Philippines, Okada ManilaEVENT #29

2025.12.02Add to Calendar

PokerStars Live

Blind level

Level 34: 150,000 / 300,000 ante: 300,000

Entries

1/201

Total Chips

8,040,000

Average

8,040,000

Callum JuryCallum Jury

12/2/2025, 6:03:58 PM

One Big Blind to One Winner: Fendy Kosasih Takes Down the Double Stack

Level 34: 150,000 / 300,000 ante: 300,000

Fendy Kosasih

Indonesia’s Fendy Kosasih has captured the Double Stack title at Manila Megastack 23, rising above a 201-entry field to land the top prize of PHP 530,104 (~USD 9,060) and the coveted Spadie here at PokerStars LIVE Manila. The PHP 15,000 (~USD 340) buy-in event once again surpassed expectations, comfortably clearing its PHP 1,000,000 guarantee as the turnout built a prize pool of PHP 2,573,604 (~US$ 43,980).

Players began with a deep two-stack format, two separate 20,000-chip stacks, paired with 20-minute levels that kept the pace brisk throughout the day. Coming off last night’s strong Deepstack showing, the Double Stack continued the festival’s momentum, bringing another packed room to the luxurious Okada Manila.

For Kosasih, the win continues what has become a breakout run in 2025. All of his major live results have come in recent months, almost exclusively through APPT Manila events, including two High Roller victories: the APPT High Roller and the APPT High Roller Warm-Up. With more than $100,000 in recorded earnings and a career-best cash of $70,933, Kosasih has rapidly climbed to 12th on Indonesia’s all-time money list, cementing his status as one of the country’s rising contenders.

It took 12 hours of intense poker, but just 15 minutes to go from three-handed play to the champion. After Michael Rafn bowed out in third, boasting a very strong run, Kosasih ultimately outmaneuvered Yuhei Ando with a well-timed turn raise and river call to clinch the title.

Winner's Thoughts

After the win, Kosasih briefly reflected on his day at the tables. “[I've been] so lucky today, been in the same situation like four times,” he said, crediting a bit of luck for carrying him through key moments.

Final Table Result

Place	Player	Prize (USD)
1	FK Fendy KosasihIndonesia	$9,060
2	YA Yuhei AndoJapan	$5,640
3	MR Mikael RafnUnited States of America	$4,065
4	ZL Zhiqiang LiuChina	$3,125
5	RE Royly Emir OracionPhilippines	$2,410
6	AL Aaron Lam WeimingSingapore	$1,880
7	EG Eduard GalanzovskiyFinland	$1,570
8	AC Aj Cris AcdalPhilippines	$1,300
9	AO Alessandro OppiciniItaly	$1,135

A Day of Double-Stacked Action

Early in the day, Anthony Gabitan found a double-up in a three-way clash, surviving with ace-ten against pocket jacks and ace-king to triple up, while one of his opponents also chipped up significantly. Not all contenders were so lucky, however, last night’s Deepstack runner-up Lenart Ecarma was sent home when his pocket sixes ran into En Ching Wu’s queens. Local favorite Rene Mar “Revo” David joined the field, looking to add to his impressive collection of eight 'Spadie' titles in just two years.

A massive four-way confrontation at Table 26 saw Takumi Hashimoto, Jin Yang Lim, and Earl Mendoza all eliminated, leaving Buyu Sakurai to scoop the entire pot. Sakurai had started with the weakest hand but spiked top pair on the flop and improved to two pair on the turn, cementing a huge boost to his stack and enabling him to ultimately reach 22nd place for a respectable cash.

Once registration closed, there were 117 hopefuls still in seats vying for a shot at the prize pool. It took three hours to get down to 32 players, and the unfortunate bubble boy was Ryan Platon. He ran ace-queen into Zhiqiang Liu’s ace-king, pairing nothing on the flop and seeing a king on the turn end his run, with the river doing little to change the outcome.

Ryan Platon bubbles the Double Stack

Kosasih spent the day steadily building his stack, and although he found himself in a tricky spot against Dorjnyam Byambadorj, who spiked a queen on the turn with his queen-seven, beating out Kosasih's king-high. The result let Byambadorj stay in the game but Kosasih didn't look back.

Kosasih chipped up when he shoved a short-stack pot against Alessandro Oppicini. Oppicini held pocket jacks, but Kosasih paired his ace and improved to two pair on the runout, scooping the pot and steadily continued this momentum towards the final table.

Younghoon Ban bubbles the Final Table

The final table bubble came when Younghoon Ban ran ace-queen into Rafn’s pocket queens. Ban picked up a gutshot on the flop for some hope, but the turn and river never improved his hand, sending him out in 10th place and officially setting the final table.

The Final Nine

Final Table Action

Oppicini was the first casualty of the final table, moving all in with nines and running into Royly Emir Oracion’s jacks. The board held, sending Oppicini out in ninth, much to the despair of a tablemate who had folded pocket eights only to see an eight on the flop.

Eighth place went to Aj Cris Acdal, whose ace-eight fell to Ando’s pocket aces. Despite some hope on the flop, the runout offered no help, and Acdal was eliminated.

Oracion then found himself in trouble against Kosasih, who shoved with ace-deuce. Kosasih paired his ace on the flop and improved on the runout, doubling through Oracion and leaving him with a dented stack.

Seventh place was Eduard Galanzovskiy, who called Ando’s shove with just three big blinds. Ando’s pocket eights held through a safe runout, sending Galanzovskiy to the rail.

Sixth place fell to Aaron Lam Weiming, who called Ando’s all-in with ace-seven. He flopped trips, but Ando caught a full house on the turn, ending Weiming’s run and leaving five players to battle for the title.

Eduard Galanzovskiy

At one point, Kosasih was down to just a single big blind and moved all in against Oracion. Oracion paired his ten on the flop with top pair, but Kosasih’s queen-seven held on the turn and river, hitting a miracle queen to double up and keep his tournament hopes alive.

Fifth to third place happened in a flash, echoing the events of the Deepstack last night. After Kosasih raised, Liu three-bet shoved from the button, only to be called by both Oracion and Ando. Kosasih stepped aside, and Ando’s pocket kings held through a dry runout, sending Liu and Oracion out in a double elimination and giving Ando a massive boost.

Shortly after, Rafn moved all in from the button, and Kosasih called with queens. Rafn’s king-deuce never connected as Kosasih’s queens held through the board, sending Rafn out in third place and setting up the heads-up clash.

Yuhei Ando (L) Fendy Kosasih (R)

Heads-Up Action

Kosasih began to chip back against Ando’s substantial 3:1 lead, taking control of the heads-up battle. Ando opened and fired again on the flop, which Kosasih check-called. After a quiet turn, Kosasih led out on the river, forcing Ando to fold and seizing the chip lead.

On the very next hand, the championship was crowned. Both players took it slow through the flop, but Kosasih raised the turn and Ando eventually moved all in on the river. Kosasih snap-called and hit the nut straight, leaving Ando drawing dead and securing the Double Stack title.

Kosasih and PokerStars Senior Manager Lorie Ann Torre Lagrosas

Derick ElominaDerick Elomina

12/2/2025, 4:25:24 PM

Fendy Kosasih Wins Double Stack Event

Level 34: 150,000 / 300,000 ante: 300,000

Fendy Kosasih

Fendy Kosasih claimed the Double Stack title, adding another spadie to his collection and taking home the first-place prize of PHP 530,104 (~US$ 9,060). He also secured a Manila Megastack 23 Main Event seat worth PHP 45,000. Congratulations to all the winners!

Stay tuned for the full recap of the event.

Place	Player	Prize (USD)
1	FK Fendy KosasihIndonesia	$9,060

Derick ElominaDerick Elomina

12/2/2025, 4:19:52 PM

Yuhei Ando Eliminated in 2nd Place for PHP 330,000 (~USD 5,640)

Level 34: 150,000 / 300,000 ante: 300,000

Yuhei Ando

On the very next hand, the champion was decided.

Fendy Kosasih limped in, and Yuhei Ando checked to see the flop. Both players checked through the flop 7♥ 5♣ 3♠ taking it slow. On the turn 6♣ , Ando led out for 300,000, and Kosasih raised to 1,000,000. Ando used all his time banks before moving all in for 2,500,000, only for Kosasih to snap call and proudly reveal his hand.

Yuhei Ando: 3♦ 2♥

Fendy Kosasih: 9♥ 8♣

Kosasih hit the nut straight, leaving Ando drawing dead and securing the Double Stack Event. Ando finished in 2nd place.

Player	Chips
FK Fendy KosasihIndonesia	8,000,000(27 BB)
YA Yuhei AndoJapan	busted

Place	Player	Prize (USD)
2	YA Yuhei AndoJapan	$5,640

Derick ElominaDerick Elomina

12/2/2025, 4:15:14 PM

Kosasih Takes The Lead In Heads-Up

Level 34: 150,000 / 300,000 ante: 300,000

Fendy Kosasih

Fendy Kosasih is starting to gain momentum and chip back against Yuhei Ando’s massive lead.

Ando opened to 600,000 and Kosasih defended. Ando fired a 450,000 c-bet on the flop K♦ 6♦ T♠ , which Kosasih check-called.

Both players checked the turn 4♥ , and on the river 6♣ , Kosasih led out for 1,000,000, forcing Ando to fold. Kosasih now holds the chip lead in the heads-up battle.

Player	Chips
FK Fendy KosasihIndonesia	4,900,000(16 BB)
YA Yuhei AndoJapan	3,100,000(10 BB)

Level 34: 150,000 / 300,000 ante: 300,000

20 minutes

Remaining Players: 2/201

Derick ElominaDerick Elomina

12/2/2025, 3:58:16 PM

Heads-Up Showdown Begins

Level 33: 100,000 / 250,000 ante: 250,000

The tournament is now down to two players in the Double Stack event. Yuhei Ando holds a massive chip lead, but with the blinds already high, just a few key hands could turn the game around.

Player	Chips
YA Yuhei AndoJapan	6,125,000(25 BB)
FK Fendy KosasihIndonesia	1,925,000(8 BB)

Derick ElominaDerick Elomina

12/2/2025, 3:55:04 PM

Mikael Rafn Eliminated in 3rd Place for PHP 238,000 (~USD 4,065)

Level 33: 100,000 / 250,000 ante: 250,000

Mikael Rafn

On the button, Mikael Rafn shoved for 750,000, and big blind Fendy Kosasih, with a covering stack, called.

Mikael Rafn: K♥ 2♣

Fendy Kosasih: Q♠ Q♥

Kosasih’s queens held firm as the board 7♦ 3♦ 4♠ A♠ A♦ ran clean, sending Rafn out in 3rd place.

Player	Chips
FK Fendy KosasihIndonesia	19,250,000(77 BB)
MR Mikael RafnUnited States of America	busted

Level 33: 100,000 / 250,000 ante: 250,000

20 minutes

Remaining Players: 3/201

Callum JuryCallum Jury

12/2/2025, 3:46:31 PM

Zhiqiang Liu Eliminated in 4th Place for PHP 183,000 (~USD 3,125); Royly Emir Oracion Eliminated in 5th Place for PHP 141,000 (~USD 2,410)

Level 32: 100,000 / 200,000 ante: 200,000

Zhiqiang Liu

After Fendy Kosasih raised to 500,000 from under the gun, button Zhiqiang Liu three-bet shoved and was called by both small blind Royly Emir Oracion and big blind Yuhei Ando. Kosasih got out of the way:

Royly Emir Oracion: Q♦ Q♠

Zhiqiang Liu: A♥ Q♣

Yuhei Ando: K♦ K♠

Covering stack Ando’s cowboys stayed sharp on the dry T♥ 2♦ 6♣ 4♠ 4♣ runout, securing a double elimination and giving his stack a huge boost. Play is now three-handed.

Royly Emir Oracion

Player	Chips
YA Yuhei AndoJapan	4,500,000(23 BB)
FK Fendy KosasihIndonesia	2,500,000(13 BB)
ZL Zhiqiang LiuChina	busted
RE Royly Emir OracionPhilippines	busted

Place	Player	Prize (USD)
4	ZL Zhiqiang LiuChina	$3,125
5	RE Royly Emir OracionPhilippines	$2,410

Derick ElominaDerick Elomina

12/2/2025, 3:41:03 PM

Kosasih Dominates Liu

Level 32: 100,000 / 200,000 ante: 200,000

Zhiqiang Liu opened to 500,000, and small blind Fendy Kosasih jammed for 1,400,000. Liu used his entire time bank before eventually deciding to call.

Fendy Kosasih: A♣ K♦

Zhiqiang Liu: A♥ 7♦

Kosasih flopped K♣ Q♣ 6♣ top pair, putting Liu nearly drawing dead. The turn 9♣ sealed the hand as Kosasih completed the nut flush, claiming a massive pot and leaving Liu behind.

Player	Chips	Progress
FK Fendy KosasihIndonesia	3,200,000(16 BB)	1,800,000
ZL Zhiqiang LiuChina	1,700,000(9 BB)	-1,400,000

Callum JuryCallum Jury

12/2/2025, 3:36:23 PM

Ando Can't Join the Club

Level 32: 100,000 / 200,000 ante: 200,000

Under the gun Fendy Kosasih moved all in for 750,000 and was called by big blind Yuhei Ando.

Fendy Kosasih: A♠ J♣

Yuhei Ando: K♣ 9♣

Fendy's ace-high held on the non-clubworthy board of 4♠ 8♥ 2♦ Q♥ 8♦, securing a double with ace-high.

Player	Chips
YA Yuhei AndoJapan	2,200,000(11 BB)
FK Fendy KosasihIndonesia	1,500,000(8 BB)

Derick ElominaDerick Elomina

12/2/2025, 3:31:33 PM

Aaron Lam Weiming Eliminated in 6th Place for PHP 110,000 (~USD 1,880)

Level 32: 100,000 / 200,000 ante: 200,000

Aaron Lam Weiming

Yuhei Ando continued his aggression, announcing all in from the hijack, and small blind Aaron Lam Weiming, left with just 200,000, called all in.

Aaron Lam Weiming: A♦ 7♦

Yuhei Ando: Q♥ Q♣

The flop A♠ A♣ 2♣ looked promising for Weiming as he hit trips, leaving Ando with just two outs. The turn Q♠ brought one of those outs, giving Ando a full house. The river 3♣ didn’t help Weiming, and he was eliminated in 6th place.

Player	Chips
YA Yuhei AndoJapan	3,700,000(19 BB)
AL Aaron Lam WeimingSingapore	busted

Place	Player	Prize (USD)
6	AL Aaron Lam WeimingSingapore	$1,880

Level 32: 100,000 / 200,000 ante: 200,000

20 minutes

Remaining Players: 6/201

Break

15 minutes

Remaining Players: 6/201

Callum JuryCallum Jury

12/2/2025, 3:11:04 PM

Oracion Turns a Ten

Level 31: 80,000 / 160,000 ante: 160,000

Royly Emir Oracion

Small blind Royly Emir Oracion moved all in for 810,000 and was called by table chip leader Yuhei Ando.

Royly Emir Oracion: J♣ T♣

Yuhei Ando: A♥ 5♠

Ando’s ace held on the 8♠ 7♥ 2♠ flop, but still gave Oracion plenty of outs to work with. The T♠ turn brought one, and the 2♣ river secured his double.

Player	Chips
YA Yuhei AndoJapan	2,000,000(13 BB)
RE Royly Emir OracionPhilippines	1,620,000(10 BB)

Derick ElominaDerick Elomina

12/2/2025, 3:07:28 PM

Ando Forces Rafn To Fold

Level 31: 80,000 / 160,000 ante: 160,000

Yuhei Ando

Yuhei Ando opened to 320,000, and Mikael Rafn quickly defended his small blind. On the flop K♣ J♥ 5♥ , Ando fired a 275,000 c-bet, which Rafn check-called.

On the turn 3♠ , Rafn checked again but folded immediately after Ando announced a 475,000 bet, giving Ando the pot without a showdown.

Player	Chips
YA Yuhei AndoJapan	2,800,000(18 BB)
MR Mikael RafnUnited States of America	1,180,000(7 BB)

Callum JuryCallum Jury

12/2/2025, 2:55:31 PM

Trip Tens for a Triple

Level 31: 80,000 / 160,000 ante: 160,000

Zhiqiang Liu

Button Aaron Lam Weiming moved all in for 950,000 and was called by small blind Zhiqiang Liu.

Weiming showed his ace first, confirming Liu also held one, before proudly revealing the full hand:

Zhiqiang Liu: A♣ T♥

Aaron Lam Weiming: A♠ Q♦

Liu found the flop he needed to stay alive as 5♠ 4♣ T♠ rolled off. The K♦ turn gave Weiming more outs, but the T♣ river only strengthened Liu further for a full double, leaving Weiming with around two big blinds to work with.

Player	Chips
AL Aaron Lam WeimingSingapore	1,350,000(8 BB)
ZL Zhiqiang LiuChina	300,000(2 BB)

Level 31: 80,000 / 160,000 ante: 160,000

20 minutes

Remaining Players: 6/201

Derick ElominaDerick Elomina

12/2/2025, 2:46:36 PM

Kosasih Triples Up

Level 30: 60,000 / 120,000 ante: 120,000

Fendy Kosasih

Yuhei Ando opened to 250,000, and on his left Fendy Kosasih snap-called all in for the same amount. Big blind Zhiqiang Liu then announced all in for 1,260,000. Ando tanked before laying his hand down.

Fendy Kosasih: Q♦ Q♠

Zhiqiang Liu: A♦ J♠

Kosasih flopped Q♥ 3♦ 3♣ a full house, securing a massive advantage. The turn 9♥ sealed the deal, and the river 4♠ was just a formality, giving Kosasih a huge triple up.

Player	Chips
YA Yuhei AndoJapan	1,800,000(15 BB)
ZL Zhiqiang LiuChina	1,010,000(8 BB)
FK Fendy KosasihIndonesia	930,000(8 BB)

Level 30: 60,000 / 120,000 ante: 120,000

20 minutes

Remaining Players: 6/201

Callum JuryCallum Jury

12/2/2025, 2:31:55 PM

Rafn Triples with a Boat

Level 29: 50,000 / 100,000 ante: 100,000

Mikael Rafn

Mikael Rafn opened to 250,000 from middle position and was called by cutoff Zhiqiang Liu. Big blind Fendy Kosasih then three-bet shoved, and both Rafn and Liu made the call, with Rafn at risk:

Mikael Rafn: J♠ J♣

Fendy Kosasih: A♥ K♦

Zhiqiang Liu: 9♥ 9♣

"It's alright, I'll pop a jack," Rafn said after seeing Kosasih's overcards.

And pop a jack he did. The J♥ 7♠ Q♣ flop gave Rafn middle set, but his worst nightmare materialised when Kosasih’s straight draw connected on the T♥ turn, rocketing him ahead. Rafn could only hope for a full house or quads on the river to keep him in the game.

The dealer flicked over the 7♦, giving him the boat he needed and securing a triple through both opponents.

Player	Chips
MR Mikael RafnUnited States of America	1,390,000(14 BB)
ZL Zhiqiang LiuChina	700,000(7 BB)
FK Fendy KosasihIndonesia	700,000(7 BB)

Level 29: 50,000 / 100,000 ante: 100,000

20 minutes

Remaining Players: 6/201

Derick ElominaDerick Elomina

12/2/2025, 2:25:31 PM

Eduard Galanzovskiy Eliminated in 7th Place for PHP 92,000 (~USD 1,570)

Level 28: 40,000 / 80,000 ante: 80,000

Eduard Galanzovskiy

Folded to the button, Yuhei Ando shoved to apply pressure. In the big blind, Eduard Galanzovskiy had just 300,000, about three big blinds, and decided to call for his tournament life.

Eduard Galanzovskiy: 5♦ 3♣

Yuhei Ando: 8♣ 8♦

It was a smooth runout T♦ 6♦ A♣ K♣ T♠ for Ando as his eights held strong, sending Galanzovskiy out in 7th place. After the hand, Galanzovskiy explained that with his stack size, there was simply no way he could fold and be left with just one big blind.

Player	Chips
YA Yuhei AndoJapan	1,550,000(19 BB)
EG Eduard GalanzovskiyFinland	busted

Place	Player	Prize (USD)
7	EG Eduard GalanzovskiyFinland	$1,570

Callum JuryCallum Jury

12/2/2025, 2:15:49 PM

Fendy Doubles Through Oracion

Level 28: 40,000 / 80,000 ante: 80,000

Fendy Kosasih

Button Royly Emir Oracion raised to 200,000, then called Fendy Kosasih's three-bet shove for 550,000:

Fendy Kosasih: A♦ 2♥

Royly Emir Oracion: K♠ T♣

Kosasih paired his ace on the 5♠ A♥ 7♣ flop, denting Oracion’s stack, and the 3♠ J♥ runout secured the double for Kosasih.

Player	Chips
RE Royly Emir OracionPhilippines	1,400,000(18 BB)
FK Fendy KosasihIndonesia	1,100,000(14 BB)

Level 28: 40,000 / 80,000 ante: 80,000

20 minutes

Remaining Players: 7/201

Derick ElominaDerick Elomina

12/2/2025, 1:57:59 PM

Aj Cris Acdal Eliminated in 8th Place for PHP 76,000 (~USD 1,300)

Level 27: 30,000 / 60,000 ante: 60,000

Aj Cris Acdal

Down to his last 305,000, Aj Cris Acdal moved all in and Yuhei Ando made the call to put him at risk.

Aj Cris Acdal: A♥ 8♠

Yuhei Ando: A♣ A♦

The table reacted as Ando revealed the monster. The board Q♠ J♣ 3♥ A♠ 7♠ ran clean, offering no help to Acdal, and he was eliminated in 8th place.

Player	Chips
YA Yuhei AndoJapan	930,000(16 BB)
AC Aj Cris AcdalPhilippines	busted

Place	Player	Prize (USD)
8	AC Aj Cris AcdalPhilippines	$1,300

Callum JuryCallum Jury

12/2/2025, 1:52:08 PM

Alessandro Oppicini Eliminated in 9th Place for PHP 66,500 (~USD 1,135)

Level 27: 30,000 / 60,000 ante: 60,000

Alessandro Oppicini

Alessandro Oppicini moved all in from the cutoff for 500,000, and button Royly Emir Oracion called with the covering stack:

Alessandro Oppicini: T♥ T♠

Royly Emir Oracion: J♥ J♣

The board ran clean for Oracion's jacks with 8♦ A♦ A♣ 5♠ 9♠, sending Oppicini out in ninth. A tablemate admitted to folding pocket eights, much to their distress.

Player	Chips
RE Royly Emir OracionPhilippines	1,300,000(22 BB)
AO Alessandro OppiciniItaly	busted

Place	Player	Prize (USD)
9	AO Alessandro OppiciniItaly	$1,135

Derick ElominaDerick Elomina

12/2/2025, 1:44:05 PM

Fours Stand Their Ground

Level 27: 30,000 / 60,000 ante: 60,000

UTG +1 Royly Emir Oracion open shoved for 395,000, and countryman Aj Cris Acdal called from the big blind.

Royly Emir Oracion: 4♥ 4♣

Aj Cris Acdal: A♠ T♥

It was a classic flip for Oracion’s tournament life, and his pocket fours stayed steady on a clean runout 8♥ 6♥ 7♠ 5♠ 2♥ to secure the double up.

Player	Chips
RE Royly Emir OracionPhilippines	880,000(15 BB)
AC Aj Cris AcdalPhilippines	335,000(6 BB)

Level 27: 30,000 / 60,000 ante: 60,000

20 minutes

Remaining Players: 9/201

Derick ElominaDerick Elomina

12/2/2025, 1:24:57 PM

Queens Close The Door

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

Younghoon Ban

UTG Mikael Rafn opened to 100,000 and immediately snap called when Younghoon Ban 3-bet shoved for around 420,000 from the big blind.

Younghoon Ban: A♦ Q♠

Mikael Rafn: Q♣ Q♦

Ban was down to three clean outs but picked up a gutshot on the flop K♥ J♦ 3♠ to add some hope. The turn 8♣ and river 2♣ never arrived for him, though, and Rafn’s queens held firm to score the knockout. Ban exited in 10th place, and the final table was officially set.

Player	Chips
MR Mikael RafnUnited States of America	1,140,000(23 BB)
YB Younghoon BanSouth Korea	busted

Place	Player	Prize (USD)
10	YB Younghoon BanSouth Korea	$990

Callum JuryCallum Jury

12/2/2025, 1:18:46 PM

Final Table Bubble!

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

The final table bubble is currently playing out in the Deepstack event; a short while ago, a lucky chop saved Cris Acdal in an earlier hand when both players held ace-three, and Alessandro Oppicini shoved on a 9♦ 8♦ 4♥ flop with 5♥ 4♦, revealing his hand after both opponents folded. The tension is building toward what will certainly be a dramatic burst, sending the field to the final table.

Callum JuryCallum Jury

12/2/2025, 1:09:44 PM

Oppicini Doubles Fendy

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

Alessandro Oppicini and Fendy Kosasih

Action was joined in a pot with 240,000 in it, and a flop reading A♠ 8♥ 2♦. Small blind and short stack Fendy Kosasih shoved, and button Alessandro Oppicini counted out the call.

The dealer instructed them to show, and Oppicini tabled J♥ J♣, while Kosasih had the ace up his sleeve (not literally) with A♦ 5♦, improving to two pair on the 5♥ 4♦ runout.

Player	Chips
FK Fendy KosasihIndonesia	410,000(8 BB)
AO Alessandro OppiciniItaly	395,000(8 BB)

Derick ElominaDerick Elomina

12/2/2025, 1:08:48 PM

Recent Elimination 11-19

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

Place	Player	Prize (USD)
11	KT Kazuha TsurutaJapan	$990
12	DB Dorjnyam ByambadorjMongolia	$860
13	TA Takumi AsaharaJapan	$860
14	JM Joseph MagnottiUnited States of America	$740
15	DE David ErquiagaPhilippines	$740
16	RR Rahul RohiraIndia	$650
17	KT Karen TalamayanPhilippines	$650
18	SM Siddharth MishraIndia	$565
19	PS Pradeep SinghIndia	$565

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

20 minutes

Remaining Players: 10/201

Derick ElominaDerick Elomina

12/2/2025, 12:56:26 PM

Sevens Sent To Heaven

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

Kazuha Tsuruta

Facing an early-position raise, Younghoon Ban 3-bet shoved for 395,000. In the big blind, Kazuha Tsuruta joined the party for his 320,000 total, and the initial raiser got out of the way.

Kazuha Tsuruta: 7♣ 7♥

Younghoon Ban: A♥ K♥

Tsuruta looked primed for a double after the flop Q♣ 6♦ 4♦ kept his sevens in front, but the turn A♦ brought disaster as Ban paired his ace. The river 8♠ offered no help, sending Tsuruta out in 11th place.

Player	Chips	Progress
YB Younghoon BanSouth Korea	875,000(22 BB)	480,000
KT Kazuha TsurutaJapan	busted

Derick ElominaDerick Elomina

12/2/2025, 12:50:01 PM

The Deuces Never Did It

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

Cutoff Kazuha Tsuruta opened to 80,000 and made the call after big blind Aj Cris Acdal moved all in for 215,000.

Kazuha Tsuruta: 2♥ 2♣

Aj Cris Acdal: A♠ A♥

Acdal’s aces stayed firm against the pocket deuces as the board J♣ T♥ 9♣ 9♦ 8♥ ran clean. The rockets delivered the full double and Acdal climbed right back into the mix.

Player	Chips	Progress
AC Aj Cris AcdalPhilippines	490,000(12 BB)	235,000
KT Kazuha TsurutaJapan	315,000(8 BB)	-215,000

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

20 minutes

Remaining Players: 11/201

Callum JuryCallum Jury

12/2/2025, 12:31:11 PM

Byambadorj's Lady Turns Him Around

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

Dorjnyam Byambadorj

Cutoff Dorjnyam Byambadorj shoved for his last 110,000, and small blind Fendy Kosasih called, looking to take him out.

Dorjnyam Byambadorj: Q♠ 7♥

Fendy Kosasih: K♥ 7♦

Byambadorj looked like the latest elimination as the 4♠ 9♣ 6♣ flop rolled off, but the Q♦ turn quickly shifted the rhythm, with Kosasih now needing a king to avoid losing a big chunk of chips. The 8♣ river brought no help, and Byambadorj was awarded the double.

Player	Chips
FK Fendy KosasihIndonesia	420,000(14 BB)
DB Dorjnyam ByambadorjMongolia	220,000(7 BB)

Derick ElominaDerick Elomina

12/2/2025, 12:30:03 PM

Running Into Royal Fortune

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

I caught up with Joseph Magnotti and he happily shared what he called one of his lucky hands of the tournament.

It was all in preflop between Magnotti and Karen Talamayan, who had the covering stack.

Joseph Magnotti: K♠ J♣

Karen Talamayan: A♦ 7♥

Talamayan flopped A♥ 7♦ 6♣ two pair and looked firmly in control, but Magnotti spiked a pair on the turn K♦ and another on the river K♥ to complete a runner runner trips. The dramatic comeback doubled up Magnotti and left Talamayan crippled, eventually leading to her elimination later on.

Player	Chips
JM Joseph MagnottiUnited States of America	320,000(11 BB)
KT Karen TalamayanPhilippines	busted

Derick ElominaDerick Elomina

12/2/2025, 12:27:25 PM

Recent Elimination 19-31

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

Place	Player	Prize (USD)
19	PS Pradeep SinghIndia	$565
20	PJ Pratik JainIndia	$565
21	JL Jun Liang LeeSingapore	$495
22	SB Sakurai BuyuJapan	$495
23	VV Ville ValleniusFinland	$495
24	BL Barrientos LinoPeru	$425
25	SM Steven MichelFrance	$425
26	EC En Ching WuTaiwan	$425
27	SY Shota YanagiJapan	$425
28	TG Terry GonzagaPhilippines	$410
29	SC Sagar ChawlaIndia	$410
30	ML Mark LarsonUnited States of America	$410
31	KY Kazuo YamamotoJapan	$410

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

20 minutes

Remaining Players: 17/201

Derick ElominaDerick Elomina

12/2/2025, 12:22:02 PM

Gamble Gamble Gone Good

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

Folded to the button, the lone female in the field, Karen Talamayan, opened to 50,000. To her left, Pradeep Singh announced all in. Action folded back to Talamayan who shouted "Gamble, Gamble!" before making the call.

Karen Talamayan: K♠ 9♦

Pradeep Singh: A♣ Q♣

Talamayan trailed but held live cards. The flop 8♠ 7♥ 4♦ brought no help, but the turn 9♠ sparked a loud celebration as she paired up, and the river K♥ improved her to two pair, securing the double-up in style.

Player	Chips	Progress
KT Karen TalamayanPhilippines	300,000(12 BB)	175,000
PS Pradeep SinghIndia	70,000(3 BB)	-125,000

Callum JuryCallum Jury

12/2/2025, 12:12:57 PM

River Trips Eliminate Singh

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

Pradeep Singh

Button Pradeep Singh moved all in for his last 65,000, and big blind Royly Oracion called.

Pradeep Singh: K♦ 7♠

Royly Oracion: A♠ 9♣

Neither player really connected on the 8♣ 6♦ 2♥ flop, but Singh had risen from his chair as the 9♥ peeled off on the turn. No cowboy came to save him on the 9♦ river, only an improvement to trips for Oracion.

Player	Chips
RE Royly Emir OracionPhilippines	250,000(10 BB)
PS Pradeep SinghIndia	busted

Derick ElominaDerick Elomina

12/2/2025, 12:10:45 PM

Shoved Into The Shark’s Kicker

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

Pratik Jain

UTG Eduard Galanzovskiy opened to 50,000 and Pratik Jain defended his big blind.

On the flop A♣ 9♦ 2♦ , Jain moved all in for 100,000 and Galanzovskiy called at once.

Pratik Jain: A♠ 4♣

Eduard Galanzovskiy: A♦ K♣

Both players paired their aces but Galanzovskiy’s kicker remained best through the runout A♥ 7♦ , eliminating Jain from the field.

Player	Chips
EG Eduard GalanzovskiyFinland	590,000(24 BB)
PJ Pratik JainIndia	busted

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

20 minutes

Remaining Players: 21/201

Break

15 minutes

Remaining Players: 21/201

Callum JuryCallum Jury

12/2/2025, 11:52:57 AM

Tamalayan's Cowboy's Hold Up

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

Karen Talamayan

Hijack Karen Tamalayan moved all in for 160,000 and was called by button Joseph Magnotti:

Karen Tamalayan: K♣ K♥

Joseph Magnotti: J♣ J♥

The suits matched up, but Tamalayan held the clear lead, and the 5♣ 9♦ Q♠ Q♥ 6♠ board brought no help for Magnotti. Tamalayan secured the double, effectively swapping their stacks.

Player	Chips
KT Karen TalamayanPhilippines	320,000(16 BB)
JM Joseph MagnottiUnited States of America	160,000(8 BB)

Derick ElominaDerick Elomina

12/2/2025, 11:52:35 AM

Oppicini Trips Crushes Buyu’s Shove

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

Alessandro Oppicini

On the button, Sakurai Buyu open-shoved for 175,000, and big blind Alessandro Oppicini tank-called.

Sakurai Buyu: Q♥ T♥

Alessandro Oppicini: A♥ 2♥

The flop A♦ A♣ J♦ delivered beautifully for Oppicini, hitting trips and leaving Buyu nearly drawing dead, needing a runner-runner to survive. The turn 9♣ sealed the deal, eliminating Buyu from the tournament. After the hand, Oppicini couldn’t resist shouting “Nice Call!”, praising himself for the perfect timing.

Player	Chips
AO Alessandro OppiciniItaly	415,000(21 BB)
SB Sakurai BuyuJapan	busted

Derick ElominaDerick Elomina

12/2/2025, 11:47:43 AM

Top Set Triumphs

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

The strongest preflop clash unfolded as UTG Rahul Rohira opened and snap-called the shove of Shota Yanagi for 238,000.

Shota Yanagi: K♣ Q♦

Rahul Rohira: A♥ A♦

Yanagi watched in pain as the flop A♣ 8♠ 5♦ delivered top set for Rohira, leaving him nearly drawing dead. The turn K♦ sealed the hand for Rohira, and the river 8♥ was just a formality, sending Yanagi out of the tournament with a min-cash.

Player	Chips
RR Rahul RohiraIndia	760,000(38 BB)
SY Shota YanagiJapan	busted

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

20 minutes

Remaining Players: 28/201

Callum JuryCallum Jury

12/2/2025, 11:32:00 AM

Straight, then Flush for Michel

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

Steven Michel

Steven Michel moved all in from middle position for 68,000, and was called by covering stack Fendy Kosasih on the button:

Steven Michel: Q♠ T♠

Fendy Kosasih: A♣ J♥

The 9♦ 6♠ J♣ did give Kosasih top set but an open-ender for Michel, which was promptly completed on the 8♠ turn.

To add insult to injury, the K♠ river improved Michel to a flush. Kosasih was left with less than two big blinds.

Player	Chips
SM Steven MichelFrance	136,000(9 BB)
FK Fendy KosasihIndonesia	25,000(2 BB)

Derick ElominaDerick Elomina

12/2/2025, 11:30:15 AM

Wu Hits Miracle River To Crush Gonzaga

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

En Ching Wu

Terry Gonzaga opened to 35,000, only for cutoff En Ching Wu to 3-bet shove for 240,000. Gonzaga quickly called.

En Ching Wu: A♥ Q♣

Terry Gonzaga: J♥ J♦

The flop K♠ 9♣ 2♥ and turn 6♦ looked perfect for Gonzaga, but Wu hit a miracle river Q♦ , pairing higher than Gonzaga. Gonzaga was left with just one big blind after the hand.

Player	Chips	Progress
EC En Ching WuTaiwan	520,000(33 BB)	280,000
TG Terry GonzagaPhilippines	21,000(1 BB)	-240,000

Derick ElominaDerick Elomina

12/2/2025, 11:21:34 AM

Rafn Doubles Up Over Lino

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

Mikael Rafn

UTG Barrientos Lino opened and then called the shove of Mikael Rafn on the button for 61,000.

Mikael Rafn: A♥ T♠

Barrientos Lino: 6♦ 6♣

Lino looked to take down Rafn on the flop K♦ K♠ 5♣ , but the turn J♥ opened up plenty of outs for Rafn. The river J♦ proved disastrous for Lino as Rafn counterfeited his hand and scored a double up.

Player	Chips
BL Barrientos LinoPeru	208,000(13 BB)
MR Mikael RafnUnited States of America	162,000(10 BB)

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

20 minutes

Remaining Players: 28/201

Callum JuryCallum Jury

12/2/2025, 11:12:49 AM

Asahara's Lady Treats Him Well

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

Takumi Asahara

Siddarth Mishra limped the button, with Terry Gonzaga completing in the small blind and Takumi Asahara checking his option.

On the 2♥ Q♦ 7♥ flop, Gonzaga led for 18,000. Asahara called and Mishra stepped aside.

The 8♦ turn saw Gonzaga check-call Asahara’s 40,000 bet.

Both players checked the 9♠ river. Gonzaga showed six-seven offsuit, but Asahara’s Q♣ J♥ was good for the pot.

Player	Chips
TA Takumi AsaharaJapan	410,000(34 BB)
TG Terry GonzagaPhilippines	220,000(18 BB)

Derick ElominaDerick Elomina

12/2/2025, 11:09:00 AM

Magnotti Doubles Up Over Singh

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

Joseph Magnotti

Folded to small blind Pradeep Singh, he shoved all in, and Joseph Magnotti called from his left for 99,000.

Joseph Magnotti: A♣ J♣

Pradeep Singh: 8♣ 8♠

The flop T♦ 6♦ 5♥ looked safe for Singh, who hoped to eliminate Magnotti, but the turn J♦ delivered a higher pair for Magnotti. He held through the river 6♣ to secure a clean double up, staying alive in the tournament.

Player	Chips
JM Joseph MagnottiUnited States of America	210,000(18 BB)
PS Pradeep SinghIndia	141,000(12 BB)

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

20 minutes

Remaining Players: 31/201

Callum JuryCallum Jury

12/2/2025, 10:54:50 AM

Ryan Platon Bubbles the Double Stack Event

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

Ryan Platon

Zhiqiang Liu opened for 25,000 from early position and was three-bet shoved for around 90,000 by Ryan Platon. After all remaining hands had been completed, the floor asked the players to reveal their hands, to see if Platon would be out on the first hand of the bubble:

Ryan Platon: A♣ Q♠

Zhiqiang Liu: A♠ K♥

Platon was immediately out of his seat at the sight of Liu's hand, knowing he'd need a mighty bit of luck to get through unscathed.

The 9♥ 7♦ K♦ flop didn't bode well; neither did the K♠ turn, which sealed Platon's elimination, with the 5♠ river card being just a formality.

Player	Chips
ZL Zhiqiang LiuChina	300,000(30 BB)
RP Ryan PlatonPhilippines	busted

Derick ElominaDerick Elomina

12/2/2025, 10:49:14 AM

Bubble Time!

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

The tournament has officially reached bubble time with 32 players remaining. Only 31 will cash, and with just four tables left, the action will now proceed hand-for-hand as players battle to make the money.

Derick ElominaDerick Elomina

12/2/2025, 10:42:13 AM

Erquiaga Doubles Up With Kings

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

Jiego Erquiaga

A preflop all-in unfolded on Table 23 as Jiego Erquiaga shoved for 119,000, covered by Mikael Rafn.

Jiego Erquiaga: K♣ K♦

Mikael Rafn: Q♦ T♥

The board 9♥ 9♦ 2♥ T♦ 3♣ ran clean, and Erquiaga’s kings held strong, earning him a big double up.

Player	Chips
JE Jiego ErquiagaPhilippines	263,000(26 BB)
MR Mikael RafnUnited States of America	241,000(24 BB)

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

20 minutes

Remaining Players: 41/201

Derick ElominaDerick Elomina

12/2/2025, 10:24:24 AM

Buyu Outlasts Enriquez In Preflop Clash

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

Sakurai Buyu

A massive preflop all-in unfolded between Kim Enriquez, all in for 175,000, and Buyu Sakurai, who had him covered.

Kim Enriquez: A♣ K♠

Buyu Sakurai: A♠ Q♦

Enriquez started as the favorite, but the flop Q♣ 8♠ 5♠ delivered a dream scenario for Sakurai, hitting one of his three outs. The turn 4♥ came, and Enriquez was left hoping for a king, but the river 2♥ didn’t help, Sakurai scooped the pot and eliminated Enriquez.

Player	Chips	Progress
SB Sakurai BuyuJapan	445,000(56 BB)	179,000
KE Kim EnriquezPhilippines	busted

Derick ElominaDerick Elomina

12/2/2025, 10:16:34 AM

Weiming Knocks Out Soh With Kings

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

Aaron Lam Weiming

UTG+1 Patrick Soh opened for 50,000, leaving just 1,000 behind. On his left, Aaron Lam Weiming raised to 100,000, prompting Soh to shove his final chip.

Patrick Soh: A♠ 8♦

Aaron Lam Weiming: K♣ K♦

Weiming’s pocket kings held strong on the board 4♣ 9♣ 6♠ 5♥ J♣ , delivering a decisive knockout and sending Soh out of the tournament.

Player	Chips
AL Aaron Lam WeimingSingapore	181,000(23 BB)
PS Patrick SohMalaysia	busted

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

20 minutes

Remaining Players: 41/201

Callum JuryCallum Jury

12/2/2025, 10:08:53 AM

Oppicini Gets Some Back

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

Alessandro Oppicini

After folding an ace when Aaron Lam three-bet shoved over his 15,000 raise, Alessandro Oppicini was back in action, this time against Jaybee Villa.

Oppicini opened to 12,000 from middle position and Villa called from the big blind.

The 3♦ 6♦ 6d A♥ flop and turn were checked through. On the K♥ river, Oppicini fired 14,000 and Villa made a quick call, but it wasn’t good enough. Oppicini tabled A♦ T♣, prompting Villa to flash K♦ before mucking.

Player	Chips
AL Aaron Lam WeimingSingapore	140,000(23 BB)
AO Alessandro OppiciniItaly	130,000(22 BB)
HJ Hernan Jaybee VillaPhilippines	70,000(12 BB)

Derick ElominaDerick Elomina

12/2/2025, 10:05:44 AM

Bubble Approaches At Manila Megastack 23

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

The tournament is moving quickly toward the money with 47 players remaining. Only 31 players will cash, and with 32 left, the action will shift to hand-for-hand play as the bubble looms large.

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

20 minutes

Remaining Players: 52/201

Break

15 minutes

Remaining Players: 63/201

Callum JuryCallum Jury

12/2/2025, 9:40:27 AM

Hyun Runs into Acdal's Aces

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

Han Seung Hyun

After getting a previous shove through, Han Seung Hyun was all in from the button against Cris Acdal in the big blind, looking to take him out:

Han Seung Hyun: A♥ Q♠

Cris Acdal: A♠ A♦

Hyun didn’t love what he saw. “Two queens,” he said to the dealer.

The board ran 6♣ 9♦ 9♥ T♥ Q♥, giving him only half of what he asked for and confirming his exit, roughly 20 spots from the money bubble.

Player	Chips
AC Aj Cris AcdalPhilippines	290,000(58 BB)
HS Han Seung HyunSouth Korea	busted

Derick ElominaDerick Elomina

12/2/2025, 9:37:56 AM

Platon Takes Down Talamayan In River Battle

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

Ryan Platon

Karen Talamayan opened from UTG+1 and found two callers. All three players checked through the flop K♠ K♦ J♥ and went to the turn K♣ . Talamayan checked again, and Ryan Platon on the button fired 15,000; Talamayan called while the third player folded.

On the river 5♦ , Talamayan checked once more but eventually tanked and folded to Platon’s 45,000 bet, giving him the pot.

Player	Chips
RP Ryan PlatonPhilippines	117,000(23 BB)
KT Karen TalamayanPhilippines	115,000(23 BB)

Derick ElominaDerick Elomina

12/2/2025, 9:26:13 AM

Yun Holds With Jacks To Bust Chuong

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

Heewook Yun

It was a preflop showdown between Hana Chuong, all in for 48,500, and Heewook Yun, who had her covered.

Hana Chuong: A♣ K♣

Heewook Yun: J♦ J♥

Chuong looked for help on the board T♥ 4♦ 2♣ 7♦ 2♦ but missed completely, sending her out of the tournament. She walked away visibly disappointed, saying her table had been nothing but bad luck all day.

Player	Chips
HY Heewook YunSouth Korea	191,000(38 BB)
HC Hana ChoungJapan	busted

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

20 minutes

Remaining Players: 70/201

Callum JuryCallum Jury

12/2/2025, 9:22:29 AM

Acdal Takes Control on the River

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

Aj Cris Acdal

Cris Acdal opened to 8,000 from middle position and Kawai Katsuhito defended his big blind.

Both checked the 6♠ T♣ 7♥ flop. The 6♥ hit the turn and Katsuhito led for 13,000, with Acdal calling.

The 9♦ river rolled off and Katsuhito fired 16,500. Acdal raised to 45,000, and after a short think, Katsuhito let it go.

Player	Chips
AC Aj Cris AcdalPhilippines	130,000(33 BB)
KK Kawai KatsuhitoJapan	80,000(20 BB)

Callum JuryCallum Jury

12/2/2025, 9:07:18 AM

Ace-High Knockout

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

Christian Lortie

Christian Lortie min-raised from middle position and picked up calls from cutoff Zhi Xiang Png and big blind Jeffrey Pampalona.

On a T♥ 2♠ 6♣ flop, Pampalona shoved his last 5,500, prompting Lortie to raise to 14,000. Png called.

The K♣ landed on the turn, and Lortie moved all in for around 90,000. Png folded, and Lortie tabled A♠ J♣ against Pampalona’s 8♦ 7♥.

The Q♣ completed the board, keeping Lortie’s ace-high ahead and securing the knockout.

Player	Chips
CL Christian LortieCanada	115,000(29 BB)
ZX Zhi Xiang PngSingapore	105,000(26 BB)
JP Jeffrey PamplonaPhilippines	busted

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

20 minutes

Remaining Players: 90/201

Derick ElominaDerick Elomina

12/2/2025, 8:52:14 AM

Sakurai Scores Triple Knockout In Four-Way All-In

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

Sakurai Buyu

Sakurai Buyu, Earl Mendoza, and Jin Yang Lim

A massive four-way preflop clash erupted on Table 26, and only one player walked away with chips.

Shortest stack Takumi Hashimoto was all in for 16,500, followed by Jin Yang Lim for 28,500, Earl Mendoza for 71,000, and Buyu Sakurai covering them all.

Takumi Hashimoto: Q♦ Q♥

Jin Yang Lim: A♣ 9♦

Earl Mendoza: T♦ T♣

Buyu Sakurai: K♣ J♠

Despite holding the weakest starting hand, Sakurai spiked top pair on the flop J♣ 9♥ 7♣ and improved to two pair on the turn K♦ . The river 6♠ changed nothing, earning Sakurai a massive pot and eliminating all three opponents in one dramatic hand.

Player	Chips
SB Sakurai BuyuJapan	248,000(83 BB)
TH Takumi HashimotoJapan	busted
JY Jin Yang LimSingapore	busted
EM Earl MendozaPhilippines	busted

Callum JuryCallum Jury

12/2/2025, 8:46:55 AM

Ban Fires Big

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

Younghoon Ban

Takumi Asahara min-raised from middle position and then called cutoff Younghoon Ban's three-bet to 15,000.

On the J♥ K♥ 8♦ flop Asahara check-folded when Ban fired another 15,000 into the middle.

Player	Chips
YB Younghoon BanSouth Korea	100,000(33 BB)
TA Takumi AsaharaJapan	80,000(27 BB)

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

20 minutes

Remaining Players: 102/201

Derick ElominaDerick Elomina

12/2/2025, 8:39:42 AM

Ecarma’s Run Ends Early

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

En Ching Wu

Last night’s Deepstack runner-up, Lenart Ecarma, couldn’t keep the momentum going. He shoved his remaining 21,000 from UTG, and Taiwan’s En Ching Wu reshoved behind.

Lenart Ecarma: 6♦ 6♥

En Ching Wu: Q♥ Q♣

With no six appearing on the board K♣ 8♠ A♦ 3♠ Q♠ , Ecarma was eliminated from the tournament.

Player	Chips
EC En Ching WuTaiwan	40,000(16 BB)
LE Lenart EcarmaPhilippines	40,000(16 BB)

Callum JuryCallum Jury

12/2/2025, 8:30:56 AM

Won't Be Cashing

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

A selection of names who won't be cashing in the Double Stack event, including last night's Deepstack runner-up Lenart Ecarma.

Player	Chips
LL Li Lok ChingAustralia	busted
HS Hiroto ShiraiJapan	busted
AT Anton TcypinUnited States of America	busted
ST Satoshi TateuchiJapan	busted
OL Oliver LirioPhilippines	busted
LE Lenart EcarmaPhilippines	busted
AI Alvir InocentesPhilippines	busted
DB Daire BurkeIreland	busted
RO Reynaldo OngPhilippines	busted

Derick ElominaDerick Elomina

12/2/2025, 8:30:43 AM

Solsona Sends An To The Rail

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

Mark Solsona

Cutoff Seungyong An open-shoved for 34,000, and big blind Mark Solsona snapped him off with a premium holding.

Seungyong An: A♦ T♠

Mark Solsona: A♠ K♥

An paired up on the board A♣ 9♥ 3♣ 6♥ 9♦ , but Solsona’s stronger kicker held firm to score the knockout.

Player	Chips
MS Mark SolsonaPhilippines	91,000(36 BB)
SA Seungyong AnSouth Korea	busted

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

20 minutes

Remaining Players: 117/201

Callum JuryCallum Jury

12/2/2025, 8:15:05 AM

Oracion Loses One, Wins One

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

Royly Emir Oracion

After just sitting down, fresh from the registration desk, Royly Oracion raised to 5,000 from early position and received a call from hijack Rancy Lee.

Action checked through the 3♦ K♠ 6♠ 9♥ flop and turn to the 5♦ river, where Oracion put in 15,500. Lee responded with an effective shove for 36,000, prompting a relatively swift fold from Oracion.

A couple of hands later, Oracion raised to 4,000 from the small blind and was called by Kim Enriquez in the big.

The dealer fanned the T♦ A♣ 2♣ flop, and Oracion fired a moderate-sized bet, just enough to shake Enriquez off and reclaim some chips.

Player	Chips
KE Kim EnriquezPhilippines	80,000(40 BB)
RC Rancy Cyril LeePhilippines	70,000(35 BB)
RE Royly Emir OracionPhilippines	25,000(13 BB)

Derick ElominaDerick Elomina

12/2/2025, 8:13:07 AM

Payouts Announced: Prize Pool More Than Doubles

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

The payouts are in, and the PHP 1 Million guarantee has been smashed, with the prize pool soaring to PHP 2,573,604 (~US$ 43,980). Only 31 players will make the money, with a min-cash of PHP 24,000 (~US$ 410), but all eyes on the top prize of PHP 530,104 (~US$ 9,060). The eventual champion will also earn a PHP 45,000 Manila Megastack Main Event seat.

With 117 players still in the hunt, there’s a long road ahead before the bubble comes into view.

Place	Payout (USD)
1	$9,060
2	$5,640
3	$4,065
4	$3,125
5	$2,410
6	$1,880
7	$1,570
8	$1,300
9	$1,135
10	$990
11	$990
12	$860
13	$860
14	$740
15	$740
16	$650
17	$650
18	$565
19	$565
20	$565
21	$495
22	$495
23	$495
24	$425
25	$425
26	$425
27	$425
28	$410
29	$410
30	$410
31	$410

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

20 minutes

Remaining Players: 129/201

Derick ElominaDerick Elomina

12/2/2025, 7:57:35 AM

Xu Climbs To The Top With Queens

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

Andrew Xu

Andrew Xu opened to 3,000 from the button, and Koichi Nozaki defended his big blind. On the flop T♥ 9♥ 3♦ , Xu continued for 4,000, only for Nozaki to check-raise to 10,000. The action escalated quickly as Xu made it 22,000, and Nozaki instantly shoved for 48,500. Xu snap-called.

Koichi Nozaki: T♦ 2♣

Andrew Xu: Q♦ Q♥

Nozaki needed help but found none on the runout J♠ A♥ , ending his tournament. Xu scooped the pot and vaulted to the top of the leaderboard.

Player	Chips	Progress
AX Andrew XuAustralia	238,000(159 BB)	54,000
KN Koichi NozakiJapan	busted

Callum JuryCallum Jury

12/2/2025, 7:52:59 AM

Table 23 Action

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

Hand 1

Michael Bagdasarov limped in from early position and called cutoff Roland Panny’s 5,000 raise.

The dealer fanned the T♥ Q♠ A♣ flop, and Bagdasarov checked. Panny fired 5,000, enough to take the pot.

Hand 2

Small blind Mikael Rafn called big blind Byungsung Kim’s shove on a flop showing 6♠ 4♠ 3d:

Byungsung Kim: Q♦ 3♥

Mikael Rafn: 3♣ 2♠

Rafn looked a little embarrassed, questioning whether he had to show his hand prior to calling the shove, but remained in good spirits despite being behind with a gutshot. That changed on the T♦ 5♠ runout, completing his straight and sending Kim to the rail.

Hand 3

Han Seung Hyun raised to 3,000 from early position and was called by Avi Kaplan in middle position and big blind Bagdasarov.

Bagdasarov check-called, and Kaplan folded when Hyun bet 3,500 on the J♦ 7♦ K♣ flop.

Bagdasarov check-called again on the 2♦ turn for 8,500.

The 8♦ completed the board, and both checked. Bagdasarov was surprised to see his K♠ 3♥ hold up, as Hyun mucked.

Player	Chips
MB Michael BagdasarovUnited States of America	52,000(35 BB)
RP Roland PannyAustria	45,000(30 BB)
AA Avi Avraham KaplanIsrael	40,000(27 BB)
HS Han Seung HyunSouth Korea	35,000(23 BB)
MR Mikael RafnUnited States of America	13,000(9 BB)
BK Byungsung KimSouth Korea	busted

Derick ElominaDerick Elomina

12/2/2025, 7:45:12 AM

Registration Closes At 201 Entries

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

Registration is now officially closed with a strong 201-entry turnout. A total of 135 players remain in contention, all chasing their share of the massive prize pool. Payouts and ITM information will be posted once finalized. Good luck to all the players still battling for the title.

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

20 minutes

Remaining Players: 137/199

Callum JuryCallum Jury

12/2/2025, 7:28:50 AM

Registration Closing Soon!

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

Registration for the Double Stack event will close at the start of level 11, in roughly 15 minutes. This is the final chance for hopefuls to take a shot at the ~PHP 2,300,000 prize pool. The confirmed total and payouts will be posted shortly after registration closes.

Derick ElominaDerick Elomina

12/2/2025, 7:27:00 AM

Guarantee Doubles Again

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

The numbers keep climbing at Manila Megastack 23 as the guarantee has officially doubled once again. With 172 total entries already logged and 122 players currently seated, the tournament room is buzzing with energy.

Derick ElominaDerick Elomina

12/2/2025, 7:21:27 AM

Lino Extends His Lead

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

Barrientos Lino

Cutoff Masakazu Miyamoto opened to 3,100 and small blind Barrientos Lino defended. Miyamoto fired 3,000 on the flop T♥ 7♣ 2♣ and 5,200 on the turn 4♣ , with Lino check-calling both streets.

On the river 2♠ Lino checked again, and this time Miyamoto opted to check back. Lino revealed K♥ T♣ two pair to claim the pot, while Miyamoto mucked. Lino continues to pull away from the field and is now the only player past the 200,000 mark.

Player	Chips
BL Barrientos LinoPeru	201,000(168 BB)
MM Masakazu MiyamotoJapan	33,200(28 BB)

Callum JuryCallum Jury

12/2/2025, 7:17:44 AM

Gabitan Triples; Muir Left Short

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

Anthony Gabitan

In the first hand at table 30, Anthony Gabitan raised to 3,000 in early position and found three callers: Francesco Bellitti, Joseph Magnotti in middle position, and Steven Michel in the cutoff.

The dealer fanned the 7♣ Q♣ T♠ flop, and all three players first to act check-folded when Michel bet 5,000 into the middle.

In the very next hand, cutoff Albert Muir raised to 3,000, only to face a three-bet shove to 11,000 from Gabitan. Bellitti shoved behind, and Muir made the call, hoping for a double knockout:

Anthony Gabitan: A♠ T♣

Francesco Bellitti: A♣ K♠

Albert Muir: J♣ J♦

Muir was marginally ahead with his pocket jacks, but the 2♠ T♠ A♦ flop quickly changed things, vaulting Gabitan into the lead. The 6♣ turn and Q♠ river held, giving Gabitan two pair and a triple up, while Bellitti also took a nice chunk out of Muir’s stack.

Player	Chips
JM Joseph MagnottiUnited States of America	80,000(67 BB)
FB Francesco BellittiFrance	44,000(37 BB)
SM Steven MichelFrance	39,000(33 BB)
AG Anthony GabitanPhilippines	33,000(28 BB)
AM Albert MuirUnited States of America	27,000(23 BB)

Derick ElominaDerick Elomina

12/2/2025, 7:14:24 AM

Last Call For Registration

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

Blinds are up, and this is officially the final level to register. Players have until the end of the level to jump into the action before registration closes.

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

20 minutes

Remaining Players: 115/157

Derick ElominaDerick Elomina

12/2/2025, 7:07:16 AM

Chawla Bounces Back

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

Sagar Chawla

After a rough start and a rebuy, Sagar Chawla has bounced back and is now sitting with over 120,000 chips, triple the starting stack. With registration nearing its close, Chawla is in a strong position to make a deep run.

Player	Chips
SC Sagar ChawlaIndia	120,000(100 BB)

Derick ElominaDerick Elomina

12/2/2025, 7:02:13 AM

Ng Doubles Up In Thrilling River Hit

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

Jason Ng Tze Wei

Jason Ng Tze Wei, down to just 14,100 after using his first bullet, 3-bet shoved, and Karen Talamayan called.

Jason Ng Tze Wei: 9♥ 9♦

Karen Talamayan: A♦ T♥

The flop 8♣ 7♥ 4♣ was safe for Ng, but the turn A♥ brought disaster as Talamayan paired up higher. With only two outs, Ng hit one on the river 9♠ , sending the table erupting in cheers. Talamayan happily paid the double-up, keeping Ng alive in the tournament.

Player	Chips
KT Karen TalamayanPhilippines	118,200(99 BB)
JN Jason Ng Tze WeiSingapore	31,200(26 BB)

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

20 minutes

Remaining Players: 115/147

Derick ElominaDerick Elomina

12/2/2025, 6:51:43 AM

Rising Star Rene “Revo” David Joins The Field

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

Rene Mar David

One of the tournament’s young guns and local favorites, Rene Mar “Revo” David, has just joined the field. In just two years, David has already claimed eight Spadie on his name and is ready to add more to his impressive collection.

Get to know David, relive his journey, and read his full inspiring story HERE.

Player	Chips
RM Rene Mar DavidPhilippines	40,000(40 BB)

Callum JuryCallum Jury

12/2/2025, 6:51:31 AM

Boat on the River for Byambadorj

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

Dorjnyam Byambadorj

Button Algerico Tabacon raised to 3,000 and was called by big blind Dorjnyam Byambadorj.

Byambadorj check-raised Tabacon’s 1,000 bet to 3,000 on the A♦ 7♥ J♣ flop, Tabacon stuck around and the action moved to the turn.

The dealer flipped over the 7♠, and both players checked.

On the 8♠ river, Byambadorj led out for 5,000, which was called. He tabled A♣ 7♦ for a rivered boat, much to Tabacon’s surprise.

Player	Chips
DB Dorjnyam ByambadorjMongolia	72,000(72 BB)
AT Algerico TabaconPhilippines	14,000(14 BB)

Derick ElominaDerick Elomina

12/2/2025, 6:42:52 AM

Rafn Takes Down Big Pot Against Kim

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

Mikael Rafn

The board A♦ 7♥ 7♠ 3♥ T♥ had already built a 41,500 pot when Mikael Rafn bet half the pot. Byungsung Kim tanked before deciding to call, only to fold after seeing Rafn’s hand A♠ K♣ .

Rafn revealed top two pair to scoop the big pot.

Player	Chips
MR Mikael RafnUnited States of America	85,600(86 BB)
BK Byungsung KimSouth Korea	43,800(44 BB)

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

20 minutes

Remaining Players: 111/134

Derick ElominaDerick Elomina

12/2/2025, 6:28:36 AM

Singh Takes Small Pot Against Magnotti

Level 7: 500 / 1,000 ante: 1,000

Pradeep Singh

Pradeep Singh opened to 2,100 and called Joseph Magnotti’s 3-bet of 6,300. On the flop 9♠ 4♥ 3♠ , Magnotti fired a 4,400 c-bet, which Singh check-called. Both players slowed down and checked the turn T♠ and river 2♣ .

Singh was first to show his hand, revealing a bottom pair on the river, while Magnotti simply smiled and mucked.

Player	Chips
PS Pradeep SinghIndia	90,500(91 BB)
JM Joseph MagnottiUnited States of America	29,000(29 BB)

Derick ElominaDerick Elomina

12/2/2025, 6:20:24 AM

Manlapaz Takes Down Chawla In Big Pot

Level 7: 500 / 1,000 ante: 1,000

Michael Manlapaz

A three-way preflop action built a pot of around 13,500. Michael Manlapaz check-raised to 16,500 after Sagar Chawla bet 6,500 on the flop 7♠ 6♦ 5♠ . The third player folded, and Chawla called. On the turn 2♥ , Manlapaz quickly shoved, and Chawla tank-called all-in for 23,000.

Sagar Chawla: 9♣ 6♣

Michael Manlapaz: A♥ A♦

Chawla still had plenty of outs but missed on the river 2♠ . Manlapaz scooped the big pot and eliminated Chawla, who promptly stood up and re-registered to continue playing.

Player	Chips
MM Michael ManlapazPhilippines	93,000(93 BB)
SC Sagar ChawlaIndia	40,000(40 BB)

Callum JuryCallum Jury

12/2/2025, 6:17:29 AM

Lino Dispatches Carreon

Level 7: 500 / 1,000 ante: 1,000

Barrientos Lino

Action was joined on a flop of 2♥ 8♥ J♥. Big blind Jayvon Carreon check-raised button Barrientos Lino to 5,000 after Lino bet 2,000.

The dealer fanned the 2♣ on the turn, and Carreon moved all in. After a quick count confirmed his total of 22,700 and a double-check of his cards, Lino called:

Jayvon Carreon: A♥ T♠

Barrientos Lino: Q♠ Q♣

Lino had sniffed out Carreon’s bluff, needing only to fade an ace. The 3♣ completed the board, sending Carreon to the rail and giving Lino another boost to his already-healthy stack.

Player	Chips
BL Barrientos LinoPeru	160,000(160 BB)
JC Jayvon CarreonPhilippines	busted

Derick ElominaDerick Elomina

12/2/2025, 6:12:23 AM

Entries Surge Past 110

Level 7: 500 / 1,000 ante: 1,000

More than 110 entries have already been recorded at the start of Level 7, with 100 players currently seated. Registration will remain open until the end of Level 10, around 3:40 PM local time.

Level 7: 500 / 1,000 ante: 1,000

20 minutes

Remaining Players: 100/112

Derick ElominaDerick Elomina

12/2/2025, 6:09:38 AM

Elliott Doubles Up Against Lim

Level 6: 400 / 800 ante: 800

Paul Elliott

Short-stacked Paul Elliott shoved for 14,800, and initial raiser Jin Yang Lim from Singapore called.

Paul Elliott: A♣ 9♥

Jin Yang Lim: 8♥ 8♣

Lim looked set to eliminate Elliott after the flop K♠ J♠ 5♦ , but the turn A♦ changed everything as Elliott paired up higher. The river 3♥ missed Lim, allowing Elliott to double up and stay alive in the tournament.

Player	Chips
JY Jin Yang LimSingapore	82,100(103 BB)
PE Paul ElliottAustralia	31,600(40 BB)

Derick ElominaDerick Elomina

12/2/2025, 6:04:50 AM

Park Takes Down Traasdahl In Classic Flip

Level 6: 400 / 800 ante: 800

Seunghee Park

UTG Jarle Traasdahl opened to 1,600, only for the small blind to call. Big blind Seunghee Park 3-bet to 8,000, prompting Traasdahl to announce all-in. The small blind folded, and Park called all-in for his first bullet of 26,500.

Seunghee Park: Q♠ Q♣

Jarle Traasdahl: A♠ K♠

It was a classic flip. Traasdahl paired on the flop K♦ 9♦ 4♥ , leaving Park with just two outs. The turn J♣ and river 5♣ didn’t deliver a queen, and Park rebought his last bullet worth 20,000 chips.

Player	Chips
JT Jarle TraasdahlNorway	64,500(81 BB)
SP Seunghee ParkSouth Korea	20,000(25 BB)

Callum JuryCallum Jury

12/2/2025, 6:00:59 AM

Choung Turns Two Pair

Level 6: 400 / 800 ante: 800

Hana Choung

Jonathan Wye opened to 1,800 from middle position and both Hana Choung on the button and Jung Kyu Lee in the big blind came along.

Wye continued for 2,500 on the 3♦ K♠ 4♠ flop and both players called.

The 8♠ fell on the turn, where Wye checked and let his hand go after Choung bet 5,000 and Lee called.

The 9♥ river went check-check. Wye showed ace-jack, but Choung turned over K♦ 8♦ for two pair and took it down.

Player	Chips
JK Jung Kyu LeeSouth Korea	54,000(68 BB)
HC Hana ChoungJapan	51,000(64 BB)
JL Jonathan Looi Tek WyeMalaysia	48,000(60 BB)

Level 6: 400 / 800 ante: 800

20 minutes

Remaining Players: 94/101

Break

15 minutes

Remaining Players: 92/98

Derick ElominaDerick Elomina

12/2/2025, 5:40:20 AM

Tsuruta’s Flush Crushes Yuen In Big Flip

Level 5: 300 / 600 ante: 600

Kazuha Tsuruta

UTG Wallace Yuen opened and then 4-bet shoved for around 35,000 after button Kazuha Tsuruta 3-bet to 5,500. Tsuruta called without hesitation.

Wallace Yuen: T♣ T♦

Kazuha Tsuruta: A♠ Q♠

It was a classic flip scenario. Tsuruta paired on the flop A♣ J♠ 4♣ , leaving Yuen with just two outs. The turn 3♠ gave Tsuruta a flush draw while Yuen’s outs dwindled to one. On the river T♠ , Yuen hit a set, but Tsuruta completed the nut flush, claiming the pot as Yuen’s ten proved the wrong card.

Player	Chips
KT Kazuha TsurutaJapan	82,100(137 BB)
WY Wallace YuenCanada	busted

Callum JuryCallum Jury

12/2/2025, 5:39:06 AM

Flop Check-Folds

Level 5: 300 / 600 ante: 600

Avi Kaplan opened to 1,200 from the button and big blind Kim Kyungsoo came along.

Kyungsoo check-folded to Kaplan's 1,500 continuation-bet on the 9♣ 4♣ K♦ flop.

A couple of hands later, Cutoff Michael Bagdasarov raised to 2,000 and was called by Yohn Paredes defending from the big blind.

Paredes check-folded when Bagdasarov stuck a further 2,500 in on the 9♣ Q♥ 4♥ flop.

Player	Chips
MB Michael BagdasarovUnited States of America	65,000(108 BB)
YP Yohn ParedesPeru	40,000(67 BB)
AK Avi KaplanIsrael	40,000(67 BB)
KK Kim KyungsooSouth Korea	28,000(47 BB)

Derick ElominaDerick Elomina

12/2/2025, 5:20:17 AM

Guaranteed Already Surpassed

Level 5: 300 / 600 ante: 600

After just four levels of play, the PHP 1 Million guarantee has already been broken with 87 entries and counting. Currently, 84 players are seated and the action continues to heat up.

Level 5: 300 / 600 ante: 600

20 minutes

Remaining Players: 84/87

Derick ElominaDerick Elomina

12/2/2025, 5:16:52 AM

Mishra’s Bold Move Pays Off

Level 4: 200 / 500 ante: 500

Siddharth Mishra

With a 5,800 pot already on the flop Q♠ J♠ 3♥ and turn 7♥ , small blind Siddharth Mishra checked. Albien Pedrosa on the button bet 3,500, prompting Mishra to announce all-in for 17,600 on his first bullet. After a long tank, Pedrosa folded, giving Mishra the pot.

Player	Chips
SM Siddharth MishraIndia	46,900(94 BB)
AP Albien PedrosaPhilippines	34,100(68 BB)

Callum JuryCallum Jury

12/2/2025, 5:09:30 AM

Mendoza Gets Three Streets of Value

Level 4: 200 / 500 ante: 500

Earl Mendoza

Amir Alimkulov opened to 1,500 from early position and picked up calls from Paul Elliott and button Earl Mendoza.

Alimkulov and Elliott checked the J♣ A♥ T♠ flop, then both called when Mendoza fired 2,000.

It played out the same on the 5♠ turn, with Mendoza sizing up to 4,000 and getting two more calls.

The 3♥ landed on the river and the checks came in again from Alimkulov and Elliott. Mendoza pushed 6,000 into the middle, and this time only Elliott paid to see it. Mendoza showed A♦ 5♦ for two pair, more than enough as Elliott mucked.

Player	Chips
EM Earl MendozaPhilippines	60,000(120 BB)
AA Amir AlimkulovKazakhstan	34,000(68 BB)
PE Paul ElliottAustralia	21,000(42 BB)

Level 4: 200 / 500 ante: 500

20 minutes

Remaining Players: 64/65

Derick ElominaDerick Elomina

12/2/2025, 4:55:56 AM

River Raise Seals It

Level 3: 200 / 400 ante: 400

The flop 6♣ 8♣ 8♠ and turn 8♥ built a pot of around 3,000. Younghoon Ban checked from the big blind, and Michael Manlapaz, fresh off his recent win, bet 2,600. Ban called to see the river.

On the river T♠ , Ban led out with a 3,500 bet but quickly folded when Manlapaz raised to 12,000, taking down the pot.

Player	Chips
MM Michael ManlapazPhilippines	47,800(120 BB)
YB Younghoon BanSouth Korea	26,500(66 BB)

Callum JuryCallum Jury

12/2/2025, 4:52:03 AM

Manlapaz Takes Charge on the River

Level 3: 200 / 400 ante: 400

Michael Manlapaz

Kheng Chen Ng opened to 800 from middle position and was called by Michael Manlapaz in the big blind.

Manlapaz check-called Ng's 400 bet following the J♣ 2♣ 6♣ flop.

Action repeated on the 3♥ turn, this time to the tune of 900.

Manlapaz led out for 3,500 on the 3♠ river, prompting a swift fold from Ng.

Player	Chips
KC Kheng Chen NgMalaysia	47,000(118 BB)
MM Michael ManlapazPhilippines	33,000(83 BB)

Derick ElominaDerick Elomina

12/2/2025, 4:41:50 AM

Entries Surge At Manila Megastack 23

Level 3: 200 / 400 ante: 400

More players are pouring in, with already 50 entries after just two levels. The PHP 1 Million guarantee looks set to be surpassed once again, just like yesterday. Don’t miss your chance - hurry and join the action at Manila Megastack 23 inside the luxurious Okada Manila.

New Entries

Player	Chips
RH Ren HirotaJapan	40,000(100 BB)
AD Allan DaypuyartPhilippines	40,000(100 BB)
TE Takuma EndoJapan	40,000(100 BB)
HJ Hernan Jaybee VillaPhilippines	40,000(100 BB)
KB Kouichi BabaJapan	40,000(100 BB)
SM Steven MichelFrance	40,000(100 BB)
YB Younghoon BanSouth Korea	40,000(100 BB)
SC Sagar ChawlaIndia	40,000(100 BB)

Level 3: 200 / 400 ante: 400

20 minutes

Remaining Players: 50/50

Callum JuryCallum Jury

12/2/2025, 4:32:10 AM

Byungsung Takes Some Small Ones

Level 2: 100 / 300 ante: 300

Takumi Hashimoto opened to 700 from the hijack and was called by button Kyungsoo Kim. Byungsung Kim then three-bet to 2,500 from the small blind, enough to push both opponents out of the way.

A few hands later, the same trio tangled again. Kyungsoo raised to 700 from middle position, Byungsung called in the hijack, and Hashimoto defended his big blind.

All three checked the 9♦ 5♥ K♣ flop. The 3♠ hit the turn, and this time both Hashimoto and Kyungsoo stepped aside when Byungsung fired 1,100.

Player	Chips
BK Byungsung KimSouth Korea	53,000(177 BB)
KK Kim KyungsooSouth Korea	38,000(127 BB)
TH Takumi HashimotoJapan	36,000(120 BB)

Derick ElominaDerick Elomina

12/2/2025, 4:27:56 AM

Yamamoto Outsmarts Kim In Tight Showdown

Level 2: 100 / 300 ante: 300

Byungsung Kim

UTG Byungsung Kim opened to 600, and Kazuo Yamamoto in the cutoff 3-bet to 1,800. The button called, and Kim decided to continue as well.

On the flop Q♦ 6♣ 3♥ , Yamamoto led with 1,500 and Kim called; the button folded. The turn J♥ saw Yamamoto fire 4,500, which Kim again check-called. On the river 5♦ , Kim checked for the final time, and Yamamoto elected to check back.

Kim revealed a mid pair with a missed flush draw, but Yamamoto tabled a higher pair to scoop the pot.

Player	Chips
BK Byungsung KimSouth Korea	51,000(170 BB)
KY Kazuo YamamotoJapan	32,300(108 BB)

Level 2: 100 / 300 ante: 300

20 minutes

Remaining Players: 42/42

Callum JuryCallum Jury

12/2/2025, 4:15:41 AM

Rivered Boat for Larson; Muir Fires Thrice

Level 1: 100 / 200 ante: 200

Mark Larson

Tomoharu Furuya opened to 600 from middle position and got a call from small blind Mark Larson.

Both players checked the 6♠ 9♥ 2♣ flop. The turn brought the 9♣ and Larson led for 500, with Furuya making the call.

The 2♠ paired the board and Larson fired again, this time for 1,500. Furuya thought it over before putting in the chips, only to see Larson turn over 6♥ 6♣ for a rivered boat, good for the pot as Furuya mucked.

In the next hand, Saud Aldaghaisham raised to 400 from middle position and big blind Albert Muir defended.

Muir took control and fired three barrels: 1,100 on the 7♠ T♠ Q♥ flop, 2,000 on the 3♥ turn, and 4,000 on the 2♦ river. Aldaghaisham finally let it go in the end, taking a minor early dent to his stack.

Player	Chips
AM Albert MuirUnited States of America	45,000(225 BB)
ML Mark LarsonUnited States of America	43,000(215 BB)
TF Tomoharu FuruyaJapan	39,000(195 BB)
SA Saud AldaghaishamKuwait	37,000(185 BB)

Derick ElominaDerick Elomina

12/2/2025, 4:09:59 AM

Early Bird Players

Level 1: 100 / 200 ante: 200

Player	Chips
RR Rahul RohiraIndia	40,000(200 BB)
EZ Eugene ZanozinAustralia	40,000(200 BB)
AV Aaron ValenciaUnited States of America	40,000(200 BB)
PS Pradeep SinghIndia	40,000(200 BB)
SA Saud AldaghaishamKuwait	40,000(200 BB)
ML Mark LarsonUnited States of America	40,000(200 BB)
AM Albert MuirUnited States of America	40,000(200 BB)
RB Rob BoterkooperNetherlands	40,000(200 BB)
KC Kheng Chen NgMalaysia	40,000(200 BB)
JP Jinhyeong ParkSouth Korea	40,000(200 BB)
SK Seiya KawadaJapan	40,000(200 BB)
HD Howard DoerflingUnited States of America	40,000(200 BB)

Derick ElominaDerick Elomina

12/2/2025, 4:01:31 AM

Action Begins on the Felt

Level 1: 100 / 200 ante: 200

Shuffle up and deal! The cards are in the air, and 12 players are already seated as the clock ticks down.

Level 1: 100 / 200 ante: 200

20 minutes

Remaining Players: 12/12

Derick ElominaDerick Elomina

12/2/2025, 1:55:37 AM

Another Million Awaits in Today’s Double Stack Showdown

Today's Schedule

It is Day 6 of Manila Megastack 23 and are already halfway through the festival here at the luxurious Okada Manila. Another PHP 1 Million guaranteed prize pool awaits in today’s highlight event, the Double Stack, featuring a PHP 15,000 (~US$340) buy-in and a starting stack of two 20,000 stacks per player. Cards go in the air at 12:00 PM local time, with 20-minute blind levels throughout.

Last night’s Deepstack event, which carried the same guarantee, drew a strong turnout and generated a PHP 2.7 Million prize pool. Local contender Noel Llamedo emerged as champion after defeating Lenart Ecarma in the final showdown.

Registration for the Double Stack remains open until the end of Level 10, approximately 3:40 PM local time. Late entrants will still enjoy a playable stack worth 27 big blinds.

Somuchpoker is on-site at PokerStars LIVE Manila bringing you full highlights and all the action. Stay tuned!

Event starts 12:00 local time..