Main Event (45,000 PHP)

Today's opening flight of the Manila Megastack 22 Main Event got off to an exciting start, drawing an initial field of 115 entries which played down to 18 survivors by the end of the night. Japan's Fumiyoshi Makino was the man to beat during the final three levels of play after a pivotal moment with pocket kings allowed him to scoop a three way pot and jump to the lead. From then on, Makino didn't look back and delivered a handful more eliminations to finish the day with 320,000 (80 BB) in chips.

"I’m more of a cash game player so I made adjustments on my style, which was to play more aggressive since I had a big stack. Although I used that to my advantage, I guess I was also just lucky today.", commented Makino just as he sealed his bag.

Makino sets the benchmark for the three heats up ahead, joined by South Korea’s Minsoo Hwang and fellow Japanese player Yuma Endo also finishing near the top. Hwang found a last minute boost after eliminating local pro Lester Edoc on the bubble, closing the day with 302,000 (76 BB). Endo, on the other hand, made a strong finish, having chipped up at the last level to bag 275,000 (69 BB) and secure third spot on the list.

"It’s kinda hard because in Las Vegas where I play mostly cash games, there are a lot of amateur players while compared here, a lot of players are so good and strong especially when they got chips.", shared Makino on his recent experience.

Three more flights are geared to follow over the next two days with all survivors set to make their return on Sunday, March 23rd for the Day 2 Final games.

Manila Megastack 22 Main Event

Date/s: March 20-23, 2024

Buy-in: PHP 45,000 (~USD 775)

Guarantee: PHP 20,000,000 (~USD 345,280)

Flight A: 115 entries, 18 qualified

Flight B: Friday, March 21

Flight C: Saturday, March 22

Flight D [20/15]: Saturday, March 22

Day 2/ Final: Sunday, March 23

With a pot of 32,000 across a completed board of 2♠ A♦ 6♥ 2♥ 4♥ , Fumiyoshi Makino made a final attempt on the big blind with a 45,000 overbet. Yuma Endo gave it a thought and eventually made the call with top pair A♥ Q♦ , exposing Makino's bluff 7♦ 5♦ .

Fumiyoshi Makino has been on a roll, and recently delivered two eliminations, leaving only 24 runners standing. Play will arrive at a halt once 18 players remain.

Roland Ferrer opened mid position, followed by a raise from Fumiyoshi Makino on the small blind. Patrick Wahlquist on the big blind stuffed his last 37,500 in the middle, pushing Ferrer to come back with a bigger shove to isolate. Makino however, woke up with a premium hand and snap called for a three way showdown.

Board 7♦ K♠ T♥ 2♥ 6♥ was a slam dunk win for Makino, earning him the hefty pot with top set while Wahlquist headed out the door.

Fumiyoshi Makino pushed his last 15,500 in the middle against a late position open and was cold called by Naohiro Matsuda on the button. Initial raiser opted out, leaving the two to run the board 6♥ 9♣ 4♥ A♣ 8♥ . Makino found a pair of eights on the river, just enough to keep him alive.

Facing a late position open and a three bet, Naohiro Matsuda stuffed his remaining 22,500 on the button and was challenged by his seatmate Fumiyoshi Makino.

Running a flip, board K♦ 4♠ J♠ 6♥ 4♣ this time, favored the overcards, keeping Matsuda in the Main Event games.