Main Event (18,500 PHP)

With one the richest prize pools in the history of this undertaking, a Filipino emerges as the best among the 1,168 entries that had the original GTD prize pool skyrocket as Czar Ian Marcos takes down the Manila Super Series 22 Main Event at Pokerstars Live in Okada Manila.

The PhP10,000,000 (~US$177,560) GTD prize pool went up to an insane PhP18,444,589 (~US$328,250) which exceeded the PhP10,936,078 (~US$188,755) of its predecessor last February.

Marcos wins his first Spadey and his sixth career title after an ICM chop with Heads-Up opponent Germ de Haas of the Netherlands merged the remaining money in the prize pool but the Filipino pro still took down his biggest ever haul of PhP2,584,000 (~US$45,985) in front of a gallery filled with family and supporters.

“I’m thankful and very happy because this is my first time winning a Main Event,” Marcos told SMP after the win. “I’m just grateful for my friends and family who supported me.”

The grueling Heads-Up affair with de Haas was a battle for the trophy and the PhP125,000 (~US$2,225) APPT Main Event package.

The Filipino never relinquished his chip lead after reversing the tide after the second hand of Heads-Up play and even doubled de Haas’ stack on multiple occasions. The final hand played itself as de Haas 3-bet shoved his A♠ K♥ and was instantly called by Marcos who was dealt J♠ J♥ . The runout went 9♠ 3♥ 7♣ 2♥ 6♠ as Marcos celebrated with his friends after the feat had been accomplished.

Marcos talked about his composure and unwavering focus.

“Starting the day (I was so) focused even (during) break time,” he explained. “I didn’t leave my table even when somebody calls me or talks to me. I didn’t mind them because I wanted to focus and read every player around my table so I don’t burn my energy on nonsensical things. But you have to prepare yourself in this kind of a field and (endure the) long playing time.”

During the Final Table, Marcos had to contend with the likes of fellow Filipino Martin Astorga and eventual third placer Ryuki Shirase of Japan; two highly aggressive players.

“It’s hard to go up against them,” Marcos recounts. “Firstly, Ryuki (is) confident. He’s hard to read and you can’t make and error against him because he will punish you. But with Astorga it’s different. It’s so hard to call his raise because he plays any hand. He’s very hard to read and the way he opens the action pre-flop like 2.5BBs or 3BBs. It’s hard to call.”

When asked what he intends to do with the winnings, he simply said, “Pay my debts,” with a laugh.

But he also had this message to all the Filipinos who are considering diving into the international scene:

“The Filipino poker player can toe to toe against anybody,” he professed. “Don’t overthink and stay focused. Don’t stress yourself (out) if you had a bad beat and move forward so you can still play your hands carefully and when you reach the final table, just pray and He will guide you to success.”

De Haas pocketed the higher purse of PhP2,616,000 (~US$46,435) for his runner-up finish as he had more chips when the ICM chop went down. Shirase got PhP1,400,000 (~US$24,915).