Philippines, Okada ManilaEVENT #3

2025.01.20 - 2025.01.22Add to Calendar

PokerStars Live

Blind level

Level 26: 25,000 / 50,000 ante: 50,000

Entries

1/283

Total Chips

8,490,000

Average

8,490,000

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/22/2025, 10:25:02 AM

Terry Gonzaga Awarded Kickoff Victory

Level 26: 25,000 / 50,000 ante: 50,000

Terry Gonzaga - #3 Kickoff 3M GTD Champion

Manila Megastack 21's opening highlight, Kickoff, has officially come to a close with local runner Terry Gonzaga claiming the accolades. The Filipino pro banked the biggest share of the PHP 3,985,885 (~USD 68,195) prize pool after a six-way ICM deal awarded him PHP 411,200 (~USD 7,045) in total winnings. On top of his payout, Gonzaga also takes with him the coveted PokerStars Spadie and a 2025 APPT Manila Main Event Package for next season's games.

"First win of the year, hopefully this would be the start of a lucky streak. I'm looking forward to this coming Main Event and mostly other tournaments here in Manila.", commented Gonzaga following his triumph.

Only 43 runners returned for the Final Day battle and saw nearly half the field dusted by the first break. Once the final table was set, Gonzaga was stacking amongst the top ranks, and managed to lock in several more small pots to come out with the lead once ICM deal was in discussion. International contenders Ho Tai Tsai and Masakazu Miyamoto took the first two final table eliminations, narrowing the field down to only local runners. Following Jonald Garcia's exit in 7th place, play was immediately put to a halt, capping the action entirely once the adjusted payouts were in. Each of the six walked away with at least a PHP 300,000 (~USD 5,000) score, kicking off a great start to their 2025 run.

Next on the agenda is the awaited PHP 20,000,000 (~USD 342,705) guaranteed Main Event, which kicks tomorrow, January 23rd at 13:00 local time. Stay tuned for updates as SMP brings you all the latest directly off the floor!

Kickoff

Date/s: January 20-22, 2025

Buy-in: PHP 16,500 (~USD 285)

Guarantee: PHP 3,000,000 (~USD 51,290)

Entries: 283

Prize pool: PHP 3,985,885 (~USD 68,195)

ITM: 43 places

Flight A: 66 entries, 10 qualified

Flight B: 128 entries, 20 qualified

Flight C: 89 entries, 13 qualified

Final Table Results

Place	Player	Prize (USD)
1	TG Terry GonzagaPhilippines	$7,045
2	RV Renato Villanueva JrPhilippines	$6,830
3	EA Edgar AsehanPhilippines	$6,575
4	MT Mike TakayamaPhilippines	$6,095
5	CI Czar Ian MarcosPhilippines	$5,985
6	RM Rene Mar DavidPhilippines	$5,280
7	JG Jonald GarciaPhilippines	$2,150
8	MM Masakazu MiyamotoJapan	$1,790
9	HT Ho-Tai TsaiTaiwan	$1,510

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/22/2025, 10:22:29 AM

ICM Deal in Place

Level 26: 25,000 / 50,000 ante: 50,000

An ICM deal has been set in place with the final six players splitting up the remaining payouts. Terry Gonzaga is awarded the biggest share, along with the 2025 APPT Manila Main Event Package, valued at PHP 125,000 (~USD 2,140) and the coveted PokerStars spadie.

Congratulations to all the winners!

Adjusted Payouts

Place	Player	Prize (USD)
1	TG Terry GonzagaPhilippines	$7,045
2	RV Renato Villanueva JrPhilippines	$6,830
3	EA Edgar AsehanPhilippines	$6,575
4	MT Mike TakayamaPhilippines	$6,095
5	CI Czar Ian MarcosPhilippines	$5,985
6	RM Rene Mar DavidPhilippines	$5,280

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/22/2025, 9:53:46 AM

Tournament on Pause

Level 26: 25,000 / 50,000 ante: 50,000

The tournament clock has been paused to make way for a possible ICM deal six-way.

Remaining Payouts

Place	Payout (USD)
1	$13,160
2	$8,225
3	$5,885
4	$4,525
5	$3,475
6	$2,685

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/22/2025, 9:49:20 AM

Jonald Garcia Caps Run in 7th Place - PHP 125,000 (~USD 2,150)

Level 26: 25,000 / 50,000 ante: 50,000

Jonald Garcia - 7th Place

Jonald Garcia stuffed his last 225,000 on the cutoff and was called by initial raiser Czar Ian Marcos.

Garcia at risk, headed out shortly after board T♥ 6♠ Q♥ 7♣ Q♣ ran Marcos a full house to knock him out.

Player	Hand	Chips
CI Czar Ian MarcosPhilippines	7♥7♠ HJ	1,360,000(27 BB)
JG Jonald GarciaPhilippines	A♦7♦ CO	busted

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/22/2025, 9:46:51 AM

Split Pot for Edgar Asehan and Rene Mar David

Level 26: 25,000 / 50,000 ante: 50,000

Rene Mar David

Rene Mar David defended his big blind against Edgar Asehan's 110,000 hijack open, and went to check call two streets on board 6♥ 8♥ 9♦ 2♣ . On river 9♥ , David led all-in for 530,000, tank called by Asehan with two pair 8♣ 7♥ . David showed the same hand 8♠ 7♦ for a split pot.

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/22/2025, 9:31:06 AM

Edgar Asehan Doubles Through Mike Takayama

Level 26: 25,000 / 50,000 ante: 50,000

Edgar Asehan

Mike Takayama opened utg and called off Edgar Asehan's all-in right behind for 635,000.

In for a flip, Asehan dodged a potential elimination, having landed top pair on board 8♠ 9♦ 3♦ 6♠ K♦ to survive through.

Player	Hand	Chips
EA Edgar AsehanPhilippines	A♣K♥ UTG+1	1,345,000(27 BB)
MT Mike TakayamaPhilippines	J♦J♥ UTG	1,000,000(20 BB)

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/22/2025, 9:28:23 AM

Masakazu Miyamoto Cleaned Out in 8th Place - PHP 104,000 (~USD 1,790)

Level 26: 25,000 / 50,000 ante: 50,000

Masakazu Miyamoto - 8th Place

Terry Gonzaga opened 110,000 utg+1 and called 145,000 more following an all-in from Masakazu Miyamoto.

Miyamoto ahead, was instantly crushed as the board 8♣ A♥ 5♥ K♥ A♠ rolled trip aces for Gonzaga to take him out.

Player	Hand	Chips
TG Terry GonzagaPhilippines	A♣Q♠ UTG+1	2,010,000(40 BB)
MM Masakazu MiyamotoJapan	Q♥Q♣ SB	busted

Level 26: 25,000 / 50,000 ante: 50,000

30 minutes

Remaining Players: 8/283

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/22/2025, 9:25:03 AM

Ho Tai Tsai Busts in 9th Place - PHP 87,885 (~USD 1,510)

Level 25: 20,000 / 40,000 ante: 40,000

Ho Tai Tsai - 9th Place

Ho Tai Tsai opened on the cutoff and snap called for his entire 490,000 after Czar Ian Marcos moved all-in from the big blind.

Tsai dominated, headed for the rails as the first casualty of the final table after board K♠ 8♦ 4♦ 7♣ 9♠ sealed the win for Macos.

Player	Hand	Chips
CI Czar Ian MarcosPhilippines	A♦K♠ BB	1,150,000(29 BB)
HT Ho-Tai TsaiTaiwan	A♠T♠ CO	busted

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/22/2025, 9:22:55 AM

Czar Ian Marcos Gives Up the Fight

Level 25: 20,000 / 40,000 ante: 40,000

Czar Ian Marcos

Czar Ian Marcos opened 100,000 utg+1 and was joined behind by Terry Gonzaga. On flop A♣ T♠ T♦ , Marcos check folded after Gonzaga fired a bet of 80,000.

Player	Chips
TG Terry GonzagaPhilippines	1,595,000(40 BB)
CI Czar Ian MarcosPhilippines	530,000(13 BB)

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/22/2025, 8:48:49 AM

Kickoff Final Table is Set!

Level 25: 20,000 / 40,000 ante: 40,000

Kickoff Final 9 Players

Following a five hour grind, Manila Megastack 21's opening highlight - Kickoff, is officially down to its final nine players with local runner Renato Villanueva leading the charge. Each contender is now guaranteed PHP 87,885 (~USD 1,510) in winnings, with the PHP 765,000 (~USD 13,160) top prize only a few places away. Today's winner will also take home a 2025 APPT Manila Main Event Package, valued at PHP 125,000 (~USD 2,140), along with the prestigious PokerStars spade trophy to commemorate their triumph.

Final Table Chip Counts

Player	Chips
RV Renato Villanueva JrPhilippines	1,800,000(45 BB)
MT Mike TakayamaPhilippines	1,490,000(37 BB)
TG Terry GonzagaPhilippines	1,450,000(36 BB)
RM Rene Mar DavidPhilippines	1,120,000(28 BB)
CI Czar Ian MarcosPhilippines	825,000(21 BB)
HT Ho-Tai TsaiTaiwan	605,000(15 BB)
EA Edgar AsehanPhilippines	545,000(14 BB)
JG Jonald GarciaPhilippines	495,000(12 BB)
MM Masakazu MiyamotoJapan	360,000(9 BB)

Remaining Payouts

Place	Payout (USD)
1	$13,160
2	$8,225
3	$5,885
4	$4,525
5	$3,475
6	$2,685
7	$2,150
8	$1,790
9	$1,510

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/22/2025, 8:46:30 AM

Paul Coles Crashes in 10th Place - PHP 76,000 (~USD 1,305)

Level 25: 20,000 / 40,000 ante: 40,000

Paul Coles - 10th Place

Rene Mar David opened 100,000 on the cutoff, and called 120,000 more following an all-in from Paul Coles behind.

In for a flip, board 2♥ 6♦ 3♦ A♦ 2♣ felted none of Coles's overcards, knocking him out as the final table bubble.

Player	Hand	Chips
RM Rene Mar DavidPhilippines	5♥5♠ CO	1,120,000(28 BB)
PC Paul ColesUnited Kingdom	K♥J♦ SB	busted

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/22/2025, 8:43:56 AM

John Jay Magadan Succumbs in 11th Place - PHP 76,000 (~USD 1,305,000)

Level 25: 20,000 / 40,000 ante: 40,000

John Jay Magadan - 11th Place

Terry Gonzaga open shoved on the hijack and saw John Jay Magadan flick in his last 145,000.

Magadan at risk, exited the arena shortly after Gonzaga spiked a boat on board A♠ Q♣ 2♣ Q♥ 6♠ .

Player	Hand	Chips
TG Terry GonzagaPhilippines	A♦Q♦ HJ	1,400,000(35 BB)
JJ John Jay MagadanPhilippines	A♣K♣ SB	busted

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/22/2025, 8:38:30 AM

Rene Mar David Bounces Back

Level 25: 20,000 / 40,000 ante: 40,000

Rene Mar David

Paul Coles opened on the cutoff and called Rene Mar David's 430,000 all-in from the big blind.

Dominated, Coles booked the loss as board A♦ Q♦ T♣ 5♣ 7♠ turned up on the felt.

Player	Hand	Chips
RM Rene Mar DavidPhilippines	A♠K♣ BB	920,000(23 BB)
PC Paul ColesUnited Kingdom	A♣9♠ CO	250,000(6 BB)

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/22/2025, 8:35:18 AM

Hochung Song Knocked Out in 12th Place - PHP 68,000 (~USD 1,170)

Level 25: 20,000 / 40,000 ante: 40,000

Hochung Song - 12th Place

Renato Villanueva raised all-in on the small blind and saw Hochung Song call off for his 440,000 stack right behind.

Villanueva slightly behind, caught up immediately on board K♥ T♣ 5♠ 2♦ T♥ , locking in a full house to deliver the bust.

Player	Hand	Chips
RV Renato Villanueva JrPhilippines	K♠T♦ SB	1,610,000(40 BB)
HS Hochung SongSouth Korea	A♣J♠ BB	busted

Level 25: 20,000 / 40,000 ante: 40,000

30 minutes

Remaining Players: 12/283

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/22/2025, 8:23:49 AM

Chip Count Update

Level 25: 20,000 / 40,000 ante: 40,000

Player	Chips
MT Mike TakayamaPhilippines	1,660,000(42 BB)
RV Renato Villanueva JrPhilippines	1,130,000(28 BB)
TG Terry GonzagaPhilippines	1,080,000(27 BB)
HT Ho-Tai TsaiTaiwan	830,000(21 BB)
PC Paul ColesUnited Kingdom	660,000(17 BB)
CI Czar Ian MarcosPhilippines	625,000(16 BB)
EA Edgar AsehanPhilippines	525,000(13 BB)
JG Jonald GarciaPhilippines	495,000(12 BB)
MM Masakazu MiyamotoJapan	485,000(12 BB)
HS Hochung SongSouth Korea	480,000(12 BB)
RM Rene Mar DavidPhilippines	370,000(9 BB)
JJ John Jay MagadanPhilippines	165,000(4 BB)

Break

10 minutes

Remaining Players: 12/283

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/22/2025, 8:21:32 AM

Renato Villanueva Demands for the Rest

Level 24: 15,000 / 30,000 ante: 30,000

Renato Villanueva Jr

Renato Villanueva opened 60,000 utg and was met with a 190,000 three bet from Paul Coles on the cutoff. Villanueva answered with an all-in, leaving Coles to take a minute before throwing in the fold.

Player	Chips
RV Renato Villanueva JrPhilippines	1,130,000(38 BB)
PC Paul ColesUnited Kingdom	660,000(22 BB)

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/22/2025, 8:17:11 AM

Brenton Buttigieg Exits in 13th Place - PHP 68,000 (~USD 1,170)

Level 24: 15,000 / 30,000 ante: 30,000

Brenton Buttigieg - 13th Place

Mike Takayama opened 65,000 on the hijack and called 400,000 more following an all-in from Brenton Buttigieg right behind.

Takayama in search of an ace, found one on board 8♦ 6♠ 3♥ A♠ 7♥ , enough to send Buttigieg's ladies flying towards the muck.

Player	Hand	Chips
MT Mike TakayamaPhilippines	A♥9♦ HJ	1,630,000(54 BB)
BB Brenton ButtigiegAustralia	Q♥Q♠ CO	busted

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/22/2025, 8:14:01 AM

Rene Mar David Continues to Bleed More Chips

Level 24: 15,000 / 30,000 ante: 30,000

Rene Mar David

Ho Tai Tsai limped in on the button and saw both blinds come along on flop Q♥ K♥ 8♠ . All three checked round to turn A♣ , where Tsai bet 30,000. Rene Mar David check called, and arrived at showdown shortly after no bets went in on river K♣ .

David showed a busted flush draw J♥ 9♥ , leaving Tsai's pair of queens Q♠ 6♣ good for the pot.

Player	Chips
HT Ho-Tai TsaiTaiwan	820,000(27 BB)
RM Rene Mar DavidPhilippines	425,000(14 BB)

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/22/2025, 8:12:39 AM

Ho Tai Tsai Puts Up a Fight

Level 24: 15,000 / 30,000 ante: 30,000

Ho Tai Tsai

Ho Tai Tsai limp called a 75,000 raise utg against Rene Mar David, and went on to lead all-in for 430,000 on flop 3♦ 2♥ 9♥ . David threw in the fold, giving up the pot.

Player	Chips
RM Rene Mar DavidPhilippines	603,000(20 BB)
HT Ho-Tai TsaiTaiwan	580,000(19 BB)

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/22/2025, 8:11:22 AM

Paul Coles Shoves for the Win

Level 24: 15,000 / 30,000 ante: 30,000

Paul Coles

Paul Coles defended his big blind against Renato Villanueva's 65,000 button open, and faced another 55,000 bet on flop 8♠ 9♣ 7♥ . Coles responded with an all-in for 570,000, enough to get Villanueva to let it go.

Player	Chips
RV Renato Villanueva JrPhilippines	910,000(30 BB)
PC Paul ColesUnited Kingdom	800,000(27 BB)

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/22/2025, 8:09:18 AM

Hochung Song Escapes Elimination

Level 24: 15,000 / 30,000 ante: 30,000

Hochung Song

Hochung Song pushed for his last 245,000 on the hijack and saw Rene Mar David on the big blind, rise to the challenge.

Song at risk, outran his opponent on board 9♠ 2♥ Q♥ J♣ 9♠ , shipping a full double up his way.

Player	Hand	Chips
HS Hochung SongSouth Korea	Q♠T♥ HJ	535,000(18 BB)
RM Rene Mar DavidPhilippines	A♣K♦ BB	695,000(23 BB)

Level 24: 15,000 / 30,000 ante: 30,000

30 minutes

Remaining Players: 13/283

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/22/2025, 8:06:15 AM

Jeoffrey Sibal Crashes in 14th Place - PHP 60,000 (~USD 1,030)

Level 23: 10,000 / 25,000 ante: 25,000

Jeoffrey Sibal - 14th Place

Jeoffrey Sibal stuffed 140,000 on the big blind and was called by initial raiser Renato Villanueva.

Sibal behind, failed to catch up on board K♣ 3♥ 3♠ 3♦ 6♦ , sending him out the door.

Player	Hand	Chips
RV Renato Villanueva JrPhilippines	9♥9♣ CO	1,050,000(42 BB)
JS Jeoffrey SibalPhilippines	A♦7♣ BB	busted

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/22/2025, 8:04:34 AM

Easy Takedown for Renato Villanueva

Level 23: 10,000 / 25,000 ante: 25,000

Renato Villanueva Jr

Rene Mar David opened 55,000 on the cutoff and was met with a 175,000 three bet from Renato Villanueva a seat after. David gave it some thought but eventually opted out, shipping Villanueva the boost.

Player	Chips
RM Rene Mar DavidPhilippines	945,000(38 BB)
RV Renato Villanueva JrPhilippines	820,000(33 BB)

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/22/2025, 8:02:29 AM

Rene Mar David Flops the World

Level 23: 10,000 / 25,000 ante: 25,000

Rene Mar David

Rene Mar David opened 55,000 utg+1 and was joined by Jeoffrey Sibal on the small blind. Action on flop 8♦ 5♠ 8♠ was checked round to turn 2♥ , where Sibal led 75,000. David called behind, and went to bet a final 150,000 on river Q♦ . Sibal paid the price, only to muck as David showed a boat 5♦ 5♣ .

Player	Chips
RM Rene Mar DavidPhilippines	910,000(36 BB)
JS Jeoffrey SibalPhilippines	190,000(8 BB)

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/22/2025, 8:00:15 AM

Terry Gonzaga Cracks Kings to Survive

Level 23: 10,000 / 25,000 ante: 25,000

Terry Gonzaga

Terry Gonzaga raised all-in on the small blind for 460,000 and was snap called by Edgar Asehan right behind.

Crushed against the cowboys, Gonzaga was in luck to find two aces on board 9♠ A♣ A♦ 2♠ 9♠ , keeping him in the Kickoff games.

Player	Hand	Chips
TG Terry GonzagaPhilippines	A♠9♥ SB	945,000(38 BB)
EA Edgar AsehanPhilippines	K♠K♣ BB	520,000(21 BB)

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/22/2025, 7:58:03 AM

Rey Roca Bows Out in 15th Place - PHP 60,000 (~USD 1,030)

Level 23: 10,000 / 25,000 ante: 25,000

Rey Roca - 15th Place

Rey Roca flicked in his last 45,000 on the button, and was called by both players on the blinds - Edgar Asehan and Czar Ian Marcos. Board J♠ 7♦ 6♥ 3♥ 4♠ was checked to showdown, revealing Marcos' two pair for the win.

Player	Hand	Chips
CI Czar Ian MarcosPhilippines	J♠3♠ BB	825,000(33 BB)
EA Edgar AsehanPhilippines	T♥8♥ SB	1,030,000(41 BB)
RR Rey RocaPhilippines	K♠9♥ D	busted

Level 23: 10,000 / 25,000 ante: 25,000

30 minutes

Remaining Players: 15/283

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/22/2025, 7:53:36 AM

Christopher Richards Eliminated in 16th Place - PHP 52,000 (~USD 895)

Level 22: 10,000 / 20,000 ante: 20,000

Christopher Richards - 16th Place

Facing an open and a call, Christopher Richards squeezed all-in on the button for 190,000, and was tank called by Ho Tai Tsai.

Tsai ahead, secured the pot with top pair as board ran J♥ 7♦ 4♦ 2♠ 9♥ , busting Richards in the process.

Player	Hand	Chips
HT Ho-Tai TsaiTaiwan	A♦J♣ CO	810,000(41 BB)
CR Christopher RichardsUnited Kingdom	K♦T♥ D	busted

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/22/2025, 7:50:29 AM

Recent Eliminations - PHP 45,000

Level 22: 10,000 / 20,000 ante: 20,000

Place	Player	Prize (USD)
18	IT Ilia TimofeevRussia	$775
19	JM Joris MichlNetherlands	$775
20	LL Lloyd LocsinAustralia	$775

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/22/2025, 7:13:21 AM

Chip Count Update

Level 22: 10,000 / 20,000 ante: 20,000

Mike Takayama

Player	Chips
MT Mike TakayamaPhilippines	1,110,000(56 BB)
RV Renato Villanueva JrPhilippines	980,000(49 BB)
EA Edgar AsehanPhilippines	960,000(48 BB)
CI Czar Ian MarcosPhilippines	630,000(32 BB)
RM Rene Mar DavidPhilippines	620,000(31 BB)
BB Brenton ButtigiegAustralia	480,000(24 BB)
JS Jeoffrey SibalPhilippines	470,000(24 BB)
MM Masakazu MiyamotoJapan	445,000(22 BB)
HS Hochung SongSouth Korea	400,000(20 BB)
TG Terry GonzagaPhilippines	390,000(20 BB)
HT Ho-Tai TsaiTaiwan	350,000(18 BB)
JG Jonald GarciaPhilippines	335,000(17 BB)
PC Paul ColesUnited Kingdom	320,000(16 BB)
RR Rey RocaPhilippines	320,000(16 BB)
JJ John Jay MagadanPhilippines	315,000(16 BB)
CR Christopher RichardsUnited Kingdom	270,000(14 BB)

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/22/2025, 7:11:56 AM

Renato Villanueva Finishes Alvir Inocentes

Level 22: 10,000 / 20,000 ante: 20,000

Renato Villanueva Jr

Alvir Inocentes pushed all-in on the button for his last 155,000 and was challenged by Renato Villanueva on the big blind.

Dominated, Inocentes exited the arena shortly after board 4♠ T♠ T♥ 3♠ 6♦ rolled on the felt.

Player	Hand	Chips
RV Renato Villanueva JrPhilippines	Q♣J♠ BB	980,000(49 BB)
AI Alvir InocentesPhilippines	J♣9♠ D	busted

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/22/2025, 7:10:32 AM

Jeoffrey Sibal Ahead All the Way

Level 22: 10,000 / 20,000 ante: 20,000

Jeoffrey Sibal

Alvir Inocentes raised all-in on the small blind and saw Jeoffrey Sibal call off for his 230,000 stack.

In for a race, Sibal kept ahead all the way through board T♠ 4♥ 2♣ 7♣ 3♣ , earning him a full double up.

Player	Hand	Chips
JS Jeoffrey SibalPhilippines	A♦9♠ BB	480,000(24 BB)
AI Alvir InocentesPhilippines	K♣6♥ SB	155,000(8 BB)

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/22/2025, 7:09:00 AM

Alvir Inocentes Spared From Elimination

Level 22: 10,000 / 20,000 ante: 20,000

Alvir Inocentes

Alvir Inocentes pushed all-in utg for his last 185,000 and was looked up by Jonald Garcia on the button.

Inocentes in rough shape, dodged elimination just as board 4♣ 5♦ 7♠ 6♠ Q♣ ran him a straight to steal the win.

Player	Hand	Chips
AI Alvir InocentesPhilippines	3♦3♣ UTG	420,000(21 BB)
JG Jonald GarciaPhilippines	5♥5♠ D	335,000(17 BB)

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/22/2025, 7:08:19 AM

Rey Roca Cracks Aces

Level 22: 10,000 / 20,000 ante: 20,000

Rey Roca

Rey Roca flicked in his last 72,000 utg, called behind by player on the button. Terry Gonzaga on the big blind, reshoved and successfully isolated the short stack to showdown.

Roca drawing slim, turned the tables, having ran a backdoor flush on board 8♠ A♠ 5♣ K♣ Q♣ to survive through.

Player	Hand	Chips
RR Rey RocaPhilippines	J♣8♣ UTG	246,000(12 BB)
TG Terry GonzagaPhilippines	A♥A♣ BB	465,000(23 BB)

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/22/2025, 7:04:22 AM

Recent Eliminations - PHP 39,000

Level 22: 10,000 / 20,000 ante: 20,000

Place	Player	Prize (USD)
21	PC Peter Chung (4)Canada	$670
22	KG Kiril GelevCanada	$670
23	LS Liam SchreiterCanada	$670

Level 22: 10,000 / 20,000 ante: 20,000

30 minutes

Remaining Players: 18/283

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/22/2025, 6:57:00 AM

Joris Michl Runs Into Rockets

Level 21: 8,000 / 16,000 ante: 16,000

Joris Michl

Joris Michl pushed all-in utg for 211,000 and was happily called by Czar Ian Marcos behind.

Crushed against the rockets, no help for Michl arrived on board 7♣ J♠ 8♣ 9♠ Q♦ , ending his run entirely.

Player	Hand	Chips
CI Czar Ian MarcosPhilippines	A♦A♥ HJ	626,000(39 BB)
JM Joris MichlNetherlands	A♣J♣ UTG	busted

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/22/2025, 6:54:03 AM

Edgar Asehan Breaks 1 Million Mark

Level 21: 8,000 / 16,000 ante: 16,000

Edgar Asehan

Edgar Asehan open jammed on the button and saw Lloyd Locsin tank call off for his entire 365,000.

A crucial race, Asehan managed to outflop his opponent on board 9♣ J♥ K♠ 3♥ 7♣ , shipping the 47 big blind pot his way.

Player	Hand	Chips
EA Edgar AsehanPhilippines	K♣J♦ D	1,120,000(70 BB)
LL Lloyd LocsinAustralia	A♦Q♥ SB	busted

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/22/2025, 6:52:39 AM

Peter Chung Bows Out

Level 21: 8,000 / 16,000 ante: 16,000

Peter Chung

Peter Chung raised all-in on the small blind for his last 138,000 and was looked up by Czar Ian Marcos right behind.

Board Q♥ 8♠ 4♥ Q♦ 8♦ ran dry for both, leaving Marcos' ace-high good for the bust.

Player	Hand	Chips
CI Czar Ian MarcosPhilippines	A♥J♠ BB	360,000(23 BB)
PC Peter Chung (4)Canada	6♥3♥ SB	busted

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/22/2025, 6:50:43 AM

Ho Tai Tsai Knocks Kiril Gelev Out

Level 21: 8,000 / 16,000 ante: 16,000

Ho Tai Tsai

Ho Tai Tsai open shoved 186,000 on the hijack and saw Kiril Gelev call off for his lesser 119,000 stack on the button.

Gelev in trouble, headed out shortly after board 7♦ 2♠ 2♦ 4♣ 4♥ failed to save him from his demise.

Player	Hand	Chips
HT Ho-Tai TsaiTaiwan	Q♦Q♥ HJ	345,000(22 BB)
KG Kiril GelevCanada	A♣8♥ D	busted

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/22/2025, 6:49:17 AM

River Rolls for Renato Villanueva

Level 21: 8,000 / 16,000 ante: 16,000

Renato Villanueva Jr

Renato Villanueva opened on the hijack and called Liam Schreiter's all-in from the big blind for 205,000.

In for a flip, board J♠ 5♦ 2♣ 2♥ A♠ landed Villanueva's way, sending Schreiter to the rails.

Player	Hand	Chips
RV Renato Villanueva JrPhilippines	A♦Q♣ HJ	822,000(51 BB)
LS Liam SchreiterCanada	4♦4♣ BB	busted

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/22/2025, 6:47:26 AM

Mike Takayama Scores a Boost

Level 21: 8,000 / 16,000 ante: 16,000

Mike Takayama

Mike Takayama defended his big blind against Peter Chung's 35,000 open, and headed to flop 7♣ 8♣ T♦ . Action checked round to turn Q♣ , where Takayama led 60,000. Chung called, and paid another 160,000 on river J♦ , only to muck as Takayama revealed flush 4♣ 3♣ .

Player	Chips
MT Mike TakayamaPhilippines	962,000(60 BB)
PC Peter Chung (4)Canada	130,000(8 BB)

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/22/2025, 6:17:46 AM

Recent Eliminations - PHP 34,000

Level 21: 8,000 / 16,000 ante: 16,000

Place	Player	Prize (USD)
24	RF Roland FerrerPhilippines	$585
25	NB Nikolai Babushkin	$585
26	HV Hernan VillaPhilippines	$585
27	JA Jhun AballaPhilippines	$585

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/22/2025, 6:17:09 AM

Recent Eliminations - PHP 30,000

Level 21: 8,000 / 16,000 ante: 16,000

Place	Player	Prize (USD)
28	FF Feridoun FarboudUnited States of America	$515
29	JP Jean Paul BerdejoPeru	$515

Level 21: 8,000 / 16,000 ante: 16,000

30 minutes

Remaining Players: 23/283

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/22/2025, 6:13:02 AM

Chip Count Update

Level 21: 8,000 / 16,000 ante: 16,000

Terry Gonzaga

Player	Chips
TG Terry GonzagaPhilippines	623,000(39 BB)
EA Edgar AsehanPhilippines	621,000(39 BB)
MT Mike TakayamaPhilippines	620,000(39 BB)
RM Rene Mar DavidPhilippines	560,000(35 BB)
MM Masakazu MiyamotoJapan	488,000(31 BB)
JG Jonald GarciaPhilippines	471,000(29 BB)
RV Renato Villanueva JrPhilippines	454,000(28 BB)
PC Paul ColesUnited Kingdom	416,000(26 BB)
PC Peter Chung (4)Canada	368,000(23 BB)
BB Brenton ButtigiegAustralia	361,000(23 BB)
JJ John Jay MagadanPhilippines	357,000(22 BB)
HT Ho-Tai TsaiTaiwan	343,000(21 BB)
CI Czar Ian MarcosPhilippines	323,000(20 BB)
AI Alvir InocentesPhilippines	304,000(19 BB)
LL Lloyd LocsinAustralia	276,000(17 BB)
JM Joris MichlNetherlands	270,000(17 BB)
CR Christopher RichardsUnited Kingdom	268,000(17 BB)
JS Jeoffrey SibalPhilippines	245,000(15 BB)
LS Liam SchreiterCanada	242,000(15 BB)
RR Rey RocaPhilippines	212,000(13 BB)
HS Hochung SongSouth Korea	157,000(10 BB)
IT Ilia TimofeevRussia	152,000(10 BB)
KG Kiril GelevCanada	118,000(7 BB)

Break

10 minutes

Remaining Players: 23/283

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/22/2025, 6:04:20 AM

Roland Ferrer Heads Out the Door

Level 20: 6,000 / 12,000 ante: 12,000

Roland Ferrer

A four way raised pot led by Masakazu Miyamoto read a flop of 3♥ T♠ 2♦ . Miyamoto continued for 75,000 and was met with a check jam from Roland Ferrer for 111,000 total. Miyamoto made the call with top pair J♣ T♦ , ahead of Ferrer's A♠ 8♠. No help for Ferrer arrived on either turn 3♣ or river 4♣ , knocking him out of the running completely.

Player	Chips
MM Masakazu MiyamotoJapan	470,000(39 BB)
RF Roland FerrerPhilippines	busted

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/22/2025, 6:01:48 AM

John Jay Magadan Outflops Nikolai Babushkin

Level 20: 6,000 / 12,000 ante: 12,000

Nikolai Babushkin and John Jay Magadan

John Jay Magadan opened utg and used up two time banks before making the call against Nikolai Babushkin's 147,000 all-in from the big blind.

Babushkin at risk, crashed out shortly after board A♥ T♥ 3♣ Q♥ 6♦ ran ace-high, giving his opponent top pair to take the win.

Player	Hand	Chips
JJ John Jay MagadanPhilippines	A♠J♦ UTG	363,000(30 BB)
NB Nikolai Babushkin	J♠J♣ BB	busted

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/22/2025, 5:59:40 AM

Renato Villanueva Cracks 500K Mark

Level 20: 6,000 / 12,000 ante: 12,000

Renato Villanueva Jr

Fresh off a win, Renato Villanueva booked another after calling Jhun Aballa's 60,000 all-in preflop.

Slightly behind, Villanueva quickly caught up on board 4♠ 9♦ Q♦ 2♥ 5♦ , sending his opponent out of the running.

Player	Hand	Chips
RV Renato Villanueva JrPhilippines	K♠Q♣ SB	554,000(46 BB)
JA Jhun AballaPhilippines	A♠J♦ CO	busted

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/22/2025, 5:57:43 AM

Alvir Inocentes Wins Big with the Ladies

Level 20: 6,000 / 12,000 ante: 12,000

Alvir Inocentes

Alvir Inocentes opened utg and called off for his entire 141,000 after John Jay Magadan on the big blind, demanded for the rest.

A pocket pair battle, Magadan's nines were no match against Inocentes' ladies all the way through board 2♠ 2♦ 6♠ T♦ 5♥ .

Player	Hand	Chips
AI Alvir InocentesPhilippines	Q♠Q♣ UTG	298,000(25 BB)
JJ John Jay MagadanPhilippines	9♦9♣ BB	139,000(12 BB)

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/22/2025, 5:55:19 AM

Rene Mar David on the Rise

Level 20: 6,000 / 12,000 ante: 12,000

Rene Mar David

Rene Mar David has had a good start to his day, from a starting stack of 95,000, has since quadrupled up his count to over 40 big blinds. David's first double came by the hands of Czar Ian Marcos, and has carried on this momentum to now sit comfortably amongst the big stacks.

Player	Chips
RM Rene Mar DavidPhilippines	492,000(41 BB)

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/22/2025, 5:53:33 AM

Rey Roca Doubles Through Christopher Richards

Level 20: 6,000 / 12,000 ante: 12,000

Rey Roca

With two limps ahead, Christopher Richards squeezed to 62,000 and called for the rest following an all-in from Rey Roca for 116,000 total.

Roca ahead, was left with no worries, having spiked two pair on board Q♥ 5♠ J♥ 5♥ 4♦ to bag the win.

Player	Hand	Chips
RR Rey RocaPhilippines	A♦Q♠ CO	256,000(21 BB)
CR Christopher RichardsUnited Kingdom	A♠T♣ BB	240,000(20 BB)

Level 20: 6,000 / 12,000 ante: 12,000

30 minutes

Remaining Players: 28/283

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/22/2025, 5:51:05 AM

Roland Ferrer Pays Off Paul Coles

Level 19: 5,000 / 10,000 ante: 10,000

Roland Ferrer

A three way raised pot saw the aggressor continue for 25,000 on flop 4♥ A♠ 9♦ . Both Roland Ferrer and Paul Coles made the call, revealing turn Q♦ . Action checked to Ferrer, who bet 25,000. Only Coles stuck around to river 6♣ , where he led a final 50,000. Ferrer paid the price with top pair A♣ T♠ , no good against Coles's two pair A♦ 4♦ .

Player	Chips
PC Paul ColesUnited Kingdom	425,000(43 BB)
RF Roland FerrerPhilippines	188,000(19 BB)

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/22/2025, 5:31:27 AM

Joris Michl Secures Another Pot

Level 19: 5,000 / 10,000 ante: 10,000

Joris Michl

Joris Michl defended his big blind against Peter Chung's 20,000 utg open, and check called another 20,000 on flop Q♠ 2♣ 9♦ . No bets went in on either turn 3♦ or river 3♥ , revealing Mich's 8♦ 8♥ good for the pot.

Player	Chips
PC Peter Chung (4)Canada	317,000(32 BB)
JM Joris MichlNetherlands	256,000(26 BB)

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/22/2025, 5:22:57 AM

Jonald Garcia Bets to Win

Level 19: 5,000 / 10,000 ante: 10,000

Jonald Garcia

Jonald Garcia opened utg+1 and called a 63,000 three bet from Nikolai Babushkin behind. On flop 8♠ A♦ 4♣ , Garcia check called another 41,000, revealing turn 2♦ . Both checked it through to river 3♠ , where Garcia led 44,000. Babushkin used up two time banks and eventually laid it down.

Player	Chips
JG Jonald GarciaPhilippines	602,000(60 BB)
NB Nikolai Babushkin	185,000(19 BB)

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/22/2025, 5:22:14 AM

Recent Eliminations - PHP 26,500

Level 19: 5,000 / 10,000 ante: 10,000

Place	Player	Prize (USD)
32	GC Graham CowanAustralia	$455
33	SN Seungjun NaSouth Korea	$455
34	MM Michihiko MatsudaJapan	$455
35	JJ Junj JavaleraPhilippines	$455
36	JD Jess DalipePhilippines	$455
37	JW Jundy WalkerUnited States of America	$455
38	ED Emmanuel DerechoPhilippines	$455
39	DK Daito KameiJapan	$455
40	TJ Taehyun JangSouth Korea	$455
41	SE Soonghoon Eom	$455
42	JI Jester IntiaPhilippines	$455
43	MC Michael CalunsodPhilippines	$455

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/22/2025, 5:19:12 AM

Hooks Hold for Czar Ian Marcos

Level 19: 5,000 / 10,000 ante: 10,000

Czar Ian Marcos

Czar Ian Marcos limped on the small blind, and went on to jam 140,000 vs Akihiro Kawaguchi's raise right behind. Kawaguchi called off and was in for a flip for a 29 big blind pot.

Board Q♣ 2♠ J♣ T♥ 4♥ instantly favored Marcos' pocket pair, with his set of jacks more than enough to secure the win.

Player	Hand	Chips
CI Czar Ian MarcosPhilippines	J♥J♠ SB	290,000(29 BB)
AK Akihiro KawaguchiJapan	A♣Q♥ BB	17,000(2 BB)

Level 19: 5,000 / 10,000 ante: 10,000

30 minutes

Remaining Players: 30/283

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/22/2025, 5:15:33 AM

Rey Roca Scoops It All

Level 18: 4,000 / 8,000 ante: 8,000

Rey Roca

Anthony Castro flicked in his last 27,000 on the cutoff, followed by another all-in from Rey Roca for 90,000. Masakazu Miyamoto put in the final call on the big blind, making it a three way showdown.

Castro ahead, instead booked the loss as board 9♠ 5♥ 6♥ 9♥ 2♣ rolled trip nines for Roca.

Player	Hand	Chips
RR Rey RocaPhilippines	A♦9♦ SB	215,000(27 BB)
MM Masakazu MiyamotoJapan	J♠J♣ BB	305,000(38 BB)
AC Anthony CastroPhilippines	8♠4♠ CO	busted

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/22/2025, 5:12:00 AM

Paul Coles Spikes the Ace

Level 18: 4,000 / 8,000 ante: 8,000

Paul Coles

A blind vs blind battle saw Anthony Castro limp call Paul Coles's 111,000 all-in, putting the latter at risk.

Coles in search of an ace, immediately found one on board 6♠ A♠ Q♦ 3♥ 7♣ , keeping him in the Kickoff games.

Player	Hand	Chips
PC Paul ColesUnited Kingdom	A♦7♠ BB	230,000(29 BB)
AC Anthony CastroPhilippines	T♥T♠ SB	37,000(5 BB)

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/22/2025, 5:09:51 AM

Edgar Asehan Continues to Reign

Level 18: 4,000 / 8,000 ante: 8,000

Edgar Asehan

Edgar Asehan defended his big blind against Alvir Inocentes' hijack open, and check called another 17,000 on flop A♦ 7♣ 4♦ . Both turn 3♣ and river 7♠ collected no more bets, revealing Asehan's 8♥ 8♣ good for the pot.

Player	Chips
EA Edgar AsehanPhilippines	638,000(80 BB)
AI Alvir InocentesPhilippines	212,000(27 BB)

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/22/2025, 5:07:51 AM

Masakazu Miyamoto Calls Down Ho Tai Tsai

Level 18: 4,000 / 8,000 ante: 8,000

Masakazu Miyamoto

With a pot of 117,000 centered around board 6♦ 7♥ K♥ 8♠ 7♦ , Ho Tai Tsai made an attempt for it with a bet of 75,000. Masakazu Miyamoto on the big blind, found the call with two K♣ 8♦ , and shipped the pot as Tsai revealed busted flush draw A♥ 2♥ .

Player	Chips
MM Masakazu MiyamotoJapan	402,000(50 BB)
HT Ho-Tai TsaiTaiwan	172,000(22 BB)

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/22/2025, 5:05:52 AM

Lloyd Locsin Dodges Bust

Level 18: 4,000 / 8,000 ante: 8,000

Lloyd Locsin

Lloyd Locsin pushed his last 129,000 in on the button and was looked up by Alvir Inocentes on the small blind.

Locsin dominated, was in luck to find four hearts on board 2♥ 6♥ Q♥ 4♣ 9♥ , giving him the nut flush to take the win.

Player	Hand	Chips
LL Lloyd LocsinAustralia	A♥5♦ D	274,000(34 BB)
AI Alvir InocentesPhilippines	A♠J♠ SB	250,000(31 BB)

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/22/2025, 4:51:23 AM

Mike Takayama Gets a Payday

Level 18: 4,000 / 8,000 ante: 8,000

Mike Takayama

Hogyun Kang defended his big blind vs Mike Takayama's 20,000 button open, and went on to battle on board T♠ 3♥ A♥ 9♠ K♦ . Takayama triple barreled - 18,000, 37,000, 80,000, and saw Kang check call all the way to showdown, only to muck as Takayama revealed top pair A♠ J♠ .

Player	Chips
MT Mike TakayamaPhilippines	432,000(54 BB)
HK Hogyun KangSouth Korea	110,000(14 BB)

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/22/2025, 4:46:23 AM

Ilia Timofeev Cracks Aces, Busts Jess Dalipe

Level 18: 4,000 / 8,000 ante: 8,000

Ilia Timofeev

Ilia Timofeev defended his big blind against Jess Dalipe's 21,000 utg open, and check called 30,000 on flop 9♦ 3♣ K♠ . Turn 4♣ saw Dalipe barrel another 60,000, and call off for his remaining 150,000 after Timofeev moved all-in.

Ilia Timofeev K♦ 4♦

Jess Dalipe A♦ A♣

Timofeev with two pair, sent Dalipe's rockets flying towards the muck just as river 6♣ completed the board.

Player	Chips
IT Ilia TimofeevRussia	542,000(68 BB)
JD Jess DalipePhilippines	busted

Level 18: 4,000 / 8,000 ante: 8,000

30 minutes

Remaining Players: 36/283

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/22/2025, 4:42:43 AM

Top Pair Holds for Jonald Garcia

Level 17: 3,000 / 6,000 ante: 6,000

Jonald Garcia

A pot of 84,000 brewed preflop beteween Jonald Garcia on the button vs Lloyd Locsin on the big blind. On flop 7♠ 8♣ 5♦ , Locsin led all-in and was called by Garcia for his entire 194,000.

Lloyd Locsin A♠ Q♦

Jonald Garcia 9♥ 8♠

Garcia ahead, kept his advantage through turn K♣ and river 9♦ , scooping it all with two pair.

Player	Chips
JG Jonald GarciaPhilippines	372,000(62 BB)
LL Lloyd LocsinAustralia	140,000(23 BB)

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/22/2025, 4:40:21 AM

Easy Double for Jhun Aballa

Level 17: 3,000 / 6,000 ante: 6,000

Jhun Aballa

Facing an open and a call, Michihiko Matsuda on the big blind, sent out a 50,000 three bet, and called 46,000 more after initial raiser Jhun Aballa moved all-in.

Aballa in no sweat, shipped the win quickly on board A♦ 8♥ K♠ 9♣ 6♥ , leaving Matsuda down short.

Player	Hand	Chips
JA Jhun AballaPhilippines	J♠J♣ HJ	216,000(36 BB)
MM Michihiko MatsudaJapan	7♥7♣ BB	53,000(9 BB)

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/22/2025, 4:37:33 AM

Joris Michl Doubles Through Ilia Timofeev

Level 17: 3,000 / 6,000 ante: 6,000

Joris Michl

Joris Michl opened utg+1 and went on to four bet jam his entire 102,000 against Ilia Timofeev's raise behind. Timofeeve made the call, and found himself in rough shape for a chunk of his stack.

Michl a huge favorite, easily secured the double up right on board 6♠ 4♣ 2♠ 7♣ K♠ .

Player	Hand	Chips
JM Joris MichlNetherlands	Q♥Q♣ UTG+1	219,000(37 BB)
IT Ilia TimofeevRussia	8♦8♣ CO	234,000(39 BB)

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/22/2025, 4:31:05 AM

Ho Tai Tsai Wins Preflop War

Level 17: 3,000 / 6,000 ante: 6,000

Ho Tai Tsai

Ho Tai Tsai opened 14,000 utg, called by Paul Coles on the button. Masakazu Miyamoto on the big blind, raised to 65,000 and was met back with an all-in from Tsai. Both opponents opted out, shipping Tsai the dead money in the middle.

Player	Chips
HT Ho-Tai TsaiTaiwan	305,000(51 BB)
MM Masakazu MiyamotoJapan	149,000(25 BB)
PC Paul ColesUnited Kingdom	123,000(21 BB)

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/22/2025, 4:25:41 AM

Hernan Villa Picks Up a Stack

Level 17: 3,000 / 6,000 ante: 6,000

Hernan Villa

Daito Kamei pushed all-in utg for 69,000 and was called by Hernan Villa behind.

Kamei dominated, found no luck on board 2♣ K♠ 5♦ A♥ J♥ , knocking him out entirely.

Player	Hand	Chips
HV Hernan VillaPhilippines	Q♦J♦ CO	187,000(31 BB)
DK Daito KameiJapan	J♣T♥ UTG	busted

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/22/2025, 4:25:34 AM

Jester Intia Exits Early

Level 17: 3,000 / 6,000 ante: 6,000

Jester Intia

Jester Intia opened on the button and called a 28,000 three bet from Brenton Buttigieg on the small blind. On board 2♦ J♣ J♠ T♠ A♦ , Buttigieg triple barreled - 22,000, 75,000 and a final all-in, with Intia calling him all the way down with two pair T♣ 2♣ . Buttigieg spiked the river and showed a better A♠ K♠ for the win.

Player	Chips
BB Brenton ButtigiegAustralia	538,000(90 BB)
JI Jester IntiaPhilippines	busted

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/22/2025, 4:15:32 AM

Kiril Gelev Locks In an Early Boost

Level 17: 3,000 / 6,000 ante: 6,000

Kiril Gelev

Kiril Gelev opened 18,000 utg, called behind by Rey Roca and Jundy Walker on the big blind. On flop 2♣ 8♦ 2♦ , Gelev bet all-in for 95,000 and met no takers.

Player	Chips
KG Kiril GelevCanada	158,000(26 BB)
JW Jundy WalkerUnited States of America	108,000(18 BB)
RR Rey RocaUnited States of America	83,000(14 BB)

Level 17: 3,000 / 6,000 ante: 6,000

30 minutes

Remaining Players: 43/283

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/22/2025, 4:09:39 AM

Cards in the Air!

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

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/21/2025, 5:55:07 PM

Kickoff Final Day is Here, Only 43 Remain

The excitement continues at Okada, Manila, with PokerStars LIVE's Manila Megastack 21, headlining the local action. Currently on spotlight is the festival's opening highlight, Kickoff, which drew in a total of 283 entries across three flights, building up the prize pool to an eye-catching PHP 3,985,885 (~USD 68,195). Each heat played down to the top 15% of the field (ITM), leaving only 43 players standing after the intense action.

All players returning today are already guaranteed a minimum payout of PHP 26,500 (~USD 455), and stands one step closer to clinching the PHP 765,000 (~USD 13,110) top prize. In addition to the six-figure payout, the winner will also take home a 2025 APPT Manila Main Event Package, valued at PHP 125,000 (~USD 2,140), along with the prestigious PokerStars spade trophy to commemorate their triumph.

Leading the charge is USA's Christopher Richards, who came out on top of the final heat to bring in an impressive 494,000 chip count onto today's battle. Local runner Roland Ferrer trails closely behind with a 431,000 stack, followed by Flight A chip leader Peter Chung with 395,000, to round up the top three spots.

Action resumes right at 12 noon, with a champion deemed to be crowned by night's end. Stay tuned for updates as SMP brings you all the latest directly off the floor!

Kickoff

Date/s: January 20-22, 2025

Buy-in: PHP 16,500 (~USD 285)

Guarantee: PHP 3,000,000 (~USD 51,290)

Entries: 283

Prize pool: PHP 3,985,885 (~USD 68,195)

ITM: 43 places

Flight A: 66 entries, 10 qualified

Flight B: 128 entries, 20 qualified

Flight C: 89 entries, 13 qualified

Day 2/ Final: Wednesday, January 22