Philippines, Okada ManilaEVENT #23

2025.01.27Add to Calendar

PokerStars Live

Blind level

Level 16: 2,000 / 5,000 ante: 5,000

Entries

31/206

Total Chips

6,180,000

Average

199,355

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/25/2025, 4:35:41 PM

Jon Kyte Tops Main Event Flight C

Level 16: 2,000 / 5,000 ante: 5,000

Jon Kyte - Main Event Flight C Chipleader

This season's Manila Megastack Main Event is close to wrapping up its qualifying rounds with three of the four heats done and dusted. Today's action saw the biggest crowd yet, having drawn 206 entries alone, pushing the final count to 467. While the turnout was a few short of breaching its PHP 20,000,000 (~USD 342,705) guarantee, the stakes remain high for tomorrow's ultimate showdown. 59 runners have advanced so far, with the last flight geared to add 12 more to the list.

Norway's Jon Kyte topped today's field with an impressive 427,000 chip count onto Day 2. Kyte locked in the lead by the final break and extended his advantage all the way through the last three levels. South Korea's Woobeen Lee trails closely behind with a 415,000 stack, followed by Marco Espela with 385,000, to round up the top three spots.

Remaining at the summit of the leaderboard is Flight B chip leader Edilberto Gopez with 546,000, backed by Flight A's Mark Almusajin with 520,000. Other notables advancing through include Flo Campomanes (234,000), Czardy Rivera (165,000), and Dmitrii Belikov (156,000).

All Day 1 survivors are geared to return to the felt this Sunday, January 26, for the Day 2 battle, each guaranteed a payday. Stay tuned for updates as SMP brings you all the latest directly off the floor!

Manila Megastack 21 Main Event

Date/s: January 23-27, 2025

Buy-in: PHP 45,000 (~USD 770)

Guarantee: PHP 20,000,000 (~USD 342,705)

Entries: 467

Prize pool: PHP 20,000,000 (~USD 342,705)

Flight A: 83 entries, 13 qualified

Flight B: 101 entries, 15 qualified

Flight C: 206 entries, 31 qualified

Flight D [20/15]: 77 entries, 12 ITM

Day 2: Sunday, January 26

Final Day: Monday, January 27

SMPSMP

1/25/2025, 4:20:07 PM

End of Flight C - 31 Survivors

Level 16: 2,000 / 5,000 ante: 5,000

Player	Chips
JK Jon KyteNorway	427,000(85 BB)
MA Martin AstorgaPhilippines	425,000(85 BB)
WL Woobeen Lee	415,000(83 BB)
ME Marco EspelaPhilippines	385,000(77 BB)
HM Han Myunghwan	313,000(63 BB)
JR Jensen Rex ChowPhilippines	304,000(61 BB)
DH David HowardUnited Kingdom	291,000(58 BB)
KK Keita KitamuraJapan	265,000(53 BB)
YG Yoo Gyeong TaeSouth Korea	252,000(50 BB)
FC Florencio CampomanesPhilippines	234,000(47 BB)
WW William WrightUnited States of America	227,000(45 BB)
JC Jerome CruzPhilippines	210,000(42 BB)
MT Mike TakayamaPhilippines	204,000(41 BB)
MM Masakazu MiyamotoJapan	178,000(36 BB)
AI Alvir InocentesPhilippines	175,000(35 BB)
CR Czardy RiveraPhilippines	165,000(33 BB)
JC John Carlo SayoPhilippines	157,000(31 BB)
DB Dmitrii Belikov	156,000(31 BB)
PT Paul TirnoveanBelgium	153,000(31 BB)
PE Paul ElliottAustralia	142,000(28 BB)
CS Chirag ShahIndia	134,000(27 BB)
UE Uuganbayar ErdenekhuMongolia	128,000(26 BB)
CL Christian LortieCanada	126,000(25 BB)
SL Suya LeeSouth Korea	123,000(25 BB)
AL Alexis LimPhilippines	118,000(24 BB)
CP Christopher PasionPhilippines	102,000(20 BB)
DC Dillion ChuaSingapore	102,000(20 BB)
RM Rishi MirpuriSingapore	87,000(17 BB)
BE Benjamin EbarlePhilippines	70,000(14 BB)
BB Brenton ButtigiegAustralia	58,000(12 BB)
ML Marcuss LiowMalaysia	47,000(9 BB)

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/25/2025, 4:19:00 PM

Jason Magbanua Bubbles Main Event Flight C

Level 16: 2,000 / 5,000 ante: 5,000

Jason Magbanua

Up against an open and two calls, Jason Magbanua squeezed all-in on the big blind for 65,000, and saw William Wright take the spot.

A classic flip, Magbanua found no hope against Wright's quad queens on board 4♦ 8♣ Q♠ Q♥ 8♥ , knocking him out as the flight's stone cold bubble.

Player	Hand	Chips
WW William WrightUnited States of America	Q♦Q♣ HJ	227,000(45 BB)
JM Jason MagbanuaPhilippines	A♠K♦ BB	busted

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/25/2025, 4:16:49 PM

Woobeen Lee Cracks Aces, Busts Lenart Ecarma

Level 16: 2,000 / 5,000 ante: 5,000

Woobeen Lee

Woobeen Lee opened on the cutoff and called a 30,000 three bet from Lenart Ecarma on the small blind. On flop 8♣ 2♥ 3♠ , Ecarma continued for 40,000, and called off for his remaining 91,000 after Lee moved all-in.

Woobeen Lee K♣ 3♣

Lenart Ecarma A♦ A♠

Ecarma in great shape for a double up, instead headed for the exit as the runout K♥ 6♣ landed Lee two pair to bag the win.

Player	Chips
WL Woobeen Lee	414,000(83 BB)
LE Lenart EcarmaPhilippines	busted

Level 16: 2,000 / 5,000 ante: 5,000

40 minutes

Remaining Players: 33/206

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/25/2025, 4:14:57 PM

Lenart Ecarma Pays the Price

Level 15: 2,000 / 4,000 ante: 4,000

Lenart Ecarma

Lenart Ecarma defended his big blind against Jensen Chow's 8,000 hijack open, and check called another 11,000 on flop 4♦ 2♠ 9♥ . Both checked turn 2♣ through to river 3♠ , where Chow bet a final 20,000. Ecarma paid the price, only to muck as Chow revealed two pair K♠ 9♠ .

Player	Chips
JR Jensen Rex ChowPhilippines	300,000(75 BB)
LE Lenart EcarmaPhilippines	165,000(41 BB)

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/25/2025, 4:12:01 PM

Jensen Rex Chow Finishes Yashiro Naoki

Level 15: 2,000 / 4,000 ante: 4,000

Jensen Chlow

Jensen Rex Chow opened 8,000 on the button and called 9,000 more following an all-in from Yashiro Naoki.

Dominated, Chow turned the tables, having outflopped Naoki on board 4♦ 6♠ 3♣ 8♥ Q♠ to deliver the bust.

Player	Hand	Chips
JR Jensen Rex ChowPhilippines	A♣6♣ D	255,000(64 BB)
YN Yashiro NaokiJapan	A♠K♦ SB	busted

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/25/2025, 4:09:10 PM

Woobeen Lee Clips Yashiro Naoki's Wings

Level 15: 2,000 / 4,000 ante: 4,000

Woobeen Lee

Woobeen Lee opened 8,000 utg+1 and was joined by both players on the blinds onto flop 4♠ 8♥ 6♦ . Lee continued for 10,000, check raised by Yashiro Naoki to 25,000. Lee made the call, and called another 50,000 on turn A♦ .

On river 7♥ , Naoki barreled all-in, only to be snap called by Lee for his last 35,000 with a straight 5♣ 5♠ . Naoki turned over flopped two pair 8♠ 6♣ , leaving him to drop down to five big blinds.

Player	Chips
WL Woobeen Lee	248,000(62 BB)
YN Yashiro NaokiJapan	19,000(5 BB)

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/25/2025, 3:54:17 PM

David Howard Serves Another Elimination

Level 15: 2,000 / 4,000 ante: 4,000

David Howard

Michael Calunsod pushed for 54,000 following a limp and saw David Howard on the big blind rise to the challenge.

In for a flip, Howard quickly spiked the advantage on board J♦ K♠ 7♣ 5♦ T♦ , sending Calunsod's pocket pair flying towards the muck.

Player	Hand	Chips
DH David HowardUnited Kingdom	A♣J♣ BB	300,000(75 BB)
MC Michael CalunsodPhilippines	6♦6♣ MP	busted

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/25/2025, 3:50:14 PM

Overcards Rule for David Howard

Level 15: 2,000 / 4,000 ante: 4,000

Facing an open and two calls, Rene Mar David squeezed all-in on the small blind, for 34,500, and saw initial raiser David Howard push likewise. All else folded, leaving the two to showdown.

Flipping for his tournament life, David headed out as board 9♥ 2♥ J♥ J♠ A♣ landed Howard a pair to lock in the win.

Player	Hand	Chips
DH David HowardUnited Kingdom	A♥Q♣ UTG+1	222,000(56 BB)
RM Rene Mar DavidPhilippines	8♠8♣ SB	busted

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/25/2025, 3:46:50 PM

Uuganbayar Erdenekhu Scoops It All

Level 15: 2,000 / 4,000 ante: 4,000

Uuganbayar Erdenekhu

Renniel Galvez pushed all-in for 40,000 on the button, called by John Carlo Sayo on the small blind. Uuganbayar Erdenekhu right behind, reshoved for 50,500, and saw Sayo make the final call for a three way showdown.

Erdenekhu ahead, kept his advantage all the way through board 3♥ J♣ Q♠ K♠ 8♥ , shooting him back up the leaderboard.

Player	Hand	Chips
UE Uuganbayar ErdenekhuMongolia	A♦K♣ BB	145,000(36 BB)
JC John Carlo SayoPhilippines	A♠9♣ SB	118,000(30 BB)
RG Renniel GalvezPhilippines	A♥8♣ D	busted

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/25/2025, 3:45:15 PM

Martin Astorga Bets All Streets

Level 15: 2,000 / 4,000 ante: 4,000

Martin Astorga

A limp pot blind vs blind saw Christian Lortie and Martin Astorga battle on board 4♦ 5♥ 9♦ 4♣ Q♠ . Astorga barreled all three streets - 5,000, 10,000, and a final 30,000, leaving Lortie to give it up by the river.

Player	Chips
MA Martin AstorgaPhilippines	457,000(114 BB)
CL Christian LortieCanada	132,000(33 BB)

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/25/2025, 3:43:14 PM

Marco Espela on the Rise

Level 15: 2,000 / 4,000 ante: 4,000

Marco Espela

Marco Espela has been picking up chips consistently across the previous level, beginning with the fall of Emmanuel Derecho. The Filipino grinder is now sitting comfortably with a 91 big blind stack.

Player	Chips
ME Marco EspelaPhilippines	363,000(91 BB)

Level 15: 2,000 / 4,000 ante: 4,000

40 minutes

Remaining Players: 41/206

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/25/2025, 3:26:13 PM

Keita Kitamura Secures a Boost

Level 14: 1,500 / 3,000 ante: 3,000

Keita Kitamura

With 68,500 in the middle across board 8♣ 4♥ 3♥ 3♠, action between Keita Kitamura and John Carlo Sayo checked round to river 7♥ , where Kitamura bet a final 20,000. Sayo surrendered, leaving Kitamura to pick up the pot.

Player	Chips
KK Keita KitamuraJapan	210,000(70 BB)
JC John Carlo SayoPhilippines	202,000(67 BB)

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/25/2025, 3:11:31 PM

Roland Ferrer Spikes the River

Level 14: 1,500 / 3,000 ante: 3,000

Roland Ferrer

Jerome Cruz opened on the hijack and called a 17,000 three bet from Roland Ferrer right behind. On flop K♥ J♠ 2♥ , Ferrer barreled all-in for 17,500, check called by Cruz to showdown.

Roland Ferrer A♣ J♣

Jerome Cruz K♦ 5♦

Ferrer behind, managed to catch up on runout Q♣ A♦ , landing two pair on the river to steal the win.

Player	Chips
JC Jerome CruzPhilippines	102,000(34 BB)
RF Roland FerrerPhilippines	76,500(26 BB)

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/25/2025, 3:09:50 PM

John Carlo Sayo Takes One Out

Level 14: 1,500 / 3,000 ante: 3,000

John Carlo Sayo

Martin Gonzales open shoved 42,500 utg and was called by John Carlo Sayo on the button.

In for a flip, board A♠ Q♥ 5♠ 8♦ 3♠ landed Sayo's way, knocking out Gonzales from the Main Event running.

Player	Hand	Chips
JC John Carlo SayoPhilippines	8♥8♣ D	308,000(103 BB)
MG Martin GonzalesPhilippines	K♥J♣ UTG	busted

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/25/2025, 3:07:50 PM

Yoo Gyeong Tae Busts Yuki Homma

Level 14: 1,500 / 3,000 ante: 3,000

Yoo Gyeong Tae

Yuki Homma pushed all-in for 45,500 against an utg open, and saw Yoo Gyeong Tae cold call behind. Initial raiser opted out, leaving the two to showdown.

Crushed against the cowboys, Homma bowed out shortly after board 3♠ T♥ T♦ 9♣ 3♦ left him high and dry.

Player	Hand	Chips
YG Yoo Gyeong TaeSouth Korea	K♦K♣ SB	238,000(79 BB)
YH Yuki HommaJapan	6♥6♣ MP	busted

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/25/2025, 3:06:17 PM

Homma Yuki Gives Up the Fight

Level 14: 1,500 / 3,000 ante: 3,000

Yuki Homma opened 6,000 on the hijack and was joined by Lenart Ecarma behind onto flop J♣ 8♣ K♥ . Ecarma called another 5,500, and went on to bet 12,000 on turn Q♥ . Homma check folded, surrendering the pot to his opponent.

Player	Chips
LE Lenart EcarmaPhilippines	239,000(80 BB)
YH Yuki HommaJapan	45,500(15 BB)

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/25/2025, 3:04:15 PM

Double Barrel Works for Woobeen Lee

Level 14: 1,500 / 3,000 ante: 3,000

Woobeen Lee

Woobeen Lee opened 6,000 on the cutoff and was called by Czardy Rivera behind, along with Jerome Cruz on the big blind. Lee continued for 10,500 on flop 4♥ A♥ J♠ , weeding out none onto turn Q♥ . Lee barreled another 22,000, enough to push both opponents out of the way.

Player	Chips
WL Woobeen Lee	209,000(70 BB)
CR Czardy RiveraPhilippines	188,000(63 BB)
JC Jerome CruzPhilippines	96,000(32 BB)

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/25/2025, 3:02:33 PM

Paul Tirnovean in No Sweat

Level 14: 1,500 / 3,000 ante: 3,000

Paul Tirnovean

Topi Palenius pushed all-in on the small blind for his last 53,500 and was looked up by Paul Tirnovean right behind.

Dominated, Palenius failed to catch up on board 4♠ 6♣ 2♥ 9♠ 5♣ , busting him out entirely.

Player	Hand	Chips
PT Paul TirnoveanBelgium	A♥K♠ BB	188,000(63 BB)
TJ Topi Johannes PaleniusFinland	K♣Q♠ SB	busted

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/25/2025, 3:00:39 PM

Hooks Hold for Martin Astorga

Level 14: 1,500 / 3,000 ante: 3,000

Martin Astorga

Martin Astorga opened on the hijack and called an 18,000 three bet from John Carlo Sayo on the button. On flop T♦ 5♦ 8♦ , Astorga check called a 20,000 bet from Sayo, and arrived at showdown shortly after no more chips went in on either turn K♦ or river T♣ .

Astorga showed J♦ J♣ and claimed the pot.

Player	Chips
JC John Carlo SayoPhilippines	205,000(68 BB)
MA Martin AstorgaPhilippines	145,000(48 BB)

Level 14: 1,500 / 3,000 ante: 3,000

40 minutes

Remaining Players: 48/206

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/25/2025, 2:44:10 PM

Top Chip Counts

Level 14: 1,500 / 3,000 ante: 3,000

Jon Kyte

Player	Chips
JK Jon KyteNorway	265,000(88 BB)
MA Martin AstorgaPhilippines	264,000(88 BB)
JC John Carlo SayoPhilippines	238,000(79 BB)
YG Yoo Gyeong TaeSouth Korea	221,000(74 BB)
HM Han Myunghwan	218,000(73 BB)
CR Czardy RiveraPhilippines	202,000(67 BB)
CL Christian LortieCanada	193,000(64 BB)
LE Lenart EcarmaPhilippines	187,000(62 BB)
MM Masakazu MiyamotoJapan	186,000(62 BB)
DH David HowardUnited Kingdom	182,000(61 BB)
DB Dmitrii Belikov	178,000(59 BB)
ME Marco EspelaPhilippines	163,000(54 BB)
KK Keita KitamuraJapan	157,000(52 BB)
MT Mike TakayamaPhilippines	147,000(49 BB)
JR Jensen Rex ChowPhilippines	142,000(47 BB)
BE Benjamin EbarlePhilippines	141,500(47 BB)
LE Lester EdocPhilippines	131,000(44 BB)
CS Chirag ShahIndia	129,000(43 BB)
FC Florencio CampomanesPhilippines	126,000(42 BB)
AI Alvir InocentesPhilippines	117,000(39 BB)
YN Yashiro NaokiJapan	114,000(38 BB)

Break

Remaining Players: 48/206

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/25/2025, 2:38:58 PM

David Howard Smashes Board

Level 13: 1,000 / 2,500 ante: 2,500

David Howard

With 37,000 in the middle across board Q♦ 6♠ T♥ T♠ , aciton was caught on William Wright with a bet of 20,000. David Howard pushed behind for 60,000 more, and was called by Wright for a showdown.

David Howard Q♣ Q♠

William Wright A♦ T♦

Left with a one outer, Wright shot down shortly after river 4♠ completed the board.

Player	Chips
DH David HowardUnited Kingdom	197,000(79 BB)
WW William WrightUnited States of America	68,000(27 BB)

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/25/2025, 2:36:00 PM

Jon Kyte Delivers Double Bust

Level 13: 1,000 / 2,500 ante: 2,500

Jon Kyte

Francis Garson flicked in his last 6,000 and was up against three opponents onto flop K♠ J♣ 3♦ . Initial raiser Edgar Asehan continued for 10,000, called by Jon Kyte on the button. On turn A♦ , Asehan check called an 18,000 bet from Kyte, and went on to lead all-in for 33,000 on river K♣ .

Kyte made the final call with a boat, sending both opponents out in quick fashion.

Player	Hand	Chips
JK Jon KyteNorway	3♠3♣ D	305,000(122 BB)
EA Edgar AsehanPhilippines	K♥Q♣ UTG+1	busted
FG Francis GarsonFrance	K♦3♦ CO	busted

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/25/2025, 2:34:22 PM

Lester Edoc Leaves Francis Garson on Fumes

Level 13: 1,000 / 2,500 ante: 2,500

Lester Edoc

Lester Edoc opened on the hijack and called off for his 44,000 stack after Francis Garson pushed all-in on the button.

Edoc a huge favorite, cruised to victory on board Q♣ Q♥ 4♦ K♥ 2♣ , crippling Garson in the process.

Player	Hand	Chips
LE Lester EdocPhilippines	7♦7♣ HJ	94,000(38 BB)
FG Francis GarsonFrance	5♠5♣ D	6,000(2 BB)

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/25/2025, 2:30:30 PM

Dmitrii Belikov Spikes Two Outer

Level 13: 1,000 / 2,500 ante: 2,500

Dmitrii Belikov

David Howard opened on the button and called off Dmitrii Belikov's all-in for 60,000.

Crushed against the rockets, Belikov turned the tables, having spiked his two outer on board 5♣ J♣ 6♥ 3♦ T♠ to survive through.

Player	Hand	Chips
DB Dmitrii Belikov	T♦T♥ SB	125,000(50 BB)
DH David HowardUnited Kingdom	A♦A♥ D	95,500(38 BB)

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/25/2025, 2:30:21 PM

Pocket Pair Holds for Jason Magbanua

Level 13: 1,000 / 2,500 ante: 2,500

Jason Magbanua

Sham Wing Sheuk fired a three bet against Jason Magbanua's open and went on to call off for his entire 57,000 after Magbanua moved all-in.

Running a flip, Sham found none of his overcards on board 5♦ 8♦ 8♣ Q♣ J♠ , ending his Main Event Flight C run.

Player	Hand	Chips
JM Jason MagbanuaPhilippines	T♦T♣ MP	142,000(57 BB)
SW Sham Wing SheukChina	A♥K♦ HJ	busted

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/25/2025, 2:28:39 PM

Suya Lee Doubles Up

Level 13: 1,000 / 2,500 ante: 2,500

Suya Lee

Suya Lee pushed all-in on the small blind for his last 40,000, and was called by Christian Lortie right behind.

Board 2♦ 2♥ 5♦ 2♣ Q♣ ran dry for both, earning Lee the pot with ace-high.

Player	Hand	Chips
SL Suya LeeSouth Korea	A♥6♥ SB	82,500(33 BB)
CL Christian LortieCanada	K♦7♠ BB	389,000(156 BB)

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/25/2025, 2:20:13 PM

Keita Kitamura Takes It Down

Level 13: 1,000 / 2,500 ante: 2,500

Keita Kitamura

Keita Kitamura opened 5,500 utg+1 and was called by Uuganbayar Erdenekhu behind along with the big blind. On flop 3♦ Q♦ K♥ , Kitamura continued for 8,000, called by Erdenekhu onto turn 6♠ . Kitamura this time, checked, and faced a 12,500 bet from his opponent. Kitamura made the call, and arrived at showdown shortly after Erdenekhu checked back river Q♥ .

Kitamura showed A♦ J♦ and bagged the win.

Player	Chips
KK Keita KitamuraJapan	175,000(70 BB)
UE Uuganbayar ErdenekhuMongolia	80,000(32 BB)

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/25/2025, 2:16:32 PM

Christian Lortie Sends Joseph Pineiro Packing

Level 13: 1,000 / 2,500 ante: 2,500

Christian Lortie

Action folded to Christian Lortie on the small blind, pushing him to open 8,000. Joseph Pineiro called behind, dealing flop 5♥ 5♣ T♣ . Both checked to turn 6♠ , where Lortie check called 12,000. On river K♠ , Lortie faced another 20,000 bet from Pineriro, and responded with an all-in for the rest.

Pineiro called off his entire 97,000 with trip fives 5♠ 4♣ , and headed for the door as Lortie revealed boat T♦ T♠ .

Player	Chips
CL Christian LortieCanada	413,000(165 BB)
JP Joseph PineiroFrance	busted

Level 13: 1,000 / 2,500 ante: 2,500

40 minutes

Remaining Players: 64/206

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/25/2025, 2:13:38 PM

River Rolls for David Howard

Level 12: 1,000 / 2,000 ante: 2,000

David Howard

David Howard opened 5,000 on the button and saw both Lester Edoc and Martin Astorga on the blinds, come along on flop Q♦ 9♠ 6♣ . Action checked round to turn 3♣ , where Edoc led 9,000. Both continued to river 8♠ , and arrived at showdown after all three checked it through. Howard showed pair of eights 8♦ 7♥ for the win.

Player	Chips
DH David HowardUnited Kingdom	116,000(58 BB)
MA Martin AstorgaPhilippines	53,000(27 BB)
LE Lester EdocPhilippines	42,000(21 BB)

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/25/2025, 1:53:14 PM

Jon Kyte Wins Blind Battle

Level 12: 1,000 / 2,000 ante: 2,000

Jon Kyte

A blind vs blind battle saw Francis Garson limp call a 6,500 raise from Jon Kyte behind. On flop T♠ 7♠ K♦ , Garson check called another 13,000, and arrived at showdown shortly after no more bets went in on either turn 9♠ or river Q♦ .

Garson showed 7♦ 6♠ , no good against Kyte's top pair A♣ K♣ .

Player	Chips
JK Jon KyteNorway	127,000(64 BB)
FG Francis GarsonFrance	37,500(19 BB)

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/25/2025, 1:51:10 PM

Keita Kitamura Leaves Alari Kunnapuu Short

Level 12: 1,000 / 2,000 ante: 2,000

Keita Kitamura

Alari Kunnapuu opened 4,000 utg+1, joined by both players on the blinds onto flop K♥ 5♦ 9♠ . Kunnapuu continued for 5,000 and was check called by Keita Kitamura onto turn 9♦ . Both checked it through to river 9♥ , where Kitamura led for 11,500. Kunnapuu paid the price, and mucked as Kitamura showed trip nines 9♥ 7♥ .

Player	Chips
KK Keita KitamuraJapan	110,000(55 BB)
AK Alari KunnapuuEstonia	20,000(10 BB)

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/25/2025, 1:46:09 PM

Won Il Bae Risks It All

Level 12: 1,000 / 2,000 ante: 2,000

Won Il Bae

Vying for a pot of 52,000 in the middle across board 5♠ 3♦ 9♦ J♦ 7♦ , Won Il Bae on the big blind, made an attempt for it with an all-in for his last 31,500. Jerome Cruz gave it some consideration but eventually found the fold, earning Bae the boost.

Player	Chips
WI Won Il BaeSouth Korea	86,500(43 BB)
JC Jerome CruzPhilippines	78,000(39 BB)

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/25/2025, 1:44:01 PM

Renniel Galvez Pairs Up on the River

Level 12: 1,000 / 2,000 ante: 2,000

Renniel Galvez

Tyson Lee opened utg+1 and called Renniel Galvez' all-in on the small blind for 19,000.

Up for a flip, Galvez managed to survive through, having found a pair on board 7♣ 9♣ 5♣ 4♣ Q♦ to take the win.

Player	Hand	Chips
RG Renniel GalvezPhilippines	A♥Q♥ SB	42,000(21 BB)
TL Tyson LeeCanada	J♦J♠ UTG+1	32,000(16 BB)

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/25/2025, 1:40:46 PM

Christopher Pasion Shaves Some Off Lester Edoc

Level 12: 1,000 / 2,000 ante: 2,000

Christopher Pasion

Lester Edoc raised to 4,000 following a limp and saw Christopher Pasion and the limper come along on flop 3♥ Q♣ 7♣ . Action checked to Pasion, pushing him to bet 6,000. Edoc made the call onto turn A♥ , and arrived at river A♠ for free. Edoc led a final 9,000, and showed Q♦ J♥ after Pasion paid the price. Pasion however, tabled a better kicker K♦ Q♥ , earning him the pot.

Player	Chips
CP Christopher PasionPhilippines	66,000(33 BB)
LE Lester EdocPhilippines	47,000(24 BB)

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/25/2025, 1:39:12 PM

Sham Wing Sheuk Survives Flip

Level 12: 1,000 / 2,000 ante: 2,000

Jason Magbanua opened on the hijack and called Sham Wing Sheuk's all-in behind for 26,000.

In for a flip, Sham dodged a potential elimination after board 4♠ 9♠ K♠ 5♣ 6♠ ran four spades to give him the nut flush.

Player	Hand	Chips
SW Sham Wing SheukChina	A♠J♣ CO	57,000(29 BB)
JM Jason MagbanuaPhilippines	T♥T♠ HJ	112,000(56 BB)

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/25/2025, 1:36:24 PM

Benjamin Ebarle Bags a Huge Double

Level 12: 1,000 / 2,000 ante: 2,000

Benjamin Ebarle

Benjamin Ebarle defended his big blind against Jon Kyte's 4,000 cutoff open, and went on to check raise 14,000 on flop 5♠ 9♠ 3♥ . Kyte made it 32,000 to go, and called for the rest after Ebarle moved all-in for 80,500 total.

Benjamin Ebarle 9♥ 5♥

Jon Kyte 5♣ 3♣

A cooler flop, Ebarle's better two pair kept ahead all the way through turn T♦ and river A♣ , earning him the 86 big blinds in the middle.

Player	Chips
BE Benjamin EbarlePhilippines	172,000(86 BB)
JK Jon KyteNorway	64,000(32 BB)

Level 12: 1,000 / 2,000 ante: 2,000

40 minutes

Remaining Players: 75/206

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/25/2025, 12:44:50 PM

Main Event Flight C Registration Closes at 206 Entries

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

Registration for today's Manila Megastack Main Event Flight C is officially closed with a total of 206 entries locked in, more than double of yesterday's showing. Action will play down to 15% of the field (ITM) at 31 players. Those who missed the cut can take advantage of the last heat on schedule, Flight D [20/15], currently open through Level 10 @23:40.

Manila Megastack 21 Main Event

Date/s: January 23-27, 2025

Buy-in: PHP 45,000 (~USD 770)

Guarantee: PHP 20,000,000 (~USD 342,705)

Starting stack: 30,000

Flight A: 83 entries, 13 qualified

Flight B: 101 entries, 15 qualified

Flight C: 206 entries, 31 ITM

Flight D [20/15]: Saturday, January 25

Day 2: Sunday, January 26

Final Day: Monday, January 27

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

40 minutes

Remaining Players: 85/206

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/25/2025, 12:40:07 PM

Top Chip Counts

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

Christian Lortie

Player	Chips
CL Christian LortieCanada	237,000(158 BB)
YG Yoo Gyeong TaeSouth Korea	178,000(119 BB)
RM Richard MarquezPhilippines	176,000(117 BB)
SJ Sehoon Jin	168,000(112 BB)
HM Han Myunghwan	164,000(109 BB)
AI Alvir InocentesPhilippines	144,000(96 BB)
WL Woobeen Lee	142,000(95 BB)
ML Marcuss LiowMalaysia	142,000(95 BB)
DB Dmitrii Belikov	140,000(93 BB)
JC Jerome CruzPhilippines	131,000(87 BB)
MM Masakazu MiyamotoJapan	131,000(87 BB)
LL Lloyd LocsinAustralia	126,000(84 BB)
CR Czardy RiveraPhilippines	123,000(82 BB)
JM Jason MagbanuaPhilippines	122,000(81 BB)
LE Lenart EcarmaPhilippines	121,000(81 BB)
PE Paul ElliottAustralia	107,500(72 BB)
YH Yuki HommaJapan	107,500(72 BB)
SL Sernaque Lu PerezPeru	103,000(69 BB)
BB Brenton ButtigiegAustralia	101,000(67 BB)
CS Chirag ShahIndia	98,000(65 BB)
MA Martin AstorgaPhilippines	97,000(65 BB)
KK Keita KitamuraJapan	93,500(62 BB)
MG Martin GonzalesPhilippines	88,000(59 BB)
JP Joseph PineiroFrance	82,500(55 BB)
BE Benjamin EbarlePhilippines	81,000(54 BB)
MC Michael CalunsodPhilippines	78,000(52 BB)
PT Paul TirnoveanBelgium	78,000(52 BB)
ES Emmanuel SegismundoPhilippines	77,000(51 BB)
RM Rene Mar DavidPhilippines	71,000(47 BB)
JM John MatsudaPhilippines	71,000(47 BB)
EA Edgar AsehanPhilippines	71,000(47 BB)
AK Alari KunnapuuEstonia	70,000(47 BB)

Break

Remaining Players: 83/205

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/25/2025, 12:37:56 PM

Richard Marquez Bets to Win

Level 10: 600 / 1,200 ante: 1,200

Vying for 39,000 in the middle across board J♦ 6♣ Q♥ K♣ 3♦ , three way action saw Richard Marquez lead out a bet of 20,000. Both Suya Lee and Terry Gonzaga slipped the fold, earning Marquez the pot unchallenged.

Player	Chips
RM Richard MarquezPhilippines	118,000(98 BB)
TG Terry GonzagaPhilippines	48,000(40 BB)
SL Suya LeeSouth Korea	9,500(8 BB)

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/25/2025, 12:32:11 PM

Flo Campomanes Lets It Go

Level 10: 600 / 1,200 ante: 1,200

Flo Campomanes

With 9,400 in the middle on flop Q♥ 3♠ 2♠ , three way action saw Flo Campomanes bet 3,500, called by player on the button. Michael Calunsod on the big blind, check raised for 5,000 more, leaving only Campomanes onto turn 9♦ . Both checked it through to river T♦ , where Calunsod barreled a final 12,000. Campomanes threw in the fold, shipping Calunsod the pot.

Player	Chips
MC Michael CalunsodPhilippines	75,600(63 BB)
FC Florencio CampomanesPhilippines	40,700(34 BB)

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/25/2025, 12:31:37 PM

Sernaque Lu Perez Packs a Payday

Level 10: 600 / 1,200 ante: 1,200

Sernaque Lu Perez

With 16,800 already in the middle on flop 9♥ 4♣ K♥ , both Sernaque Lu Perez and John Matsuda checked round to turn 2♦ , where Perez led for 11,000. Matsuda called behind, and paid a final 35,000 on river 5♦ , only to muck as Perez revealed two pair K♠ 9♠ .

Player	Chips
SL Sernaque Lu PerezPeru	127,800(107 BB)
JM John MatsudaPhilippines	71,000(59 BB)

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/25/2025, 12:28:24 PM

Martin Gonzales Collects in Full

Level 10: 600 / 1,200 ante: 1,200

Martin Gonzales

A four way raised pot saw 11,800 in the middle as flop A♥ J♥ 4♦ ran on the felt. Martin Gonzales continued for 3,000, called by two players behind. On turn Q♠ , Gonzales went for another 8,000 and was met with a raise to 20,000 from Lito Quijano. Gonzales responded with an all-in for 24,800 total, leaving Quijano priced in to call.

Martin Gonzales A♦ Q♦

Lito Quijano A♣ 9♥

Quijano drawing dead, took the hit just as river 7♠ completed the board, shooting him down to six big blinds.

Player	Chips
MG Martin GonzalesPhilippines	70,400(59 BB)
LQ Lito QuijanoPhilippines	7,100(6 BB)

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/25/2025, 12:25:20 PM

Myunghwan Han Bets for Value

Level 10: 600 / 1,200 ante: 1,200

Han Myunghwan

Myunghwan Han opened utg+1 and called a 7,800 three bet from Jensen Rex Chow behind. On flop K♣ 7♥ 2♥ , Han led for 5,400, called by Chow onto turn K♥ . Both checked it through to river T♦ , where Han gunned for a final 7,500.

Chow made the call with 8♠ 8♣ , and booked the loss as Han revealed slightly better 9♠ 9♣ .

Player	Chips
HM Han Myunghwan	149,000(124 BB)
JR Jensen Rex ChowPhilippines	70,700(59 BB)

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/25/2025, 12:21:19 PM

Jerome Cruz Crushes with Cowboys

Level 10: 600 / 1,200 ante: 1,200

Jerome Cruz

With 39,000 in the middle on flop 7♠ Q♦ 9♣ , Jerome Cruz led out a bet of 15,000, and followed with an all-in for his last 21,500 on turn 5♦ . Jon Kyte called down both streets with T♥ T♣ , and was crushed to see Cruz flip over K♥ K♠ . River 8♥ kept Cruz ahead, shipping the full double up his way.

Player	Chips
JC Jerome CruzPhilippines	112,000(93 BB)
JK Jon KyteNorway	40,500(34 BB)

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/25/2025, 11:48:43 AM

Tamon Nakamura Pays the Price

Level 10: 600 / 1,200 ante: 1,200

Tamon Nakamura

Vying for a pot of 26,000 in the middle across board J♠ 4♥ Q♦ K♣ 8♥ , Eman Segismundo fired a final bet of 12,800. Tamon Nakamura called behind, and mucked as Segismundo showed two pair Q♣ J♥ .

Player	Chips
ES Emmanuel SegismundoPhilippines	85,600(71 BB)
TN Tamon NakamuraJapan	12,400(10 BB)

Level 10: 600 / 1,200 ante: 1,200

40 minutes

Remaining Players: 95/202

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/25/2025, 11:45:04 AM

Lester Edoc Doubles Through Nichols Manalo

Level 9: 600 / 1,200 ante: 1,200

Lester Edoc

A blind vs blind battle saw Nichols Manalo open for 2,500, called behind by Lester Edoc. On flop 9♠ 9♥ T♣ , Manalo continued for 5,000, and called 6,800 more following an all-in from his opponent.

Lester Edoc T♦ 8♣

Nichols Manalo Q♥ J♥

Drawing to several outs, Manalo found none on runout A♥ A♦ , sealing the win for Edoc with his two pair.

Player	Chips
NM Nichols ManaloPhilippines	42,000(35 BB)
LE Lester EdocPhilippines	29,800(25 BB)

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/25/2025, 11:40:05 AM

Junj Javalera Saved by the Turn

Level 9: 600 / 1,200 ante: 1,200

Junj Javalera

A blind vs blind battle brewed 28,200 in the middle right before flop 8♥ J♦ Q♠ landed on the felt. Junj Javalera took the initiative and led all-in for 27,100. Sernaque Lu Perez snap called behind with top pair, putting his opponent at risk.

Junj Javalera A♥ 7♥

Sernaque Lu Perez K♥ Q♥

Looking to catch up, Javalera did so right on the turn A♣ , with the river 8♣ sealing the win for his pair of aces.

Player	Chips
JJ Junj JavaleraPhilippines	82,600(69 BB)
SL Sernaque Lu PerezPeru	35,300(29 BB)

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/25/2025, 11:37:52 AM

Zhiqiang Liu Demands for More

Level 9: 600 / 1,200 ante: 1,200

Zhiqiang Liu

With 19,200 in the middle across board Q♦ Q♣ 3♥ 3♠ 7♦ , Hidekazu Tanaka led out a bet of 6,000, yet was left unablet to continue after Zhiqiang Liu bumped it up to 16,000.

Player	Chips
ZL Zhiqiang Liu	47,000(39 BB)
HT Hidekazu TanakaJapan	30,200(25 BB)

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/25/2025, 11:32:29 AM

Sehoon Jin Doubles Through George Salud

Level 9: 600 / 1,200 ante: 1,200

Sehoon Jin

Facing an open and a three bet, Sehoon Jin cold called, and was met with another raise to 27,000 from George Salud on the button. Only Jin continued to flop 2♠ 4♣ 9♥ , and faced an all-in from Salud straight away.

Jin snap called for his remaining 57,800 with top set 9♦ 9♠ , leaving Salud's J♦ J♥ in rough shape. Runout 6♠ 4♥ made no difference, earning Jin the 152 big blind pot in the middle.

Player	Chips
SJ Sehoon Jin	183,100(153 BB)
GS George SaludPhilippines	10,700(9 BB)

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/25/2025, 11:26:41 AM

Lloyd Locsin Ships a Win

Level 9: 600 / 1,200 ante: 1,200

Lloyd Locsin

Christian Lortie opened utg and called an 8,000 three bet from Lloyd Locsin a seat after. Both players checked flop 3♣ 8♣ A♦ through to turn 9♠ . Lortie checked once more, prompting Locsin to bet 7,000. Lortie quickly laid down the fold, shipping Locsin the boost.

Player	Chips
CL Christian LortieCanada	190,000(158 BB)
LL Lloyd LocsinAustralia	78,000(65 BB)

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/25/2025, 11:26:29 AM

David Ang Surrenders

Level 9: 600 / 1,200 ante: 1,200

David Ang

With a pot of 14,700 centered around board 5♣ 3♦ 4♦ K♣ , David Ang on the button, made an attempt for it with a bet of 6,000. Benjamin Ebarle check raised for 9,000 more, and convinced Ang to save his chips behind.

Player	Chips
BE Benjamin EbarlePhilippines	82,700(69 BB)
DA David AngPhilippines	12,700(11 BB)

Level 9: 600 / 1,200 ante: 1,200

40 minutes

Remaining Players: 102/200

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/25/2025, 11:22:39 AM

Topi Palenius Shoves for the Win

Level 8: 500 / 1,000 ante: 1,000

Topi Palenius defended his big blind against Martin Gonzales' 2,500 utg+1 open, and check called another 2,000 on flop 3♣ 5♠ A♣ . Action on turn J♠ was checked round to river 2♣ , where Gonzales bet a final 9,000. Palenius check raised all-in, and shipped the pot as Gonzales surrendered.

Player	Chips
TJ Topi Johannes PaleniusFinland	52,000(52 BB)
MG Martin GonzalesPhilippines	24,000(24 BB)

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/25/2025, 11:16:56 AM

Michael De Leon Takes It Down

Level 8: 500 / 1,000 ante: 1,000

Michael De Leon

Michael De Leon opened 2,200 on the cutoff, and was joined behind by three other players. Action on board Q♠ 9♣ Q♦ A♥ T♠ was checked all the way down to the river, where De Leon bet 3,000. Yuki Homma called behind, yet mucked as De Leon tabled two pair A♠ J♥ .

Player	Chips
YH Yuki HommaJapan	91,000(91 BB)
MD Michael De LeonPhilippines	37,000(37 BB)

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/25/2025, 11:16:48 AM

Hooks Hold for Suya Lee

Level 8: 500 / 1,000 ante: 1,000

Suya Lee

With 9,000 in the middle across board 5♠ K♣ 7♥ T♣ , three way action saw William Ysmael lead for 4,200. Suya Lee called behind, and arrived at showdown after no more bets went in on river 3♦ .

Ysmael showed pair of sevens 7♦ 2♦ , no good against Lee's J♠ J♣ .

Player	Chips
WY William YsmaelPhilippines	63,000(63 BB)
SL Suya LeeSouth Korea	33,000(33 BB)

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/25/2025, 10:50:00 AM

Manuel Geronimo Raises the Stakes

Level 8: 500 / 1,000 ante: 1,000

Manuel Geronimo

Andrei Vavilonski sent out a 7,500 three bet against an utg open, and saw Manuel Geronimo cold four bet behind to 16,500. Both opponents slipped the fold, earning Geronimo the dead money in the middle.

Player	Chips
MG Manuel GeronimoPhilippines	63,000(63 BB)
AV Andrei VavilonskiiRussia	28,000(28 BB)

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/25/2025, 10:46:57 AM

Hefty Bet Works for Eman Segismundo

Level 8: 500 / 1,000 ante: 1,000

Eman Segismundo

With a pot of 26,500 spread out across board 3♠ 5♥ 9♦ J♣ Q♠ , Eman Segismundo made a go for it with a final bet of 22,300. Rene Mar David check folded, giving up the pot to his opponent.

Player	Chips
ES Emmanuel SegismundoPhilippines	81,500(82 BB)
RM Rene Mar DavidPhilippines	48,000(48 BB)

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/25/2025, 10:33:21 AM

Yoo Gyeong Tae Banks Big

Level 8: 500 / 1,000 ante: 1,000

Yoo Gyeong Tae

A button vs blind battle built a pot of 9,000 in the middle before flop 5♠ K♠ 4♦ was dealt. Fathi Kamyar led out a bet of 5,000, and called 6,000 more following a raise from Yoo Gyeong Tae behind. On turn 8♠ , Kamyar check jammed 42,300 in, and saw Yoo call off with a straight.

Fathi Kamyar K♦ 6♣

Yoo Gyeong Tae 7♠ 6♠

Kamyar in trouble, crashed out shortly after river A♦ offered no chops.

Player	Chips
YG Yoo Gyeong TaeSouth Korea	169,700(170 BB)
FK Fathi KamyarCanada	busted

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/25/2025, 10:30:19 AM

Ace High Enough for Dmitrii Belikov

Level 8: 500 / 1,000 ante: 1,000

Dmitrii Belikov

With 21,500 in the middle across board J♠ J♣ 2♠ 8♠ , action was caught on Chogo Kento with a bet of 8,000 on the button. Dmitrii Belikov check called, and arrived at showdown for cheap after Kento checked back river 3♥ .

Belikov showed A♣ T♠ high , enough to win the pot.

Player	Chips
DB Dmitrii Belikov	108,000(108 BB)
CK Chogo KentoJapan	62,000(62 BB)

Level 8: 500 / 1,000 ante: 1,000

40 minutes

Remaining Players: 112/186

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/25/2025, 10:25:42 AM

Top Chip Counts

Level 8: 500 / 1,000 ante: 1,000

Player	Chips
CL Christian LortieCanada	225,000(225 BB)
JM Jason MagbanuaPhilippines	120,000(120 BB)
PE Paul ElliottAustralia	106,900(107 BB)
ML Marcuss LiowMalaysia	105,000(105 BB)
WL Woobeen Lee	103,900(104 BB)
YG Yoo Gyeong TaeSouth Korea	99,600(100 BB)
LE Lenart EcarmaPhilippines	95,800(96 BB)
CS Chirag ShahIndia	93,000(93 BB)
SJ Sehoon Jin	89,000(89 BB)
CR Czardy RiveraPhilippines	89,000(89 BB)
MM Masakazu MiyamotoJapan	87,000(87 BB)
WY William YsmaelPhilippines	87,000(87 BB)
UE Uuganbayar ErdenekhuMongolia	86,100(86 BB)
EA Edgar AsehanPhilippines	81,500(82 BB)
CM Christopher MateoPhilippines	78,000(78 BB)
CK Chogo KentoJapan	73,200(73 BB)
BE Benjamin EbarlePhilippines	73,000(73 BB)
AL Alexis LimPhilippines	73,000(73 BB)
AI Alvir InocentesPhilippines	73,000(73 BB)
DB Dmitrii Belikov	71,000(71 BB)
JC Jose ColadaPhilippines	71,000(71 BB)
EJ Eom Joonghoon	63,000(63 BB)
RM Rishi MirpuriSingapore	58,000(58 BB)
PD Peter DaNorway	57,000(57 BB)
BB Brenton ButtigiegAustralia	54,000(54 BB)
JC John ConstinianoPhilippines	53,000(53 BB)

Break

Remaining Players: 108/182

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/25/2025, 10:22:06 AM

Christian Lortie Flops the World

Level 7: 400 / 800 ante: 800

Christian Lortie

Sandro Bruni defended his big blind against Christian Lortie's cutoff open, and headed to flop 3♥ 3♣ 8♥ . Action checked round to turn 5♣ , where Bruni led 2,000. Lortie raised for 6,000 more, and went on to demand for the rest on river 4♦ . Bruni called off for his remaining 24,000 with J♦ J♥ , and was crushed to see Lortie flip over a boat 8♣ 3♠ to knock him out.

Player	Chips
CL Christian LortieCanada	204,000(255 BB)
SB Sandro BruniPhilippines	busted

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/25/2025, 10:19:28 AM

Christopher Mateo Denies Dong Woo Lee Showdown

Level 7: 400 / 800 ante: 800

Christopher Mateo

Dong Woo Lee defended his big blind against Christopher Mateo's 2,000 hijack open, and headed to flop K♣ K♠ 3♦ . Both checked it through to turn 4♣ , where Lee led 2,500. Mateo raised to 5,000, and gunned for another 15,500 on river 9♣ . Lee gave it up by the final bet, shipping Mateo the win.

Player	Chips
CM Christopher MateoPhilippines	78,000(98 BB)
DW Dong Woo LeeSouth Korea	32,500(41 BB)

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/25/2025, 10:15:39 AM

Board Kills Action for Chirag Shah

Level 7: 400 / 800 ante: 800

Chirag Shah

Lito Quijano opened utg and called a 4,500 three bet from Chirag Shah behind. Action on flop 2♦ Q♥ A♣ was checked round to turn 7♥ , where Shah bet 5,000. Quijano check called, and arrived at showdown after no more bets went in on river 2♥ .

Quijano showed 8♥ 8♣ , no good against Shah's J♦ J♠ .

Player	Chips
CS Chirag ShahIndia	126,000(158 BB)
LQ Lito QuijanoPhilippines	54,500(68 BB)

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/25/2025, 9:50:59 AM

Alexis Lim Lands a Dream Spot

Level 7: 400 / 800 ante: 800

Alexis Lim

Alexis Lim defended his big blind vs Roland Ferrer's 2,400 cutoff open, and went on to pull a check raise on flop A♣ 6♠ 2♦ . Ferrer answered with an all-in, and saw Lim happily oblige for his entire 27,000.

Roland Ferrer A♥ Q♥

Alexis Lim 6♦ 6♥

Ferrer in rough shape against a set, booked the loss as runout J♠ 7♦ completed the board.

Player	Chips
AL Alexis LimPhilippines	60,000(75 BB)
RF Roland FerrerPhilippines	12,800(16 BB)

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/25/2025, 9:47:12 AM

Jason Magbanua Cracks 100K Mark

Level 7: 400 / 800 ante: 800

Jason Magbanua

Taeil Anh opened 1,600 utg, called by Jason Kyle Magbanua a seat after. Sham Wing Sheuk right behind bumped it up to 4,600, and saw Anh complete. Magbanua however, decided to get it in, pushing both opponents out of the action.

Player	Chips
JM Jason MagbanuaPhilippines	100,700(126 BB)
TA Taeil Anh	35,000(44 BB)
SW Sham Wing SheukChina	25,600(32 BB)

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/25/2025, 9:41:22 AM

Paul Elliot Wins Flip, Busts David Ang

Level 7: 400 / 800 ante: 800

David Ang

Following an open and a three bet, Paul Elliott cold called on the cutoff and faced an all-in for 36,600 from David Ang behind. All else folded, and Elliott tank called for the rest.

A classic flip, Ang's overcards failed to pair up on board 5♥ 8♦ 6♦ 6♥ T♠ , knocking him out entirely.

Player	Hand	Chips
PE Paul ElliottUnited Kingdom	Q♦Q♠ CO	115,000(144 BB)
DA David AngPhilippines	A♣K♦ D	busted

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/25/2025, 9:39:34 AM

Edgar Asehan Plays Big Blind Defense

Level 7: 400 / 800 ante: 800

Edgar Asehan

With 5,000 in the middle on flop 4♠ 4♣ T♠ , action was caught on Xiong Cheng with a bet of 4,000. Edgar Asehan check called on the big blind, revealing turn 7♠ . Both checked it through to river 2♦ , where Asehan led for 7,500. Cheng opted out, shipping Asehan the win with no showdown.

Player	Chips
XC Xiong Cheng	49,700(62 BB)
EA Edgar AsehanPhilippines	47,800(60 BB)

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/25/2025, 9:38:13 AM

Chogo Kento Puts On the Pressure

Level 7: 400 / 800 ante: 800

Chogo Kento

Chogo Kento opened 2,000 utg+1 and was joined by the button along with Dmitrii Belikov on the big blind. On flop 5♣ T♠ T♥ , Belikov pulled a check raise to 10,100, yet folded after Kento made it 33,000 to go.

Player	Chips
CK Chogo KentoJapan	125,300(157 BB)
DB Dmitrii Belikov	87,000(109 BB)

Level 7: 400 / 800 ante: 800

40 minutes

Remaining Players: 119/175

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/25/2025, 9:35:08 AM

Sakata Kentaro Suffers Bad Beat

Level 6: 300 / 600 ante: 600

Sakata Kentaro

A limp pot blind vs blind saw Sakata Kentaro lead all-in for 11,100 on flop T♠ 9♥ J♠ . Nichols Manalo put in the call with top pair J♥ 7♦ , and found himself behind Kentaro's overpair Q♦ Q♣ .

Runout 7♠ 6♦ however, landed Manalo two pair to turn the tables and knock his opponent out.

Player	Chips
NM Nichols ManaloPhilippines	49,600(83 BB)
SK Sakata KentaroJapan	busted

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/25/2025, 9:33:31 AM

Easy Takedown for Woobeen Lee

Level 6: 300 / 600 ante: 600

Woobeen Lee

Up against an early open and a call, Woobeen Lee sent out a 6,500 three bet on the button, and saw initial raiser Nichols Manalo continue to flop 8♥ 3♥ 9♣ . Lee bet 8,000, leaving Manalo with a quick surrender.

Player	Chips
WL Woobeen Lee	87,100(145 BB)
NM Nichols ManaloPhilippines	38,200(64 BB)

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/25/2025, 9:31:48 AM

Alari Kunnapuu Demands for the Rest

Level 6: 300 / 600 ante: 600

Alari Kunnapuu

Alari Kunnapuu fired a 2,500 three bet against an open and a call, and saw both continue to flop 3♣ 4♦ J♣ . Kunnapuu sent out 4,500, called by initial raiser Roxanne Victorino. Both checked turn 4♥ through to river K♥ , where Kunnapuu barreled all-in. Victorino let it go, tossing her hand in the muck.

Player	Chips
AK Alari KunnapuuEstonia	68,700(115 BB)
RV Roxanne Victorino	14,800(25 BB)

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/25/2025, 9:30:05 AM

Keijiro Shimojo Gets Cbet Through

Level 6: 300 / 600 ante: 600

Jerome Cruz opened 1,200 on the cutoff and called a 5,000 three bet from Keijiro Shimojo on the small blind. On flop 6♦ K♣ K♦ , Shimojo continued for 2,500, enough to get Cruz out of the way.

Player	Chips
JC Jerome CruzPhilippines	65,400(109 BB)
KS Keijiro ShimojoJapan	31,000(52 BB)

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/25/2025, 9:27:37 AM

Chirag Shah Spikes Gin on Turn

Level 6: 300 / 600 ante: 600

Chirag Shah

Chirag Shah opened 1,400 on the button and saw Nakajima Yu come along on flop 7♦ J♦ 5♠ . Shah continued for 1,500, followed by another 2,000 on turn 4♦ . Yu check raised to 5,500 on the second barrel, and pulled the trigger on river 2♥ for 23,500. Shah snap called with the nuts A♦ 9♦ , sending Yu's set 4♥ 4♠ bound for the muck.

Player	Chips
CS Chirag ShahIndia	102,000(170 BB)
NY Nakajima Yu	busted

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/25/2025, 9:25:23 AM

Paul Elliott Calls Down Akihiro Kawaguchi

Level 6: 300 / 600 ante: 600

Paul Elliott

Akihiro Kawaguchi opened 1,500 utg and was joined by two more players behind onto flop 9♦ A♦ 9♥ . Kawaguchi continued for 3,000, called by Paul Elliott. Both checked turn 2♦ through to river A♠ , where Kawaguchi led all-in. Elliott called off his remaining 29,700 with trip aces A♥ J♦ , and shipped the win as Kawaguchi revealed bluff K♠ 7♠ .

Player	Chips
PE Paul ElliottUnited Kingdom	72,000(120 BB)
AK Akihiro KawaguchiJapan	13,800(23 BB)

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/25/2025, 9:07:44 AM

Benjamin Ebarle Sends Leslie Tsui to the Rails

Level 6: 300 / 600 ante: 600

Benjamin Ebarle

A pot of 19,500 centered around board 5♠ 2♦ 8♠ 5♥ , and saw Benjamin Ebarle gun for 8,500 on the button. Leslie Tsui check called, and went on to commit his last 16,500 on river 9♦ after Ebarle moved all-in.

Benjamin Ebarle showed a boat 2♠ 2♣ , more than enough to send Leslie Tsui out with K♠ J♣ .

Player	Chips
BE Benjamin EbarlePhilippines	78,500(131 BB)
LT Leslie TsuiHong Kong	busted

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/25/2025, 9:07:30 AM

Uuganbayar Erdenekhu Bricks Runout

Level 6: 300 / 600 ante: 600

Uuganbayar Erdenekhu

A limp pot blind vs blind rolled a flop of J♠ 6♣ T♠ . Uuganbayar Erdenekhu checked to Roxanne Victorino behind, who shoved all-in for 8,300. Erdenekhu check called with a straight draw 9♥ 8♣ , and was up against Victorino's set 6♥ 6♠ .

Runout 3♠ 4♥ bricked for Erdenekhu, shipping Victorino the double up.

Player	Chips
UE Uuganbayar ErdenekhuMongolia	76,500(128 BB)
RV Roxanne Victorino	18,100(30 BB)

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/25/2025, 9:05:38 AM

Jose Cheung Shaves Some Off Maxwell Rosete

Level 6: 300 / 600 ante: 600

Jose Cheung

Maxwell Rosete opened 1,200 utg, and was called by the button along with Jose Cheung on the big blind. Action on flop 6♥ 2♠ 4♠ was checked round to turn T♥ , where Cheung led 2,000. Rosete called behind, and paid another 2,000 on river J♦ , only to muck as Cheung revealed pair of tens A♦ T♣ .

Player	Chips
JC Jose CheungPhilippines	41,000(68 BB)
MR Maxwell RosetePhilippines	25,300(42 BB)

Level 6: 300 / 600 ante: 600

40 minutes

Remaining Players: 121/159

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/25/2025, 9:00:43 AM

Board Favors Seunghun Ju

Level 5: 200 / 500 ante: 500

Following an open and two calls, Seunghun Ju squeezed all-in on the small blind for 8,700, and saw initial raiser Jonghoon Seon push likewise. All else folded, leaving the two to showdown.

In for a flip, board J♠ K♥ A♥ 8♥ Q♣ ran in favor of the overcards, keeping Ju in the Main Event running.

Player	Hand	Chips
SJ Seunghun JuSouth Korea	K♠J♦ SB	20,800(42 BB)
JS Jonghoon SeonSouth Korea	4♥4♠ UTG	22,700(45 BB)

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/25/2025, 9:00:37 AM

Masakazu Miyamoto Pairs Up on the River

Level 5: 200 / 500 ante: 500

Masakazu Miyamoto

Masakazu Miyamoto opened 1,300 utg+1, joined by Benjamin Ebarle on the small blind onto flop 3♠ 7♥ Q♦ . Both checked it through to turn 3♦ , where Ebarle led 2,000. Miyamoto made the call, and arrived at showdown shortly after river 4♣ was checked through.

Ebarle showed A♥ 9♥ , no good against Miyamoto's two pair A♣ 4♥ .

Player	Chips
MM Masakazu MiyamotoJapan	68,400(137 BB)
BE Benjamin EbarlePhilippines	29,200(58 BB)

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/25/2025, 8:40:26 AM

Double Barrel Works for Lloyd Locsin

Level 5: 200 / 500 ante: 500

Lloyd Locsin

A four way raised pot dealt a flop of A♦ 5♦ J♠ . Action checked to Lloyd Locsin on the button, pushing him to bet 2,100. Junj Javalera made the call yet was left unable to continue after Locsin went for another 4,600 on turn 9♠ .

Player	Chips
JJ Junj JavaleraPhilippines	50,500(101 BB)
LL Lloyd LocsinAustralia	45,500(91 BB)

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/25/2025, 8:38:47 AM

Easy Takedown for Kristine Flores

Level 5: 200 / 500 ante: 500

Kristine Flores

Darryl Junming opened utg and called a 3,600 three bet from Kristine Flores behind. On flop 3♦ 8♣ 6♣ , Junming was quick to give it up after Flores continued for 4,500.

Player	Chips
KF Kristine Flores	31,000(62 BB)
DJ Darryl Junming ChanSingapore	15,300(31 BB)

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/25/2025, 8:36:40 AM

Suya Lee Gives Up the Fight

Level 5: 200 / 500 ante: 500

Suya Lee

With a pot of 9,000 spread out across board 8♥ 3♣ 7♥ 4♣ , action was caught on Terry Gonzaga with a bet of 6,000. Suya Lee check called, yet folded after Gonzaga asked for 10,000 more on river K♠ .

Player	Chips
TG Terry GonzagaPhilippines	55,600(111 BB)
SL Suya LeeSouth Korea	24,500(49 BB)

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/25/2025, 8:34:35 AM

William Jones Saved by Runout

Level 5: 200 / 500 ante: 500

William Jones

William Jones committed his last 10,500 preflop and faced Sernaque Perez at showdown for a race.

Jones at risk, dodged elimination just as board 9♠ 6♦ A♣ Q♣ T♣ rolled him a backdoor flush to survive through.

Player	Hand	Chips
WJ William JonesUnited States of America	6♣3♣ UTG+1	23,000(46 BB)
SL Sernaque Lu PerezPeru	A♥J♠ SB	25,400(51 BB)

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/25/2025, 8:30:50 AM

Jinwoo Jung Ships One

Level 5: 200 / 500 ante: 500

Jinwoo Jung

With a pot of 9,700 on flop Q♥ 6♠ 5♥ , three way action was checked to Adrian Lumbera, who bet 4,000. Jinwoo Jung made the call, peeling turn 4♥ . Both checked it through to river J♥ , where Jung led for a final 4,000. Lumbera called behind, and mucked as Jung showed flush Q♦ T♥ .

Player	Chips
JJ Jung Jinwoo	46,300(93 BB)
AL Adrian Lumbera	24,000(48 BB)

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/25/2025, 8:15:01 AM

Edwin Dela Cruz Locks In a Boost

Level 5: 200 / 500 ante: 500

Edwin Dela Cruz

A fourway limp pot dealt a flop of Q♠ T♦ 3♦ . Action was checked to Eric Ceret on the button, pushing him to bet 1,500. Edwin Dela Cruz called from the big blind, revealing turn 3♣ . Both checked it through to river 5♥ , where Dela Cruz led for 4,500. Ceret paid the price, and mucked after Dela Cruz showed two pair Q♥ J♥ .

Player	Chips
ED Edwin Dela CruzPhilippines	54,000(108 BB)
EC Eric CeretFrance	25,100(50 BB)

Level 5: 200 / 500 ante: 500

40 minutes

Remaining Players: 106/125

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/25/2025, 8:09:53 AM

Top Chip Counts

Level 5: 200 / 500 ante: 500

Lenart Ecarma

Player	Chips
LE Lenart EcarmaPhilippines	99,100(198 BB)
UE Uuganbayar ErdenekhuMongolia	97,400(195 BB)
JP Joseph PineiroFrance	92,000(184 BB)
ML Marcuss LiowMalaysia	91,000(182 BB)
YG Yoo Gyeong TaeSouth Korea	73,000(146 BB)
MM Masakazu MiyamotoJapan	69,000(138 BB)
DB Dmitrii Belikov	65,200(130 BB)
ED Emmanuel DerechoPhilippines	60,700(121 BB)
WL Woobeen Lee	58,500(117 BB)
CS Chirag ShahIndia	57,300(115 BB)
KB Ki Burm Lee	56,700(113 BB)
HR Hal RotholzUnited States of America	56,500(113 BB)
SB Sandro BruniPhilippines	56,000(112 BB)
XC Xiong Cheng	53,400(107 BB)
RM Rene Mar DavidPhilippines	53,000(106 BB)
AK Akihiro KawaguchiJapan	51,500(103 BB)
JC John ConstinianoPhilippines	51,000(102 BB)
EK Elmer KalaquianPhilippines	48,300(97 BB)
EJ Eom Joonghoon	46,600(93 BB)
CM Christopher MateoPhilippines	42,000(84 BB)
FG Francis GarsonFrance	40,500(81 BB)
PD Peter DaNorway	40,000(80 BB)
CR Czardy RiveraPhilippines	39,000(78 BB)

Break

Remaining Players: 96/117

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/25/2025, 8:06:49 AM

Elmer Kalaquian Crushes with Kings

Level 4: 200 / 400 ante: 400

Elmer Kalaquian

Alari Kunnapuu opened 800, and was met with a 5,000 three bet from Elmer Kalaquian on the small blind. Kunnapuu answered with an all-in for 14,000 more, snap called by his opponent.

A pocket pair clash, Kalaquian's cowboys capped the win on board 3♠ 6♣ T♣ 7♣ K♥ , sending Kunnapuu out of the Main Event games.

Player	Hand	Chips
EK Elmer KalaquianPhilippines	K♦K♣ SB	48,300(121 BB)
AK Alari KunnapuuEstonia	T♥T♠ MP	busted

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/25/2025, 8:03:13 AM

Joseph Pineiro Fills Up on the River

Level 4: 200 / 400 ante: 400

With 41,700 in the middle and Chogo Kento all-in on board 7♥ 6♠ A♠ 9♦ 3♠ , Joseph Pineiro went for a final bet of 11,000. Jose Colada check called for a side pot with a set 9♥ 9♠ , but booked the loss as Pineiro showed flush K♠ Q♠ . Kento headed out just as his A♦ 6♣ was turned over.

Player	Chips
JP Joseph PineiroFrance	91,000(228 BB)
JC Jose ColadaPhilippines	19,000(48 BB)
CK Chogo KentoJapan	busted

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/25/2025, 8:01:53 AM

Notables in the Field

Level 4: 200 / 400 ante: 400

More players are pouring in today's Flight C showing with notables Joseph Sia, Moses Saquing, Edwin Dela Cruz, William Ysmael, and Harish Asnani, joining the stage.

William Ysmael

Edwin Dela Cruz

Moses Saquing

Joseph Sia

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/25/2025, 7:59:39 AM

Kunwoo Kim Bets All the Way

Level 4: 200 / 400 ante: 400

Dk Kim Kunwoo

Kunwoo Kim opened 1,100 utg+1, called by a player behind along with Edmund Eng on the big blind. On board A♥ 9♦ 9♠ 3♦ T♣ , Kim barreled all three streets - 1,000, 2,000, and 6,000. Eng called down to the river but gave it up as Kim went for a final bet.

Player	Chips
DK Dk Kim KunwooSouth Korea	36,400(91 BB)
EE Edmund EngSingapore	25,800(65 BB)

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/25/2025, 7:57:15 AM

Brenton Buttigieg Hangs On

Level 4: 200 / 400 ante: 400

Brenton Buttigieg

Following an open and a call, Brenton Buttigieg pushed in his last 4,000 and faced initial raiser Chirag Shah once more at showdown.

Buttigieg behind, quickly caught up on board J♣ K♦ 8♦ K♣ 3♦ , sparing him from elimination.

Player	Hand	Chips
BB Brenton ButtigiegAustralia	J♥8♥ D	10,000(25 BB)
CS Chirag ShahIndia	T♥T♣ UTG	54,400(136 BB)

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/25/2025, 7:53:45 AM

Chirag Shah Cripples Brenton Buttigieg

Level 4: 200 / 400 ante: 400

Chirag Shah

Chirag Shah opened 1,000 utg+1, called by two players behind. Button sent out a three bet to 5,000, cold called by Brenton Buttigieg on the small blind. Action back to Shah, he squeezed all-in for 25,300, and saw Buttigieg take the spot.

Shah a huge favorite, easily secured the win on board Q♣ 8♦ J♦ 3♠ A♦ , leaving Buttigieg with crumbs.

Player	Hand	Chips
CS Chirag ShahIndia	J♥J♣ UTG+1	58,400(146 BB)
BB Brenton ButtigiegAustralia	6♦6♠ SB	4,000(10 BB)

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/25/2025, 7:27:37 AM

Pocket Pair Holds for Joseph Pineiro

Level 4: 200 / 400 ante: 400

Joseph Pineiro

A preflop back and forth landed William Jones' entire 19,000 in the middle against Joseph Pineiro.

In for a flip, Jones headed out as board 4♠ A♠ 8♠ J♦ 7♠ ran four spades, giving Pineiro a flush to deliver the bust.

Player	Hand	Chips
JP Joseph PineiroFrance	T♥T♠ MP	54,300(136 BB)
WJ William JonesUnited States of America	A♥J♥ BB	busted

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/25/2025, 7:25:27 AM

One Bet Works for Akihiro Kawaguchi

Level 4: 200 / 400 ante: 400

Akihiro Kawaguchi

Edmund Eng opened 900 and called a 3,200 three bet from Akihiro Kawaguchi on the small blind. On flop 8♦ 8♥ 2♠ , Eng quickly surrendered after Kawaguchi continued for 6,000.

Player	Chips
AK Akihiro KawaguchiJapan	28,700(72 BB)
EE Edmund EngSingapore	19,000(48 BB)

Level 4: 200 / 400 ante: 400

40 minutes

Remaining Players: 83/94

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/25/2025, 7:22:49 AM

Paul Elliott Smashes Board

Level 3: 100 / 300 ante: 300

Paul Elliott

Paul Elliott opened to 900, and was called by both players on the blinds. On board 8♣ 8♥ 3♣ 9♠ K♦ , Elliott triple barreled - 1,500, 2,500, and 7,000, and saw Kim Kunwoo check call all the way to showdown.

Elliott showed boat K♥ K♣ and raked in the boost.

Player	Chips
PE Paul ElliottUnited Kingdom	46,600(155 BB)
DK Dk Kim KunwooSouth Korea	34,400(115 BB)

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/25/2025, 7:20:50 AM

Yoo Gyeong Tae Bets for Value

Level 3: 100 / 300 ante: 300

Yoo Gyeong Tae

With 33,400 spread out across board 9♥ 7♠ 3♦ 3♣ 2♥ , Yoo Gyeong Tae made an attempt for it with a final bet of 10,300. Harish Asnani paused for a minute, and eventually paid the price, only to muck as Yoo turned over two pair J♦ 9♦ .

Player	Chips
YG Yoo Gyeong TaeSouth Korea	52,500(175 BB)
HA Harish AsnaniHong Kong	30,900(103 BB)

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/25/2025, 7:18:27 AM

Top Pair Wins It for William Jones

Level 3: 100 / 300 ante: 300

William Jones

A three way raised pot led by William Jones saw action on board 8♦ K♠ J♠ A♣ 3♠ check all the way down to the river, where Jones bet a final 2,000. Chogo Kento check called on the big blind, and mucked as Jones revealed top pair A♥ 7♥ .

Player	Chips
WJ William JonesUnited States of America	28,300(94 BB)
CK Chogo KentoJapan	23,600(79 BB)

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/25/2025, 6:54:29 AM

Top Pair Lands Roxanne Victorino in Trouble

Level 3: 100 / 300 ante: 300

Roxanne Victorino

With 3,500 in the middle on flop 7♠ 3♦ A♣ , Roxanne Victorino shot out a bet of 3,000, check raised by Marcuss Liow to 8,000. Victorino bumped it up further to 20,000, and called for the rest after Liow moved all-in for 36,000 total.

Marcuss Liow A♦ K♥

Roxanne Victorino A♠ T♠

Liow ahead, kept his advantage all the way through turn 5♣ and river 5♥ , earning him the full double up.

Player	Chips
ML Marcuss LiowMalaysia	75,500(252 BB)
RV Roxanne Victorino	12,100(40 BB)

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/25/2025, 6:51:26 AM

Leslie Tsui Pumps Up the Aggression

Level 3: 100 / 300 ante: 300

With 2,700 in the middle spread out across flop A♣ 4♠ J♠ , initial raiser Kristine Flores continued for 1,200, and called a check raise from Leslie Tsui to 3,600. On turn Q♥ however, Flores decided to let it go after Tsui led all-in.

Player	Chips
LT Leslie TsuiHong Kong	41,300(138 BB)
KF Kristine Flores	21,900(73 BB)

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/25/2025, 6:48:45 AM

Leslie Tsui Stands Her Ground

Level 3: 100 / 300 ante: 300

Leslie Tsui

With a pot of 1,800 in the middle on flop K♠ T♦ 9♦ , Myungjin Jung pulled a check raise to 2,100 against Leslie Tsui's 600 bet. Tsui unfazed, padded it further to 5,400 and convinced Jung to give up the fight.

Player	Chips
MJ Myungjin JungSouth Korea	35,600(119 BB)
LT Leslie TsuiHong Kong	35,000(117 BB)

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/25/2025, 6:46:36 AM

David Ang Picks Up a Win

Level 3: 100 / 300 ante: 300

David Ang opened 800 on the hijack, called behind by Ho Tai Tsai along with the big blind. On board K♠ 7♠ 6♥ 7♥ , Ang double barreled 1,500 and 2,600, with Tsai calling down behind. Both slowed down on river 3♥ , revealing Ang's K♥ Q♠ , good for the win.

Player	Chips
HT Ho-Tai TsaiTaiwan	39,200(131 BB)
DA David AngPhilippines	22,100(74 BB)

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/25/2025, 6:44:28 AM

William Jones Shoves for the Win

Level 3: 100 / 300 ante: 300

William Jones

A five way raised pot saw William Jones bet 1,700 on flop 3♥ 9♥ Q♣ . Only Junj Javalera called behind, yet mucked as Jones barreled all-in on turn 7♥ .

Player	Chips
JJ Junj JavaleraPhilippines	22,700(76 BB)
WJ William JonesUnited States of America	21,800(73 BB)

Level 3: 100 / 300 ante: 300

40 minutes

Remaining Players: 61/69

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/25/2025, 6:41:12 AM

Lenart Ecarma Takes It All

Level 2: 100 / 200 ante: 200

A button vs blind battle saw 17,700 in the middle across board 4♥ 8♥ Q♠ 9♠ . Lenart Ecarma led all-in, sending Bonifacio Mondalo deep in the tank. Mondalo eventually called off for his last 15,100 with top pair K♥ Q♥ , and found himself drawing dead instantly against Ecarma's 4♦ 4♠ . Mondalo headed out just as river 5♦ completed the board.

Player	Chips
LE Lenart EcarmaPhilippines	51,200(256 BB)
BM Bonifacio MondaloPhilippines	busted

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/25/2025, 6:36:28 AM

Jonghoon Seon Wins by Default

Level 2: 100 / 200 ante: 200

Jonghoon Seon

A three way raised pot saw action on board J♦ J♣ 9♦ 4♠ T♠ get checked down to the river, where Jonghoon Seon on the big blind led for 2,000. Nichols Manalo put out a raise to 6,500, and immediately mucked after Seon made the call.

Player	Chips
JS Jonghoon SeonSouth Korea	35,600(178 BB)
NM Nichols ManaloPhilippines	22,700(114 BB)

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/25/2025, 6:36:16 AM

Hwang Byeongsun Sends Nikolai Babushkin Packing

Level 2: 100 / 200 ante: 200

Hwang Byeongsun

With already 9,100 in the pot on board 6♣ Q♠ 2♥ 7♥ , action was caught on Hwang Byeongsun with a bet of 6,500. Nikolai Babuskin check jammed for 4,000 more, snap called by Hwang to showdown.

Nikolai Babuskin A♦ Q♥

Hwang Byeongsun 7♦ 7♣

Crushed against a set, Babushkin headed for the rails as river 8♦ offered him no help.

Player	Chips
HB Hwang ByeongsunSouth Korea	52,000(260 BB)
NB Nikolai Babushkin	busted

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/25/2025, 6:33:55 AM

Easy Bust for Joseph Pineiro

Level 2: 100 / 200 ante: 200

Joseph Pineiro

An all-in preflop situation saw Kenki Okumura commit his entire 23,000 against Joseph Pineiro.

In rough shape, Okumura bowed out early after board A♣ A♥ J♥ 9♦ 5♣ failed to save him from his demise.

Player	Hand	Chips
JP Joseph PineiroFrance	K♥K♠ MP	61,300(307 BB)
KO Kenki OkumuraJapan	7♥7♠ UTG	busted

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/25/2025, 6:31:52 AM

Emmanuel Derecho Gets a Payday

Level 2: 100 / 200 ante: 200

Emmanuel Derecho

A five way raised pot saw action on flop 7♠ 4♠ Q♥ check round to turn 9♠ , where Eom Joonghoon on the button bet 1,600. Emmanuel Derecho check raised to 5,500, and fired a hefty 18,000 on river 4♣ . Eom called down both streets and mucked as Derecho revealed the nut flush A♠ 5♠ .

Player	Chips
ED Emmanuel DerechoPhilippines	57,300(287 BB)
EJ Eom Joonghoon	6,000(30 BB)

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/25/2025, 6:30:02 AM

Quick Takedown for Eom Joonghoon

Level 2: 100 / 200 ante: 200

Eom Joonghoon

David Howard opened 400 on the button and was joined by both players on the blinds onto flop 8♥ 6♠ A♦ . Howard continued for 1,100, check raised by Eom Joonghoon to 2,500. Both slipped the fold, earning Eom the pot straight away.

Player	Chips
DH David HowardUnited Kingdom	32,500(163 BB)
EJ Eom Joonghoon	30,800(154 BB)

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/25/2025, 6:13:51 AM

Fathi Kamyar Collects From Jerome Cruz

Level 2: 100 / 200 ante: 200

Fathi Kamyar

A three way raised pot saw action on flop T♦ 6♣ K♦ check to the aggressor, who bet 800. Both Jerome Cruz and Fathi Kamyar stuck around to see turn 6♠ , and saw all three check it through to river 8♥ . Cruz led 1,200, and paid 5,000 more following a raise from Kamyar behind, only to muck as his opponent revealed 9♦ 7♠ for a straight.

Player	Chips
FK Fathi KamyarCanada	35,700(179 BB)
JC Jerome CruzPhilippines	21,600(108 BB)

Level 2: 100 / 200 ante: 200

40 minutes

Remaining Players: 45/48

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/25/2025, 6:10:23 AM

Gary Herstein Proceeds with Caution

Level 1: 100 / 100 ante: 100

Gary Herstein

Facing an open and a call, Gary Herstein sent out a 1,200 three bet from the big blind, and saw George Salud complete. On flop 6♠ J♦ J♣ , Salud called another 1,000, revealing turn 8♣ . Herstein this time, check called for 1,500, and arrived at showdown after Salud checked back river 4♣ .

Herstein showed A♥ A♣ , ahead of Salud's 5♥ 5♣ all the way through.

Player	Chips
GH Gary HersteinUnited States of America	33,000(330 BB)
GS George SaludPhilippines	31,500(315 BB)

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/25/2025, 6:04:22 AM

Marcuss Liow Takes It Down

Level 1: 100 / 100 ante: 100

Marcuss Liow

A three way three bet pot saw Marcuss Liow continue for 2,000 on flop J♥ 8♠ 2♦ . Peter Da on the big blind, check called, yet laid it down after Liow barreled another 5,000 on turn 4♣ .

Player	Chips
ML Marcuss LiowMalaysia	33,200(332 BB)
PD Peter DaNorway	27,800(278 BB)

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/25/2025, 6:03:30 AM

Beng Ker Crashes Early

Level 1: 100 / 100 ante: 100

Beng Ker

With 9,500 in the pot across board K♥ 8♣ 2♥ K♦ , action was caught on Roxanne Victorino with a 6,000 bet off the big blind, called by Beng Ker behind. On river 3♠ , Victorino checked to Ker, pushing him to bet all-in for 14,600.

Victorino made the call with two pair J♦ J♠ , and sent Ker out as he showed a busted flush draw 9♥ 6♥ .

Player	Chips
RV Roxanne Victorino	60,700(607 BB)
BK Beng KerSingapore	busted

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/25/2025, 6:01:00 AM

Rishi Mirpuri Calls Down Beng Ker

Level 1: 100 / 100 ante: 100

Rishi Mirpuri

Rishi Mirpuri opened 300 utg+1, called behind by Beng Ker along with the small blind. On flop A♥ T♣ 7♣ , Mirpuri continued for 400, followed by another 1,100 on turn 6♦ . Ker raised the second barrel to 3,300, and went for a final 6,600 on river T♦ . Mirpuri check called to showdown with two pair A♠ J♣ , and claimed the boost as Ker showed a busted straight draw K♠ Q♣ .

Player	Chips
RM Rishi MirpuriSingapore	41,000(410 BB)
BK Beng KerSingapore	26,000(260 BB)

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/25/2025, 5:59:05 AM

Seoha Lee Wins with the Ladies

Level 1: 100 / 100 ante: 100

Seoha Lee

A button vs blind battle brewed 6,400 in the middle before flop 3♦ 6♠ A♥ landed on the felt. Action checked round to turn 3♣ , where Seoha Lee led 5,000. Hidekazu Tanaka called behind, and got to showdown after river 6♦ was checked through.

Lee showed Q♦ Q♥ and claimed the win.

Player	Chips
SL Seoha Lee	38,300(383 BB)
HT Hidekazu TanakaJapan	20,000(200 BB)

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/25/2025, 5:54:06 AM

Pocket Pair Holds for Junj Javalera

Level 1: 100 / 100 ante: 100

Junj Javalera

With 3,000 in the middle on flop J♦ 2♠ 2♥ , all four players checked action to turn 9♦ , where Junj Javalera shot out a bet of 600. Seoha Lee and Alari Kunnapuu check called, and arrived at showdown shortly after no more bets went in on river 9♣ . Javalera revealed his pocket pair and shipped the pot.

Player	Hand	Chips
JJ Junj JavaleraPhilippines	7♥7♣ CO	33,400(334 BB)
SL Seoha Lee	K♦8♣ UTG+1	27,700(277 BB)
AK Alari KunnapuuEstonia	A♦3♦ HJ	61,200(612 BB)

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/25/2025, 5:32:13 AM

Alari Kunnapuu Lands Early Double

Level 1: 100 / 100 ante: 100

Alari Kunnapuu

Ho Tai Tsai sent out a 600 raise on the cutoff vs an utg limp, followed by a 2,500 three bet from Alari Kunnapuu on the small blind. Tsai bumped it up further, and called off for his entire starting stack (30,000) after Kunnapuu moved all-in.

Kunnapuu with the best hand in the deck, delivered the bust shortly after board Q♠ 7♠ 8♣ 9♦ 8♥ rolled on the felt.

Player	Hand	Chips
AK Alari KunnapuuEstonia	A♦A♠ SB	62,300(623 BB)
HT Ho-Tai TsaiTaiwan	T♥T♠ CO	busted

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/25/2025, 5:29:58 AM

Gyusun Park Fires Double Barrel

Level 1: 100 / 100 ante: 100

Gyusun Park

Leslie Tsui defended her big blind against Gyusun Park's 400 button open, and check called another 300 on flop 2♣ 8♠ 8♥ . On turn 8♣ , Park asked for 800 more, leaving Tsui unable to continue.

Player	Chips
GP Gyusun ParkSouth Korea	32,700(327 BB)
LT Leslie TsuiHong Kong	28,300(283 BB)

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/25/2025, 5:18:25 AM

Hwang Byeongsun Draws First Blood

Level 1: 100 / 100 ante: 100

Hwang Byeongsun

Hwang Byeongsun on the small blind, limp called a 400 raise from Beng Hong Ker behind, and went on to check call two streets - 600 and 1,700, on board A♣ 2♥ T♥ 9♣ . On river 7♠ , Ker decided to slow down and check back, leaving him to muck as Hwang revealed two pair A♦ 9♥ .

Player	Chips
HB Hwang ByeongsunSouth Korea	32,800(328 BB)
BK Beng KerSingapore	27,200(272 BB)

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/25/2025, 5:15:32 AM

Early in the Mix

Level 1: 100 / 100 ante: 100

Player	Chips
FK Fathi KamyarCanada	30,000(300 BB)
AK Alari KunnapuuEstonia	30,000(300 BB)
YH Yuki HommaJapan	30,000(300 BB)
HT Hidekazu TanakaJapan	30,000(300 BB)
CK Carsten KlugGermany	30,000(300 BB)
BK Beng KerSingapore	30,000(300 BB)
RM Rishi MirpuriSingapore	30,000(300 BB)
ML Marcuss LiowMalaysia	30,000(300 BB)
NB Nikolai Babushkin	30,000(300 BB)
HB Hwang ByeongsunSouth Korea	30,000(300 BB)

Level 1: 100 / 100 ante: 100

40 minutes

Remaining Players: 24/24

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/25/2025, 5:14:06 AM

Cards in the Air!

Shuffle up & deal, good luck to all the players!

Janette BeeJanette Bee

1/24/2025, 1:08:24 PM

Two Main Event Flights on Today's Agenda!

The countdown is on! Today marks the final day to qualify for the esteemed Manila Megastack Main Event, with the pressure building up as players scramble for their last shot to secure a seat onto Day 2. With a PHP 20,000,000 (~USD 342,705) prize pool on the line, today’s action promises to be nothing short of electric.

.As the blinds tick up and the field narrows, it’s a do-or-die situation for those who haven’t yet locked up a spot in the next round. Best Stack Forward is still in play, giving runners more room to rise and bag a bigger advantage onto Day 2. Positioned at the summit of the leaderboard is local grinder Edilberto Gopez, who topped yesterday's flight with a towering stack of 546,000. Gopez holds the lead over the 28-survivor pack, setting the benchmark for the two final flights.

Action begins at 13:00 with Flight C running 40 minute levels all throughout. Registration will close by Level 10 @20:10, leaving runners another chance across the later Flight D [20/15] open through 23:40. Stay tuned for updates as SMP brings you all the latest directly off the floor!

Manila Megastack 21 Main Event

Date/s: January 23-27, 2025

Buy-in: PHP 45,000 (~USD 770)

Guarantee: PHP 20,000,000 (~USD 342,705)

Starting stack: 30,000

Flight A: 83 entries, 13 qualified

Flight B: 101 entries, 15 qualified

Flight C: Saturday, January 25

Flight D [20/15]: Saturday, January 25

Day 2: Sunday, January 26

Final Day: Monday, January 27