Ongoing

City of Dreams Manila

Philippines, Metro Manila

The Arena of Champions – GOP Manila 2026

2026.08.21 - 2026.08.30 Add to Calendar

Gods of Poker

Updates Chip Counts Info

Blind level

Level 24: 250,000 / 500,000 ante: 500,000

Entries

1/383

Total Chips

45,960,000

Average

45,960,000

LIVE UPDATES BY GOP

KhanhKhanh

8/29/2026, 3:28:29 PM

From Short Stack to Victory: Dakota Anderson Wins the 2026 GOP Manila Main Event

Level 24: 250,000 / 500,000 ante: 500,000

Dakota Anderson

In the fifth edition of the Gods of Poker live poker series, a new champion has been crowned in the flagship 2026 GOP Manila Main Event here at the Grand Ballroom inside of the City of Dreams Manila Luxury Hotel Resort & Casino.

For the final day of the crown jewel on the schedule held in cooperation with the Soul Poker Club, 12 players out of a 383 entry-strong field returned to claim the biggest slices of the PHP 30 million guaranteed prize pool. Ultimately, it was Dakota Anderson who came out on top after a topsy-turvy final which spanned across more than 200 hands.

The American had already cashed in live events here in Manila all the way back in 2017 before his Hendon Mob resume went on a hiatus for seven years. You may guess where his next recorded result came to be: Right here in Manila, of course, in November 2025. Since then, three dozen cashes followed all over Asia and he reached a final table in Vietnam for his second-largest live poker score earlier this year.

That's until today when he grabbed the golden gauntlet and lifted it up in celebration after coming back from a major chip deficit in heads-up play against Joris Michl. The Dutchman was essentially on home turf because he resides in Manila for several years already but the only gauntlet that will be coming into his apartment after The Arena of Champions is the one of fellow countryman Tom Verbruggen, who won the Titan Stack High Roller on Day 6.

Anderson's top prize of PHP 6,304,500 ($101,322) represents nearly three times the previous best score according to The Hendon Mob and was visibly relieved and very emotional when the river card bricked for Michl. Once all the winner shots were done and the trolley for the gorgeous Main Event trophy arrived, he was actually flabbergasted for a moment.

"Dude, I get all that? This is by far the coolest thing I have ever won in my life," the American said and then left the room with a big smile on the face a few minutes later with "time to go home". During the next upcoming Gods of Poker live festivals, his winner banner will be on display.

Both finalists entered the nine-handed final table in the middle of the pack behind the local seasoned pros Lester Edoc and Marc Rivera, who ultimately finished in fourth and third place respectively. Edoc was the long-time chip leader but once Anderson doubled through him, the rapid downfall unfolded.

Final Table Result

Place	Player	Prize (PHP)	Prize (USD)
1	DA Dakota AndersonUnited States of America	6,304,500	$102,125
2	JM Joris MichlNetherlands	3,840,600	$62,215
3	MR Marc RiveraPhilippines	2,600,100	$42,120
4	LE Lester EdocPhilippines	1,886,100	$30,555
5	JM John MatsudaJapan	1,436,700	$23,275
6	AZ Aleksei ZhukovRussia	1,134,600	$18,380
7	TC Thanh Cao NguyenViet Nam	921,900	$14,935
8	DB Dmitrii BelikovRussia	765,900	$12,405
9	JH Joven HuertoPhilippines	648,300	$10,500

Dakota Anderson (left) and Joris Michl (right)

Action of the Final Day

Sangjin An from South Korea returned with fewer than six big blinds and was the first player to bow out inside of the first ten minutes. He got it in with queen-nine against the king-six of Marc Rivera to hit the rail after both missed the board. Mc Yeldarb Mantos then jammed a suited queen from the small blind on the outer table and Joris Michl happily called with ace-king to recover some of the early losses against Lester Edoc.

That brought the field down to the last ten players on the final table bubble. Vietnam's Thanh Cao Nguyen doubled through Manoj Pentakota to get out of the danger zone and Aleksei Zhukov doubled through Edoc. Pentakota managed to triple once with his severe short stack but ultimately busted to set the stage for the grand finale.

Joven Huerto came into the final table as the shortest stack on just ten big blinds and became the first casualty when he got it in with ace-ten only to be looked up by John Matsuda, who prevailed with pocket kings to reduce the field by one. From there on, the shorter stacks evened out and that left two run-away chip leaders to slow down the action a lot.

Dmitrii Belikov doubled once but remained the shortest stack after two blind increases made proceedings more shallow for everyone but the duo atop the leaderboard. With the average dropping below 30 big blinds, Belikov found himself all-in once again with king-ten against the pocket tens of Michl and couldn't escape this time.

Dmitrii Belikov

Shortly thereafter, the Flying Dutchman picked up pocket aces and Nguyen ran right into them with ace-jack to be left drawing dead on the turn. When both found an ace to go with, Anderson doubled through Zhukov and the latter then busted right after to bow out in sixth place.

Michl had the chance to make it three knockouts in the span of half an hour when he picked up ace-queen against the king-queen of Matsuda. The flop came ace-ten high for top pair against a gutshot, the latter of which never came to send Matsuda to the rail and let Michl further ascend on the leaderboard.

Four-handed play become more active with many medium-sized pots being traded before it culminated in one clash. Anderson jammed ace-jack and Edoc eventually called with king-queen to shake up the leaderboard, all of a sudden Edoc was no longer in the commanding driver's seat that he had maintained all day long. Michl took the lead when Edoc paid off his ace-high flush and they went four-handed into the next break with Michl even further ahead after hitting top pair and two streets of value.

Lester Edoc

When they came back, Edoc was the shortest stack and he got those chips into the middle in the very first hand. His three-bet jam with king-queen was called by Michl with pocket sixes and they held to bring the field down to three with one commanding chip leader. Nothing much changed within half an hour until Michl's open raise was called twice and produced a king-nine high flop. Rivera had king-nine for top two and walked out of the door already when he got shown pocket kings for top set by the Dutchman.

Heads-up play was a cagey affair in which Anderson jammed many a times to keep his dominated stack afloat. When he was called the first time with top pair on the flop, Michl had a ton of equity with an open-ended straight and flush draw. Michl made an inferior pair on the turn and the river bricked. A couple of hands later, Michl was then the at-risk player with both players revealing top pair. There was a sweat with 15 outs on the turn but the river bricked to deny Michl another victory on the Asian live poker circuit.

Joris Michl

One more tournament day remains where the Player of the Series leaderboard will be decided. Martijn Gerrits is still the odds-on favourite to win his third leaderboard title after already having earned seven trophies during the festival so far.

KhanhKhanh

8/29/2026, 2:49:58 PM

Joris Michl Eliminated in 2nd Place for PHP 3,840,000 ($61,723)

Level 24: 250,000 / 500,000 ante: 500,000

Joris Michl - 2nd Place

At new blinds of 250,000-500,000/500,000, Joris Michl limped in with the Q♣ 8♣ and Dakota Anderson pushed all-in with the dominating A♣ J♣ to force a fold.

Anderson then limped on the next button and Michl checked to the T♥ 6♠ 2♠ flop. Michl check-raised from 500,000 to 1,500,000 and Anderson clicked it back to 5,000,000.

Michl went into the tank and then moved all-in, which Anderson called.

Joris Michl: T♦ 5♠

Dakota Anderson: K♣ T♣

Now it was Michl who was at risk and needed to improve on slim odds. He added many outs with the 3♠ turn, but the 15 outs never materialized on the 7♣ river.

Both players shook hands before a very relieved and delighted Anderson grabbed the golden gauntlet, put it on, and celebrated.

For Michl, he was denied the victory and had to settle for a consolation prize of PHP 3,840,000 ($61,723), one spot short of adding another trophy to his cabinet at home in Manila.

Place	Player	Prize (PHP)	Prize (USD)
2	JM Joris MichlNetherlands	3,840,600	$62,215

Level 24: 250,000 / 500,000 ante: 500,000

30 minutes

Remaining Players: 2/383

KhanhKhanh

8/29/2026, 2:42:08 PM

Anderson Pulls Ahead Some More

Level 23: 200,000 / 400,000 ante: 400,000

Joris Michl raised the K♦ 2♣ to 900,000 and Dakota Anderson defended his T♣ 7♦ to the 9♠ 8♥ 7♥ flop, which gave Anderson a pair and straight draw. They checked to the Q♣ turn on which Anderson bet 1,000,000 and Michl folded.

Two hands later, Michl limped the K♦ 2♦ and called Anderson's raise to 1,600,000 with the A♣ J♦. The ace came right away on the A♥ 8♥ 6♦ flop and Anderson's bet of 1,200,000 took it down.

Player	Chips	Progress
DA Dakota AndersonUnited States of America	31,000,000(78 BB)	1,000,000
JM Joris MichlNetherlands	15,000,000(38 BB)	-1,000,000

KhanhKhanh

8/29/2026, 2:30:57 PM

Anderson Dodges Many Outs to Double

Level 23: 200,000 / 400,000 ante: 400,000

Dakota Anderson

Dakota Anderson had chipped up to around 15 million and raised the button to 800,000, after which Joris Michl defended the big blind.

On the 8♦ 5♣ 2♦ flop, Michl checked and Anderson bet 1,000,000. Michl check-raised to 3,000,000 and Anderson then pushed all-in to get called for the first all-in and call in heads-up play.

Dakota Anderson: T♦ 8♣

Joris Michl: 7♦ 6♦

Michl had a straight and flush draw, then added a pair to his outs on the 7♠ turn.

The river was the J♠ and the stack sizes were flipped.

Player	Chips
DA Dakota AndersonUnited States of America	30,000,000(75 BB)
JM Joris MichlNetherlands	16,000,000(40 BB)

KhanhKhanh

8/29/2026, 2:24:55 PM

Michl Stops The Bleeding

Level 23: 200,000 / 400,000 ante: 400,000

Joris Michl raised the A♥ K♦ for 800,000 and Dakota Anderson defended the 7♠ 5♣ to find middle pair on the 9♥ 7♣ 4♣ flop. Anderson check-called 1,000,000 and the 7♦ turn was checked by both.

Anderson didn't bet his trips on the Q♣ river and won no further chips from Michl, who checked back.

Anderson found no value from kings in the big blind and then raised to 800,000 with the K♥ 6♥. Michl three-bet to 2,600,000 with the A♣ K♣ and Anderson peeled.

The 8♠ 3♦ 2♣ flop saw Michl continue for 2,500,000 and Anderson folded.

Player	Chips	Progress
JM Joris MichlNetherlands	30,000,000(75 BB)	-4,000,000
DA Dakota AndersonUnited States of America	16,000,000(40 BB)	4,000,000

KhanhKhanh

8/29/2026, 2:15:59 PM

Favorable Flop for Anderson

Level 23: 200,000 / 400,000 ante: 400,000

Joris Michl limped in with the 7♣ 6♥ for Dakota Anderson to check back the J♣ 5♥ in order to flop top and bottom on J♦ 7♥ 5♣. Anderson check-raised from 500,000 to 1,700,000 and Michl stuck around with his second pair.

The K♣ came on the turn and Anderson's bet of 2,500,000 took down the pot.

Player	Chips
JM Joris MichlNetherlands	34,000,000(85 BB)
DA Dakota AndersonUnited States of America	12,000,000(30 BB)

KhanhKhanh

8/29/2026, 2:12:36 PM

Showdown Pot for Michl To Bounce Back

Level 23: 200,000 / 400,000 ante: 400,000

Joris Michl

Joris Michl limped in with his Q♣ 9♣ and Dakota Anderson opted to check the A♦ 4♥ out of the big blind.

On the J♥ J♠ T♦ flop, Anderson check-called for 500,000 and they checked the 3♠ turn. Michl checked behind the A♣ river to get shown the ace by Anderson.

Anderson limped the Q♥ 6♠ and Michl's raise to 1,500,000 with A♣ 8♣ shut down the American.

The next button saw Anderson limp the K♠ T♣ and Michl check back the 7♦ 4♣. On the J♣ 5♥ 4♦ flop, Michl bet 400,000 and Anderson called. They checked the J♦ turn to the Q♦ river and Michl bet 800,000.

Anderson contemplated the call with king-high and did so, only to get shown two pair.

Player	Chips	Progress
JM Joris MichlNetherlands	34,000,000(85 BB)	1,000,000
DA Dakota AndersonUnited States of America	12,000,000(30 BB)	-1,000,000

KhanhKhanh

8/29/2026, 2:04:16 PM

Anderson Picks Up A Nice Boost

Level 23: 200,000 / 400,000 ante: 400,000

Joris Michl limped the button with 4♥ 3♦ and then called a raise to 1,200,000 after Dakota Anderson bumped up his K♥ T♦. They checked the A♥ K♠ 8♦ flop to the 3♣ turn and Anderson now bet 900,000, which Michl called.

Nothing changed on the Q♣ river and Anderson grabbed into his stack before making it 4,500,000 to go, prompting Michl to snap-fold.

Player	Chips	Progress
JM Joris MichlNetherlands	33,000,000(83 BB)	-3,000,000
DA Dakota AndersonUnited States of America	13,000,000(33 BB)	3,000,000

KhanhKhanh

8/29/2026, 1:58:23 PM

Very Small Chip Changes

Level 23: 200,000 / 400,000 ante: 400,000

Joris Michl limped the J♦ 7♦ and Dakota Anderson checked the 8♣ 6♦ to a flop of Q♠ J♠ J♥, after which Michl got no value out of his trips when he bet small.

Anderson raised the K♦ 6♣ to 800,000 and Michl called with the slightly superior K♣ 9♦. Both whiffed the Q♥ 4♥ 2♥ flop and Michl check-folded to a bet of 800,000.

Michl's next raise to 900,000 came with the A♥ 6♠ and Anderson called with the J♣ 5♣, after which both checked the K♠ 4♦ 4♥. Anderson checked the 2♠ turn, Michl bet 800,000 and won the pot.

Player	Chips	Progress
JM Joris MichlNetherlands	36,000,000(90 BB)	1,000,000
DA Dakota AndersonUnited States of America	10,000,000(25 BB)	-1,000,000

KhanhKhanh

8/29/2026, 1:52:45 PM

Anderson Jams Second Pair

Level 23: 200,000 / 400,000 ante: 400,000

Dakota Anderson

Dakota Anderson limped the 10d 8♥ and then called a raise to 1,500,000 by Joris Michl, who had bumped it up with 6♣ 5♦.

On the Q♠ 8♦ 2♦ flop, Michl continued for 1,000,000 and Anderson jammed to shut down his opponent.

A rare limped pot produced the 9♥ 6♦ 6♣ flop on which Anderson check-called for 400,000 with Q♣ 2♣ when Michl bet his K♣ 8♣.

The 10d turn was checked to the 6♠ river, on which both checked once more, and king-high won the pot.

Player	Chips	Progress
JM Joris MichlNetherlands	35,000,000(88 BB)	-3,000,000
DA Dakota AndersonUnited States of America	11,000,000(28 BB)	3,200,000

Level 23: 200,000 / 400,000 ante: 400,000

30 minutes

Remaining Players: 2/383

KhanhKhanh

8/29/2026, 1:50:52 PM

Heads-Up Play Underway

Level 22: 150,000 / 300,000 ante: 300,000

GOP Main Event Heads-Up

Heads-up play began with a button limp by Dakota Anderson with A♠ 9♣, and Joris Michl raised to 900,000 with J♣ T♣.

Anderson limp-jammed for 23 big blinds and Michl folded.

Michl then limped the T♠ 4♣ and folded when Anderson jammed K♠ Q♣.

Anderson then raised to 600,000 with K♦ 8♦ and Michl defended T♠ 4♣ to the J♣ 9♣ 3♣ flop. Michl check-raised from 500,000 to 1,300,000 and instantly shut down Anderson.

After the hand, the blinds went up to 200,000-400,000/400,000.

Player	Chips	Progress
JM Joris MichlNetherlands	38,000,000(127 BB)	-875,000
DA Dakota AndersonUnited States of America	7,800,000(26 BB)	825,000

KhanhKhanh

8/29/2026, 1:21:23 PM

Marc Rivera Eliminated in 3rd Place for PHP 2,600,100 ($41,798)

Level 22: 150,000 / 300,000 ante: 300,000

Marc Rivera - 3rd Place

Joris Michl raised the button to 600,000 with K♦ K♣ and was called by Dakota Anderson in the small blind with A♣ 6♣.

Marc Rivera made it three-way with K♥ 9♦ from the big blind, and the flop came K♠ 9♥ 8♠ to spell disaster. It checked to Michl, who bet 600,000, and Anderson folded.

Rivera check-jammed for 4,300,000 and was snapped off.

Once the cards were turned over, Rivera shook Michl's hand and grabbed his belongings with a laugh. With his backpack over his shoulder, Rivera was out the doors of the Grand Ballroom even before the 3♥ turn had him drawing dead prior to the J♦ on the river.

His third-place finish comes with a payday of PHP 2,600,100 ($41,798), and there will now be an extended break prior to the heads-up duel. There will be three hands left at blinds of 150,000-300,000/300,000, and Anderson has 23 big blinds.

Player	Chips	Progress
JM Joris MichlNetherlands	38,875,000(130 BB)	6,875,000
DA Dakota AndersonUnited States of America	6,975,000(23 BB)	-1,225,000
MR Marc RiveraPhilippines	busted

Place	Player	Prize (PHP)	Prize (USD)
3	MR Marc RiveraPhilippines	2,600,100	$42,120

KhanhKhanh

8/29/2026, 1:15:19 PM

The Jams Keep Coming

Level 22: 150,000 / 300,000 ante: 300,000

Dakota Anderson

Joris Michl raised the button to 600,000 with the 8♦ 2♣ and Marc Rivera defended the J♦ 7♦ to a flop of J♠ 8♣ 4♦ for top versus second pair. Rivera check-called 600,000 to the 9♦ turn and they checked to the 6♥ river.

Rivera bet 1,500,000 and Michl folded.

The next few minutes didn't bring much excitement and Michl carried on with his commanding lead.

Dakota Anderson then raised to 600,000 on the button holding the K♦ J♥ and Rivera three-bet to 1,800,000 with K♣ 4♣ in the small blind.

Michl found the A♣ K♥ in the big blind and jammed, forcing two folds.

Michl opened the button with A♣ 7♠ to 600,000 and Anderson jammed the A♠ K♦ in the small blind. Rivera folded the A♦ 3♦ and Michl also let go.

Player	Chips	Progress
JM Joris MichlNetherlands	32,000,000(107 BB)	3,000,000
DA Dakota AndersonUnited States of America	8,200,000(27 BB)	-500,000
MR Marc RiveraPhilippines	5,200,000(17 BB)	-3,100,000

KhanhKhanh

8/29/2026, 12:46:04 PM

Rivera Jams Two Times

Level 22: 150,000 / 300,000 ante: 300,000

Marc Rivera

Joris Michl raised to 600,000 with the 4♦ 3♠ and Marc Rivera defended the big blind holding the 6♦ 5♥. On a flop of K♦ 6♠ 2♦, Rivera checked and Michl bet 800,000. Rivera check-jammed for 4,300,000 and got it through.

Rivera made it 700,000 on the button with the A♥ 6♠ and Dakota Anderson mulled it over with the K♥ 5♠ to end up folding.

Michl's button raise then came with 8♠ 6♣ and Rivera defended T♥ 3♥ to the 9♠ 9♦ 7♠ flop. Rivera checked, Michl bet 600,000 and that ended the hand.

Rivera limped in next and Michl checked with the 9♥ 8♣ to the 8♦ 6♦ 4♣ flop. Rivera check-raised from 400,000 to 1,300,000 and Michl stuck around with his top pair. The J♠ came on the turn and Rivera pushed all-in without his cards shown yet.

Michl asked for a count on the shove, which was for 4,800,000. No call followed and Rivera chipped up further.

Player	Chips
JM Joris MichlNetherlands	29,000,000(97 BB)
DA Dakota AndersonUnited States of America	8,700,000(29 BB)
MR Marc RiveraPhilippines	8,300,000(28 BB)

KhanhKhanh

8/29/2026, 12:41:05 PM

Lester Edoc Eliminated in 4th Place for PHP 1,886,100 ($30,311)

Level 22: 150,000 / 300,000 ante: 300,000

Lester Edoc

In the first hand coming back from the break, Lester Edoc had 6.9 million for 23 big blinds at his disposal. He three-bet jammed with two paint cards and button raiser Joris Michl called.

Lester Edoc: K♦ Q♥

Joris Michl: 6♥ 6♦

Edoc had a smile on his face throughout the A♥ A♣ 3♥ A♦ 8♦ board but couldn't catch on to depart in fourth place for PHP 1,886,100 ($30,311).

Player	Chips	Progress
JM Joris MichlNetherlands	31,000,000(103 BB)	7,000,000
LE Lester EdocPhilippines	busted

Place	Player	Prize (PHP)	Prize (USD)
4	LE Lester EdocPhilippines	1,886,100	$30,555

Level 22: 150,000 / 300,000 ante: 300,000

30 minutes

Remaining Players: 4/383

KhanhKhanh

8/29/2026, 12:22:45 PM

Edoc Jams Into the Break

Level 21: 120,000 / 240,000 ante: 240,000

Marc Rivera opened to 500,000 on the button with the 8♥ 7♦ and Joris Michl in the small blind called holding the Q♣ T♦. Lester Edoc then jammed from the big blind and got it through before they headed into a 15-minute break.

When they come back, the blinds will be 150,000-300,000/300,000 and Michl is now in the driver's seat.

Player	Chips	Progress
JM Joris MichlNetherlands	24,000,000(100 BB)
LE Lester EdocPhilippines	7,000,000(29 BB)	1,100,000
MR Marc RiveraPhilippines	5,300,000(22 BB)	-1,600,000

KhanhKhanh

8/29/2026, 12:21:26 PM

Michl's Lead Continues to Grow

Level 21: 120,000 / 240,000 ante: 240,000

Joris Michl

Marc Rivera opened to 500,000 from under the gun with the Q♥ 4♥ and Joris Michl three-bet to 1,300,000 holding the 2♥ 2♣ on the button. Both blinds folded and so did Rivera.

Dakota Anderson opened the button with K♥ 6♥ soon after for Michl to stick around with the 5♠ 5♦ in the big blind. The 5♥ 4♦ 3♣ flop was checked to the A♣ turn on which Michl's bet of 600,000 was called.

Thanks to the A♦ river, Michl improved to a full house and he fired a bet of 2,500,000. Anderson sighed, mulled it over and folded while Michl raked in the chips with a smirk on his face.

Player	Chips	Progress
JM Joris MichlNetherlands	24,000,000(100 BB)	2,000,000
DA Dakota AndersonUnited States of America	10,000,000(42 BB)	-2,000,000

KhanhKhanh

8/29/2026, 12:12:17 PM

Michl Jams Into Edoc

Level 21: 120,000 / 240,000 ante: 240,000

Joris Michl made it 750,000 to go from the small blind with the A♥ T♣ and Lester Edoc in the big blind called with the 3♦ 3♣ to see a flop of A♦ K♠ 7♥ roll off.

Michl bet 650,000 and Edoc stuck around to the 2♠ turn. The 2♠ turn saw Michl fire a bet of 1,600,000 and Edoc was a non-believer to see the 6♥ on the river.

Michl moved all-in and Edoc finally gave up the pot, parting with a big portion of his stack.

Player	Chips	Progress
JM Joris MichlNetherlands	22,000,000(92 BB)	7,000,000
DA Dakota AndersonUnited States of America	12,000,000(50 BB)	-1,000,000
MR Marc RiveraPhilippines	6,900,000(29 BB)	-400,000
LE Lester EdocPhilippines	5,900,000(25 BB)	-5,100,000

KhanhKhanh

8/29/2026, 12:02:21 PM

Anderson Rivers a Wheel on Michl

Level 21: 120,000 / 240,000 ante: 240,000

Dakota Anderson

Dakota Anderson opened the button to 500,000 with A♥ 4♠ and Joris Michl called with the 8♦ 6♠ in the big blind. The 9♦ 5♥ 2♠ flop was checked by both and Michl bet the K♦ turn for 450,000, Anderson called.

On the 3♥ river, Anderson hit the wheel and Michl bet 900,000. Anderson riffled his T-500,000 plaques before he raised to 2,600,000 and Michl snap-folded.

Player	Chips	Progress
JM Joris MichlNetherlands	15,000,000(63 BB)	-1,000,000
DA Dakota AndersonUnited States of America	13,000,000(54 BB)	1,000,000

KhanhKhanh

8/29/2026, 11:59:42 AM

Michl Takes Over the Lead from Edoc

Level 21: 120,000 / 240,000 ante: 240,000

Joris Michl

Joris Michl raised to 500,000 with the A♦ 5♦ first to act and Lester Edoc three-bet to 1,500,000 on the button with A♥ 3♥. Both blinds folded and Michl called to get the nut flush draw on the K♠ 7♦ 4♦ flop. Edoc checked behind to the 7♥ turn on which both checked again.

The 3♦ came on the river for Michl to improve to the ace-high flush. He bet 2,400,000 into a pot of 3,600,000 and Edoc used one of his time bank extensions before double-checking his cards.

One more time bank followed and Edoc then called to see Michl take over the lead.

Player	Chips	Progress
JM Joris MichlNetherlands	16,000,000(67 BB)	4,900,000
DA Dakota AndersonUnited States of America	12,000,000(50 BB)
LE Lester EdocPhilippines	11,000,000(46 BB)	-4,000,000
MR Marc RiveraPhilippines	7,300,000(30 BB)	-2,300,000

KhanhKhanh

8/29/2026, 11:43:17 AM

Anderson Double Puts a Dagger in Edoc's Stack

Level 21: 120,000 / 240,000 ante: 240,000

Dakota Anderson

In a limped battle of the blinds, Joris Michl was in the small blind with A♥ 2♦ and Lester Edoc had the T♥ 3♦ in the big blind. They checked to the K♦ Q♣ 8♣ 3♠ turn on which Michl check-called 300,000. They checked the 6♠ river and Edoc won the pot.

Edoc was in the small blind in the next hand and opened to 600,000. Dakota Anderson jammed for 5.9 million and Edoc gave it some thought before he called.

Dakota Anderson: A♣ J♦

Lester Edoc: K♣ Q♠

The 9♠ 6♣ 2♦ 2♠ 9♦ board awarded the double to Anderson.

Player	Chips	Progress
LE Lester EdocPhilippines	15,000,000(63 BB)	-5,000,000
DA Dakota AndersonUnited States of America	12,000,000(50 BB)	5,500,000

KhanhKhanh

8/29/2026, 11:35:20 AM

Top Pair Meets Top Pair

Level 21: 120,000 / 240,000 ante: 240,000

Joris Michl opened to 500,000 with the A♦ J♣ and Lester Edoc on the button flatted A♠ 6♠ to the A♥ Q♥ 4♥ flop that was checked through. Both also checked the 9♠ turn to the 2♦ river on which Michl bet 625,000

Edoc called and lost some of his chip lead.

Player	Chips	Progress
LE Lester EdocPhilippines	20,000,000(83 BB)	-1,000,000
JM Joris MichlNetherlands	11,100,000(46 BB)	1,900,000

KhanhKhanh

8/29/2026, 11:33:22 AM

Four-Handed Play Carries On

Level 21: 120,000 / 240,000 ante: 240,000

Joris Michl opened to 500,000 from under the gun with the A♣ 3♠ and Marc Rivera called with the J♠ 8♣, missed the K♠ T♥ 3♦ flop and folded to a bet.

Lester Edoc then opened the action to 500,000 with A♥ 3♥ and folded when Michl three-bet big to 1.7 million with the K♠ K♣.

Dakota Anderson joined the action with a raise to 500,000 holding the A♦ 9♥ and Michl flatted the Q♦ T♠ from the small, Edoc did so with 8♣ 3♥ in the big. They checked the J♦ 5♥ 2♣ flop to the 4♠ turn. Edoc bet 700,000 and that won the pot right there.

Player	Chips	Progress
LE Lester EdocPhilippines	21,000,000(88 BB)	1,000,000
MR Marc RiveraPhilippines	9,600,000(40 BB)	-300,000
JM Joris MichlNetherlands	9,200,000(38 BB)	-200,000
DA Dakota AndersonUnited States of America	6,500,000(27 BB)	-1,100,000

KhanhKhanh

8/29/2026, 11:24:47 AM

Rivera Continues to Trap With Premiums

Level 21: 120,000 / 240,000 ante: 240,000

Marc Rivera

Joris Michl raised to 500,000 when the blinds moved up holding the Q♣ J♣ from under the gun. Marc Rivera just flatted the K♠ K♣ in the big blind and they checked the 9♣ 7♣ 7♠ flop to the T♠ turn.

Rivera checked his overpair again and Michl bet 700,000 with the straight and flush draw. Rivera then check-raised to 2,000,000 after short deliberation.

Michl pondered his next move for a few seconds and opted to flat-call with the combo draw.

There was another black card with the 5♠ river and Rivera used a time bank extension before he bet 2,500,000, Michl folded.

Player	Chips	Progress
MR Marc RiveraPhilippines	9,900,000(41 BB)	2,900,000
JM Joris MichlNetherlands	9,400,000(39 BB)	-1,600,000

Level 21: 120,000 / 240,000 ante: 240,000

30 minutes

Remaining Players: 4/383

KhanhKhanh

8/29/2026, 11:13:38 AM

Edoc Pulls Further Ahead of the Pack

Level 20: 100,000 / 200,000 ante: 200,000

Lester Edoc

Marc Rivera raised the button with the Q♠ J♥ for 500,000 and was called by Lester Edoc with the K♠ T♦, after which both had a piece of the J♠ T♠ 6♣ flop.

Edoc check-called for 500,000 and then led the K♥ turn for 1,200,000 with his two pair. Rivera called with the second pair and straight draw, both then checked the 6♠ river for Edoc to further increase his lead.

Player	Chips	Progress
LE Lester EdocPhilippines	20,000,000(100 BB)	3,000,000
JM Joris MichlNetherlands	11,000,000(55 BB)
DA Dakota AndersonUnited States of America	7,600,000(38 BB)	-1,500,000
MR Marc RiveraPhilippines	7,000,000(35 BB)	-2,900,000

KhanhKhanh

8/29/2026, 11:08:15 AM

Michl Doesn't Fire the River Part II

Level 20: 100,000 / 200,000 ante: 200,000

Marc Rivera limped the small blind with the K♥ 9♠ and Joris Michl checked the T♥ 8♠ to the A♠ Q♦ 9♦ flop. Rivera check-called for 300,000 and checked the 3♠ turn.

Michl opted for a second barrel worth 1,100,000 for nearly the full pot size, which Rivera called.

The 2♠ came on the river and Rivera checked the third street in a row. Michl gave up and checked behind to see both players get closer on the leaderboard again.

Player	Chips	Progress
JM Joris MichlNetherlands	11,000,000(55 BB)	-1,000,000
MR Marc RiveraPhilippines	9,900,000(50 BB)	1,200,000

KhanhKhanh

8/29/2026, 11:05:25 AM

John Matsuda Eliminated in 5th Place for PHP 1,436,700 ($23,089)

Level 20: 100,000 / 200,000 ante: 200,000

John Matsuda - 5th Place

Out of the small blind, Lester Edoc raised to 500,000 with just 4♥ 2♣ and John Matsuda defended 9♦ 6♣ from the big blind. Both checked the J♦ T♥ 5♣ flop to the 3♥ turn.

Edoc had an open ender and bet 800,000, Matsuda snap-folded.

Matsuda was down to 3.2 million and in the small blind next, which he three-bet jammed. Initial raiser Joris Michl went all-in over the top and button caller Edoc folded the T♣ 6♣.

John Matsuda: K♦ Q♥

Joris Michl: A♠ Q♦

The A♣ T♦ 3♣ 4♠ 5♠ runout kept Michl ahead and his third knockout in just over half an hour propelled the Dutchman into a comfortable second place.

Matsuda's run ended in fifth place for PHP 1,436,700 ($23,089).

Player	Chips	Progress
LE Lester EdocPhilippines	17,000,000(85 BB)	1,000,000
JM Joris MichlNetherlands	12,000,000(60 BB)	3,100,000
JM John MatsudaJapan	busted

Place	Player	Prize (PHP)	Prize (USD)
5	JM John MatsudaJapan	1,436,700	$23,275

KhanhKhanh

8/29/2026, 10:56:55 AM

Top Pair no Good for Michl

Level 20: 100,000 / 200,000 ante: 200,000

Joris Michl

Joris Michl made it 500,000 to go with the A♦ T♥ and Lester Edoc called with the K♥ 8♣ in the big blind. The T♠ 7♥ 6♣ flop saw Michl bet 600,000 and Edoc called.

They headed to the 4♣ turn and both checked to see the 9♠ on the river, which improved Edoc. Michl was the one to bet 800,000 and Edoc raised to 2,500,000, Michl snap-folded his top pair.

Player	Chips	Progress
LE Lester EdocPhilippines	16,000,000(80 BB)	2,000,000
JM Joris MichlNetherlands	8,900,000(45 BB)	-2,100,000

KhanhKhanh

8/29/2026, 10:54:00 AM

Who Is Trapping Who?

Level 20: 100,000 / 200,000 ante: 200,000

Marc Rivera

Marc Rivera raised to 400,000 from the cutoff with the K♥ 7♦ and Lester Edoc clicked it up to 1,200,000 with the A♦ K♦ for Michl to fold.

A few hands later, Marc Rivera limped with the Q♦ Q♣ in the small blind. Michl in the big blind trapped with checking the K♠ K♣ and they headed to the 9♣ 8♠ 4♣ flop.

Rivera bet 200,000 and Michl raised to 600,000 for his opponent to call.

On the 3♥ turn, Rivera check-called for 750,000 and that led them to the A♠ on the river which could potentially kill the action.

Rivera opted to lead for 1,100,000 via a block bet and Michl called to win the pot, as both players smirked about the hand.

Player	Chips	Progress
JM Joris MichlNetherlands	11,000,000(55 BB)	2,400,000
MR Marc RiveraPhilippines	8,700,000(44 BB)	-700,000

KhanhKhanh

8/29/2026, 10:48:13 AM

Aleksei Zhukov Eliminated in 6th Place for PHP 1,134,600 ($18,234)

Level 20: 100,000 / 200,000 ante: 200,000

Aleksei Zhukov - 6th Place

Dakota Anderson raised to 400,000 in the cutoff, and Aleksei Zhukov in the big blind gave it some thought before he three-bet jammed, only to get snap-called by Anderson for 4,400,000.

Dakota Anderson: A♥ K♦

Aleksei Zhukov: A♣ 7♣

The K♠ 6♠ 3♣ flop left Zhukov with very little equity, and the 3♠ turn as well as the J♦ river left Zhukov with a fraction of a blind, having only 20,000 left.

Zhukov was forced all-in from the small blind with A♥ 8♥, and Marc Rivera raised in the cutoff with A♣ J♥ to 400,000. Lester Edoc called in the big blind with 9♣ 5♣.

On the T♦ 7♠ 3♥ A♠ turn, Rivera bet 400,000 and Edoc got out of the way.

Zhukov needed an eight but already had his backpack on prior to the T♣ river, which ended his run in sixth place. That came with a payday of PHP 1,134,600 ($18,234) for his efforts.

Player	Chips	Progress
LE Lester EdocPhilippines	14,000,000(70 BB)
MR Marc RiveraPhilippines	9,400,000(47 BB)	-600,000
DA Dakota AndersonUnited States of America	9,100,000(46 BB)	4,600,000
JM Joris MichlNetherlands	8,600,000(43 BB)	1,400,000
JM John MatsudaJapan	5,700,000(29 BB)	-800,000
AZ Aleksei ZhukovRussia	busted

Place	Player	Prize (PHP)	Prize (USD)
6	AZ Aleksei ZhukovRussia	1,134,600	$18,380

KhanhKhanh

8/29/2026, 10:34:33 AM

Thanh Cao Nguyen Eliminated in 7th Place for PHP 921,900 ($14,815)

Level 20: 100,000 / 200,000 ante: 200,000

Thanh Cao Nguyen - 7th Place

Joris Michl raised to 400,000 on the button and instantly called when Thanh Cao Nguyen three-bet jammed his short stack of 2,700,000 from the big blind.

Thanh Cao Nguyen: A♥ J♣

Joris Michl: A♦ A♣

The Q♥ 8♣ 4♣ 8♠ 8♦ runout left Nguyen drawing dead on the turn, and Michl notched up his second elimination in short order to climb further up the leaderboard.

Nguyen was eliminated in seventh place for PHP 921,900 ($14,815).

Player	Chips
JM Joris MichlNetherlands	7,200,000(36 BB)
TC Thanh Cao NguyenViet Nam	busted

Place	Player	Prize (PHP)	Prize (USD)
7	TC Thanh Cao NguyenViet Nam	921,900	$14,935

KhanhKhanh

8/29/2026, 10:29:08 AM

Dmitrii Belikov Eliminated in 8th Place for PHP 765,900 ($12,309)

Level 20: 100,000 / 200,000 ante: 200,000

Dmitrii Belikov - 8th Place

Marc Rivera raised to 400,000 from under the gun with A♠ J♦, and Dakota Anderson found A♥ A♣ in the big blind to three-bet to 1,200,000. Having barely been involved in the action on the final table so far, Anderson didn't get any further action as Rivera folded.

Dmitrii Belikov then jammed for his last 820,000 with K♣ T♦, and Rivera folded K♦ 5♦ in the big blind.

Joris Michl was in the big blind with T♥ T♣ and instantly called.

The Q♥ 8♥ 5♥ 3♣ 6♦ runout ended the short-stack grind of Belikov in eighth place for PHP 765,900 ($12,309).

Player	Chips	Progress
JM Joris MichlNetherlands	3,300,000(17 BB)	900,000
DB Dmitrii BelikovRussia	busted	-1,300,000

Place	Player	Prize (PHP)	Prize (USD)
8	DB Dmitrii BelikovRussia	765,900	$12,405

KhanhKhanh

8/29/2026, 10:21:04 AM

Matsuda and Edoc Meet Twice

Level 20: 100,000 / 200,000 ante: 200,000

Lester Edoc

John Matsuda opened to 400,000 with A♣ Q♣ from under the gun, and Lester Edoc called in the big blind with 4♥ 3♣. Both flopped a pair on Q♥ 3♦ 2♣, and Edoc check-called for 325,000.

The 9♥ turn saw Edoc check again, and Matsuda bet 1,300,000 to take it down.

Edoc then limped K♦ 9♦ in the next hand, and Matsuda checked T♣ 7♦ to the J♣ 9♣ 5♦ flop. Edoc check-called for 270,000, and the 4♦ turn gave Edoc even more equity.

Edoc checked for the second street in a row, and Matsuda bet 360,000 this time. Edoc came along to the J♥ on the river and checked for the third time. Matsuda pulled the trigger with a third small barrel for 425,000 and was snap-called, giving the chips back to Edoc.

Player	Chips	Progress
LE Lester EdocPhilippines	14,000,000(70 BB)	1,000,000
JM John MatsudaJapan	6,500,000(33 BB)

KhanhKhanh

8/29/2026, 10:13:00 AM

Two Shoves Work for Nguyen

Level 20: 100,000 / 200,000 ante: 200,000

Thanh Cao Nguyen got a shove through with K♥ Q♥ as Joris Michl folded A♣ 9♣ in the small blind.

Aleksei Zhukov raised to 500,000 in the small blind with 5♠ 4♣ and then folded when Nguyen jammed A♥ 9♠ in the big blind.

Player	Chips	Progress
AZ Aleksei ZhukovRussia	5,900,000(30 BB)	-900,000
TC Thanh Cao NguyenViet Nam	3,000,000(15 BB)	1,000,000
JM Joris MichlNetherlands	2,400,000(12 BB)

Callum JuryCallum Jury

8/29/2026, 10:08:43 AM

Action Resumes for Level 20

Level 20: 100,000 / 200,000 ante: 200,000

Several players have dropped into the danger zone with the new blinds of 100,000-200,000/200,000 and the updated counts of the final eight players can be found below.

Player	Chips	Table	Seat
DA Dakota AndersonUnited States of America	4,500,000(23 BB)	1	1
MR Marc RiveraPhilippines	10,000,000(50 BB)	1	2
JM Joris MichlNetherlands	2,400,000(12 BB)	1	3
AZ Aleksei ZhukovRussia	6,800,000(34 BB)	1	5
TC Thanh Cao NguyenViet Nam	2,000,000(10 BB)	1	6
DB Dmitrii BelikovRussia	1,300,000(7 BB)	1	7
LE Lester EdocPhilippines	13,000,000(65 BB)	1	8
JM John MatsudaJapan	6,500,000(33 BB)	1	9

Level 20: 100,000 / 200,000 ante: 200,000

30 minutes

Remaining Players: 8/383

Break

15 minutes

Remaining Players: 8/383

KhanhKhanh

8/29/2026, 9:48:04 AM

Zhukov Hits a Full House Against Rivera

Level 19: 80,000 / 160,000 ante: 160,000

Aleksei Zhukov

Lester Edoc popped it up to 325,000 with 6♥ 6♦ in the hijack, and Marc Rivera in the small blind three-bet to 900,000 holding J♥ J♦ for the superior pocket pair and dominating suits.

Edoc used a rare time extension and opted to fold.

Joris Michl limped in with 5♥ 3♥ from the small blind next and folded when Aleksei Zhukov jammed A♦ 2♥ from the big blind.

A few hands later, John Matsuda was under the gun and his 9♦ 9♥ warranted a raise to 325,000. Dmitrii Belikov in the small blind folded 5♠ 5♦ as the shortest stack, whereas Edoc called with 4♥ 3♥ in the big blind.

The A♣ J♠ T♦ flop was checked by Edoc; Matsuda gave him a brief stare and bet 260,000 to win the pot.

Marc Rivera then opened to 325,000, and Zhukov three-bet to 800,000 with Q♠ Q♦. Rivera quickly called with his J♠ 9♠ when it folded back to him.

The K♥ K♠ 8♠ flop provided a flush draw for the big stack, and he checked. Zhukov bet 425,000 and Rivera check-raised to 1,100,000. Zhukov wasn't folding just yet, and the K♦ on the turn gave him the checkmark.

Rivera checked, and Zhukov checked back to the 6♥ river. Rivera checked again, and Zhukov used a time-bank extension before checking back to win a healthy pot.

After the hand, the remaining eight players went on a scheduled 15-minute break.

Player	Chips	Progress
LE Lester EdocPhilippines	12,000,000(75 BB)	-1,000,000
MR Marc RiveraPhilippines	10,000,000(63 BB)	-1,000,000
AZ Aleksei ZhukovRussia	6,800,000(43 BB)	2,400,000
JM John MatsudaJapan	6,800,000(43 BB)	400,000
JM Joris MichlNetherlands	2,500,000(16 BB)	-1,000,000

KhanhKhanh

8/29/2026, 9:29:25 AM

Nguyen Loses to Edoc and Zhukov

Level 19: 80,000 / 160,000 ante: 160,000

Thanh Cao Nguyen made it 325,000 to go from the button with K♣ Q♣, and Lester Edoc called with T♠ 9♥ in the big blind. The A♠ A♥ 4♥ flop was checked by Edoc, who then called a continuation-bet of 160,000 only.

Edoc paired the 9♦ turn and checked again, as did Nguyen. The 2♣ came on the river and Edoc bet 650,000, Nguyen opted to fold.

Aleksei Zhukov made it 320,000 to go with A♣ K♠, and Nguyen three-bet A♦ J♥ to 700,000 in the cutoff. Zhukov then moved all-in and Nguyen was forced to surrender.

Player	Chips	Progress
LE Lester EdocPhilippines	13,000,000(81 BB)	1,000,000
AZ Aleksei ZhukovRussia	4,400,000(28 BB)	800,000
TC Thanh Cao NguyenViet Nam	2,400,000(15 BB)	-1,200,000

KhanhKhanh

8/29/2026, 9:24:58 AM

Superior Kicker for Nguyen

Level 19: 80,000 / 160,000 ante: 160,000

Thanh Cao Nguyen

Lester Edoc raised to 325,000 with Q♣ T♣, and Thanh Cao Nguyen flat-called in the big blind with K♣ Q♥. They checked all the way to the Q♦ J♥ 7♣ A♣ 3♦ river, where Nguyen bet 160,000.

Edoc raised to 450,000, and Nguyen had to mull it over for a short while before he called to win the pot.

Player	Chips	Progress
LE Lester EdocPhilippines	12,000,000(75 BB)	-1,000,000
TC Thanh Cao NguyenViet Nam	3,600,000(23 BB)	700,000

KhanhKhanh

8/29/2026, 9:11:58 AM

All In and a Chop!

Level 19: 80,000 / 160,000 ante: 160,000

Dmitrii Belikov and Lester Edoc

Dmitrii Belikov jammed for around 1.5 million with A♣ 8♣ and was isolated by Lester Edoc on the button with A♦ 8♠.

The Q♠ 5♥ 2♠ 3♣ 9♠ runout resulted in a split pot.

Player	Chips	Progress
LE Lester EdocPhilippines	13,000,000(81 BB)
DB Dmitrii BelikovRussia	1,700,000(11 BB)	100,000

KhanhKhanh

8/29/2026, 9:04:10 AM

Edoc Gets Away From Top Pair

Level 19: 80,000 / 160,000 ante: 160,000

Lester Edoc

Marc Rivera opened to 325,000 from early position with A♣ K♣, and fellow big stack Lester Edoc defended K♥ Q♦ in the big blind. Both flopped top pair on K♠ 7♣ 2♦. Edoc check-called for 300,000 and checked the 2♣ turn. Rivera bet 700,000, and Edoc got away from it to avoid further damage.

Player	Chips
LE Lester EdocPhilippines	13,000,000(81 BB)
MR Marc RiveraPhilippines	11,000,000(69 BB)

KhanhKhanh

8/29/2026, 9:00:17 AM

Two in a Row for Matsuda

Level 19: 80,000 / 160,000 ante: 160,000

John Matsuda

John Matsuda opened to 325,000 with the A♦ Q♦ to pick up calls from Dakota Anderson in the hijack with the 9♥ 9♣ and Thanh Cao Nguyen, who defended the 7♠ 6♦ in the big blind. The Q♥ 8♦ 4♦ flop was all Matsuda and he bet 230,000 when checked to.

Anderson folded and Nguyen then had other plans with a check-raise to 700,000. Matsuda called and further improved to trips on the Q♣ turn. They both checked to the 4♥ river on which Nguyen eyeballed the stack of his opponent for a few seconds.

He fired a bet of 1,200,000 and kissed those chips goodbye shortly after when Matsuda pushed all-in.

Lester Edoc then raised to 320,000 with the A♣ 3♣ and Matsuda three-bet to 825,000 with the A♠ A♦ to win the next pot uncontested.

Player	Chips	Progress
LE Lester EdocPhilippines	13,000,000(81 BB)	-1,000,000
JM John MatsudaJapan	6,400,000(40 BB)	3,500,000
DA Dakota AndersonUnited States of America	4,400,000(28 BB)	200,000
TC Thanh Cao NguyenViet Nam	2,900,000(18 BB)	-2,400,000

KhanhKhanh

8/29/2026, 8:43:49 AM

Belikov Doubles Through Rivera

Level 19: 80,000 / 160,000 ante: 160,000

Dmitrii Belikov

Marc Rivera opened to 320,000 and then called the all-in of Dmitrii Belikov for only 690,000 total.

Dmitrii Belikov: A♣ 3♥

KMarc Rivera: K♦ 9♠

The J♣ T♦ 5♦ 2♣ A♦ runout gave Belikov top pair and he held on for the double.

Player	Chips	Progress
MR Marc RiveraPhilippines	11,000,000(69 BB)	-1,000,000
DB Dmitrii BelikovRussia	1,600,000(10 BB)	990,000

KhanhKhanh

8/29/2026, 8:41:47 AM

Top Pair for Nguyen

Level 19: 80,000 / 160,000 ante: 160,000

Thanh Cao Nguyen

Early into the new blind level, Lester Edoc opened to 325,000 with the T♥ T♣ and was called by John Matsuda with the K♦ Q♣ and Thanh Cao Nguyen in the big blind, who had the A♣ 9♥.

They checked the A♦ J♦ 5♥ flop to the 5♠ turn. Nguyen bet his top pair for 275,000 and forced one fold whereas Matsuda stuck around. The 2♣ river changed nothing and Nguyen bet 500,000 to force out Matsuda.

Player	Chips	Progress
LE Lester EdocPhilippines	14,000,000(88 BB)
TC Thanh Cao NguyenViet Nam	5,300,000(33 BB)	1,000,000
JM John MatsudaJapan	2,900,000(18 BB)	-900,000

Level 19: 80,000 / 160,000 ante: 160,000

30 minutes

Remaining Players: 8/383

KhanhKhanh

8/29/2026, 8:33:20 AM

Michl Loses to Edoc and Rivera

Level 18: 60,000 / 120,000 ante: 120,000

Joris Michl made it 275,000 to go with the 6♥ 6♣ and Lester Edoc only called in the big blind with the A♣ Q♣. The A♠ K♣ 9♣ flop saw Edoc with top pair and the nut flush draw check, Michl bet the same 275,000 and Edoc called.

That led them to the 2♣ turn on which Edoc now led for 275,000 and won the pot without resistance.

Michl then opened to 250,000 with the A♣ K♥ first to act. Marc Rivera was in the big blind with the A♠ 8♥ and called. Both checked the 7♦ 6♥ 5♥ flop to the 2♠ turn. Rivera now bet 200,000 and Michl laid down his hand.

Player	Chips	Progress
LE Lester EdocPhilippines	14,000,000(117 BB)	1,000,000
MR Marc RiveraPhilippines	12,000,000(100 BB)
JM Joris MichlNetherlands	3,500,000(29 BB)	-800,000

KhanhKhanh

8/29/2026, 8:27:17 AM

Flop Bet Win for Michl

Level 18: 60,000 / 120,000 ante: 120,000

Joris Michl

Marc Rivera made it 240,000 to go with the J♦ T♣ in the hijack and Joris Michl flat-called one seat over holding the K♣ Q♠ to spike top pair on the Q♦ 7♠ 3♠ flop. Rivera checked to Michl who bet 300,000 and took it down.

Player	Chips	Progress
LE Lester EdocPhilippines	13,000,000(108 BB)
MR Marc RiveraPhilippines	12,000,000(100 BB)	1,000,000
JM Joris MichlNetherlands	4,300,000(36 BB)	200,000
TC Thanh Cao NguyenViet Nam	4,300,000(36 BB)	-600,000
DA Dakota AndersonUnited States of America	4,200,000(35 BB)	500,000
JM John MatsudaJapan	3,800,000(32 BB)
AZ Aleksei ZhukovRussia	3,600,000(30 BB)	170,000
DB Dmitrii BelikovRussia	610,000(5 BB)	-240,000

KhanhKhanh

8/29/2026, 8:20:42 AM

More for Nguyen and Matsuda

Level 18: 60,000 / 120,000 ante: 120,000

Thanh Cao Nguyen

Thanh Cao Nguyen pushed all-in for 1.3 million with the A♦ 8♦ in the hijack and Dmitrii Belikov folded the 7♦ 7♥ in the cutoff.

Lester Edoc called on the button with the 6♠ 6♥ and Dakota Anderson in the big blind stared down at A♥ Q♣, after which he called as well.

The stream went black and came back to Nguyen having tripled up.

John Matsuda then opened to 250,000 with the T♠ T♦ and Anderson called with the A♦ T♣ as did Joris Michl in the big blind with the 7♥ 7♦ to see a flop of Q♠ Q♣ 5♦. It was Anderson who bet 250,000 and picked up two callers to the J♥ turn.

This time, everyone checked and the 9♣ fell on the river. Michl checked again and so did Matsuda. Anderson gave it some thought but checked behind for Matsuda to win the pot.

Player	Chips	Progress
LE Lester EdocPhilippines	13,000,000(108 BB)
TC Thanh Cao NguyenViet Nam	4,900,000(41 BB)	3,300,000
JM Joris MichlNetherlands	4,100,000(34 BB)	-1,000,000
JM John MatsudaJapan	3,800,000(32 BB)	-500,000
DA Dakota AndersonUnited States of America	3,700,000(31 BB)	-2,800,000
DB Dmitrii BelikovRussia	850,000(7 BB)	-980,000

KhanhKhanh

8/29/2026, 8:09:22 AM

Down and Up for Edoc

Level 18: 60,000 / 120,000 ante: 120,000

Lester Edoc

Lester Edoc opened to 240,000 with the 3♦ 3♥ and Marc Rivera flat-called in the hijack holding the superior pocket pair in 8♦ 8♥ while everyone else folded.

The T♥ 5♥ 4♦ flop saw Edoc check-fold to a bet of 300,000.

John Matsuda then opened the A♠ Q♦ from under the gun and Edoc defended his A♥ 3♥ to flop best on K♥ K♦ 3♠. Edoc check-called for 140,000 and added a flush draw on the 8♥ turn to check again, Matsuda checked back.

The 9♦ came on the river and both checked for Edoc to win the pot.

Player	Chips	Progress
LE Lester EdocPhilippines	13,000,000(108 BB)	355,000
JM John MatsudaJapan	4,300,000(36 BB)	-400,000

KhanhKhanh

8/29/2026, 7:56:29 AM

Joven Huerto Eliminated in 9th Place for PHP 648,300 ($10,419)

Level 18: 60,000 / 120,000 ante: 120,000

Joven Huerto - 9th Place

John Matsuda opened to 250,000 and instantly called the shove by Joven Huerto for only 705,000 total.

Joven Huerto: A♠ T♠

John Matsuda: K♠ K♦

The suited ace for the far shortest stack found just an inferior pair on the Q♠ 4♦ 2♣ 8♦ T♣ runout and that spelled the end for Huerto in ninth place. He takes home PHP 648,300 ($10,419) for his efforts.

Player	Chips	Progress
JM John MatsudaJapan	4,700,000(39 BB)	1,000,000
JH Joven HuertoPhilippines	busted

Place	Player	Prize (PHP)	Prize (USD)
9	JH Joven HuertoPhilippines	648,300	$10,500

KhanhKhanh

8/29/2026, 7:48:51 AM

Michl Doesn't Fire the River

Level 18: 60,000 / 120,000 ante: 120,000

Dakota Anderson raised to 250,000 with the A♦ 2♣ on the button for Joris Michl to come along in the big blind holding the Q♣ 8♥ . Once they checked the 6♠ 5♠ 5♥ flop to the 2♠ turn, Michl bet 360,000 and Anderson stuck around after some consideration.

Michl gave up on the T♣ river and checked, Anderson checked behind to win the pot.

Player	Chips	Progress
DA Dakota AndersonUnited States of America	6,500,000(54 BB)	800,000
JM Joris MichlNetherlands	5,100,000(43 BB)	-690,000

KhanhKhanh

8/29/2026, 7:45:19 AM

Matsuda Four-Bets Anderson

Level 18: 60,000 / 120,000 ante: 120,000

John Matsuda

John Matsuda opened to 250,000 with the A♠ Q♠ on the button and Dakota Anderson three-bet 700,000 out of the small blind holding the K♦ T♥ . Matsuda then four-bet to 2,500,000 with 265,000 behind and Anderson gave it some showtime in the camera spotlight before he folded.

Player	Chips	Progress
DA Dakota AndersonUnited States of America	5,700,000(48 BB)	-700,000
JM John MatsudaJapan	3,700,000(31 BB)	635,000

KhanhKhanh

8/29/2026, 7:43:13 AM

Final Table Action Resumes

Level 18: 60,000 / 120,000 ante: 120,000

Soon after the restart, the blinds went up and Thanh Cao Nguyen got a shove through with A♦ K♥ as Matsuda laid down the 5♦ 5♣ .

Marc Rivera then raised to 275,000 with the A♦ 9♥ and Dakota Anderson called with the 8♣ 7♥ in the big blind. Both missed the Q♠ 5♣ 2♣ flop, and Rivera collected the pot with a continuation bet.

Player	Chips	Progress
MR Marc RiveraPhilippines	11,000,000(92 BB)	1,915,000
DA Dakota AndersonUnited States of America	6,400,000(53 BB)	30,000
TC Thanh Cao NguyenViet Nam	1,600,000(13 BB)	-1,085,000

Level 18: 60,000 / 120,000 ante: 120,000

30 minutes

Remaining Players: 9/383

KhanhKhanh

8/29/2026, 6:23:43 AM

Final Table Chip Counts and Draw

Level 17: 50,000 / 100,000 ante: 100,000

GOP Main Event Final Table

There will be just over two minutes left at blinds of 50,000-100,000/100,000 when the action for the final nine players resumes before they go up right away to 60,000-120,000/120,000.

Below are the new seat assignments and updated counts of the final nine players.

Player	Chips	Table	Seat
DA Dakota AndersonUnited States of America	6,370,000(64 BB)	1	1
MR Marc RiveraPhilippines	9,085,000(91 BB)	1	2
JM Joris MichlNetherlands	5,790,000(58 BB)	1	3
JH Joven HuertoPhilippines	1,005,000(10 BB)	1	4
AZ Aleksei ZhukovRussia	3,430,000(34 BB)	1	5
TC Thanh Cao NguyenViet Nam	2,685,000(27 BB)	1	6
DB Dmitrii BelikovRussia	1,830,000(18 BB)	1	7
LE Lester EdocPhilippines	12,645,000(126 BB)	1	8
JM John MatsudaJapan	3,065,000(31 BB)	1	9

For the final table, each level will be playing 30 minutes until a winner has been crowned.

SMPSMP

8/28/2026, 11:47:09 PM

Final 12 Players

Player	Chips
LE Lester EdocPhilippines	10,885,000
MR Marc RiveraPhilippines	9,020,000
JM Joris MichlNetherlands	7,140,000
DA Dakota AndersonUnited States of America	5,620,000
JM John MatsudaJapan	3,280,000
DB Dmitrii BelikovRussia	2,325,000
JH Joven HuertoPhilippines	2,105,000
AZ Aleksei ZhukovRussia	1,715,000
MP Manoj PentakotaIndia	1,395,000
TC Thanh Cao NguyenViet Nam	1,350,000
MY Mc Yeldarb MantosPhilippines	925,000
SA Sangjin AnSouth Korea	580,000

Place	Payout (PHP)	Payout (USD)
1	6,304,500	$102,125
2	3,840,600	$62,215
3	2,600,100	$42,120
4	1,886,100	$30,555
5	1,436,700	$23,275
6	1,134,600	$18,380
7	921,900	$14,935
8	765,900	$12,405
9	648,300	$10,500
10	532,800	$8,630
11	532,800	$8,630
12	433,200	$7,015