Philippines, Okada ManilaEVENT #49

2026.03.05 - 2026.03.08Add to Calendar

PokerStars Live

Blind level

Level 17: 3,000 / 6,000 ante: 6,000

Entries

34/222

Total Chips

6,660,000

Average

195,882

Follow Somuchpoker on Facebook and Instagram for more video updates.

Callum JuryCallum Jury

3/6/2026, 5:10:08 PM

Maxwell Rosete Leads Day 1B with a Commanding 619,000 Stack

Level 17: 3,000 / 6,000 ante: 6,000

Maxwell Rosete

The Manila Megastack 24 Main Event Day 1B has just wrapped up inside the grand Okada Manila, drawing a field of 222 entries, surpassing yesterday's opening flight by the time the fifth level had elapsed. The field played down to the money bubble over a lengthy 12-hour session. By the end of the night, 33 players secured their seats for Sunday’s finale, led by Maxwell Rosete, who bagged an impressive 619,000 chips. Petr Koula follows close behind with 558,000, and Italy's Nicola Montalbano rounds out the top three with a respectable 429,000.

The flight reached its climax on the money bubble, where, after a prolonged 45-minute grind, Ryo Oikawa fell at the last hurdle. Despite flopping a straight draw with his pocket threes, Oikawa could not improve against Robert Sherwood’s pocket eights, ending his run just one spot shy of the cash.

Top 10 Counts

Player	Chips
MR Maxwell RosetePhilippines	619,000(103 BB)
PK Petr KoulaCzech Republic	558,000(93 BB)
NM Nicola MontalbanoItaly	429,000(72 BB)
RS Robert SherwoodUnited Kingdom	394,000(66 BB)
HN Hiroshi NaitoJapan	372,000(62 BB)
KK Kunwoo KimSouth Korea	363,000(61 BB)
KW Katsutoshi WatanabeJapan	341,000(57 BB)
GG Gary GuerreroPhilippines	332,000(55 BB)
JC Jayvon CarreonPhilippines	289,000(48 BB)
PB Patrick BarnayFrance	266,000(44 BB)

The Day's Action

The highlight of the flight occurred when Ryan Platon found himself in a dream spot: a four-way all-in against three opponents. With a flopped set, Platon’s pocket sevens held strong against big slick, pocket queens, and pocket nines, netting him a massive triple-knockout that sent him surging to the top of the leaderboard for a while.

Sherwood proved to be the ultimate survival artist; after calling off his stack with ace-king against pocket tens, he looked to be heading for the exit until a miraculous ace on the river completed his pair to double him through Michitaka Otake. Koula later demonstrated why he is a force to be reckoned with in a massive three-way clash, using pocket aces to crush the pocket fours of Anna Albitskaia and the pocket nines of Nicholas Andrews, clearing the table to stack a massive pot. Finally, chip leader Rosete proved his skill in a defining showdown against Akhil Bahadur and Michihiko Matsuda. After flopping a set of queens on an ace-high board, Rosete successfully sent through a large bet on the river, forcing a disciplined fold from Matsuda and eliminating Bahadur to solidify his command over the field.

That concludes our coverage for Day 1B. We will be back tomorrow at 12:00 PM local time for the final non-turbo flight, Day 1C. Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for more highlights, and check the tournament page for the full list of survivors!

JJ DuqueJJ Duque

3/6/2026, 4:54:46 PM

Play Has Concluded For The Day

Level 17: 3,000 / 6,000 ante: 6,000

Flight B of the Manila Megastack 24 has wrapped up for the day following the elimination of Ryo Oikawa as the bubble boy. There were a total of 222 entries, but only 33 made it through to the Day 2 final with each guaranteed a minimum cash.

Stay tuned for a full recap of today's events and the updated chip counts of the remaining survivors.

JJ DuqueJJ Duque

3/6/2026, 4:46:29 PM

Ryo Oikawa Is The Bubble Boy

Level 17: 3,000 / 6,000 ante: 6,000

Ryo Oikawa

Ryo Oikawa risked his last chips and tournament life on the bubble and Robert Sherwood was there to hopefully ensure that he could burst the bubble and send all 33 survivors to Day 2 and in the money.

Ryo Oikawa: 3♦ 3♥

Robert Sherwood: 8♥ 8♠

The flop came 4♠ 2♥ A♣, giving Oikawa a straight draw to add to his outs. The turn was a 7♥ that did not change anything. The suspenseful river was a 8♦, giving Sherwood a set to put a defining pop on the bursting of the bubble.

Following that elimination, all remaining 33 players advanced to Day 2 and are guaranteed a min cash.

Player	Chips
RS Robert SherwoodUnited Kingdom	394,000(66 BB)
RO Ryo OikawaJapan	busted

Robert Sherwood

JJ DuqueJJ Duque

3/6/2026, 4:01:46 PM

We Are On The Bubble

Level 17: 3,000 / 6,000 ante: 6,000

Rudolf Mitja

Following the elimination of Qi Xia on the softer bubble and Rudolf Mitja on the soft bubble, the remaining 34 players are now on the bubble. Whoever is eliminated will send the remaining 33 players on to Day 2 and a guarantee of a minimum cash.

Play will now be hand-for-hand.

Player	Chips
RM Rudolf MitjaSlovenia	busted
QX Qi XiaChina	busted

JJ DuqueJJ Duque

3/6/2026, 3:43:18 PM

Naito Catches Watanabe's Bluff

Level 17: 3,000 / 6,000 ante: 6,000

Hiroshi Naito

We caught the action with the flop showing 2♥ 5♦ K♥ beside a pot of around 40,000.

Katsutoshi Watanabe was the first to act from early position and fired 20,000. Hiroshi Naito was on the button and called.

The dealer opened a 4♦ on the turn. Watanabe continued for another 20,000 and Naito called again.

The river showed a 6♦ and Watanabe fired 25,000. Naito was hesitant at first, but made the call.

Watanabe peeled open A♥ J♥ for nothing while Naito showed the winning K♣ T♣ for a pair of kings.

Player	Chips
KW Katsutoshi WatanabeJapan	350,000(58 BB)
HN Hiroshi NaitoJapan	298,000(50 BB)

JJ DuqueJJ Duque

3/6/2026, 3:39:08 PM

Koula Takes Chip Leader Crown

Level 17: 3,000 / 6,000 ante: 6,000

Petr Koula

We did a quick scan around the Main Event tables during the break and it was determined that Petr Koula holds the chip lead with 439,000.

These are the other big stacks:

Player	Chips
PK Petr KoulaCzech Republic	439,000(73 BB)
KW Katsutoshi WatanabeJapan	432,000(72 BB)
JC Jayvon CarreonPhilippines	415,000(69 BB)
MR Maxwell RosetePhilippines	385,000(64 BB)
SH Sjors HarmensNetherlands	279,000(47 BB)

Level 17: 3,000 / 6,000 ante: 6,000

40 minutes

Remaining Players: 36/222

JJ DuqueJJ Duque

3/6/2026, 3:31:38 PM

Gulawani And Park Fall Out

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

Tarun Guwalani

Just as could be expected - but not always a certainty - the shorter stacks have fallen. Tarun Guwalani was first to go, followed shortly by Seunghee Park. Park, however, had a very healthy stack, but it's poker and you never know.

Three more eliminations needed until the remaining players are in the money and advance to the Day 2 final.

Player	Chips
SP Seunghee ParkSouth Korea	busted
TG Tarun GuwalaniIndia	busted

JJ DuqueJJ Duque

3/6/2026, 3:09:27 PM

Five More To Go

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

There are 38 players remaining with five more eliminations needed for the top 33 survivors to make it in the money and advance to the Day 2 final. The shortest stack on the field belongs to Tarun Guwalani with 24,500.

The other short stacks on the field are:

Player	Chips
AA Aj AcdalPhilippines	87,500(18 BB)
ML Michael LechUnited States of America	80,000(16 BB)
QX Qi XiaChina	76,500(15 BB)
RO Ryo OikawaJapan	73,000(15 BB)
TG Tarun GuwalaniIndia	24,500(5 BB)

JJ DuqueJJ Duque

3/6/2026, 3:06:25 PM

Mirchandani And Sawma Out

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

Gaby Sawma

We didn't catch the action, but we were told hat a double-elimination happened with Sandeep Mirchandani and Gaby Sawma busting out at the same time. Mirchandani got the lower rank based on the chips, but that doesn't matter since there was no payout.

Just when we thought Mirchandani was on his way to improving.

Player	Chips
GS Gaby SawmaLebanon	busted
SM Sandeep MirchandaniHong Kong	busted

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

40 minutes

Remaining Players: 40/222

JJ DuqueJJ Duque

3/6/2026, 2:42:37 PM

Park Sends Ueda To The Exit

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

Seunghee Park

Petr Koula opened for 8,000 from early position. Ryu Ueda then moved all in for his last 17,000 chips. Seunghee Park shoved all in on the button and successfully isolated with the blinds giving up, as did Koula.

Ryu Ueda: K♦ J♣

Seunghee Park: A♣ K♣

The board ran 5♦ 7♥ T♣ 9♥ 9♦

Ueda gained a straight draw on the turn, but nothing materialized on the river to help his predicament and had to leave his seat.

Player	Chips
SP Seunghee ParkSouth Korea	169,000(42 BB)
RU Ryu UedaJapan	busted

JJ DuqueJJ Duque

3/6/2026, 2:35:06 PM

Mirchandani Manifests A Double Up

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

Sandeep Mirchandani

With a few more eliminations left until the bubble bursts, we were looking around the shorter stacks who might be at risk. While taking a count of Sandeep Mirchandani's stack, he said, "Don't write about my stack when it's like this, come back later when I've doubled up."

At that time, his stack was second or third lowest at 55,500 (16bb). He explained, "16BB is a luxury at this point and I'm pretty sure I will double up."

"Sooner or later...If not today, tomorrow," he jokingly added.

We quipped back, "At least one more time in your poker career, you will double up."

Then, he insisted, "No, I will double up."

While covering another table, he caught my attention and proudly said, "I doubled up."

Now, his stack is at a more comfortable 118,000, but still below the average.

Player	Chips
SM Sandeep MirchandaniHong Kong	118,000(30 BB)

JJ DuqueJJ Duque

3/6/2026, 2:20:36 PM

Rosete Takes Out Bahadur, Great Fold By Matsuda

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

Maxwell Rosete

Akhil Bahadur moved all in for his last 29,000 on his big blind after an open by Maxwell Rosete and a three bet by Michihiko Matsuda.

Rosete and Matsuda checked the flop of Q♥ 9♠ A♥ to open a 5♣ turn.

Rosete, on the hijack, led out for 32,000 and was matched by Matsuda, building a juicy side pot.

The river gave a 7♣. Rosete took his time before counting out a bet of 91,000. Matsuda threw his hand down and disgust with a A♣ popping out, but he took it back, tanked again, then finally mucked, saying he folded ace-king.

It was a good fold. Rosete table Q♠ Q♣ for a set of queens to take down the side pot, while Bahadur could only muster J♠ J♥ for a pair of jacks and was not good enough, exiting him from the main event.

Player	Chips
MR Maxwell RosetePhilippines	352,000(88 BB)
MM Michihiko MatsudaJapan	167,000(42 BB)
AB Akhil BahadurIndia	busted

Akhil Bahadur

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

40 minutes

Remaining Players: 42/222

JJ DuqueJJ Duque

3/6/2026, 1:45:10 PM

Koula Takes Two Down With Rockets

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

Anna Albitskaia

Anna Albitskaia - the last woman standing on this flight - opened for 6,000 from under the gun. Tatsuya Tsuboi called from the cutoff.

On the button, Petr Koula raised it to 16,000. Nicholas Andrews called on the small blind.

Albitskaia then moved all in for 37,000. Tsuboi stayed away. Koula also jammed all in. Andrews thought about it before finally risking his last 40,000.

Anna Albitskaia: 4♥ 4♣

Nicholas Andrews: 9♥ 9♠

Petr Koula: A♦ A♥

The board showed Q♦ Q♣ 3♠ K♣ 2♦, giving Koula the sizable pot, while simultaneously eliminating Albitskaia and Andrews in one go.

Player	Chips
PK Petr KoulaCzech Republic	205,000(68 BB)
NA Nicholas AndrewsAustralia	busted
AA Anna AlbitskaiaRussia	busted

JJ DuqueJJ Duque

3/6/2026, 1:33:30 PM

Carreon Sits On Chip Leader Throne

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

Jayvon Carreon

A quick scan around the room during the break revealed that Jayvon Carreon sits on the chip leader throne with 375,000 - the only stack that has breached the 300K mark. In fact, at one point, he even crossed 400K.

Some other big stacks include:

Player	Chips
JC Jayvon CarreonPhilippines	375,000(125 BB)
TT Tatsuya TsuboiJapan	269,500(90 BB)
SP Seunghee ParkSouth Korea	245,000(82 BB)
JH Joseph HebertUnited States of America	232,500(78 BB)
SH Sjors HarmensNetherlands	220,000(73 BB)
JC Joshua CuevasUnited States of America	218,000(73 BB)
MR Maxwell RosetePhilippines	214,000(71 BB)

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

40 minutes

Remaining Players: 51/222

JJ DuqueJJ Duque

3/6/2026, 12:59:24 PM

Break Time!

Break

A total of 51 players are still in contention for the 33 ITM spots that comes with an advancement to the Day 2 final. Meanwhile, a 10-minute break.

JJ DuqueJJ Duque

3/6/2026, 12:44:43 PM

Takami Takes The Last Of Yao

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

Kohei Takami

Pan Yao sat on the button and Kohei Takami was on the big blind.

Both players had a pot of around 35,000 in front of them beside a complete board that showed A♥ 8♦ 3♦ Q♣ 9♥

Takami acted first and pushed a bet that was enough to cover the remaining 25,000 or so chips of Yao.

Yao tanked and eventually made the call.

Yao flipped over A♣ 7♣ for a pair of aces, but his kicker was no good against the A♠ K♥ of Takami.

Takami scooped the pot, sending Yao to the exit, ending his main event run.

Player	Chips
KT Kohei TakamiJapan	104,000(52 BB)
PY Pan YaoChina	busted

JJ DuqueJJ Duque

3/6/2026, 12:37:08 PM

Koula Scoops While Matsuda Suffers

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

Petr Koula

We joined the action when the board was completely laid out, showing 9♦ 7♥ J♥ 3♣ 5♠

The pot beside it was around 42,000

Petr Koula was on the small blind and tapped his option over to Michihiko Matsuda, who just tapped behind.

Koula peeled open his K♥ 9♥ for a pair of nines while Matsuda open mucked his A♠ K♠, disappointed that his stack continued to slowly decline.

Player	Chips
PK Petr KoulaCzech Republic	146,500(73 BB)
MM Michihiko MatsudaJapan	66,000(33 BB)

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

40 minutes

Remaining Players: 63/222

JJ DuqueJJ Duque

3/6/2026, 12:22:58 PM

Sherwood Still Alive On The River

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

Robert Sherwood

Action folded to Michitaka Otake on the button, who opened for 4,000. Robert Sherwood sat on the big blind and jammed his last 29,500 all in. Otake made the snap call.

Robert Sherwood: A♦ K♠

Michitaka Otake: T♥ T♠

Flop came Q♦ J♦ Q♣, favoring Otake with the straight draw taken away from Sherwood. The turn was a 2♥, leaving Sherwood with one foot out the door.

However, the river Greensteined with A♥ to save Sherwood from elimination and earn a crucial double.

Player	Chips
MO Michitaka OtakeJapan	88,000(59 BB)
RS Robert SherwoodUnited Kingdom	60,000(40 BB)

Callum JuryCallum Jury

3/6/2026, 12:19:42 PM

Rosete's Flopped Set Scores the Knockout

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

Maxwell Rosete

Seungyeop Han saw his Day 1b run come to a swift conclusion in a recent hand against Maxwell Rosete.

Rosete was on the button and Han was in the small blind. Once the dealer had spread the 5♥ 3♣ 2♥ flop, Han chose to check. Rosete fired 6,000 into a pot of 16,000, which was met with a check-shove from Han. Rosete couldn't call quickly enough, flipping over 3♠ 3♦ to Han's 4♦ 4♣.

Rosete was in good shape with his set, needing to avoid an ace, four, or six to score the knockout. The 8♣ and J♥ on the turn and river were not the cards Han was looking for, and he was sent to the rail shortly after registration closed.

Player	Chips
MR Maxwell RosetePhilippines	215,000(143 BB)
SH Seungyeop HanSouth Korea	busted

JJ DuqueJJ Duque

3/6/2026, 12:15:46 PM

Some Big Stacks

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

Tarun Guwalani

We were scanning the room for some formidable stacks when the chip leader crown changed hands from Alvir Inocentes to Xianmeng Zhang, who now sits with 251,500.

Some other big stacks in the room include:

Player	Chips
XR Xianmeng Randy Zhang	251,500(168 BB)
TG Tarun GuwalaniIndia	186,000(124 BB)
TT Tatsuya TsuboiJapan	185,000(123 BB)
NW Nontapat WattanaThailand	184,500(123 BB)
MR Maxwell RosetePhilippines	183,500(122 BB)

JJ DuqueJJ Duque

3/6/2026, 11:55:11 AM

Right Call, Wrong Result For Inocentes

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

Xianmeng Randy Zhang

Action folded to Xianmeng Zhang on the button, who opened for 4,000. Alvir Inocentes was on his big blind and three bet to 24,000.

Zhang moved all in for 124,500.

Inocentes went into the tank, assessed chip damage, thought carefully and made the call.

Xianmeng Zhang: A♠ 7♠

Alvir Inocentes: A♦ K♥

Inocentes made the right call and was ahead.

However, maybe it was the poker god of mischief on duty and the flop landed 4♣ 7♣ 4♠, giving Zhang the lead.

Adding a little bit more salt to the pinch was a 7♥ on the turn, giving Zhang a full house. The J♦ on the river was a formality to complete the monster double up to take the chip lead while damaging the former chip leader to a still formidable more-than-average stack.

Player	Chips
XR Xianmeng Randy Zhang	251,500(168 BB)
AI Alvir InocentesPhilippines	129,000(86 BB)

JJ DuqueJJ Duque

3/6/2026, 11:35:49 AM

In and Out

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

Tom Verbruggen

Tom Verbruggen fired another bullet for late registration during the break and jumped right in. He took a gamble and he's out again, maybe to try again tomorrow. Just like that he was in and then out.

Christopher Mateo also did the same thing, buying in during the break, took a risk and out just as fast as he came in.

Some other players falling out in the first level after registration include Ryo Matsuura, Christopher Boys, Joseph Talamayan, Willie Thompson, Ronald Acosta and Benhur Ybarsabal.

Player	Chips
TV Tom VerbruggenNetherlands	busted
CM Christopher MateoPhilippines	busted
RM Ryo MatsuuraJapan	busted
CB Christopher BoysUnited States of America	busted
JT Joseph TalamayanPhilippines	busted
WT Willie ThompsonUnited Kingdom	busted
RA Ronald AcostaPhilippines	busted
BY Benhur YbarsabalPhilippines	busted

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

40 minutes

Remaining Players: 81/222

JJ DuqueJJ Duque

3/6/2026, 11:31:27 AM

Last Break Before Reg Closes

Break

It was the last break before registration closed, and during the break, the final tally of registrants reached a whopping 222 entries. There are 81 players still with seats and some chips and will be competing for 33 ITM spots and continuation of the Main Event campaign on the Day 2 final.

JJ DuqueJJ Duque

3/6/2026, 11:13:42 AM

Tsuboi Damages Albitskaia

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

Tatsuya Tsuboi

We only came at the tail end when the chips were in the middle and the cards were on their backs.

Tatsuya Tsuboi: K♠ K♣

Anna Albitskaia: Q♥ Q♣

Board ran 3♦ 8♦ 8♠ 6♠ 7♣

When the chips were counted, Albitskaia had to pay Tsuboi 88,100, leaving her stack crippled, while giving Tsuboi an extremely delicious double

While the chips were being counted, the table was reliving the action in conversation of a three-bet, four-bet, five-bet, six-bet jam.

Someone said, "I really thought it was aces versus kings."

Player	Chips
TT Tatsuya TsuboiJapan	179,000(149 BB)
AA Anna AlbitskaiaRussia	52,400(44 BB)

JJ DuqueJJ Duque

3/6/2026, 10:53:47 AM

It's A Marathon, Not A Sprint

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

Slaven Popov

Early chip leader Ryan Platon, who jumped to over 120,000 chips in the earlier levels after a triple KO has been eliminated from the tournament. While Fortune may have favored him earlier on, the long game eventually took its toll.

Other players seen headed to the exits include the likes of Ryo Miyata, Tom Verbruggen, Ricardo Torres, David Saab, Slaven Popov, Emmanuel Derecho and Jeongwon Seo.

Registration will be closed after this level with players still able to buy in during the break just. before level 11 begins.

Player	Chips
RP Ryan PlatonPhilippines	busted
RM Ryo MiyataJapan	busted
TV Tom VerbruggenNetherlands	busted
RT Ricardo TorresPhilippines	busted
DS David SaabAustralia	busted
SP Slaven PopovBulgaria	busted
ED Emmanuel DerechoAustralia	busted
JS Jeongwon SeoSouth Korea	busted

JJ DuqueJJ Duque

3/6/2026, 10:48:27 AM

Bagdasarov Bows Out Again

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

Michael Bagdasarov

A short stacked Michael Bagdasarov risked his last 18800 chips and was looked up by Michihiko Matsuda.

Michael Bagdasarov: 8♠ 8♣

Michihiko Matsuda: Q♠ Q♣

Board ran 5♠ J♠ 5♣ 3♦ 5♥

Bagdasarov found no help and Matsuda's black ladies scooped the pot and sent Bagdasarov to the rail for a second time today.

Player	Chips
MM Michihiko MatsudaJapan	94,000(78 BB)
MB Michael BagdasarovUnited States of America	busted

Michihiko Matsuda

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

40 minutes

Remaining Players: 84/212

JJ DuqueJJ Duque

3/6/2026, 10:23:23 AM

Some Big Stacks

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

Alvir Inocentes

A quick scan around the room showed that Alvir Inocentes is the current chip leader with around 184,000 chips.

It also seems that there is only one woman left with a seat, with Russia's Anna Albitskaia sitting at healthy 91,600.

The big stacks are a bit tight and we could've overlooked a few, but so far here are some random big stacks we found:

Player	Chips
AI Alvir InocentesPhilippines	184,200(154 BB)
SP Seunghee ParkSouth Korea	162,800(136 BB)
NA Nicholas AndrewsAustralia	135,200(113 BB)
NW Nontapat WattanaThailand	132,600(111 BB)
TG Tarun GuwalaniIndia	128,700(107 BB)
SM Sandeep MirchandaniHong Kong	122,400(102 BB)
AA Anna AlbitskaiaRussia	91,600(76 BB)

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

40 minutes

Remaining Players: 93/212

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

40 minutes

Remaining Players: 99/208

JJ DuqueJJ Duque

3/6/2026, 9:56:04 AM

Galvez With A Brave Call

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

Renniel Galvez

Christopher Boys and Renniel Galvez were competing for a pot of around 30,000 with a complete board that showed 2♣ 4♠ 2♥ K♥ 7♥

Boys was first to act and led out for 20,000.

Galvez went into the tank, looking at the board with the wheels turning. He took so long studying it that Boys looked at his phone to mimic "clock." Galvez eventually pushed in the 20,000.

Boys flipped over Q♥ J♣ for not much while Galvez showed 6♣ 6♥ for two pair.

While the chips were being shipped towards Galvez, Boys commented, "Great read. Great call. You've had my number all night."

Player	Chips
RG Renniel GalvezPhilippines	98,800(82 BB)
CB Christopher BoysUnited States of America	25,200(21 BB)

JJ DuqueJJ Duque

3/6/2026, 9:46:32 AM

Droppin' Like It's Hot

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

Le Ngoc Khanh

Florencio Campomanes

A lot more players jumped in during the last break and in this level, hoping to hold on to a decent stack of 30bbs at this level. Registration will still remain open until the end of level 10, but so far there are 207 total entries with 99 players still on their seats.

Some of the familiar names who had to give up their seat include the likes of Denis Timkov, Florencio Campomanes, Joseph Talamayan, Ngoc Khanh Le, Taeil Ahn, Christopher Mateo, Jose Colada and Benhur Ybarsabal.

Player	Chips
DT Denis TimkovRussia	busted
FC Florencio CampomanesPhilippines	busted
JT Joseph TalamayanPhilippines	busted
NK Ngoc Khanh Le	busted
TA Taeil AnhSouth Korea	busted
CM Christopher MateoPhilippines	busted
JC Jose ColadaPhilippines	busted
BY Benhur YbarsabalPhilippines	busted

JJ DuqueJJ Duque

3/6/2026, 9:39:49 AM

Sharpe Exits Stage Right

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

We saw Richard Sharpe, leaving the poker area and asked what happened? In his words, "I opened on the button and was three-bet by the big blind. I called, holding A♥ T♥."

"Then, the flop has a ten with a heart. The big blind checked and I jammed. He called. When, he called, I was 'oh no.'"

"He flipped over kings and that was it for me."

"I was hoping he three-bet with something like Ace-Jack, Ace-Queen, Ace-King and he missed, but when he called, I had a feeling I was dead."

GG, Mr. Sharpe!

Player	Chips
RS Richard SharpeCanada	busted

JJ DuqueJJ Duque

3/6/2026, 9:18:42 AM

Sharpe Shares Some History

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

Richard Sharpe

Canada's Richard Sharpe has raised a family here in the Philippines and has been living here for over 3 decades. Sharpe just recently had a conversation with Somuchpoker about the early days of Philippine poker to what it is today.

Catch the full video of interview at the Somuchpoker Instagram or Facebook.

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

40 minutes

Remaining Players: 111/199

JJ DuqueJJ Duque

3/6/2026, 9:11:01 AM

Break Time!

Break

There are a total of 199 entries with 111 players still with seats. The players are goin gout for a 10-minute break.

JJ DuqueJJ Duque

3/6/2026, 8:38:15 AM

Cooler For Ye

Level 7: 400 / 800 ante: 800

Jiaxian Ye

We didn't see the whole action, but we saw the cards on their backs.

Jiaxian Ye had A♠ 7♠ with two pair on a board that showed K♦ 5♥ 7♣ A♦ 4♥

However, while he thought it was right to shove all his chips in, it was Yongdae Kim who came out on top with A♥ A♣ for a set of aces, collecting all of Ye's chips.

Player	Chips
YK Yongdae KimSouth Korea	111,800(140 BB)
JY Jiaxian YeChina	busted

Yongdae Kim

Level 7: 400 / 800 ante: 800

40 minutes

Remaining Players: 123/172

JJ DuqueJJ Duque

3/6/2026, 8:25:31 AM

Cuevas Doubles From Anderson

Level 6: 300 / 600 ante: 600

Joshua Cuevas

Joshua Cuevas of the United States shoved his last 23,100 in the middle from early position and fellow American Dakota Anderson also shoved all in from the button and successfully isolated.

Joshua Cuevas: 6♦ 6♣

Dakota Anderson: A♠ Q♦

The board ran low with 7♣ 4♥ 2♥ 9♠ 2♠, favoring Cuevas for an important double up while putting Anderson in the emergency room.

Player	Chips
JC Joshua CuevasUnited States of America	47,700(80 BB)
DA Dakota AndersonUnited States of America	10,400(17 BB)

Dakota Anderson

JJ DuqueJJ Duque

3/6/2026, 7:51:40 AM

Wattana's Boat Brings A Double

Level 6: 300 / 600 ante: 600

Nontapat Wattana

Nontapat Wattana opened for 1,200 on the cutoff and Chase Cokaliong, with a hotdog sandwich in one hand, threw in a raise for 3,500 on the button using his other hand.

Wattana matched and the dealer fanned a flop of 7♥ 9♥ T♣

Wattana check-called the 7,000 bet of Cokaliong to open a 7♦ on the turn.

Wattana checked and Cokaliong pushed a stack forward that covered the stack of Wattana. Wattana didn't blink and put in a chip immediately to call.

Wattana tabled T♦ T♠ for a full house, while Cokaliong was drawing dead with his K♣ T♥ for two pair.

The river 5♣ was a formality. When the chips were counted, Cokaliong shipped 17,600 Wattana's way - still holding a hotdog with his other hand.

Player	Chips
CC Chase CokaliongPhilippines	79,700(133 BB)
NW Nontapat WattanaThailand	58,800(98 BB)

Level 6: 300 / 600 ante: 600

40 minutes

Remaining Players: 124/168

JJ DuqueJJ Duque

3/6/2026, 7:40:44 AM

"I Couldn't Bet"

Level 5: 200 / 500 ante: 500

Benigno Ledina

Benigno Ledina Jr. and Andy Kok were looking at a pot of 16,500 with a flop that showed 7♣ A♥ 5♣

Both checked the 7♠ turn to open an A♣ river.

After much contemplation, Kok tapped his option over to Ledina Jr., who checked back.

When the cards were revealed, Kok showed 9♥ 6♣ for a missed straight draw, while Ledina Jr., tabled K♣ Q♣ for a formidable nut flush.

When asked why he didn't bet, Ledina Jr., explained, "I can't bet on that board, there are two full houses. If you bet, I might even fold my flush."

Cautious is always a smart play.

Player	Chips
BL Benigno LedinaPhilippines	32,400(65 BB)
AK Andy KokIndonesia	23,600(47 BB)

JJ DuqueJJ Duque

3/6/2026, 7:23:32 AM

Naito's Kings Send Belleza To The Rail

Level 5: 200 / 500 ante: 500

Hiroshi Naito

Hiroshi Naito and Jay Belleza were looking at a flop of 4♣ 9♣ J♥.

Belleza led out from the small blind, got raised by Naito on the cutoff, which Belleza answered with a shove risking his remaining 20,000 or so chips. Naito didn't go anywhere and made the call.

When the cards were on their backs, Belleza showed J♣ 6♣ for top pair and a flush draw.

Naito was ahead with K♣ K♥ for a pair of kings and just needed to avoid the fourteen outs of Belleza - nine clubs, two jacks and three sixes.

The turn threw a Q♥ and the river was a T♠, giving Naito the win and sending Belleza out of his seat.

Player	Chips
HN Hiroshi NaitoJapan	74,700(149 BB)
JB Jay BellezaPhilippines	busted

JJ DuqueJJ Duque

3/6/2026, 7:02:43 AM

Platon Still Chip Leader

Level 5: 200 / 500 ante: 500

Ryan Platon

Ryan Platon still sits as the chip leader with 143,500, but there are some other big stacks out there that could close in.

Here are some random big stacks:

Player	Chips
RP Ryan PlatonPhilippines	143,500(287 BB)
CC Chase CokaliongPhilippines	110,300(221 BB)
CB Christopher BoysUnited States of America	87,300(175 BB)
YN Yuta NaitoJapan	86,000(172 BB)

Level 5: 200 / 500 ante: 500

40 minutes

Remaining Players: 119/153

Break

10 minutes

Remaining Players: 119/153

JJ DuqueJJ Duque

3/6/2026, 6:45:31 AM

First Break

Break

A total of 153 entries so far with 119 still with chips and a seat. The players will be having a 10-minute break.

JJ DuqueJJ Duque

3/6/2026, 6:39:34 AM

Furlong "Donates" To Ko

Level 4: 200 / 400 ante: 400

Patrick Furlong

Patrick Furlong opened for 800, then called the all in jam of Kyungsuk Ko for his last 5,700.

Kyungsuk Ko: 7♣ 7♠

Patrick Furlong: A♠ 3♠

Before the flop was dealt, Furlong said - "My donation."

The flop came Q♦ 5♠ 4♠, giving Furlong a flush draw and event a possible straight flush. Someone at the table quipped, "Maybe it's not a donation anymore."

The runout was 9♦ 6♦ and Furlong happily gave the chips Ko's way with a tap of "nice hand".

Player	Chips
PF Patrick FurlongIreland	57,400(144 BB)
KK Kyungsuk KoSouth Korea	12,400(31 BB)

JJ DuqueJJ Duque

3/6/2026, 6:23:54 AM

Bagdasarov Vacates Seat

Level 4: 200 / 400 ante: 400

Ran into Michael Bagdasarov on his way out of the PokerStars Live poker area. When asked what happened, he confessed, "Just busted. Set against flush. Pfft."

At the moment, he is still lurking, contemplating if he will fire another bullet.

Player	Chips
MB Michael BagdasarovUnited States of America	busted

Level 4: 200 / 400 ante: 400

40 minutes

Remaining Players: 115/134

JJ DuqueJJ Duque

3/6/2026, 5:57:00 AM

Lucky 7's Score Jackpot For Platon

Level 3: 100 / 300 ante: 300

Ryan Platon

We didn't catch the action, but the dealer shouted "Seat open!"

When the floor asked, "What seat?" The dealer announced, "Seat three, four, nine."

Three busts? We just had to investigate.

Upon confirming with the dealer, there was a four way all-in between Mark Remnant, Anacleot Quijao, Jeong Minwoong and Ryan Platon.

The eventual winner was Platon whose pocket sevens made a set, crushing Big Slick, pocket queens and pocket nines.

The three eliminations gave him a jackpot scoop and catapulted him straight to the top of the leaderboard with a commanding stack.

Maybe it's worth mentioning that Platon was seated at Seat 7.

The poker gods sure do love universally aligning things once in a while.

Player	Chips
RP Ryan PlatonPhilippines	127,800(426 BB)
MR Mark RemnantUnited Kingdom	busted
AL Anacleto Lito QuijanoPhilippines	busted
JM Jeong MinwoongSouth Korea	busted

JJ DuqueJJ Duque

3/6/2026, 5:37:34 AM

It's Building!

Level 3: 100 / 300 ante: 300

Flight B is getting off to a roaring start with already 103 entries in the first three levels. The pace of the entries is much faster than yesterday's flight, and if the trend continues, it seems the 157 etnries of Flight A will easily be surpassed.

There are still 93 players in their seats. Among the recent entries include the likes of Tom Verbruggen of the Netherlands, who has over USD 970,000 in total live earnings. Verbruggen entered Flight A late yesterday and couldn't get any momentum with a short stack. He confessed, "I think it's better to be early today. It was hard yesterday to come in too late."

Kim Enriquez of the Philippines is also on the roster. With over USD 430,000 in total live earnings, Enriquez hasn't hoisted a trophy since 2019 despite several notable final table appearances and podium finishes. Enriquez is hoping this time, he'll finally cross that line.

South Korea's Junyoung Kim is having a good series run so far with four cashes and three final table appearances. Hopefully, this will be his final breakthrough to bag a trophy and a championship title.

Level 3: 100 / 300 ante: 300

40 minutes

Remaining Players: 85/89

JJ DuqueJJ Duque

3/6/2026, 5:11:35 AM

Liu's Kings KO Guerrero

Level 2: 100 / 200 ante: 200

Siyuan Liu

After a raise-re-raise tug-of war, Gary Guerrero put all his 28,500 in the middle and was snap called by Siyuan Liu.

Gary Guerrero: J♦ J♠

Siyuan Liu: K♦ K♠

The board of 4♥ 6♥ Q♥ 9♦ Q♣ offered no help for Guerrero, sending him to the reg counter to fire another bullet and get a fresh stack.

Player	Chips
SL Siyuan LiuChina	62,500(313 BB)
GG Gary GuerreroPhilippines	30,000(150 BB)

JJ DuqueJJ Duque

3/6/2026, 5:01:21 AM

Son's Boat Gets Paid

Level 2: 100 / 200 ante: 200

Juhyung Son

Anacelto Quijano was in middle position against Juhyung Son on the button. A juicy. pot of around 12,000 was in the middle beside a flop that showed 3♣ Q♠ 5♦

At this early level, that pot was the equivalent of a fancy dinner at one of those three-star restaurants.

The dealer peeled open a 5♠, which both checked to reveal a 7♦ on the river.

Quijano tapped his option and Son fired 6,000. Quijano made the call.

Son flipped over 7♥ 7♠ for a full house, while Quijano shook his head while he returned his cards to the muck.

Player	Chips
JS Juhyung SonSouth Korea	56,800(284 BB)
AL Anacleto Lito QuijanoPhilippines	13,600(68 BB)

Level 2: 100 / 200 ante: 200

40 minutes

Remaining Players: 58/60

JJ DuqueJJ Duque

3/6/2026, 4:57:33 AM

It's Getting Crowded

Level 1: 100 / 100 ante: 100

Michael Bagdasarov

In a span of a few minutes, the field has built up to 42 entries with the line still going at the registration counter.

Some of the noteworthy names jumping in Flight B of the Main Event include American Michael Bagdasarov with over USD 143,000 in total live earnings. Bagdasarov already made three cashes this series, including two final table appearances. His best effort was a runner-up finish, following a three-way ICM deal in the PHP 15K NLH Knockout (5K Bounty).

Guam's James Bonanno also took a seat. Bonanno is having a good series so far, having won the PHP15K NLH Superstack a few days ago.

American Joseph Magnotti is also on the felt, bringing with him experience that has banked over USD 132,000 in total live earnings. Magnotti already made two cashes this series, but his recent recognition was at WPT Cambodia last month, where he cashed six times, made five final tables including a side event win for the Daily Megastack. He'll be hoping to carry that momentum into this series.

Callum JuryCallum Jury

3/6/2026, 4:40:33 AM

Three Barrels Can't Shake Wattana Off

Level 1: 100 / 100 ante: 100

Nontapat Wattana

Yohn Paredes opened to 300 from the button and big blind Nontapat Wattana defended.

The dealer fanned the 9♠ T♣ K♦ flop and Wattana checked; Paredes continued for 500, and Wattana stuck around.

The action repeated on the J♦ turn, with Paredes raising the price to 1,500 chips.

The J♠ completed the board, and Wattana checked for a third time; Paredes fired a third barrel of 3,500, and Wattana swiftly stuck in the call.

Paredes took another quick look at his cards before mucking his hand and conceding the pot to Wattana.

Player	Chips
NW Nontapat WattanaThailand	43,000(430 BB)
YP Yohn ParedesPeru	29,000(290 BB)

JJ DuqueJJ Duque

3/6/2026, 4:14:53 AM

Early Notables

Level 1: 100 / 100 ante: 100

Chase Cokaliong

Fourteen entries have taken to the felt already and much more are expected with registration still open until the end of Level 10. Some of the early familiar names include the likes of Chase Cokaliong of the Philippines, who sits with over USD 325,000 in total live earnings. Cokaliong won his first main event title back in May 2024 during the 2024 Chase Cup in Mandaue City. His biggest score though came from a 3rd place finish in the APPT Manila 2025 Main Event, where he banked USD 114,805.

Peru's Yohn Paredes has been a fixture in the Asian poker scene for several years, boasting over USD 227,000 in total live earnings. In terms of main event experience, Paredes was crowned APT Manila 2019 Main Event champion, where he scored his best live cash of USD 84,222.

Canada's Richard Sharpe has made the Philippines his home and has been a pioneer during the early days of Philippine poker when there was only a handful of poker rooms available. Residing in the Southern islands of the country, Sharpe specifically flew in to Manila for this series.

JJ DuqueJJ Duque

3/6/2026, 4:04:55 AM

Cards Are In The Air!

Level 1: 100 / 100 ante: 100

The tournament director has announced "Shuffle up and deal!" and Flight B of the Manila Megastack 24 Main Event is officially on its way.

Derick ElominaDerick Elomina

3/6/2026, 12:52:17 AM

Day 1B Underway At Manila Megastack 24 Main Event

The action continues today as Day 1B of the Manila Megastack 24 Main Event kicks off at 12:00 pm local time. The event features a PHP 20,000,000 (~USD 342,000) guaranteed prize pool with a PHP 45,000 (~USD 770) buy-in.

Players start with a 30,000 starting stack (300 big blinds). Blind levels are 40 minutes long, and late registration remains open for 9 levels, closing at the start of Level 10, approximately 7:10 pm local time.

Like Day 1A, play today will continue until the money is reached. All surviving players will bag their chips and secure a spot for Day 2, where the competition will heat up as players aim for the top spots. The winners will not only claim a share of the prize pool but also valuable APPT Championship 2026 and APPT Manila 2026 packages.

Yesterday’s Day 1A attracted 157 entries, with only 24 players surviving after 17 levels of play. Defending champion Edilberto Gopez led the field with 438,000 chips, followed closely by Marko Puskadija with 422,000 and Hareesh Challa with 329,000. With Day 1B underway, the hunt for the Manila Megastack 24 trophy is on.

Best of luck to all players in today’s action.

Somuchpoker is on-site for Manila Megastack 24 at Okada Manila, delivering live updates and exclusive coverage straight from the tournament floor.

Event starts 12:00 local time..

﻿Follow Somuchpoker on Facebook and Instagram for more video updates.

Maxwell Rosete Leads Day 1B with a Commanding 619,000 Stack

Top 10 Counts

The Day's Action

Play Has Concluded For The Day

Ryo Oikawa Is The Bubble Boy

We Are On The Bubble

Naito Catches Watanabe's Bluff

Koula Takes Chip Leader Crown

Level 17: 3,000 / 6,000 ante: 6,000

Gulawani And Park Fall Out

Five More To Go

Mirchandani And Sawma Out

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

Park Sends Ueda To The Exit

Mirchandani Manifests A Double Up

Rosete Takes Out Bahadur, Great Fold By Matsuda

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

Koula Takes Two Down With Rockets

Carreon Sits On Chip Leader Throne

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

Break Time!

Takami Takes The Last Of Yao

Koula Scoops While Matsuda Suffers

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

Sherwood Still Alive On The River

Rosete's Flopped Set Scores the Knockout

Some Big Stacks

Right Call, Wrong Result For Inocentes

In and Out

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

Last Break Before Reg Closes

Tsuboi Damages Albitskaia

It's A Marathon, Not A Sprint

Bagdasarov Bows Out Again

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

Some Big Stacks

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

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

Galvez With A Brave Call

Droppin' Like It's Hot

Sharpe Exits Stage Right

Sharpe Shares Some History

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

Break Time!

Cooler For Ye

Level 7: 400 / 800 ante: 800

Cuevas Doubles From Anderson

Wattana's Boat Brings A Double

Level 6: 300 / 600 ante: 600

"I Couldn't Bet"

Naito's Kings Send Belleza To The Rail

Platon Still Chip Leader

Level 5: 200 / 500 ante: 500

Break

First Break

Furlong "Donates" To Ko

Bagdasarov Vacates Seat

Level 4: 200 / 400 ante: 400

Lucky 7's Score Jackpot For Platon

It's Building!

Level 3: 100 / 300 ante: 300

Liu's Kings KO Guerrero

Son's Boat Gets Paid

Level 2: 100 / 200 ante: 200

It's Getting Crowded

Three Barrels Can't Shake Wattana Off

Early Notables

Cards Are In The Air!

Day 1B Underway At Manila Megastack 24 Main Event

Top 10 Counts

The Day's Action

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