The much-awaited PPPoker World Championship festival has made landfall in the Philippines with seven days of games taking place at Resorts World Manila starting today February 15 to February 21. PPPoker is the hottest online poker app that has stormed the market for the past two years, and last year, they ventured into the live scene. The PPWC is the biggest event to be staged to date with 11 events lined up and PHP 30 Million (US$571,591) in guaranteed prizes.
Cards in the air in the Teams Event
With the opening games underway, let’s take a look at what’s in store for the next seven days. Paving the way is the Teams Event – PHP 10 Million (US$190530) guaranteed. This is a two-day event. We published a story on the first five teams confirmed. That number has doubled to 10 teams. We will have a more detailed review in our next story so stand by for that. Buy-in was PHP 550,000 (US$10,478) per team.
Notable players
Among the notable players seen on the floor are WSOP bracelet winner Aditya Sushant, Tzai Wei Phua, Henrik Tollefsen, Hung Sheng Lin, Tae Hoon Han, Ying Lin Chua, and Gabriela Belisario.
Another event running today is the Mixed Game at 6pm local time. This is a mix of No Limit Hold’em and Pot Limit Omaha. Buy-in is PHP 8,800 (US$167.70). That event will end tonight which means the first side event winner will claim the first PPWC trophy of the festival.
MAIN EVENT – PHP 20 Million Guaranteed
Moving on to the next days, it’s all about the MAIN EVENT and its whopping PHP 20 Million (US$381,133) guarantee. There are three starting days on offer. That should give everyone ample chances to be part of this massive pot. Buy-in is PHP 55,000 (US$1,048) .
Day 1A: Saturday, February 16 @2pm
Day 1B: Sunday, February 17 @2pm
Day 1C: Monday, February 18 @2pm
Day 2: Tuesday, February 19 @12pm
Day 3: Wednesday, February 20 @12pm
Final Table: Thursday, February 21 @12pm
Each starting day plays a total of 10 levels. Each level runs 60 minutes. Registration closes at the start of Level 7. Eliminated players may only re-enter on another Day 1 flight.
Other events
Running side by side the headliner are a wide variety of events to enjoy with buy-ins ranging from PHP 8,800 to PHP 110,000. Familiar events are offered such as the DeepStack Turbo, Monster Stack, Bounty Events, and the PPPoker Championship NLH Freezeout. The PPPoker Championships NLH Freezeout is the last event scheduled running on Thursday, February 21 at 2pm. Buy-in is PHP 16,500 (US$314.41).
On the upper spectrum is the High Roller event with a buy-in of PHP 110,000 (US$ 2,096.04). This is a three-day event running from Tuesday, February 19 to Thursday February 21.
Venue, hotel, and other info for travelers
For international players still making their way to the venue, Resorts World Manila is just a stone’s throw away from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3. There is a free shuttle at the arrivals area, just look for the red bus on the far right. Resorts World Manila is the first integrated resort casino in the Philippines. There are several hotels in the vicinity with varying rates. All are walking distance to the venue. Local currency is the Philippine Piso.
February is the best time of year in the Philippines with the weather quite breezy. Sunny days are abound though it could get hot for those used to colder climates. If you have time to burn, do take advantage of the country’s wonderful beaches outside of Manila, you will not be disappointed. If you prefer to stick around the metropolis, the nightlife is a must. Plenty of great restaurants and entertainment to enjoy.
Somuchpoker will be on-site to bring you all the updates and results of the PPWC festival. We will also have live updates of the Main Event from start to finish. So stick with us for all the info.
Article by Tricia David
Louis Hartwell
Graduated in Media Communication at the University of Lausanne, Louis Hartman is a co-founder of somuchpoker.com. He began his career in Cambodia as freelance journalist. In same time he was making his living by playing poker every night at that time. Intense learner, he read dozens of poker strategy books to improve his skills during many years. With a strong interest about poker "behind the scene" in Asia and his communication skills, Louis launched Somuchpoker in 2014.
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