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Okada Manila

Philippines, Manila

APPT Manila 2026

2026.07.28 - 2026.08.10 Add to Calendar

Asia Pacific Poker Tour

Info Chip Counts Event Photos

Blind level

Level 15: 3,000 / 6,000 ante: 6,000

Entries

33/209

Total Chips

4,180,000

Average

126,667

Callum JuryCallum Jury

7/28/2026, 12:35:00 PM

Jansen Tiu Leads Day 1A Field of Okada Kickoff

Level 15: 3,000 / 6,000 ante: 6,000

Jansen Tiu

Day 1A of the Okada Kickoff is complete, with the field trimmed down to 33 survivors who have all secured a Day 2 seat and a guaranteed payday.

The field of the first major guaranteed event of the series swelled considerably during the day, reaching a total of 220 entrants and generating a prize pool considerably larger than the PHP 2,000,000 guarantee in just Day 1A. With Day 1B complete and 1C in progress, there is potential for the guarantee to double before Day 2 commences tomorrow.

Leading the way after the opening flight is Jansen Tiu, who bagged the top stack of 344,000 and was at the centre of some of the day's biggest hands. Seunghee Park (299,000) backed him up in second, with Taeil Ahn (273,000) completing the top three after also playing a key role in the day's bubble finish.

Top 10 Counts

Player	Chips
JT Jansen TiuPhilippines	344,000(57 BB)
SP Seunghee ParkSouth Korea	299,000(50 BB)
TA Taeil AhnSouth Korea	273,000(46 BB)
JD Jasper DavidPhilippines	251,000(42 BB)
JR John RiadDenmark	196,000(33 BB)
YP Yiu Pan LamHong Kong	188,000(31 BB)
MB Martijn BoerenbrinkNetherlands	177,000(30 BB)
WG Wendell GarciaPhilippines	174,000(29 BB)
JB Javier BecerrilSpain	169,000(28 BB)
FT Francisco TejadaPhilippines	162,000(27 BB)

The Day's Action

Minku Kim

The Day's Action

Chip leader Tiu built his stack early when he picked up pocket aces in a multi-way limped pot, check-raising the king-queen-six flop before a well-timed river bet forced Minku Kim to give up a king.

He struck again later in the day when hijack Billy Malonzo opened, Tiu three-bet from the button, and Malonzo four-bet jammed. Tiu snap-called with his aces once more, this time up against Malonzo's pocket queens, and the ace-high flop kept him well ahead with a set, sending Malonzo to the rail as Tiu's stack continued to grow.

The Bubble

The bubble proved to be a quick affair. On the very first hand of hand-for-hand play, two tables saw players all in and at risk simultaneously. At one, George Mateo three-bet shoved for 58,000 with ace-five, and initial raiser Ahn made the call holding pocket jacks. Mateo needed help against Ahn's jacks, but a pair of tens landed on the flop, followed by a queen and a seven, offering no salvation. Ahn's jacks held to send Mateo to the rail. At the other table, Fendy Kosasih found a double up to survive, confirming Mateo as the sole player to bubble Day 1A.

That concludes our coverage of Day 1A. Make sure to tune back into the live reporting page tomorrow at 12:00 PM local time for the conclusion of the Okada Kickoff event, and follow us on Facebook and Instagram for more video coverage and highlights from the floor!

Derick ElominaDerick Elomina

7/28/2026, 12:30:32 PM

Day 1A Official Chip Counts: 33 Survivors

Level 15: 3,000 / 6,000 ante: 6,000

Player	Chips	Progress
JT Jansen TiuPhilippines	344,000(57 BB)
SP Seunghee ParkSouth Korea	299,000(50 BB)
TA Taeil AhnSouth Korea	273,000(46 BB)
JD Jasper DavidPhilippines	251,000(42 BB)
JR John RiadDenmark	196,000(33 BB)
YP Yiu Pan LamHong Kong	188,000(31 BB)
MB Martijn BoerenbrinkNetherlands	177,000(30 BB)
WG Wendell GarciaPhilippines	174,000(29 BB)
JB Javier BecerrilSpain	169,000(28 BB)
FT Francisco TejadaUnited States of America	162,000(27 BB)
FY Fujii YamatoJapan	153,000(26 BB)	20,000
JC Joshua ChargualafGuam	148,000(25 BB)
GA Gary AdamsonNew Zealand	132,000(22 BB)
RM Richard MarquezPhilippines	125,000(21 BB)
AX Andrew XuAustralia	123,000(21 BB)
DO Domingo OpelenioPhilippines	112,000(19 BB)
JA Joyce Anne MagpantayPhilippines	109,000(18 BB)	89,000
LK Lourd Keven EjemPhilippines	105,000(18 BB)
BK Bosang KimSouth Korea	104,000(17 BB)	84,000
CP Clark PallayaPhilippines	102,000(17 BB)	82,000
MG Michael Gabby ConcepcionPhilippines	101,000(17 BB)	1,000
JE Joseph EricksonUnited States of America	99,000(17 BB)	25,200
FF Frederic FauchereauFrance	91,000(15 BB)	71,000
CG Collin GentnerCanada	68,000(11 BB)	6,000
AU Alexander Ungria JrPhilippines	67,000(11 BB)
JK Jinhyun KimSouth Korea	66,000(11 BB)	43,000
FK Fendy KosasihIndonesia	59,000(10 BB)
GP Genesis PilaoPhilippines	51,000(9 BB)	31,000
BD Bauman DunnUnited States of America	50,000(8 BB)	11,000
JL Johann LaurenaPhilippines	43,000(7 BB)	23,000
WW William WrightUnited States of America	43,000(7 BB)	23,000
LH Lee Han SicSouth Korea	22,000(4 BB)	2,000
ER Edmon RebadullaPhilippines	20,000(3 BB)

Derick ElominaDerick Elomina

7/28/2026, 12:22:36 PM

Mateo Eliminated On Bubble, 33 Survivors Advance To Day 2

Level 15: 3,000 / 6,000 ante: 6,000

George Mateo

The field thinned out quickly, and on the very first hand of hand-for-hand play, two separate tables saw players all in and at risk.

At one table, George Mateo three-bet shoved for 58,000, and initial raiser Taeil Ahn made the call.

George Mateo: A♠ 5♥

Taeil Ahn: J♣ J♦

Mateo needed help against Ahn's pocket jacks, but the board ran T♦ T♣ 5♦ Q♣ 7♠, offering no miracle. Ahn's jacks held to eliminate Mateo.

Meanwhile, at the other all-in table, Fendy Kosasih found a double up to survive, making Mateo the sole bubble of Day 1A.

Congratulations to the 33 survivors, who have all secured a Day 2 seat and a guaranteed payday. Stay tuned for the full Day 1A recap and complete chip counts.

Fendy Kosasih

Player	Chips	Progress
TA Taeil AhnSouth Korea	273,000(46 BB)	253,000
FK Fendy KosasihIndonesia	59,000(10 BB)	39,000
GM George MateoUnited States of America	busted	-20,000

Level 15: 3,000 / 6,000 ante: 6,000

20 minutes

Remaining Players: 37/209

Callum JuryCallum Jury

7/28/2026, 12:05:13 PM

Concepcion's Bluff Gets Sniffed Out

Level 14: 2,000 / 5,000 ante: 5,000

Jasper David

Jasper David opened to 11,000 from under the gun and only Michael Concepcion came along from the big blind.

Concepcion check-called David's 16,000 bet following the 7♥ T♠ 6♠ flop, before leading out for 20,000 when the 7♠ hit the turn.

On the J♦, Concepcion fired again for a hefty 48,000, requiring David to commit the majority of his stack. After tanking for a while, he eventually put in the chips, breathing a sigh of relief when Concepcion mucked his cards and David showed Q♠ Q♣ to take the pot.

Player	Chips	Progress
JD Jasper DavidPhilippines	265,000(53 BB)	245,000
MG Michael Gabby ConcepcionPhilippines	100,000(20 BB)	-197,000

Derick ElominaDerick Elomina

7/28/2026, 12:04:00 PM

Rollercoaster Ride For Tiu

Level 14: 2,000 / 5,000 ante: 5,000

Jansen Tiu

It has been a rollercoaster day for Jansen Tiu. After building an early chip lead, he saw his stack dwindle before mounting a comeback, only to slip back once more. Now, he has battled his way back to the top of the counts with 283,000 chips.

Speaking with SMP, Tiu revealed that a key hand came against Pranjal Gandhi.

According to Tiu, he check-raised all in on the flop holding an open-ended straight draw, while Gandhi called with top pair and a flush draw.

Tiu completed his straight on the turn, and the river failed to improve Gandhi, sending him to the rail and propelling Tiu back into the chip lead.

Player	Chips	Progress
JT Jansen TiuPhilippines	283,000(57 BB)	128,000
PG Pranjal GandhiIndia	busted	-20,000

Derick ElominaDerick Elomina

7/28/2026, 11:57:00 AM

Concepcion Picks Off Shove

Level 14: 2,000 / 5,000 ante: 5,000

Michael Gabby Concepcion

Cutoff Eundong open-shoved for 50,000, looking to pick up the blinds and antes uncontested. Instead, big blind Michael Gabby Concepcion looked him up, putting Eundong's tournament life on the line.

Eundong: A♣ 3♦

Michael Gabby Concepcion: A♦ 8♦

Eundong found himself dominated from the start and needed help to stay alive. The board ran out Q♣ J♣ T♠ 6♠ 7♠, failing to pair either player or improve Eundong's hand.

Concepcion's ace-high with an eight kicker remained best at showdown, earning him another pot while sending Eundong to the rail.

Player	Chips	Progress
MG Michael Gabby ConcepcionPhilippines	297,000(59 BB)	-38,000
E EundongSouth Korea	busted	-20,000

Callum JuryCallum Jury

7/28/2026, 11:45:17 AM

42 Remaining

Level 14: 2,000 / 5,000 ante: 5,000

There are 33 paid places available from Day 1A in the Okada Kickoff event. At present, 42 players remain in the field, meaning nine more eliminations are needed before the day can come to its conclusion.

Player	Chips	Progress
RM Roden MunozPhilippines	busted	-20,000
JF Juden FranciscoPhilippines	busted	-20,000
CL Cris LeonenGuam	busted	-67,000
MM Makoto MiyatakeJapan	busted	-20,000
WL Wonjin LeeSouth Korea	busted	-20,000
EA Edgar AsehanPhilippines	busted	-20,000

Level 14: 2,000 / 5,000 ante: 5,000

20 minutes

Remaining Players: 42/209

Callum JuryCallum Jury

7/28/2026, 11:38:17 AM

Short-Lived Win for Yanagihara

Level 13: 2,000 / 4,000 ante: 4,000

Yuki Yanagihara

Jinhyun Kim opened to 8,000 from middle position before calling big blind Yuki Yanagihara's three-bet jam for his remaining 20,000.

Yuki Yanagihara: A♥ J♦

Jinhyun Kim: Q♠ J♥

Kim had the best of it on the T♦ Q♥ 7♦ flop, with Yanagihara looking for an ace for a better pair, or a king to complete his straight and stay in the game.

The 4♥ turn brought little help, but the K♠ river was exactly what he needed, providing a life-saving double through Kim.

However, this win was short-lived, as Yanagihara was seen leaving the tournament area just a few minutes later.

Player	Chips	Progress
JK Jinhyun KimSouth Korea	23,000(6 BB)	-2,000
YY Yuki YanagiharaJapan	busted	-24,000

Derick ElominaDerick Elomina

7/28/2026, 11:36:00 AM

Huge Double For Yamato

Level 13: 2,000 / 4,000 ante: 4,000

Fujii Yamato

With 53,000 already in the middle and the board reading 9♦ 8♠ 2♠ A♣, Fujii Yamato moved all in for his remaining 40,000. After a brief pause, Yuki Yanagihara made the call, putting Yamato at risk.

Fujii Yamato: A♥ 9♥

Yuki Yanagihara: A♠ T♠

Yamato was in excellent shape with top two pair, while Yanagihara could only improve with one of the three remaining tens.

The K♥ river wasn't one of them, allowing Yamato to drag the sizable pot and earn a full double up.

Player	Chips	Progress
FY Fujii YamatoJapan	133,000(33 BB)	113,000
YY Yuki YanagiharaJapan	24,000(6 BB)	24,000

Derick ElominaDerick Elomina

7/28/2026, 11:30:00 AM

Chip Leaders!

Level 13: 2,000 / 4,000 ante: 4,000

Michael Gabby Concepcion

Player	Chips	Progress
MG Michael Gabby ConcepcionPhilippines	335,000(84 BB)	62,000
AX Andrew XuAustralia	222,000(56 BB)	138,000
LK Lourd Keven EjemPhilippines	218,000(55 BB)	63,000
AU Alexander Ungria JrPhilippines	199,000(50 BB)	179,000
FT Francisco TejadaUnited States of America	191,000(48 BB)	165,000

Level 13: 2,000 / 4,000 ante: 4,000

20 minutes

Remaining Players: 45/209

Derick ElominaDerick Elomina

7/28/2026, 11:17:00 AM

Break Time! End In Sight

Break

The remaining 45 players are now on a 10-minute break, which is likely to be the final pause of the day. With just 12 more eliminations needed before play concludes, the race for the final Day 2 spots is nearing its finish.

Tournament staff are also conducting the 500-denomination chip race, coloring up the smallest chips before players return for what is expected to be the final stretch of Day 1A.

Break

15 minutes

Remaining Players: 45/209

Derick ElominaDerick Elomina

7/28/2026, 11:14:00 AM

Button Shove Pays Off

Level 12: 1,500 / 3,000 ante: 3,000

Bauman Dunn

Action folded to the button, where Bauman Dunn moved all in for 16,500. Small blind Martijn Boerenbrink looked him up to put Dunn at risk.

Bauman Dunn: Q♣ T♠

Martijn Boerenbrink: A♦ 4♥

Dunn took a huge step toward a double up after the J♠ T♣ T♥ flop gave him trip tens.

The 9♠ turn left Boerenbrink drawing dead, officially locking up the pot for Dunn before the 4♠ completed the board as a mere consolation card.

Player	Chips	Progress
MB Martijn BoerenbrinkNetherlands	79,000(26 BB)	59,000
BD Bauman DunnUnited States of America	39,000(13 BB)	19,000

Callum JuryCallum Jury

7/28/2026, 11:09:15 AM

Ejem's Jacks Hold

Level 12: 1,500 / 3,000 ante: 3,000

Lourd Keven Ejem

Bosang Kim opened to 6,000 and was called by Jovenal Pangilinan Jr., before Lourd Keven Ejem three-bet shoved for his covering stack of around 130,000. Kim eventually folded, but Pangilinan Jr., who had taken his phone out to film his cards, stuck in his last 22,500, and cards went on their backs:

Jovenal Pangilinan Jr.: A♠ T♠

Lourd Keven Ejem: J♣ J♥

The board was not the picture-perfect scene Pangilinan Jr. was hoping for, with the 2♥ 9♥ 5♣ flop providing little help. The 8♣ turn changed little, and the board-pairing 5♥ river kept Ejem's jacks ahead, scoring the knockout against Pangilinan Jr.

Player	Chips	Progress
LK Lourd Keven EjemPhilippines	155,000(52 BB)
JP Jovenal Pangilinan JrPhilippines	busted	-20,000

Derick ElominaDerick Elomina

7/28/2026, 11:03:00 AM

Field Shrinks Quickly

Level 12: 1,500 / 3,000 ante: 3,000

The field is thinning out quickly, with just 52 players remaining. Only 19 more eliminations are needed before the tournament ends, where the remaining contenders will lock up a cash and advance to Day 2.

Meanwhile, Day 1B is already well underway and has attracted 167 entries through Level 5. Combined with the completed Day 1A flight, the total prize pool has already climbed past PHP 3,000,000, comfortably surpassing the PHP 2,000,000 guarantee and putting the festival on pace for an even bigger turnout with more flights still to come.

Level 12: 1,500 / 3,000 ante: 3,000

20 minutes

Remaining Players: 52/209

Derick ElominaDerick Elomina

7/28/2026, 10:47:00 AM

Concepcion Scoops Both Pots

Level 11: 1,000 / 2,500 ante: 2,500

Michael Gabby Concepcion

Under the gun, Rudy Edenata opened to 4,000, and Rafael Presnede came along from middle position. On the button, chip leader Michael Gabby Concepcion squeezed to 18,000. Edenata called before Presnede committed his last 29,500 chips.

Both Concepcion and Edenata matched the shove and checked the Q♥ 5♦ 3♦ flop.

When the K♥ landed on the turn, Concepcion fired 19,000, and Edenata made a smooth check-call. The J♣ river completed the board, and both remaining players checked to showdown.

Rafael Presnede: A♣ J♥

Rudy Edenata: Q♣ T♣

Michael Gabby Concepcion: A♠ K♦

Concepcion's turned top pair proved best, earning him both the main and side pots. Presnede was eliminated, while Concepcion added another sizable pot to further strengthen his chip lead.

Player	Chips	Progress
MG Michael Gabby ConcepcionPhilippines	273,000(109 BB)	113,000
RE Rudy EdenataIndonesia	46,500(19 BB)	-50,800
RP Rafael PresnedePhilippines	busted	-20,000

Level 11: 1,000 / 2,500 ante: 2,500

20 minutes

Remaining Players: 67/209

Derick ElominaDerick Elomina

7/28/2026, 10:33:00 AM

Szymanowski Misses Monster Draws

Level 10: 1,000 / 2,000 ante: 2,000

Michal Szymanowski

Under the gun, Michal Szymanowski opened to 4,000 before big blind Kevin Flores moved all in for his remaining 15,300. Szymanowski went into the tank for a moment before making the call.

Kevin Flores: K♠ J♠

Michal Szymanowski: K♦ 9♦

Flores was ahead with king-jack, but Szymanowski picked up plenty of outs on the 8♣ 6♦ 2♦ flop after turning a flush draw. The 7♣ turn added an open-ended straight draw, giving Szymanowski a host of river cards to win the pot.

Instead, the A♣ river missed everything, allowing Flores to win with king-high, jack kicker and secure the double up.

Player	Chips	Progress
KF Kevin FloresUnited States of America	33,600(17 BB)	13,600
MS Michal SzymanowskiPoland	9,700(5 BB)	9,700

Derick ElominaDerick Elomina

7/28/2026, 10:23:00 AM

Tens Survive Three-Way

Level 10: 1,000 / 2,000 ante: 2,000

Alexis Malocloc

A three-way all in developed at Table 38 with the shortest stack, Eiji Watanabe, at risk for 5,700. Alexis Malocloc committed his 28,300 stack, while Kevin Mateo had both players covered.

Eiji Watanabe: A♠ K♣

Alexis Malocloc: T♥ T♠

Kevin Mateo: A♣ Q♣

The 7♣ 5♣ 3♦ flop gave Malocloc's pocket tens the lead, but Mateo picked up a flush draw to create plenty of suspense.

The 5♠ turn and 7♦ river, however, brought no club, allowing Malocloc's tens to hold for a double up while Watanabe's tournament came to an end.

Player	Chips	Progress
AM Alexis MaloclocPhilippines	67,300(34 BB)	47,300
KM Kevin MateoPhilippines	16,200(8 BB)	-3,800
EW Eiji WatanabeJapan	busted	-20,000

Callum JuryCallum Jury

7/28/2026, 10:21:49 AM

Lucky River for Biswas

Level 10: 1,000 / 2,000 ante: 2,000

Ayan Biswas open-jammed for 14,900 and the action folded around to Jinhyun Kim in the big blind, who put in the call.

Ayan Biswas: A♥ 3♦

Jinhyun Kim: 4♣ 4♠

Biswas found no help on the K♦ J♥ 9♣ flop. The 7♦ turn changed nothing, leaving the Indian player still needing to catch an ace to stay in the game.

Thankfully for the short stack, the dealer peeled off the A♠ river, as the table let out a collective gasp.

"Always river!" a player at the table added.

Player	Chips	Progress
AB Ayan BiswasIndia	32,000(16 BB)	12,000
JK Jinhyun KimSouth Korea	25,000(13 BB)	5,000

Level 10: 1,000 / 2,000 ante: 2,000

20 minutes

Remaining Players: 84/209

Derick ElominaDerick Elomina

7/28/2026, 10:13:00 AM

Filipinos Lead The Field

Level 9: 1,000 / 1,500 ante: 1,500

Michael Gabby Concepcion

With late registration now closed, Michael Gabby Concepcion has emerged as the Day 1A chip leader, bagging 160,000 (107 big blinds) to pace the field.

Close behind is fellow Filipino Jansen Tiu, who sits just five big blinds back with 155,000 (103 big blinds). The local duo holds a healthy advantage over the rest of the field as they look to carry their momentum into Day 2.

Player	Chips	Progress
MG Michael Gabby ConcepcionPhilippines	160,000(107 BB)	140,000
JT Jansen TiuPhilippines	155,000(103 BB)	44,700

Callum JuryCallum Jury

7/28/2026, 10:07:33 AM

Tiu Takes Out Malonzo

Level 9: 1,000 / 1,500 ante: 1,500

Jansen Tiu

Hijack Billy Malonzo opened the action with a raise to 4,400, before button Jansen Tiu three-bet to 8,800. Once the action was back on Malonzo, he four-bet jammed for around 40,000 and was quickly called:

Billy Malonzo: Q♦ Q♣

Jansen Tiu: A♠ A♥

A rough situation for Malonzo, running into Tiu's bullets, who found no reprieve on the A♦ 4♦ 7♥ flop, needing running cards to stay alive.

Some hope arrived briefly when the Q♥ landed on the turn, but the T♣ river offered no further help, sending Malonzo to the rail.

Player	Chips	Progress
JT Jansen TiuPhilippines	162,000(108 BB)	51,700
BM Billy MalonzoPhilippines	busted	-20,000

Callum JuryCallum Jury

7/28/2026, 9:55:51 AM

Day 1A Departures

Level 9: 1,000 / 1,500 ante: 1,500

Rene Mar David

With registration closed for Day 1A, players looking to get back involved with the Okada Kickoff event will have to join Day 1B which is currently underway, or 1C which commences later this evening.

Player	Chips	Progress
GG Gaurav GurjarIndia	busted	-20,000
JD John Dela CruzPhilippines	busted	-20,000
RM Rene Mar DavidPhilippines	busted	-20,000
JC Jose ColadaPhilippines	busted	-20,000
YY Yuki YanagiharaJapan	busted	-51,000
RB Raphael BulaongPhilippines	busted	-20,000

Level 9: 1,000 / 1,500 ante: 1,500

20 minutes

Remaining Players: 99/209

Derick ElominaDerick Elomina

7/28/2026, 9:51:00 AM

Soni Finds Miracle

Level 8: 600 / 1,200 ante: 1,200

Dishant Soni

Facing an early position raise, Dishant Soni moved all in for 29,200. Action folded to the big blind, where Renato Delos Santos reshoved for 29,500, forcing the initial raiser out of the hand.

Dishant Soni: A♥ K♠

Renato Delos Santos: A♣ A♦

After seeing Delos Santos table pocket aces, Soni immediately stood up from his seat. The J♣ T♦ 6♥ flop gave Soni additional outs, and the Q♥ turn completed broadway straight to put him in front.

The 2♠ river changed nothing, allowing Soni to double up to 62,700. Delos Santos, meanwhile, was left with just 300 chips, less than a single big blind.

Player	Chips	Progress
DS Dishant SoniIndia	62,700(52 BB)	42,700
RD Renato Delos SantosPhilippines	300(0 BB)	-19,700

Derick ElominaDerick Elomina

7/28/2026, 9:42:00 AM

Sarkar Lands Two-Outer

Level 8: 600 / 1,200 ante: 1,200

Satwaki Sarkar

With around 15,000 already in the middle on a T♦ 8♠ 7♠ flop, Satwaki Sarkar moved all in, and Ibuki Yamasaki quickly called off his remaining 10,100 chips.

Ibuki Yamasaki: A♦ A♠

Satwaki Sarkar: K♠ K♦

It was a dream setup with both players holding premium pairs, but Yamasaki was a commanding favorite with pocket aces. Fortune shifted on the K♥ turn, however, as Sarkar spiked one of just two remaining kings to seize the lead.

The 8♥ river failed to rescue Yamasaki, completing a brutal bad beat as Sarkar's turned set sent the Japanese contender to the rail.

Player	Chips	Progress
SS Satwaki SarkarIndia	78,200(65 BB)	58,200
IY Ibuki YamasakiJapan	busted	-20,000

Callum JuryCallum Jury

7/28/2026, 9:38:00 AM

Big Fold from Torres

Level 8: 600 / 1,200 ante: 1,200

Ricardo Torres

Yuki Yanagihara had just sat down and verified his seat with the dealer before getting swiftly involved at his new table.

Previous APPT Champion Justin Ong raised to 2,500 from early position and was called by Francisco Tejada Cruz in the next seat. Small blind Ricardo

Torres then three-bet to 9,500. Yanagihara had other ideas, however, four-bet jamming his 36,000-chip stack.

"What's that? Really?!" Ong quipped before ultimately folding, as did Cruz. Torres was not so easily deterred, or possibly saving face, quizzing Yanagihara for a minute or so before opting to lay down his hand.

"Big fold," Ong said. "Ace-ace," referring to Yanagihara's hand.

Justin Ong

Player	Chips	Progress
JO Justin OngPhilippines	94,000(78 BB)	8,900
YY Yuki YanagiharaJapan	51,000(43 BB)	31,000
RT Ricardo TorresPhilippines	29,000(24 BB)	9,000
FT Francisco TejadaUnited States of America	26,000(22 BB)	6,000

Level 8: 600 / 1,200 ante: 1,200

20 minutes

Remaining Players: 113/209

Derick ElominaDerick Elomina

7/28/2026, 9:33:00 AM

Day 1A Registration Closes with 220 Entries, 33 ITM

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

Registration for the Okada Kickoff Day 1A has officially closed with a strong 220 entries, putting the PHP 2,000,000 (~USD 32,400) guarantee within touching distance in just the opening flight. With two more starting flights still to come later today, the guarantee is expected to be comfortably surpassed.

A total of 113 players remain in the hunt and will battle down to the final 33 survivors, who will secure their seats for Day 2 tomorrow along with a guaranteed minimum cash. Every pot from here on carries added importance as the field races toward the money and a return for the final day.

Callum JuryCallum Jury

7/28/2026, 9:21:09 AM

Gopez Scores a Double KO

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

Edilberto Gopez

The preflop betting action wasn't caught, but Table 53 was joined with three players all in. Hijack Edilberto Gopez had the covering stack and was looking to score a double knockout against button Nazariy Fedyk and small blind Wilfredo Bachinela:

Nazariy Fedyk: A♥ 3♦

Wilfredo Bachinela: A♣ K♥

Edilberto Gopez: J♥ J♠

The J♦ Q♥ 2♣ flop put Gopez immediately in front and left the short stacks in need of severe help to stay alive. The 3♣ landed on the turn, and the knife-twisting A♠ completed the board, keeping Gopez's set ahead and sending two players to the rail.

Player	Chips	Progress
EG Edilberto GopezPhilippines	59,500(60 BB)	41,000
NF Nazariy FedykUkraine	busted	-20,000
WB Wilfredo BachinelaPhilippines	busted	-20,000

Derick ElominaDerick Elomina

7/28/2026, 9:20:00 AM

Chip Leaders At The Break

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

Jansen Tiu

Player	Chips	Progress
JT Jansen TiuPhilippines	110,300(110 BB)	85,800
RE Rudy EdenataIndonesia	97,300(97 BB)	77,300
JO Justin OngPhilippines	85,100(85 BB)	65,100
AX Andrew XuAustralia	84,000(84 BB)	64,000
YP Yiu Pan LamHong Kong	78,200(78 BB)	58,200
JE Joseph EricksonUnited States of America	73,800(74 BB)	34,800
CL Cris LeonenGuam	67,000(67 BB)	6,000
CG Collin GentnerCanada	62,000(62 BB)	42,000

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

20 minutes

Remaining Players: 135/209

Derick ElominaDerick Elomina

7/28/2026, 9:07:00 AM

Players On Break

Break

Players are now on their first break of the day. Once play resumes, late registration will officially close, locking in the final field for the Kickoff event.

The field currently stands at 197 entries, with 126 players still in contention. Any last-minute entrants will need to take their seats before the break ends.

Break

15 minutes

Remaining Players: 126/197

Callum JuryCallum Jury

7/28/2026, 9:04:02 AM

Ins and Outs

Level 6: 400 / 800 ante: 800

Player	Chips	Progress
FK Fendy KosasihIndonesia	20,000(25 BB)
IY Ibuki YamasakiJapan	20,000(25 BB)
JB Javier BecerrilSpain	20,000(25 BB)
AG Aksshat GulatiIndia	20,000(25 BB)
MS Michal SzymanowskiPoland	busted	-8,000
KI Kenta ItakuraJapan	busted	-20,000
LS Leon StewardPhilippines	busted	-20,000
ED Edwin Dela CruzPhilippines	busted	-20,000

Derick ElominaDerick Elomina

7/28/2026, 9:00:00 AM

The King Arrives

Level 6: 400 / 800 ante: 800

Mike Takayama

One of the biggest names in Philippine poker has entered the field as Mike Takayama takes his seat in the Kickoff event.

The top-ranked Filipino on the all-time money list, Takayama has amassed more than $4.5 million in live tournament earnings throughout his decorated career. Widely regarded by his peers as "The King" and the GOAT of Philippine poker, he also holds the distinction of being the country's only WSOP bracelet winner.

With one of the tournament favorites now in the mix, all eyes will be on Takayama as he begins his quest for another title.

Player	Chips
MT Mike TakayamaPhilippines	20,000(25 BB)

Level 6: 400 / 800 ante: 800

20 minutes

Remaining Players: 130/194

Callum JuryCallum Jury

7/28/2026, 8:36:30 AM

Previous Megastack Main Event Champions at Table 53

Level 5: 300 / 600 ante: 600

Marvin Cerbito

Also spotted among the early runners are a pair of recent Manila Megastack champions. Marvin Cerbito, who took down the Manila Megastack 24 Main Event for PHP 5,750,000 (~USD 99,880) after defeating Russia's Gleb Ershov heads-up, is back at the tables looking to add another Manila title to his resume.

Also in action is Edilberto Gopez Jr, who won the Manila Megastack 23 Main Event last year for PHP 5,750,000 (~USD 98,065), the largest cash of his career. With both local favourites in the field, the Okada Kickoff has no shortage of winners looking to make an early statement.

Player	Chips	Progress
EG Edilberto GopezPhilippines	18,500(31 BB)	-1,500
MC Marvin CerbitoPhilippines	13,000(22 BB)	-7,000

Derick ElominaDerick Elomina

7/28/2026, 8:30:00 AM

Players Fill Cove Manila

Level 5: 300 / 600 ante: 600

A massive wave of players has already filled Cove Manila through just the first four levels, with the field climbing past 150 entries in the opening event. The poker room is buzzing as side events and qualifiers are also drawing strong numbers, keeping tables packed across the venue.

With registration still open and more players continuing to arrive, the PHP 2,000,000 (~USD 32,400) guaranteed prize pool looks well on track to be comfortably surpassed.

Level 5: 300 / 600 ante: 600

20 minutes

Remaining Players: 121/154

Derick ElominaDerick Elomina

7/28/2026, 8:25:00 AM

Leonen Rivers Vrabel

Level 4: 200 / 500 ante: 500

Cris Leonen

Francis Vrabel had already committed his last 24,100 chips by the time we reached the table. Facing the shove with 6,000 already in the middle of 7♦ 3♠ 2♠, Cris Leonen took his time before finally putting in the call.

Francis Vrabel: J♥ J♦

Cris Leonen: K♠ 9♠

The T♣ turn offered no help, and it looked as though Vrabel was on course for a double up.

Instead, the 4♠ river peeled off to complete Leonen's flush, turning the tables at the last possible moment and sending Vrabel to the rail.

Francis Vrabel

Player	Chips	Progress
CL Cris LeonenGuam	61,000(122 BB)	41,000
FV Francis VrabelUnited States of America	busted	-20,000

Callum JuryCallum Jury

7/28/2026, 8:16:32 AM

Erickson Gets Revenge

Level 4: 200 / 500 ante: 500

Joseph Erickson

Michal Syzmanowski opened to 1,200 from the button and both blinds, Joseph Erickson and Francis Vrabel, made the call.

All three checked the 8♣ A♠ 3♦ flop, before both blinds check-folded the T♦ turn when Syzmanowski fired 2,500.

In the next hand, button Erickson raised to 1,200 and big blind Raphael Bulaong made the call. Erickson fired 1,200 on the A♣ 2♦ T♦ flop, but after Bulaong check-raised to 5,700, Erickson quickly mucked his hand.

In the third hand with Erickson, he three-bet Syzmanowski's 1,200 open to 3,400, and Syzmanowski made the call.

On the 7♥ 3♠ K♥ flop, Syzmanowski check-called Erickson's 3,000 bet. Both opted to check the 8♦ turn, taking them to the 2♠ river, where Syzmanowski led for 5,000. Erickson checked his cards and looked a little sick, but stuck in the call anyway. He was glad to see Syzmanowski turn over Q♥ J♥ for air, while his Q♠ Q♣ was good for the substantial pot.

Player	Chips	Progress
JE Joseph EricksonUnited States of America	39,000(78 BB)	19,000
FV Francis VrabelUnited States of America	23,000(46 BB)	3,000
MS Michal SzymanowskiPoland	8,000(16 BB)	-12,000

Level 4: 200 / 500 ante: 500

20 minutes

Remaining Players: 118/137

Derick ElominaDerick Elomina

7/28/2026, 8:05:00 AM

Nathan Sends Laungayan Packing

Level 3: 200 / 400 ante: 400

Stephen Nathan

Middle position Alvin Laungayan opened to 1,000, Stephen Nathan defended his big blind and took the action to the 6♠ 5♥ 4♦ flop.

Laungayan continued for 2,000, but Nathan sprang to life with a check-raise to 5,500. Laungayan wasted little time, announcing all in for 16,000, and Nathan instantly tossed in the call.

Alvin Laungayan: A♣ 5♦

Stephen Nathan: 7♦ 7♠

Laungayan needed help with his pair of fives, but the K♦ turn and 2♣ river were no help. Nathan's pocket sevens held firm, sending Laungayan packing.

Player	Chips	Progress
SN Stephen NathanUnited Kingdom	43,200(108 BB)	23,200
AL Alvin LaungayanPhilippines	busted	-17,500

Derick ElominaDerick Elomina

7/28/2026, 8:00:00 AM

Whykes Cracks Kings to Stay

Level 3: 200 / 400 ante: 400

Michael Whykes

After taking a quick exit on the very first hand of the tournament, Michael Whykes fired a second bullet and quickly found himself right back in the middle of a massive pot.

With around 42,000 already in the middle following heavy preflop action, Whykes pushed his remaining 10,000 into the middle on a flop of 9♣ 8♦ 2♠. Jansen Tiu made the call to put Whykes at risk once again.

Michael Whykes: T♥ 9♠

Jansen Tiu: K♥ K♣

Whykes had flopped top pair, but Tiu was well ahead with his pocket kings. However, the turn brought the T♣, completing Whykes' two pair and putting him in the lead.

The 5♦ on the river was a brick, locking up the double for Whykes to pull him right back into contention early on Day 1A.

Player	Chips	Progress
MW Michael WhykesAustralia	62,000(155 BB)	42,000
JT Jansen TiuPhilippines	24,500(61 BB)	-65,500

Callum JuryCallum Jury

7/28/2026, 7:55:07 AM

Table 47 Action

Level 3: 200 / 400 ante: 400

Cutoff Jaeil Lee raised to 800 and big blind Genesis Pilao defended. Both players checked the 8♦ 6♥ 6♣ flop before Pilao check-folded to Lee's 1,500 bet on the 8♠ turn.

In the next hand, Charles Donnadieu raised to 1,100 from early position, and hijack Lee stuck in the call, as did button Alvin Laungayan and big blind Jose Garife.

Donnadieu led for 1,500 on the 7♠ 6♥ 5♦ flop and only Lee made the call.

The 4♠ turn brought four to a straight on the board, and Donnadieu slowed down with a check, before Lee fired a hefty 4,500. Donnadieu thought for a brief moment before letting his hand go.

Player	Chips	Progress
JG Jose GarifePhilippines	28,000(70 BB)	8,000
CD Charles DonnadieuFrance	22,000(55 BB)	2,000
JL Jaeil LeeSouth Korea	21,000(53 BB)	1,000
GP Genesis PilaoPhilippines	20,000(50 BB)
AL Alvin LaungayanPhilippines	17,500(44 BB)	-2,500

Level 3: 200 / 400 ante: 400

20 minutes

Remaining Players: 81/87

Derick ElominaDerick Elomina

7/28/2026, 7:45:00 AM

Former Champ Joins Opening Event

Level 2: 100 / 300 ante: 300

Xiong Cheng

An iconic face has joined the action at Cove Manila, as Xiong Cheng, who conquered the first APPT Manila Main Event crowned right here inside Okada Manila, was spotted taking his seat for the Okada Kickoff.

Back on August 5, 2024, the American pro put on a dominant final-table performance to capture the record-breaking APPT Manila Main Event. Cheng steamrolled through the final three players blocking his path to secure his first-ever APPT shard trophy alongside a massive career-best payout of PHP 15,000,000 (~USD 259,246).

Now, the former champion is back under the Cove Manila dome looking to add more hardware to his resume to kick off the two-week series.

Meanwhile, 2025 Main Event winner Justin Ong has yet to make an appearance as the floor continues to fill up.

Player	Chips
XC Xiong ChengUnited States of America	20,000(67 BB)

Derick ElominaDerick Elomina

7/28/2026, 7:36:00 AM

Orbigo Doubles With Full House

Level 2: 100 / 300 ante: 300

Rommel Orbigo

Early position Rommel Orbigo kicked off the action with an open raise, only to face a three-bet from Sergius Santos in the big blind. Orbigo made the call, taking them heads-up to a flop of A♦ 9♣ 2♠.

Santos stayed aggressive on the flop with a lead bet of 1,200. Orbigo didn't back down, raising the price to 3,000. Santos then announced he was all in, and Orbigo snap-called for his remaining 17,100 stack.

Rommel Orbigo: A♣ 2♥

Sergius Santos: A♠ K♥

Santos was visibly frustrated the moment Orbigo tabled A♣ 2♥ for two pair, putting his dominant big slick far behind.

The T♣ turn changed nothing, and the 2♦ on the river handed Orbigo a full house to seal the massive double up, leaving Santos severely short-stacked while Orbigo builds an early stack in Day 1A.

Player	Chips	Progress
RO Rommel OrbigoPhilippines	38,200(127 BB)	18,200
SS Sergius SantosPhilippines	3,600(12 BB)	-16,400

Callum JuryCallum Jury

7/28/2026, 7:30:28 AM

Early Exit for Jung

Level 2: 100 / 300 ante: 300

Kyungsun Jung

It wasn't clear how Kyungsun Jung ended up short-stacked, but after a raise from under-the-gun Zandro Carmona, Jung got the last of his 600 chips in the middle from the small blind, and big blind Ryan Millington also made the call.

Both live players in the hand checked the A♥ A♣ 6♣ flop, but on the 7♠ turn Carmona went to bet, only for Millington to have already mucked his cards before the chips went in. Jung turned his cards over while simultaneously getting out of his seat, revealing 4♠ 2♣.

Carmona flicked over A♦ 7♦, leaving Jung drawing dead as the inconsequential T♥ river was peeled off.

Player	Chips	Progress
RM Ryan MillingtonUnited Kingdom	39,000(130 BB)	-2,000
ZC Zandro CarmonaPhilippines	22,000(73 BB)	2,000
KJ Kyungsun JungSouth Korea	busted	-20,000

Level 2: 100 / 300 ante: 300

20 minutes

Remaining Players: 78/81

Derick ElominaDerick Elomina

7/28/2026, 7:20:00 AM

Whykes Busted on First Hand

Level 1: 100 / 200 ante: 200

Michael Whykes and Ryan Millington

Talk about no warm-up needed - Day 1A of the Okada Kickoff kicked off with a bustout on the very first hand.

Michael Whykes and Ryan Millington got involved early, building a pot of around 4,500 preflop. The flop came down 7♠ 5♦ 3♠, and after a fast round of heavy betting, Whykes pushed his entire starting stack into the middle. Millington snapped him off, setting up a massive first-hand showdown.

Michael Whykes: A♠ 2♠

Ryan Millington: Q♣ Q♦

Millington was ahead with pocket queens, but Whykes was sitting on plenty of equity with a nut flush draw and an Ace overcard. The turn brought the K♣ and the river paired the board with the K♦, missing Whykes completely and keeping Millington's overpair out in front.

Just like that, Millington dragged a huge early pot and sent Whykes straight to the registration desk. Whykes took the beat in great spirits, laughing it off to the table as he stood up: "Okay, rebuy! What is this, like a $200 buy-in? I might as well fire 20 bullets, hahaha!"

Player	Chips	Progress
RM Ryan MillingtonUnited Kingdom	41,000(205 BB)	21,000
MW Michael WhykesAustralia	busted	-20,000

Callum JuryCallum Jury

7/28/2026, 7:15:13 AM

Tiu Gets Max Value with Aces

Level 1: 100 / 200 ante: 200

Jansen Tiu

Hand as told by Jansen Tiu:

There were three limpers before button Jansen Tiu raised to 1,200, and three players made the call.

On the king-queen-six flop, the action went check-check before Tiu fired 2,000, with only under-the-gun Minku Kim making the call.

The turn brought a three, and Kim check-called Tiu's 5,000 bet.

The river landed an eight, and Kim checked once more. Tiu bet a hefty 11,000, sending Kim into the tank. He eventually stuck in the call, only to see the bad news as Tiu flicked over pocket aces, while Kim flashed a king as he mucked his hand, having taken substantial damage to his stack.

Player	Chips	Progress
JT Jansen TiuPhilippines	90,000(450 BB)	70,000
MK Minku KimSouth Korea	8,000(40 BB)	-12,000

Callum JuryCallum Jury

7/28/2026, 7:10:00 AM

Early Entrants

Level 1: 100 / 200 ante: 200

Player	Chips
MB Martijn BoerenbrinkNetherlands	20,000(100 BB)
KH Kit HoAustralia	20,000(100 BB)
GA Gary AdamsonNew Zealand	20,000(100 BB)
RB Raphael BulaongPhilippines	20,000(100 BB)
LK Lourd Keven EjemPhilippines	20,000(100 BB)
JE Joseph EricksonUnited States of America	20,000(100 BB)
KF Kevin FloresUnited States of America	20,000(100 BB)
DB Dmitrii BelikovRussia	20,000(100 BB)
AG Alex GivaPhilippines	20,000(100 BB)

Level 1: 100 / 200 ante: 200

20 minutes

Remaining Players: 48/48

Derick ElominaDerick Elomina

7/28/2026, 1:20:12 AM

APPT Manila 2026: Okada Kickoff Day 1A Set to Begin at Cove Manila

Welcome to live coverage of APPT Manila 2026, brought to you directly from Cove Manila inside Okada Manila! The two-week series officially gets underway today, July 28, running through August 10 and featuring PHP 132,000,000 (~USD 2.14M) in total festival guarantees. Morning freerolls and qualifiers give players their first shot at Main Event seats, leading into the opening day's primary attraction: the Okada Kickoff.

Boasting a PHP 2,000,000 (~USD 32,400) guaranteed prize pool, the Okada Kickoff is expected to draw a large field of regional regulars, international contenders, and local favorites looking to build early momentum.

Action for Day 1A kicks off at 3:00 PM local time, marking the first of three starting flights scheduled throughout the day, with Day 1B following at 5:30 PM and Day 1C at 8:00 PM. Each starting flight will play strictly down to the money, ensuring every surviving player secures a payday and advances to Day 2 on July 29 at 12:00 PM to battle for the title.

Our reporting team will be on site to deliver continuous coverage, including key hands, chip counts, and notable eliminations throughout the afternoon and evening. Follow along right here as the action begins later today at Okada Manila!

Event starts 15:00 local time..