APT Main Event (60,000 PHP)

Flight B of the APT Manila Classic 2025 Main Event has wrapped up, drawing 270 entrants who each put up the PHP 60,000 buy-in (~USD 1,030) to take their shot at a piece of the PHP 60,000,000 (~USD 1,030,000) guaranteed prize pool. After 10 levels of play, the field thinned down to 105 survivors, all securing a seat for Day 2.

Leading the pack at the end of the session is Germany's Lars Kamphues, who bagged an impressive 259,800 chips. Close behind is Joshua Chargualaf of Guam, followed by Weslian Alvaran from the Philippines, rounding out the top three with 215,700 chips.

Some significant names who also bagged decent stacks going into Day 2 are the likes of David Erquiaga (205,800), Stephen Lai (197,000), Joris Michl (185,200), and Edgaras Kausinis (115,700).

Additionally, past APT Main Event champions made their way through Flight B, with Vamerdino Magsakay (197,500), Lester Edoc (88,000), and Punnat Punsri (73,400) all advancing.

With Flight A (218 entries) and Flight B (270 entries) now in the books, the APT Manila Classic 2025 Main Event has amassed 690 total entries, including 202 qualifiers.

Flight C kicks off on February 11 at 11:00 AM, with registration closing at 5:10 PM after 10 levels. The structure features six 30-minute levels followed by four 40-minute levels. Later in the day, Flight D begins at 6:00 PM, with registration closing at 12:10 AM after 10 levels. It follows the same structure as Flight C, offering one final chance for players to run up a stack before Day 2 begins.

The APT live reporting team will be back to bring you all the action from Flights C and D as the final two starting flights play out. With the field continuing to grow and more players vying for a shot at the PHP 60,000,000 guaranteed prize pool, stay tuned as we provide chip counts, key hands, and all the highlights leading up to Day 2 of the APT Manila Classic 2025 Main Event!

Anant Purohit opened to 2,200 and found a caller in David Erquiaga from the big blind.

The dealer fanned the J♠ T♦ J♦ flop, prompting Erquiaga to check-raise Purohit’s 1,500 continuation bet up to 5,500. Purohit called.

The 8♣ landed on the turn. This time, Erquiaga check-called Purohit who led out for 5,500.

When the river fell 8♦ , Purohit moved all-in for his tournament life after Erquiaga checked.

Erquiaga snap-called after, tabling Q♥ T♥ for flopped two pair.

Purohit revealed his 4♥ 4♠ , stood up, and exited the table as Erquiaga raked in the pot, further padding his growing stack.

Former APT Champion Dave Erquiaga made a stormy entrance into the tournament. In middle position, he opened for 2,200, only to face a three-bet from Marc Gagne in the small blind. Without hesitation, Erquiaga shoved all-in for his tournament life. After some thought, Gagne folded.

On the very next hand, the two clashed again. Erquiaga, still in middle position, opened for 2,200, and Gagne was the lone caller.

The dealer revealed 2♠ A♦ 4♠ , and both players checked. On the 6♣ turn, Erquiaga fired 6,500, which Gagne called once more.

Applying maximum pressure, Erquiaga overbet the pot with a 30,000 wager on the river, sending Gagne into the tank.

Leaning over the table, Gagne studied Erquiaga, who remained expressionless. Trying to extract a reaction, he remarked, “That’s a sick overbet. If you have the Ace of spades, you have it.”

After careful deliberation, Gagne made the call—only to see Erquiaga table A♠ 7♠ . A groan escaped Gagne as he reluctantly showed 7♦ 7♥ before sending his cards into the muck.