An undoubtedly successful first running, the inaugural edition of the Chase Cup at Poker8 Cebu, Philippines, is down to the final two days of its PH₱ 5,000,000 (~USD 86,900) guaranteed Main Event. The thrilling event kicked off to a slow start but quickly picked up the pace by the latter end of its qualifying rounds. Yesterday’s games saw the guarantee breached by the early levels and eventually record the largest turnout with another 204 entries in the books. 64 players are geared to return to the felt, each guaranteed a share of the PH₱ 8,162,000 (~USD 143,000) prize pool along with a fighting chance to claim the Rolex Submariner timepiece at stake.
Running alongside the Day 2 festivities is the Mystery Bounty event for a buy-in of PH₱ 8,800 (~USD 150). While not a guaranteed event, the tournament interestingly includes an iPhone 15 as a bonus bounty ticket open to be won by any player in the ITM stage.
Main Event Day 1E Recap
Crazy action filled the air across the poker room as several runners clamor for a spot to qualify in the Main Event’s last flight on schedule. By the time registration closed, the tally was in with a cumulative 495 entries recorded across the Day 1 flights, shattering the guarantee by a mile. Chase Cup founder, Chase Cokaliong himself joined the mix and took his time to deliver a speech, thanking everyone for their support which made the whole festival a huge success. Cokaliong hinted on a return the following year, potentially making the event a new local tradition from here on out.
Day 1E drew in the largest turnout with the 204-entry field having played down to its final 26 qualifiers. It took nearly twelve hours on the Main Event arena before the bubble burst with local pro Conrad Lumaban delivering the last elimination to wrap up the games. Stacking the highest is seasoned contender Jessie Leonarez who bagged a mighty 707,000 (141 BB) chip count, overtaking Day 1A chip leader Joshua Figuerres (611,000, 122 BB) across the overall counts. Trailing closely behind is Chase Cokaliong with an impressive 591,000 (118 BB) stack followed by Rene Mar David with 546,000 (109 BB). Also making the list are decorated local runners Florencio Campomanes (119,000, 24BB), MilPoker Team Pro Federick Cruz (66,000, 13 BB), Philippine Poker Tournament (PPT) champion Alex Lai (239,000, 48 BB), and #1 on the country money list Marc Rivera (235,000, 47 BB).
A total of 64 runners are set to return to the felt this afternoon, all guaranteed a minimum payout of PH₱ 30,200 (~USD 520). Today’s Day 2 sees a longer 60 minute duration with blinds starting off at Level 13: 3,000 – 5,000 ante 5,000. Top prize is listed at PH₱ 1,600,350 (~USD 28,045) along with the 24K gold plated Chase Cup trophy, and Rolex Submariner timepiece.
Chase Cup Review
Date: May 1 to 7, 2024
Buy in: PH₱ 18,800 (~USD 327)
Guarantee: PH₱ 5,000,000 (~USD 86,900)
Prize pool: PH₱ 8,162,000 (~USD 143,000)
Cumulative entries: 495
ITM: 64 players
Day 1 Numbers
Day 1A: 41 entries / 6 ITM
Day 1B: 32 entries / 4 ITM
Day 1C: 84 entries / 11 ITM
Day 1D: 134 entries / 17 ITM
Day 1E: 204 entries / 26 ITM
Top 10 Day 2 Chip Counts
| Rank | Player | Stack | BB |
| 1 | Jessie Leonarez | 707,000 | 141 |
| 2 | Joshua Figuerres | 611,000 | 122 |
| 3 | Chase Cokaliong | 591,000 | 118 |
| 4 | Rene Mar David | 546,000 | 109 |
| 5 | Abel Pelayo | 529,000 | 106 |
| 6 | Joel Diaz | 443,000 | 89 |
| 7 | Ronn Ryan Mesina | 411,000 | 82 |
| 8 | Bruce Andrino | 388,000 | 78 |
| 9 | Clyde Ravina | 380,000 | 76 |
| 10 | Michel Anchez | 377,000 | 75 |
Cash Games
For those that have advanced, take advantage of the daily cash games. Stakes available are: 25-50 and 50-100. For VIP grinders, 500-1,000, 1,000-1000, and 1,000-1,000-2,000.
Chase Cup – Schedule
