4♦ 2♠ 3♣ , Intia double barreled - 7,000 and 10,500, with Garcia calling behind on both streets. On river 9♠ , Intia decided to check, leaving Garcia to check back for a showdown.

Intia revealed top pair A♥ K♦ and shipped the win.

Player	Chips
JI Jester IntiaPhilippines	265,000(133 BB)
JG Jonald GarciaPhilippines	91,000(46 BB)

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/24/2025, 2:18:14 PM

Akihiro Kawaguchi Runs Into Rockets

Level 12: 1,000 / 2,000 ante: 2,000

Akihiro Kawaguchi

Akihiro Kawaguchi opened utg+1 and called an 11,500 three bet from John Constiniano behind. On flop 7♥ J♣ 5♣ , Kawaguchi led all-in for his remaining 40,000, snap called by Constiniano with an overpair.

Akihiro Kawaguchi A♥ J♠

John Constiniano A♦ A♣

Crushed against the rockets, Kawaguchi bowed out shortly after runout 2♥ T♦ landed on the felt.

Player	Chips
JC John ConstinianoPhilippines	205,000(103 BB)
AK Akihiro KawaguchiJapan	busted

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/24/2025, 2:16:31 PM

Edilberto Gopez in No Sweat

Level 12: 1,000 / 2,000 ante: 2,000

Edilberto Gopez

Facing an open and a three bet, Nazariy Fedyk squeezed all-in on the big blind for his last 29,500, and saw initial raiser Edilberto Gopez push likewise.

Fedyk in rough shape, was left with no hope as Gopez dominated all throughout board Q♣ K♥ T♥ 2♥ 6♠ .

Player	Hand	Chips
EG Edilberto GopezPhilippines	K♦K♣ UTG	147,000(74 BB)
NF Nazariy FedykUnited Kingdom	T♠T♣ BB	busted

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/24/2025, 2:14:30 PM

Michael Concepcion Picks Up More Chips

Level 12: 1,000 / 2,000 ante: 2,000

Michael Concepcion opened utg and called Benjamin Ebarle's all-in right behind for 36,000.

Running a flip, board T♦ J♠ 3♣ 5♣ Q♥ ran in favor of Concepcion's overcards, eliminating Ebarle in the process.

Player	Hand	Chips
MC Michael Concepcion (2)Philippines	A♣Q♦ UTG	98,000(49 BB)
BE Benjamin EbarlePhilippines	8♦8♥ UTG+1	busted

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/24/2025, 2:10:20 PM

Michael Concepcion Survives Race

Level 12: 1,000 / 2,000 ante: 2,000

Michael Concepcion

Jester Intia opened on the hijack and called Michael Concepcion's all-in on the button for 29,500.

In for a race, Concepcion kept his advantage all the way through board T♥ 7♣ 5♦ 8♥ 2♥ , earning him a double up with the nut flush.

Player	Hand	Chips
MC Michael Concepcion (2)Philippines	A♥9♥ D	64,000(32 BB)
JI Jester IntiaPhilippines	K♦Q♠ HJ	223,000(112 BB)

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/24/2025, 2:06:23 PM

Jonald Garcia Strikes with Aggression

Level 12: 1,000 / 2,000 ante: 2,000

Jonald Garcia

Up against a late position open and a call, Bernard Vu flicked in his last 10,000, and saw both continue to flop 4♦ 6♦ J♠ . Initial raiser Jonald Garcia led 12,000, and followed with another 15,000 on turn Q♥ . Richard Marquez behind, called both streets for a side pot, yet folded on river 2♥ after Garcia moved all-in.

Garcia showed A♦ K♠ high, good against Vu's A♣ T♥ for the takedown.

Player	Chips
RM Richard MarquezPhilippines	265,000(133 BB)
JG Jonald GarciaPhilippines	106,500(53 BB)
BV Bernard VuFrance	busted

Level 12: 1,000 / 2,000 ante: 2,000

40 minutes

Remaining Players: 33/101

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/24/2025, 1:49:17 PM

Richard Marquez Shoots to the Top

Level 11: 1,000 / 1,500 ante: 1,500

Richard Marquez

Graham Cowan defended his big blind against Richard Marquez' 3,500 hijack open, and check called 5,000 on flop J♣ T♠ 4♣ . On turn 3♠ , Marquez barreled another 14,000, raised by Cowan to 35,000. Marquez responded with an all-in for his remaining 120,000 and was called by Cowan for a showdown.

Richard Marquez J♦ J♥

Graham Cowan T♦ 3♦

Marquez with top set, instantly left Cowan drawing dead, shipping the massive pot his way just as river 2♥ completed the board.

Player	Chips
RM Richard MarquezPhilippines	287,500(192 BB)
GC Graham CowanAustralia	159,000(106 BB)

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/24/2025, 1:37:08 PM

Quick Double for John Dela Cruz

Level 11: 1,000 / 1,500 ante: 1,500

John Dela Cruz

Lloyd Locsin opened 3,500 utg and called off John Dela Cruz's all-in behind for 54,000 total.

Dominated, Locsin booked the loss as board K♠ 8♣ 6♦ 8♦ 5♠ kept Dela Cruz ahead all the way.

Player	Hand	Chips
JD John Dela CruzPhilippines	A♦K♦ CO	112,000(75 BB)
LL Lloyd LocsinAustralia	A♠Q♠ UTG	68,000(45 BB)

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/24/2025, 1:35:00 PM

Won Il Bae Wins with the Ladies

Level 11: 1,000 / 1,500 ante: 1,500

Won Il Bae

Won Il Bae raised all-in on the small blind for 28,500, and was looked up by Kim Enriquez right behind.

Bae ahead, secured the win just as board 8♥ 6♦ 4♦ T♦ T♠ offered Enriquez no help.

Player	Hand	Chips
WI Won Il BaeSouth Korea	Q♥Q♠ SB	58,500(39 BB)
KE Kim EnriquezPhilippines	A♥2♦ BB	107,000(71 BB)

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/24/2025, 1:31:40 PM

Brenton Buttigieg Cracks Aces, Busts Jinwoo Jung

Level 11: 1,000 / 1,500 ante: 1,500

Brenton Buttigieg

Jinwoo Jung opened 3,300 utg and was called by two players behind. On board 6♣ 4♠ 7♥ 4♣ , Jung double barreled 10,500 and 25,000, with Brenton Buttigieg on the button calling down both streets. Jung checked river 8♣ , and faced an all-in from his opponent. Jung found no escape, risking his last 34,000 with A♦ A♥ .

Buttigieg had the best of it with a flush T♣ 9♣ and sent Jung off to the rails.

Player	Chips
BB Brenton ButtigiegAustralia	177,000(118 BB)
JJ Jung Jinwoo	busted

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/24/2025, 1:25:10 PM

Midpair Holds Up for Michael Concepcion

Level 11: 1,000 / 1,500 ante: 1,500

Michael Concepcion

Jester Intia defended his big blind against Michael Concepcion's 3,000 utg+1 open, and check called two streets - 2,500 and 7,000, on board 3♠ A♠ 9♥ 3♥ . On river 2♦ , Concepcion decided to check back his 9♣ 7♣ , and found it good against Intia's busted flush draw K♠ 2♠ .

Player	Chips
JI Jester IntiaPhilippines	250,000(167 BB)
MC Michael Concepcion (2)Philippines	54,000(36 BB)

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/24/2025, 1:23:23 PM

Marc Rivera Puts Up a Fight

Level 11: 1,000 / 1,500 ante: 1,500

Marc Rivera

Marc Rivera opened 3,300 utg, joined behind by Ju Won Chung on the button. On flop 5♠ Q♠ K♥ , Rivera check called a 2,500 bet from Chung, revealing turn 6♥ . Chung went for another 4,500, yet folded after Rivera asked for 6,000 more.

Player	Chips
MR Marc RiveraPhilippines	68,000(45 BB)
JW Ju Won ChungSouth Korea	58,300(39 BB)

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/24/2025, 1:21:26 PM

Luqman Alghanim Spikes the River

Level 11: 1,000 / 1,500 ante: 1,500

Luqman Alghanim

Up against a late position open and a call, Edgar Asehan squeezed all-in on the small blind for 29,000, and saw initial raiser Luqman Alghanim take the spot.

In for a flip, board T♥ T♦ 6♠ 8♥ K♥ landed in favor of the overcards, sending Asehan out the door.

Player	Hand	Chips
LA Luqman AlghanimSaudi Arabia	A♠K♦ HJ	78,000(52 BB)
EA Edgar AsehanPhilippines	7♠7♣ SB	busted

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/24/2025, 1:18:58 PM

Akihiro Kawaguchi Pads It Further

Level 11: 1,000 / 1,500 ante: 1,500

Akihiro Kawaguchi

John Constiniano sent out a 7,000 three bet against an utg open, and was called behind by Luqman Alghanim. Akihiro Kawaguchi on the big blind, bumped it up further to 32,000, and picked up the pot uncontested.

Player	Chips
AK Akihiro KawaguchiJapan	100,000(67 BB)
JC John ConstinianoPhilippines	99,000(66 BB)
LA Luqman AlghanimSaudi Arabia	38,000(25 BB)

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/24/2025, 1:02:32 PM

Main Event Flight B Registration Closes at 101 Entries

Level 11: 1,000 / 1,500 ante: 1,500

Registration is officially closed for today's Manila Megastack Main Event qualifier with a total of 101 entries locked in across ten levels of play. Action will conclude once the field is down to 15% (ITM) at 15 players.

Two more heats are set to take flight tomorrow, January 25th, for those who have yet to catch a spot in the Day 2 games.

Manila Megastack 21 Main Event

Date/s: January 23-27, 2025

Buy-in: PHP 45,000 (~USD 770)

Guarantee: PHP 20,000,000 (~USD 342,705)

Starting stack: 30,000

Flight A: 83 entries, 13 qualified

Flight B: 101 entries, 15 ITM

Flight C: Saturday, January 25

Flight D [20/15]: Saturday, January 25

Day 2: Sunday, January 26

Final Day: Monday, January 27

Level 11: 1,000 / 1,500 ante: 1,500

40 minutes

Remaining Players: 41/101

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/24/2025, 12:58:52 PM

Takahiko Hachiya Does It Again

Level 10: 600 / 1,200 ante: 1,200

Takahiko Hachiya

A blind vs blind battle saw a pot of 65,000 in the middle across board J♠ 3♠ 6♠ 7♦ Q♠ . Takahiko Hachiya took the initiative and led all-in for 46,800. Edilberto Gopez behind, gave it up once more and slipped the fold.

Player	Chips
HT Hachiya Takahiko	111,800(93 BB)
EG Edilberto GopezPhilippines	107,000(89 BB)

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/24/2025, 12:54:33 PM

Top Pair Sends Euryd Rivera Out

Level 10: 600 / 1,200 ante: 1,200

Euryd Rivera

Jester Intia opened 2,400 utg, and was joined by three other players on flop 5♦ Q♥ 7♥ . Intia continued for 3,800, weeding out none onto turn 3♦ . Euryd Rivera on the big blind, this time led for 16,000, and faced a raise from Intia to 43,000. All else folded, pushing Rivera to tank jam his entire 84,000 stack. Intia gladly obliged with a set 5♠ 5♣ and left Rivera's top pair K♦ Q♦ crushed all the way through river 6♣ .

Player	Chips
JI Jester IntiaPhilippines	257,000(214 BB)
ER Euryd RiveraPhilippines	busted

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/24/2025, 12:50:47 PM

Lloyd Locsin Finishes Lemmor Patulot

Level 10: 600 / 1,200 ante: 1,200

A three way raised pot saw the aggressor continue for 3,500 on flop T♣ Q♠ K♦ , called by Lloyd Locsin behind. Lemmor Patulot on the button, raised to 10,000, leaving only Locsin onto turn 4♠ . Patulot finished with an all-in for 16,500, snap called by Locsin for a showdown.

Lemmor Patulot J♣ 9♣

Lloyd Locsin A♥ J♥

Locsin with the nut straight, scooped up the win as river 2♥ offered no chops.

Player	Chips
LL Lloyd LocsinAustralia	176,000(147 BB)
LP Lemmor PatulotPhilippines	busted

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/24/2025, 12:47:29 PM

Lloyd Locsin Shows Strength

Level 10: 600 / 1,200 ante: 1,200

Lloyd Locsin

Lloyd Locsin fired a 7,700 three bet against an early open and a call, and saw Lemmor Patulot on the big blind, and the initial raiser continue to flop 4♦ 5♣ 8♣ . Locsin bet 11,000, and gunned for another 21,000 on turn 8♦ , leaving Patulot to surrender by the second bet.

Player	Chips
LL Lloyd LocsinAustralia	139,000(116 BB)
LP Lemmor PatulotPhilippines	28,900(24 BB)

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/24/2025, 12:45:02 PM

Takahiko Hachiya Risks It All

Level 10: 600 / 1,200 ante: 1,200

Takahiko Hachiya

With 30,000 in the middle across board 3♠ T♣ J♣ 5♠ , action was caught on utg raiser Edilberto Gopez with a bet of 19,000. Takahiko Hachiya on the small blind, check raised all-in, and pushed Gopez out of the action successfully.

Player	Chips
EG Edilberto GopezPhilippines	147,000(123 BB)
HT Hachiya Takahiko	103,000(86 BB)

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/24/2025, 12:38:21 PM

Double Barrel Works for Maxwell Rosete

Level 10: 600 / 1,200 ante: 1,200

Maxwell Rosete

With 9,300 in the middle on flop J♣ 8♦ K♠ , three way action saw Maxwell Rosete continue for 2,800, followed by another 7,500 on turn 4♥ . Edgar Asehan on the big blind, check called the initial bet, but gave it up as Rosete fired a second barrel.

Player	Chips
MR Maxwell RosetePhilippines	42,000(35 BB)
EA Edgar AsehanPhilippines	38,000(32 BB)

Level 10: 600 / 1,200 ante: 1,200

40 minutes

Remaining Players: 47/98

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/24/2025, 11:47:35 AM

Dinner Break

Level 10: 600 / 1,200 ante: 1,200

Manila Megastack Main Event Flight B players are off for a 40 minute dinner break, with action set to resume at 8:20 p.m. Registration will close by the end of Level 10.

Top Chip Counts

Graham Cowan

Player	Chips
GC Graham CowanAustralia	182,000(152 BB)
EG Edilberto GopezPhilippines	169,000(141 BB)
JG Jonald GarciaPhilippines	151,000(126 BB)
HT Ho-Tai TsaiTaiwan	143,000(119 BB)
KE Kim EnriquezPhilippines	131,000(109 BB)
RM Richard MarquezPhilippines	125,000(104 BB)
JI Jester IntiaPhilippines	118,000(98 BB)
JC John ConstinianoPhilippines	115,000(96 BB)
MM Michihiko MatsudaJapan	104,000(87 BB)
ER Euryd RiveraPhilippines	103,000(86 BB)
JT Johnson TanPhilippines	102,000(85 BB)
JW Ju Won ChungSouth Korea	90,400(75 BB)
LL Lloyd LocsinAustralia	89,000(74 BB)
HT Hachiya Takahiko	80,000(67 BB)
JM Joseph MagnottiUnited States of America	77,000(64 BB)
AK Akihiro KawaguchiJapan	71,000(59 BB)
KY Kunlong YuChina	62,300(52 BB)
JJ Jung Jinwoo	61,000(51 BB)
RV Roxanne Victorino	58,600(49 BB)
LA Luqman AlghanimSaudi Arabia	57,000(48 BB)
WI Won Il BaeSouth Korea	54,000(45 BB)
HM Ha Mai Anh	50,500(42 BB)
EA Edgar AsehanPhilippines	46,700(39 BB)
BV Bernard VuFrance	46,000(38 BB)
PE Paul ElliottUnited Kingdom	43,500(36 BB)
NG Nathan GathercoleAustralia	38,000(32 BB)
CQ Cezar QuiambaoPhilippines	37,000(31 BB)
JM Joris MichlNetherlands	34,000(28 BB)
MR Marc RiveraPhilippines	30,000(25 BB)
BB Brenton ButtigiegAustralia	30,000(25 BB)
LE Lester EdocPhilippines	30,000(25 BB)
JD Jess DalipePhilippines	29,000(24 BB)
BE Benjamin EbarlePhilippines	28,000(23 BB)
CK Carsten KlugGermany	26,400(22 BB)
EJ Eom Joonghoon	22,600(19 BB)
JS Jonghoon SeonSouth Korea	18,300(15 BB)
HK Hogyun KangSouth Korea	16,800(14 BB)
NF Nazariy FedykUnited Kingdom	14,600(12 BB)
RM Rene Mar DavidPhilippines	12,800(11 BB)

Dinner Break

40 minutes

Remaining Players: 46/95

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/24/2025, 11:42:24 AM

William Ysmael Off to the Rails

Level 9: 600 / 1,200 ante: 1,200

William Ysmael

Edilberto Gopez opened 2,300 utg, called behind by the button along with William Ysmael on the big blind. On flop T♦ 2♠ 2♦ , Ysmael went for a check raise to 9,000, and saw both continue to turn 9♣ . Checked to Gopez, he bet 20,000, and called for the rest after Ysmael jammed for 3,000 more.

William Ysmael T♥ 9♠

Edilberto Gopez A♠ T♠

Ysmael ahead, instead bowed out shortly after river A♥ landed Gopez a better two pair to steal the win.

Player	Chips
EG Edilberto GopezPhilippines	169,000(141 BB)
WY William YsmaelPhilippines	busted

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/24/2025, 11:39:08 AM

Graham Cowan Bags Huge

Level 9: 600 / 1,200 ante: 1,200

Graham Cowan

Manuel Geronimo opened 2,500 on the button and was met with a 9,000 three bet from player on the small blind. Graham Cowan chimed in, and called Geronimo's four bet jam for 84,400 total.

Up for a gamble, Geronimo landed a monster on flop Q♦ T♦ K♣ , with the runout Q♠ 4♣ sealing the win for his suited broadways.

Player	Hand	Chips
GC Graham CowanAustralia	K♦J♦ BB	189,000(158 BB)
MG Manuel GeronimoPhilippines	J♠J♣ D	busted

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/24/2025, 11:35:52 AM

John Constiniano Ahead All the Way

Level 9: 600 / 1,200 ante: 1,200

John Constiniano

With 18,600 in the middle across board 5♦ 2♥ 4♦ T♣ , action was caught on John Constiniano with a bet of 7,500. Rene Mar David called behind, and arrived at showdown shortly after river 7♠ was checked through.

Constiniano revealed 9♦ 9♥ , ahead of David's 8♦ 8♠ on all streets.

Player	Chips
JC John ConstinianoPhilippines	108,000(90 BB)
RM Rene Mar DavidPhilippines	15,200(13 BB)

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/24/2025, 11:26:13 AM

Bernard Vu Pays Off Takahiko Hachiya

Level 9: 600 / 1,200 ante: 1,200

Bernard Vu

With a pot of 11,000 in the middle across board T♦ 9♣ 4♠ 6♦ T♣ , action was caught on Bernard Vu on the big blind with a bet of 3,000. Takahiko Hachiya raised to 16,000 behind, and picked up the pot with trip tens K♥ T♠ after Vu made the final call.

Player	Chips
HT Hachiya Takahiko	81,000(68 BB)
BV Bernard VuFrance	45,000(38 BB)

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/24/2025, 11:22:23 AM

Akihiro Kawaguchi Puts Tournament Life on the Line

Level 9: 600 / 1,200 ante: 1,200

Akihiro Kawaguchi

Vying for a pot of 24,000 in the middle on flop T♦ Q♣ 7♦ , three way action saw Paul Elliott send out a 6,000 bet on the button. Akihiro Kawaguchi check jammed 23,400 in, and shipped the pot after Elliott tank folded.

Player	Chips
AK Akihiro KawaguchiJapan	53,400(45 BB)
PE Paul ElliottUnited Kingdom	48,600(41 BB)

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/24/2025, 11:19:53 AM

Bernard Vu Busts Mike Takayama

Level 9: 600 / 1,200 ante: 1,200

Bernard Vu

Mike Takayama committed his last 10,700 preflop and was looked up by initial raiser Bernard Vu for a pocket pair battle.

Takayama in rough shape, exited the arena after failing to improve on board A♦ T♣ 6♥ 5♦ 9♦ .

Player	Hand	Chips
BV Bernard VuFrance	8♠8♣ MP	75,000(63 BB)
MT Mike TakayamaPhilippines	3♦3♠ SB	busted

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/24/2025, 11:13:40 AM

Dream Spot for Ho Tai Tsai

Level 9: 600 / 1,200 ante: 1,200

Ho Tai Tsai

Kunlong Yu opened 2,500 utg, joined by Ho Tai Tsai on the button along with the big blind onto flop 7♠ 8♥ 2♠ . Action checked round to turn 9♠ , where Yu continued for 4,500. Tsai called behind, and snap called a final 8,000 on river 5♦ , revealing his nut straight J♠ T♦ for the win against Yu's A♠ Q♥ .

Player	Chips
HT Ho-Tai TsaiTaiwan	139,000(116 BB)
KY Kunlong YuChina	56,700(47 BB)

Level 9: 600 / 1,200 ante: 1,200

40 minutes

Remaining Players: 50/92

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/24/2025, 11:11:55 AM

Ju Won Chung Finishes Brenton Buttigieg

Level 8: 500 / 1,000 ante: 1,000

Ju Won Chung

Ju Won Chung opened 2,200 on the hijack and called 16,000 more following an all-in from Brenton Buttigieg on the button.

In for a race, board 3♦ T♠ Q♣ 7♦ Q♠ landed Chung's way, eliminating Buttigieg entirely.

Player	Hand	Chips
JW Ju Won ChungSouth Korea	K♥T♦ HJ	58,000(58 BB)
BB Brenton ButtigiegAustralia	A♠3♣ D	busted

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/24/2025, 11:09:31 AM

Brenton Buttigieg Bricks Runout

Level 8: 500 / 1,000 ante: 1,000

Brenton Buttigieg

With 6,300 in the middle on flop T♠ 3♦ 9♥ , Jonghoon Seon continued for 2,500 and called for his remaining 11,300 after Brenton Buttigieg demanded for the rest.

Brenton Buttigieg 8♦ 7♣

Jonghoon Seon A♠ 9♦

Buttigieg gunning for a straight, found none of his outs on either turn T♣ or rive 7♠ , shipping Seon the full double up.

Player	Chips
JS Jonghoon SeonSouth Korea	33,900(34 BB)
BB Brenton ButtigiegAustralia	8,300(8 BB)

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/24/2025, 11:06:43 AM

Takahiko Hachiya on the Winning End of a Cooler

Level 8: 500 / 1,000 ante: 1,000

Takahiko Hachiya

Richard Marquez opened 2,000 utg+1 and was joined by both players on the blinds. All three checked flop 2♣ 3♦ 9♦ through to turn Q♥ , where Takahiko Hachiya led 4,000. Marquez answered with a raise to 12,000, and called for the rest after Hachiya pushed for 26,800.

Takahiko Hachiya A♦ A♥

Richard Marquez K♦ K♠

A premium pair clash, Hachiya's rockets held through all the way to river 6♦ , earning him the 60 big blinds in the middle.

Player	Chips
RM Richard MarquezPhilippines	66,600(67 BB)
HT Hachiya Takahiko	60,600(61 BB)

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/24/2025, 10:48:11 AM

Edilberto Gopez Surrenders

Level 8: 500 / 1,000 ante: 1,000

Edilberto Gopez

Edilberto Gopez opened 2,200 on the cutoff and called 8,000 more following a raise from John Constiniano on the big blind. On board 5♦ J♣ 3♥ 8♦ , Constiniano double barreled - 5,500 and 16,200, leaving Gopez unable to continue by the turn.

Player	Chips
JC John ConstinianoPhilippines	68,700(69 BB)
EG Edilberto GopezPhilippines	62,000(62 BB)

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/24/2025, 10:45:11 AM

Lemmor Patulot Unfazed

Level 8: 500 / 1,000 ante: 1,000

Lemmor Patulot

With 15,300 in the middle on board Q♥ 5♠ 6♥ K♦ , Lemmor Patulot shot out a bet of 6,600 and called 6,900 more following a raise from Kyuhyung Jung. On turn Q♠ , Patulot still took the lead with a bet of 8,000, and successfully convinced Jung to give it up.

Player	Chips
KJ Kyuhyung Jung	87,000(87 BB)
LP Lemmor PatulotPhilippines	63,000(63 BB)

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/24/2025, 10:42:48 AM

Ace High Good Enough for Johnson Tan

Level 8: 500 / 1,000 ante: 1,000

Johnson Tan

Johnson Tan opened 2,200 on the cutoff, joined behind by Roxanne Victorino along with the big blind. Action on flop 3♠ 8♠ 9♦ was checked round to turn 7♦ , where Tan bet 5,000. Victorino made the call, and arrived at showdown shortly after river 7♣ welcomed no more bets.

Tan showed ace-high A♠ T♥ , good enough to ship the pot.

Player	Chips
JT Johnson TanPhilippines	111,000(111 BB)
RV Roxanne Victorino	72,000(72 BB)

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/24/2025, 10:40:05 AM

Zhiqiang Liu Shows Off the Rockets

Level 8: 500 / 1,000 ante: 1,000

Zhiqiang Liu

Following an open and a call, Takahiko Hachiya sent out a 7,800 three bet on the small blind, and was met with a 16,500 cold four bet behind from Zhiqiang Liu. Hachiya completed, yet quickly folded after Liu pushed all-in on flop 4♥ J♥ K♠ .

Player	Chips
ZL Zhiqiang Liu	53,000(53 BB)
HT Hachiya Takahiko	33,300(33 BB)

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/24/2025, 10:37:26 AM

Richard Marquez Collects From Euryd Rivera

Level 8: 500 / 1,000 ante: 1,000

Richard Marquez

Player	Chips
RM Richard MarquezPhilippines	66,700(67 BB)
ER Euryd RiveraPhilippines	33,000(33 BB)

A blind vs blind battle brewed a pot of 5,400 even before flop 4♣ 3♥ 8♠ landed on the felt. Both checked round to turn 8♣ , where Richard Marquez bet 3,100. Euryd Rivera called behind, and bet a final 7,500 on river Q♠ . Marquez check called with K♥ K♣ , and found it good against Rivera's top pair Q♣ 6♠ .

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/24/2025, 10:35:07 AM

Jonald Garcia Takes It Down

Level 8: 500 / 1,000 ante: 1,000

Jonald Garcia

A four way raised pot saw action on flop 5♦ 9♠ 8♣ check round to turn 3♣ . Graham Cowan led 2,600 off the small blind, and was met with a raise to 8,000 from Jonald Garcia behind. All three failed to continue, earning Garcia the pot.

Player	Chips
GC Graham CowanAustralia	63,000(63 BB)
JG Jonald GarciaPhilippines	62,000(62 BB)

Level 8: 500 / 1,000 ante: 1,000

40 minutes

Remaining Players: 59/86

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/24/2025, 10:19:51 AM

Top Chip Counts

Level 8: 500 / 1,000 ante: 1,000

Kyuhyung Jung

Player	Chips
KJ Kyuhyung Jung	101,000(101 BB)
JT Johnson TanPhilippines	91,000(91 BB)
JM Joseph MagnottiUnited States of America	89,000(89 BB)
LL Lloyd LocsinAustralia	83,500(84 BB)
JM Joris MichlNetherlands	83,000(83 BB)
BB Brenton ButtigiegAustralia	76,300(76 BB)
JJ Jung Jinwoo	69,500(70 BB)
RV Roxanne Victorino	67,200(67 BB)
EA Edgar AsehanPhilippines	66,000(66 BB)
HT Ho-Tai TsaiTaiwan	65,000(65 BB)
BV Bernard VuFrance	63,000(63 BB)
JC John ConstinianoPhilippines	62,000(62 BB)
FK Fathi Kamyar	61,000(61 BB)
JK Jaewon KimSouth Korea	60,800(61 BB)
EG Edilberto GopezPhilippines	51,000(51 BB)
MM Michihiko MatsudaJapan	50,000(50 BB)
ZL Zhiqiang Liu	45,000(45 BB)
PE Paul ElliottUnited Kingdom	45,000(45 BB)
JD Jess DalipePhilippines	44,000(44 BB)
SK Seungmin Kang	43,000(43 BB)

Break

Remaining Players: 58/85

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/24/2025, 10:17:56 AM

Takahiko Hachiya Catches Richard Marquez Red Handed

Level 7: 400 / 800 ante: 800

Takahiko Hachiya

With 11,300 in the middle across board 6♠ T♠ Q♣ Q♦ 9♥ , Richard Marquez went for a bet of 8,000, and took the loss with A♦ J♦ as Takahiko Hachiya found the call with K♠ T♣ .

Player	Chips
RM Richard MarquezPhilippines	43,000(54 BB)
HT Hachiya Takahiko	37,800(47 BB)

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/24/2025, 10:15:56 AM

Zhiqiang Liu on Police Duty

Level 7: 400 / 800 ante: 800

Zhiqiang Liu

With 23,600 in the middle across board 7♥ T♥ T♦ 6♥ Q♠ , Zhiqiang Liu faced a bet of 14,000 from Xia Qi right behind. Liu found the call with 6♦ 5♦ , and shipped the pot after Qi flipped over A♥ K♣ .

Player	Chips
ZL Zhiqiang Liu	52,600(66 BB)
XQ Xia QiChina	10,600(13 BB)

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/24/2025, 10:13:13 AM

Jonghoon Seon Bricks Runout

Level 7: 400 / 800 ante: 800

Jonghoon Seon

Vying for a pot of 23,000 in the middle across board 9♣ 5♠ 3♠ 9♥ , Jonghoon Seon made an attempt for it with a bet of 8,000. Fathi Kamyar pushed behind for 5,100 more, leaving Seon priced in to call.

Fathi Kamyar 4♦ 4♣

Jonghoon Seon K♠ 2♠

River 8♣ bricked for Seon, earning Kamyar the double up with his pocket pair.

Player	Chips
FK Fathi Kamyar	46,200(58 BB)
JS Jonghoon SeonSouth Korea	30,700(38 BB)

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/24/2025, 10:08:10 AM

Won Il Bae Crushes With Cowboys

Level 7: 400 / 800 ante: 800

Won Il Bae

Leslie Tsui open shoved her last 9,600 utg+1 and saw Won Il Bae happily oblige.

Up against a monster pair, Tsui exited the arena shortly after board 6♦ 9♥ 3♣ Q♥ J♥ felted no aces.

Player	Hand	Chips
WI Won Il BaeSouth Korea	K♠K♣ SB	31,400(39 BB)
LT Leslie TsuiHong Kong	A♣9♣ UTG+1	busted

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/24/2025, 10:05:49 AM

Seungmin Kang Shows No Signs of Slowing Down

Level 7: 400 / 800 ante: 800

Seungmin Kang

Kunlong Yu opened utg and called a 4,500 three bet from Seungmin Kang a seat after. On flop K♠ 4♦ Q♠ , Yu check called another 5,500, yet folded after Kang went for another 11,000 on turn 8♠ .

Player	Chips
SK Seungmin Kang	81,500(102 BB)
KY Kunlong YuChina	27,600(35 BB)

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/24/2025, 10:04:11 AM

Richard Marquez Gets Cbet Through

Level 7: 400 / 800 ante: 800

Richard Marquez

Facing an open and a call, Takahiko Hachiya sent out a 5,100 three bet on the hijack. Initial raiser Richard Marquez responded with a raise to 13,100, called by Hachiya. On flop 5♥ Q♦ 7♣ , Marquez continued for 7,500, enough to convince Hachiya to surrender.

Player	Chips
RM Richard MarquezPhilippines	50,500(63 BB)
HT Hachiya Takahiko	27,300(34 BB)

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/24/2025, 10:02:13 AM

Jess Dalipe Proceeds with Aggression

Level 7: 400 / 800 ante: 800

A three way raised pot saw action on flop 9♠ 2♥ K♠ check to Jess Dalipe on the button, pushing him to bet 2,400. Joris Michl check called on the big blind, yet quickly let it go after Dalipe continued for another 5,000 on turn 9♦ .

Player	Chips
JD Jess DalipePhilippines	42,300(53 BB)
JM Joris MichlNetherlands	41,000(51 BB)

Level 7: 400 / 800 ante: 800

40 minutes

Remaining Players: 64/83

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/24/2025, 10:00:23 AM

Fathi Kamyar Shoves for the Win

Level 6: 300 / 600 ante: 600

Fathi Kamyar

Leslie Tsui opened 1,200, joined by Fathi Kamyar on the button onto flop 9♥ K♠ 8♠ . Tsui opted to check call for 2,600, yet fold on turn 8♥ after Kamyar barreled all-in.

Player	Chips
FK Fathi Kamyar	43,800(73 BB)
LT Leslie TsuiHong Kong	12,000(20 BB)

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/24/2025, 9:58:00 AM

Ha Mai Anh Gets Value

Level 6: 300 / 600 ante: 600

Ha Mai Anh

Vying for 5,700 in the middle across board 2♥ 8♠ J♦ 5♣ 7♥ , Ha Mai Anh shot out a pot size bet of 5,000, and was check called by Joris Michl on the big blind. Anh showed top pair K♦ J♥ , leaving Michl to take the loss.

Player	Chips
JM Joris MichlNetherlands	43,600(73 BB)
HM Ha Mai Anh	34,000(57 BB)

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/24/2025, 9:51:30 AM

John Constiniano Hero Calls with Ace High

Level 6: 300 / 600 ante: 600

John Constiniano

With a pot of 5,100 situated in the middle on flop 6♣ 3♣ 5♦ , three way action was checked to Jose Colada on the button, who bet 1,500. John Constiniano check called, and did so once more on turn 8♠ for another 3,500. On river Q♠ , Colada fired a final 6,500, and was exposed with king-high K♣ J♣ after Constiniano put out the third call.

Constiniano showed A♥ 4♥ and won the pot with ace-high.

Player	Chips
JC John ConstinianoPhilippines	53,000(88 BB)
JC Jose ColadaPhilippines	12,600(21 BB)

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/24/2025, 9:49:31 AM

Fathi Kamyar Smashes Board

Level 6: 300 / 600 ante: 600

Fathi Kamyar

With 11,800 in the middle across board T♥ 9♣ 7♠ 9♠ , three way action saw Hogyun Kang lead out for 3,000. Both opponents continued to river 3♠ , where Fathi Kamyar bet all-in. Kang check called for his remaining 12,100 with 5♥ 5♠ , only to head out as Kamyar revealed boat T♦ T♣ .

Player	Chips
FK Fathi Kamyar	46,400(77 BB)
HK Hogyun KangSouth Korea	busted

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/24/2025, 9:47:55 AM

Graham Cowan Shows the Nuts

Level 6: 300 / 600 ante: 600

Graham Cowan

A four way raised pot read a flop of T♣ Q♥ 4♣ . Action was checked to Graham Cowan, who bet 2,600. Ho Tai Tsai check called on the small blind, yet folded after Cowan fired another 6,600 on turn A♦ . Cowan showed nut straight K♠ J♦ as he raked in the pot.

Player	Chips
GC Graham CowanAustralia	116,300(194 BB)
HT Ho-Tai TsaiTaiwan	41,000(68 BB)

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/24/2025, 9:44:51 AM

Xia Qi Banks a Win

Level 6: 300 / 600 ante: 600

Xia Qi

With 7,100 in the middle on flop 6♦ 2♦ K♦ , four way action saw the utg raiser bet 1,500. Xia Qi on the small blind, check raised to 4,600 and was cold called by Ho Tai Tsai right behind. On turn 9♥ , Qi went for another 12,500, and left Tsai unable to continue.

Player	Chips
HT Ho-Tai TsaiTaiwan	47,000(78 BB)
XQ Xia QiChina	36,000(60 BB)

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/24/2025, 9:41:19 AM

Top Pair Wins It for Bernard Vu

Level 6: 300 / 600 ante: 600

Bernard Vu

A three way raised pot saw Richard Marquez continue for 2,000 on flop K♣ 7♥ 9♦ . Bernard Vu check called on the big blind, and arrived at showdown after no more bets went in on either turn Q♦ or river J♥ . Vu showed top pair K♠ 3♠ and shipped the pot.

Player	Chips
BV Bernard VuFrance	49,300(82 BB)
RM Richard MarquezPhilippines	38,000(63 BB)

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/24/2025, 9:33:53 AM

Eom Joonghoon Claims One

Level 6: 300 / 600 ante: 600

Eom Joonghoon

Jinwoo Jung sent out a 1,300 raise following a limp from Eom Joonghoon, and saw both Eom and Michihiko Matsuda on the big blind, make the call. On flop 5♦ 8♣ 3♠ , Jung continued for 1,200, called by Matsuda. Action back to Eom, he raised to 4,500 and took down the pot straight away.

Player	Chips
JJ Jung Jinwoo	42,200(70 BB)
EJ Eom Joonghoon	31,700(53 BB)
MM Michihiko MatsudaJapan	17,600(29 BB)

Level 6: 300 / 600 ante: 600

40 minutes

Remaining Players: 56/73

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/24/2025, 9:20:58 AM

Set Over Set Sends Maxwell Rosete Out

Level 5: 200 / 500 ante: 500

Maxwell Rosete

With 11,700 seen in the middle on flop Q♦ 5♥ 2♥ , both stacks rushed to the middle - Maxwell Rosete at risk for his 24,700 stack against Tamon Nakamura.

Tamon Nakamura 5♦ 5♣

Maxwell Rosete 2♠ 2♣

A set over set situation, Nakamura's higher set took the win with the turn K♣ and river 3♦ making no difference.

Player	Chips
TN Tamon NakamuraJapan	35,700(71 BB)
MR Maxwell RosetePhilippines	busted

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/24/2025, 9:18:48 AM

Brenton Buttigieg Cracks 100K Mark

Level 5: 200 / 500 ante: 500

Brenton Buttigieg

Fathi Kamyar defended his big blind against Brenton Buttigieg's 1,100 utg open, and went on to check call two streets - 1,800 and 3,200, on board 7♦ 6♥ Q♣ 8♥ . On river 5♥ , Kamyar check raised to 16,000, and got to showdown after Buttigieg made the call.

Kamyar revealed straight 6♠ 4♠ , no good against Buttigieg's higher straight Q♠ 9♠ .

Player	Chips
BB Brenton ButtigiegAustralia	104,000(208 BB)
FK Fathi Kamyar	26,000(52 BB)

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/24/2025, 9:16:11 AM

John Constiniano Fills Up on the River

Level 5: 200 / 500 ante: 500

John Constiniano

Takahiko Hachiya opened 1,200 utg+1, joined by a player behind along with John Constiniano on the big blind. All three checked flop 2♠ Q♦ J♠ through to turn 8♥ , where Constiniano led 3,100. Hachiya made the call, and committed his remaining 11,500 on river A♠ after Constiniano moved all-in.

Constiniano revealed flush 4♠ 3♠ , sending Hachiya's A♣ K♦ bound for the muck.

Player	Chips
JC John ConstinianoPhilippines	46,000(92 BB)
HT Hachiya Takahiko	busted

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/24/2025, 9:13:36 AM

Second Bullet Pays Off for Johnson Tan

Level 5: 200 / 500 ante: 500

Tamon Nakamura sent out a 3,000 three bet on the button vs Johnson Tan's cutoff open and saw Tan and Roxanne Victorino on the big blind, continue to flop Q♥ 2♦ K♥ . Victorino led 5,000, called by both onto turn 6♣ . Action this time, checked to Nakamura, who bet 15,000. Both stuck around to see river 2♠ , where no more bets went in the middle.

Tan showed trip deuces A♥ 2♥ , and claimed the win.

Player	Chips
JT Johnson TanPhilippines	95,000(190 BB)
RV Roxanne Victorino	35,000(70 BB)
TN Tamon NakamuraJapan	32,100(64 BB)

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/24/2025, 9:02:25 AM

Johnson Tan Stands Strong

Level 5: 200 / 500 ante: 500

Johnson Tan

Seungmin Kang opened 1,500 on the hijack, called by Johnson Tan behind along with the big blind. Action on flop 9♥ T♠ 9♣ was checked to Tan, pushing him to bet 2,000. Kang raised for 5,000 more, and saw Tan complete. On turn 8♣ , Tan called another 11,000 bet from Kang, and arrived at showdown shortly after river 3♣ was checked through.

Kang revealed ace-high A♦ Q♥ , shipping Tan the win with two pair J♥ T♥ .

Player	Chips
JT Johnson TanPhilippines	45,000(90 BB)
SK Seungmin Kang	34,300(69 BB)

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/24/2025, 9:02:10 AM

Manuel Geronimo Lands a Boost

Level 5: 200 / 500 ante: 500

Manuel Geronimo

A four way raised pot saw Manuel Geronimo lead 2,000 on flop T♥ T♠ 9♦ . Initial raiser Alfredo Boligor called behind, revealing turn T♣ . Both checked it through to river Q♥ , where Geronimo bet 5,000. Boligor paid the price, and mucked as Geronimo showed a boat 9♠ 6♥ .

Player	Chips
MG Manuel GeronimoPhilippines	38,000(76 BB)
AB Alfredo BoligorPhilippines	30,600(61 BB)

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/24/2025, 8:59:51 AM

Lloyd Locsin Sends Johnson Tan Packing

Level 5: 200 / 500 ante: 500

Lloyd Locsin

With 13,700 in the pot across board 4♥ 3♣ 2♠ 9♥ , three way action saw Johnson Tan bet 3,000. Initial raiser Lloyd Locsin check raised to 12,000 and called for the rest after Tan pushed for 23,800 total.

Johnson Tan 8♥ 8♣

Lloyd Locsin K♦ K♠

Locsin ahead, sealed the win as river 3♥ completed the board.

Player	Chips
LL Lloyd LocsinAustralia	78,300(157 BB)
JT Johnson TanPhilippines	busted

Level 5: 200 / 500 ante: 500

40 minutes

Remaining Players: 54/63

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/24/2025, 8:18:39 AM

Top Chip Counts

Level 5: 200 / 500 ante: 500

Brenton Buttigieg

Player	Chips
BB Brenton ButtigiegAustralia	81,000(162 BB)
TN Tamon NakamuraJapan	70,300(141 BB)
RV Roxanne Victorino	67,000(134 BB)
JW Ju Won ChungSouth Korea	59,600(119 BB)
HT Ho-Tai TsaiTaiwan	54,000(108 BB)
EA Edgar AsehanPhilippines	51,300(103 BB)
SK Seungmin Kang	51,000(102 BB)
JJ Jung Jinwoo	49,000(98 BB)
FK Fathi Kamyar	48,000(96 BB)
AK Akihiro KawaguchiJapan	46,000(92 BB)
RM Richard MarquezPhilippines	45,000(90 BB)
PE Paul ElliottUnited Kingdom	41,800(84 BB)
GC Graham CowanAustralia	41,300(83 BB)
DK Dk Kim KunwooSouth Korea	37,000(74 BB)
JM Joseph MagnottiUnited States of America	34,500(69 BB)

Break

Remaining Players: 52/61

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/24/2025, 8:13:52 AM

Xiong Cheng Heads for the Rails

Level 4: 200 / 400 ante: 400

Xiong Cheng

Xiong Cheng opened utg, and went on to fourbet jam his 15,000 stack against Tamon Nakamura's raise behind. Nakamura snap called, putting Cheng at risk.

Cheng ahead, was crushed to see an ace on board A♠ 3♦ 8♣ 6♠ 3♠ , enough to send his cowboys flying towards the muck.

Player	Hand	Chips
TN Tamon NakamuraJapan	A♦Q♠ D	70,300(176 BB)
XC Xiong Cheng	K♥K♣ UTG	busted

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/24/2025, 8:11:38 AM

Double Barrel Works for Mike Takayama

Level 4: 200 / 400 ante: 400

Mike Takayama

Akihiro Kawaguchi defended his big blind against Mike Takayama's 1,000 cutoff open, and check called another 1,500 on flop 4♥ A♠ 8♥ . On turn 7♠ , Takayama went for 3,000, enough to get Kawaguchi to lay it down.

Player	Chips
AK Akihiro KawaguchiJapan	48,000(120 BB)
MT Mike TakayamaPhilippines	33,000(83 BB)

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/24/2025, 8:10:27 AM

Ho Tai Tsai Gives Up Top Pair

Level 4: 200 / 400 ante: 400

Ho Tai Tsai

Ho Tai Tsai opened 1,800 utg and was called by the button, along with Christopher Mateo on the big blind. Action on flop 2♦ 6♠ A♦ was checked round to turn 3♥ , where Mateo led 2,000. Tsai made the call, and went on to bet 2,000 on river 2♥ . Mateo check raised to 13,000, leaving Tsai unable to continue as he open folded two pair A♠ Q♥ .

Player	Chips
HT Ho-Tai TsaiTaiwan	56,000(140 BB)
CM Christopher MateoPhilippines	37,200(93 BB)

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/24/2025, 8:08:43 AM

Kunwoo Kim Four Bets for the Win

Level 4: 200 / 400 ante: 400

Dk Kim Kunwoo

Kunwoo Kim opened 1,000 utg+1, called by player on the button. Cezar Quiambao on the small blind, raised to 4,500, and was met with another raise to 12,500 from Kim. Both slipped the fold, earning Kim the dead money in the middle.

Player	Chips
DK Dk Kim KunwooSouth Korea	36,000(90 BB)
CQ Cezar QuiambaoPhilippines	21,600(54 BB)

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/24/2025, 8:07:00 AM

Tamon Nakamura Bets All the Way

Level 4: 200 / 400 ante: 400

Tamon Nakamura

Vying for 6,800 in the middle on flop K♦ 2♦ 8♦ , Tamon Nakamura led for 2,000, followed by another 6,000 on turn Q♣ . Joshua Cuevas behind, called both streets but let it go after Nakamura finished with an all-in on river 3♥ .

Player	Chips
TN Tamon NakamuraJapan	59,300(148 BB)
JC Joshua Cuevas	11,700(29 BB)

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/24/2025, 8:03:12 AM

Bernard Vu Runs Into Kings

Level 4: 200 / 400 ante: 400

Bernard Vu

Up against an open and a call, Brenton Buttigieg fired a three bet to 3,000, and called 28,000 more following an all-in from initial raiser Bernard Vu.

Vu in search of an ace, found none on board 4♣ 9♥ T♠ 2♣ 3♠ , eliminating him from the Main Event games.

Player	Hand	Chips
BB Brenton ButtigiegAustralia	K♠K♣ MP	64,300(161 BB)
BV Bernard VuFrance	A♦Q♦ UTG	busted

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/24/2025, 8:03:04 AM

Joseph Pineiro Bows Out

Level 4: 200 / 400 ante: 400

Joseph Pineiro

A three way three bet pot saw Joseph Pineiro lead all-in for 10,500 on flop 6♣ 5♦ 7♣ . Ju Won Chung called behind with a pair of sixes 6♥ 3♥ , and found himself behind against Pineiro's J♦ J♥ . Runout T♦ 3♦ however, gave Chung two pair to steal the win and bust out his opponent.

Player	Chips
JW Ju Won ChungSouth Korea	72,600(182 BB)
JP Joseph PineiroFrance	busted

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/24/2025, 8:01:11 AM

Top Pair Good for Alfredo Boligor

Level 4: 200 / 400 ante: 400

Alfredo Boligor

A three way raised pot saw action on flop 5♥ 9♠ A♦ check through to turn T♦ . Ho Tai Tsai bet 1,800 and was check called by Alfredo Boligor on the big blind. River 6♦ welcomed no more bets, revealing Boligor's top pair A♥ 2♠ good for the win.

Player	Chips
HT Ho-Tai TsaiTaiwan	55,000(138 BB)
AB Alfredo BoligorPhilippines	38,200(96 BB)

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/24/2025, 7:27:59 AM

Jinwoo Jung Denies Michihiko Matsuda Showdown

Level 4: 200 / 400 ante: 400

Jinwoo Jung

A three way raised pot rolled a board of 4♣ K♣ 3♣ 5♠ 7♦ , where action was checked down all the way to the river. Michihiko Matsuda led for a final 2,000 yet was left unable to continue after Jinwoo Jung raised it up to 7,000.

Player	Chips
JJ Jung Jinwoo	51,300(128 BB)
MM Michihiko MatsudaJapan	11,500(29 BB)

Level 4: 200 / 400 ante: 400

40 minutes

Remaining Players: 43/45

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/24/2025, 7:24:03 AM

Ho Tai Tsai Picks Up a Pot

Level 3: 100 / 300 ante: 300

Ho Tai Tsai

Rene Mar David opened 600 utg, called by the button along with Ho Tai Tsai on the big blind. Action on flop 3♥ T♥ A♠ was checked round to turn A♦ , where Tsai led 700. David called behind and arrived at showdown after no more bets went in on river 9♥ .

Tsai showed 5♦ 5♣ , good for the win.

Player	Chips
HT Ho-Tai TsaiTaiwan	67,000(223 BB)
RM Rene Mar DavidPhilippines	26,600(89 BB)

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/24/2025, 7:21:48 AM

Pocket Pair Holds for Jonghoon Seon

Level 3: 100 / 300 ante: 300

Jonghoon Seon

Up against an early open and two calls, Florin Filip squeezed all-in for 10,300 and was challenged by initial raiser Jonghoon Seon.

In for a flip, board 6♦ 3♠ 2♠ 7♦ 4♦ landed Seon's way, busting out Filip in the process.

Player	Hand	Chips
JS Jonghoon SeonSouth Korea	6♥6♣ UTG	43,300(144 BB)
FF Florin FilipRomania	A♥Q♥ SB	busted

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/24/2025, 7:21:36 AM

Jinwoo Jung Flops a Monster

Level 3: 100 / 300 ante: 300

Following an open and a call, Michihiko Matsuda threw in a three bet to 2,500, and saw both continue to flop Q♠ A♦ K♥ . Matsuda continued for 2,500, called by Jinwoo Jung onto turn 5♣ . Both checked it through to river 6♠ , where Matsuda check called 6,000.

Jung showed two pair A♥ Q♦ and raked in the pot.

Player	Chips
JJ Jung Jinwoo	51,300(171 BB)
MM Michihiko MatsudaJapan	17,700(59 BB)

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/24/2025, 7:19:59 AM

Easy Takedown for Jinwoo Jung

Level 3: 100 / 300 ante: 300

Jung Jinwoo

Jinwoo Jung sent out a 1,500 three bet against Ionut Dragomir's hijack open and saw the latter complete. On flop A♠ 6♥ 5♠ , Jung bet 1,000, enough to get Dragomir out of the way.

Player	Chips
JJ Jung Jinwoo	36,700(122 BB)
ID Ionut DragomirRomania	26,800(89 BB)

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/24/2025, 7:17:15 AM

River Rolls for Emmanuel Derecho

Level 3: 100 / 300 ante: 300

Emmanuel Derecho

A four way raised pot saw action on board A♦ 9♦ 4♦ K♠ Q♠ check down to the river, where initial raiser Emmanuel Derecho fired a bet of 2,000. Jegal Gun looked him up, and mucked as Derecho showed straight J♥ T♠ .

Player	Chips
ED Emmanuel DerechoPhilippines	28,000(93 BB)
GJ Gun JegalSouth Korea	26,700(89 BB)

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/24/2025, 7:17:04 AM

Joshua Cuevas Bets to Win

Level 3: 100 / 300 ante: 300

Joshua Cuevas

A blind vs blind brewed a pot of 2,300 in the middle on flop 6♦ 7♠ J♠ . Nazariy Fedyk led for 1,000, called behind by Joshua Cuevas. Turn Q♦ was checked through to river Q♥ , where Cuevas bet a final 3,300. Fedyk check folded, shipping Cuevas the pot.

Player	Chips
NF Nazariy FedykUnited Kingdom	25,400(85 BB)
JC Joshua Cuevas	18,000(60 BB)

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/24/2025, 7:16:13 AM

Jonghoon Seon Doubles Up

Level 3: 100 / 300 ante: 300

Jonghoon Seon

A four way raised pot led by Florin Filip dealt a flop of 8♦ 2♦ T♠ . Big blind bet 2,000, called by both Filip and Jonghoon Seon behind. On turn 3♥ , Filip went for 8,000, and saw only Seon stick around to river 6♣ . Filip gunned for the rest, leaving Seon to call off for his last 10,300.

Filip showed Q♣ Q♠ , crushed by Seon's straight 9♣ 7♣ by the river.

Player	Chips
JS Jonghoon SeonSouth Korea	47,000(157 BB)
FF Florin FilipRomania	9,200(31 BB)

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/24/2025, 7:10:15 AM

Richard Marquez Pumps Up the Aggression

Level 3: 100 / 300 ante: 300

Richard Marquez

Richard Marquez sent out a 1,800 three bet vs Nathan Gathercole's utg open and saw the button and Gathercole continue to flop 7♣ 7♦ 3♠ . Gathercole led for 4,000, but folded shortly after Marquez bumped it up to 10,000.

Player	Chips
RM Richard MarquezPhilippines	44,000(147 BB)
NG Nathan GathercoleAustralia	9,700(32 BB)

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/24/2025, 6:44:33 AM

Paul Elliott Back in the Mix

Level 3: 100 / 300 ante: 300

Paul Elliott

Having bubbled yesterday's flight, Paul Elliott is seen at play once more, gunning for another chance to qualify for Day 2.

With 2,400 in the middle across board K♥ T♣ 5♥ 7♣ , three way action saw Ju Won Chung lead 1,700 on the big blind, called behind by Paul Elliott. River A♠ welcomed no more bets, revealing Elliot's two pair K♠ T♥ , good against Chung's K♠ J♥ .

Player	Chips
PE Paul ElliottUnited Kingdom	47,000(157 BB)
JW Ju Won ChungSouth Korea	25,500(85 BB)

Level 3: 100 / 300 ante: 300

40 minutes

Remaining Players: 32/33

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/24/2025, 6:42:15 AM

Nathan Gathercole Bags a Boost

Level 2: 100 / 200 ante: 200

Nathan Gathercole

A three way raised pot dealt a flop of J♦ T♦ 6♠ . Nathan Gathercole shot out a bet of 500 off the big blind and saw both continue to turn T♥ . Gathercole went for another 300, leaving only Francis Garson onto river A♥ . Both checked it down, tabling Gathercole's two pair J♠ 7♦ for the win.

Player	Chips
FG Francis GarsonFrance	41,600(208 BB)
NG Nathan GathercoleAustralia	18,500(93 BB)

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/24/2025, 6:38:45 AM

Joseph Magnotti Wins with Ace High

Level 2: 100 / 200 ante: 200

Joseph Magnotti

With a pot of 5,300 in the middle across board 5♠ 2♦ 8♥ Q♣ , Joseph Magnotti sent out a bet of 2,800 and was check called by Kunlong Yu on the big blind. Both checked down river 9♥ , revealing Yu's A♣ 3♣ , no good against Magnotti's A♦ K♥ high.

Player	Chips
KY Kunlong YuChina	47,000(235 BB)
JM Joseph MagnottiUnited States of America	36,200(181 BB)

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/24/2025, 6:38:36 AM

Bernard Vu Extracts Value

Level 2: 100 / 200 ante: 200

Bernard Vu

A four way raised pot led by Bernard Vu saw him bet another 1,200 on flop Q♦ 8♦ 8♠ . Ho Tai Tsai check called on the big blind, and headed to turn T♠ . Both checked it through to river T♠ , where Vu went for a final 2,300. Tsai check called to showdown with two pair Q♥ 7♠ , but found it behind against Vu's better K♣ Q♣ .

Player	Chips
HT Ho-Tai TsaiTaiwan	45,000(225 BB)
BV Bernard VuFrance	38,400(192 BB)

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/24/2025, 6:35:02 AM

Kunlong Yu Fills Up on the River

Level 2: 100 / 200 ante: 200

Kunlong Yu

With 4,200 in the middle on flop 8♦ 7♥ 9♠ , action was caught on Kunlong Yu with a bet of 1,500. Jonghoon Seon check called, revealing turn 2♣ . Both checked it through to river J♣ , where Seon led 4,500. Yu made the call with a straight A♣ T♣ , crushing Seon's K♥ Q♥ entirely.

Player	Chips
KY Kunlong YuChina	50,600(253 BB)
JS Jonghoon SeonSouth Korea	22,300(112 BB)

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/24/2025, 6:34:51 AM

Ho Tai Tsai Bets to Win

Level 2: 100 / 200 ante: 200

Jegal Gun opened 500 on the hijack and was called by two players behind. Action on flop 9♣ 5♣ 2♥ was checked round to turn A♦ , where Gun fired 900. Ho Tai Tsai called behind, and bet a final 2,600 on river 4♣ . Gun laid it down and moved on to the next deal.

Player	Chips
HT Ho-Tai TsaiTaiwan	54,900(275 BB)
GJ Gun JegalSouth Korea	33,400(167 BB)

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/24/2025, 6:33:08 AM

Ho Tai Tsai Leaves Graham Cowan Unable to Continue

Level 2: 100 / 200 ante: 200

Ho Tai Tsai

With a pot of 24,900 in the middle across board 3♥ K♣ 5♦ A♠ , Ho Tai Tsai made an attempt for it on the button, with a bet of 11,000. Graham Cowan check folded, surrendering his chance of winning the pot.

Player	Chips
HT Ho-Tai TsaiTaiwan	52,500(263 BB)
GC Graham CowanAustralia	20,000(100 BB)

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/24/2025, 6:31:28 AM

Akos Kovacs Takes It Down

Level 2: 100 / 200 ante: 200

Akos Kovacs

Akos Kovacs opened 600 on the hijack, and was called by both Emmanuel Derecho and Myungjin Jung behind. Action on flop Q♠ T♠ 8♦ was checked round to turn 9♠ , where Kovacs led for 1,500. Both threw in the fold, shipping Kovacs the boost.

Player	Chips
MJ Myungjin JungSouth Korea	33,200(166 BB)
ED Emmanuel DerechoPhilippines	30,600(153 BB)
AK Akos KovacsUnited Kingdom	10,200(51 BB)

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/24/2025, 6:29:27 AM

Sehoon Jin Collects From Marco Espela

Level 2: 100 / 200 ante: 200

Sehoon Jin

Facing an open and a call, Sehoon Jin sent out a 2,000 three bet on the big blind, and saw initial raiser Marco Espela continue to flop 9♣ 8♠ Q♦ . Jin continued for 1,500 and called 3,000 more following a raise from his opponent. Both checked turn T♠ through to river 2♦ , where Jin bet a final 11,800. Espela made the call, and mucked as Jin revealed straight J♦ J♥ .

Player	Chips
SJ Sehoon Jin	47,300(237 BB)
ME Marco EspelaPhilippines	12,600(63 BB)

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/24/2025, 6:07:30 AM

Myungjin Jung Raises the Stakes

Level 2: 100 / 200 ante: 200

Bernard Vu threw in a 700 raise vs a limp and was called by player on the button. Myungjin Jung bumped it up further on the big blind, to 3,200, and picked up the pot straight away following three folds.

Player	Chips
MJ Myungjin JungSouth Korea	34,000(170 BB)
BV Bernard VuFrance	23,800(119 BB)

Level 2: 100 / 200 ante: 200

40 minutes

Remaining Players: 22/22

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/24/2025, 6:01:07 AM

Myungjin Jung Calls Down Bernard Vu

Level 1: 100 / 100 ante: 100

Myungjin Jung

Myungjin Jung opened 300 on the hijack and was joined by three other players onto flop J♦ 8♥ 9♣ . Bernard Vu led out 500 on the small blind, called by both Jung and player on the cutoff behind. Vu continued to barrel 800 on turn 2♥ , and a final 1,200 on river T♥ , with Jung calling him down on both streets.

Vu showed two pair T♣ 9♦ , behind all the way against Jung's straight Q♣ J♣ .

Player	Chips
MJ Myungjin JungSouth Korea	32,400(324 BB)
BV Bernard VuFrance	24,500(245 BB)

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/24/2025, 5:57:16 AM

Kunlong Yu Denies Roxanne Victorino Showdown

Level 1: 100 / 100 ante: 100

Kunlong Yu opened 300 on the hijack, joined behind by Roxanne Victorino. On flop 5♦ 9♦ 3♣ , Yu continued for 500, and called 1,000 more following a raise from his opponent. Victorino followed through with a 3,000 bet on turn J♠ , yet folded on river K♣ after Yu led out for 5,500.

Player	Chips
KY Kunlong YuChina	40,400(404 BB)
RV Roxanne Victorino	39,500(395 BB)

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/24/2025, 5:51:38 AM

Jegal Gun Shows Best Hand

Level 1: 100 / 100 ante: 100

Jegal Gun

Jegal Gun fired a 1,200 three bet against a button open and saw Ho Tai Tsai cold call on the big blind. On flop 8♠ T♣ A♥ , Gun went for a check raise to 1,800, called by his opponent. Gun followed with another 2,000 on turn 4♥ , and earned the pot as Tsai slipped the fold. Gun showed top pair A♣ K♦ as he raked in the pot.

Player	Chips
HT Ho-Tai TsaiTaiwan	38,100(381 BB)
GJ Gun JegalSouth Korea	32,500(325 BB)

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/24/2025, 5:47:12 AM

Kunlong Yu Flaunts Aces

Level 1: 100 / 100 ante: 100

Kunlong Yu

Kunlong Yu fired a 900 three bet on the big blind against Takahiko Hachiya's button open, and saw the latter call another 1,100 on flop 4♥ 8♦ T♠ . Action on turn 6♣ was checked through to river 6♥ , where Yu gunned for a final 3,600. Hachiya paid the price, only to muck as Yu tabled A♥ A♠ .

Player	Chips
KY Kunlong YuChina	35,700(357 BB)
HT Hachiya Takahiko	27,200(272 BB)

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/24/2025, 5:42:08 AM

Xiong Cheng on the Floor

Level 1: 100 / 100 ante: 100

Xiong Cheng

Recent APPT Manila champion Xiong Cheng is spotted in action at today's Manila Megastack Main Event festivities! Cheng's victory at last year’s APPT was nothing short of spectacular, earning him a massive PHP 15 million (~USD 260K) in prize money. This season, Cheng stands to be a player to watch as he aims to add another prestigious title to his resume.

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/24/2025, 5:38:56 AM

Roxanne Victorino Picks Up a Win

Level 1: 100 / 100 ante: 100

Roxanne Victorino

A button vs blind battle brewed a pot of 4,000 in the middle across board 9♦ 2♠ T♥ 9♥ . Roxanne Victorino led for 3,000, and finished with a final 5,000 on river K♠ . Tamon Nakamura called the initial action but was left unable to continue after Victorino asked for more.

Player	Chips
RV Roxanne Victorino	34,500(345 BB)
TN Tamon NakamuraJapan	24,400(244 BB)

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/24/2025, 5:36:35 AM

Ho Tai Tsai Doubles Up Through Akos Kovacs

Level 1: 100 / 100 ante: 100

With 7,900 in the pot across board Q♦ 7♠ 6♦ J♣ , Akos Kovacs went for a bet of 3,800, and called 3,800 more following a check raise from Ho Tai Tsai on the big blind. On river 7♦ , Tsai led all-in for his last 9,700, called by Kovacs to showdown.

Tsai showed a boat J♥ J♠ , crushing Kovacs' A♣ Q♠ by the turn.

Player	Chips
HT Ho-Tai TsaiTaiwan	42,500(425 BB)
AK Akos KovacsUnited Kingdom	8,900(89 BB)

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/24/2025, 5:26:50 AM

Emmanuel Derecho Takes Back More

Level 1: 100 / 100 ante: 100

Emmanuel Derecho

Emmanuel Derecho sent out a 2,400 three bet against Ho Tai Tsai's utg open, and saw the latter complete. Derecho continued for 1,800 on flop T♣ 2♠ Q♦ , and went on to check call 5,500 on turn 6♣ . Both checked down river 2♦ , revealing Derecho's J♥ J♠ , good for the pot.

Player	Chips
ED Emmanuel DerechoPhilippines	39,200(392 BB)
HT Ho-Tai TsaiTaiwan	21,300(213 BB)

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/24/2025, 5:22:03 AM

Ho Tai Tsai Exudes Early Aggression

Level 1: 100 / 100 ante: 100

Ho-Tai Tsai

Emmanuel Derecho opened 300 utg, and was joined by both players on the blinds onto flop 2♠ 6♣ 2♥ . Derecho continued for 400, but folded shortly after Ho Tai Tsai check raised to 1,500.

Player	Chips
HT Ho-Tai TsaiTaiwan	31,000(310 BB)
ED Emmanuel DerechoPhilippines	29,300(293 BB)

Level 1: 100 / 100 ante: 100

40 minutes

Remaining Players: 11/11

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/24/2025, 5:20:28 AM

Cards in the Air!

Shuffle up & deal, good luck to all the players!

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/23/2025, 2:03:32 PM

The Race for a Spadie Continues!

Action is heating up at PokerStars LIVE in Okada Manila, Philippines with the Manila Megastack Main Event in full swing. The second heat of the PHP 20,000,000 (~USD 342,705) guaranteed headliner takes flight today, with yesterday's showing seeing only 13 runners advance to Day 2.

Today's excitement sees another round of 40 minute blind levels running from start to finish, with action set to close once the field is down to 15% (ITM). Each entry buys players a starting stack of 30,000, allowing those who missed to make the mark or those uncontented with their stacks another chance to rise with the Best Stack Forward policy in place. Current chip leader stands to be local grinder Mark Almusajin, having topped the initial flight with a towering stack of 520,000.

Play kicks off at 13:00, stay tuned for updates as SMP brings you all the latest directly off the floor!

Manila Megastack 21 Main Event

Date/s: January 23-27, 2025

Buy-in: PHP 45,000 (~USD 770)

Guarantee: PHP 20,000,000 (~USD 342,705)

Starting stack: 30,000

Flight A: 83 entries, 13 qualified

Flight B: Friday, January 24

Flight C: Saturday, January 25

Flight D [20/15]: Saturday, January 25

Day 2: Sunday, January 26

Final Day: Monday, January 27