Poker Dream wrapped up a thrilling twelve-day series in Manila, Philippines with games taking place from April 26 to May 7 at Newport World Resorts. This was the young brand’s first visit to the country and fourth series ever. Coming out strong was Malaysia, picking up 10 out of the 32 trophies on the mantle to edge out host country Philippines with 8 trophies.
In numbers, the series did not disappoint as it paid out over US$ 3 million in prize money. The biggest winner was Poker Dream founder Winfred Yu for his victory at the White Horse Cup Short Deck Super High Roller. This was the most expensive tournament with buy in at PHP 1,380,000 (~US$ 25,300) and a US$ 1M guarantee. Yu pocketed PHP 18,700,000 (~US$ 335,000).
Another big winner was Edwin Dela Cruz who made out big by taking down the Main Event. This was Dela Cruz’s second major title this year. His latest win earned the hot running Filipino PHP 5,510,000 (~US$ 99,400). Dela Cruz topped a field of 499 entries.
At the Short Deck High Roller events, Netherlands pro Rene Van Krevelen finished 1st and 2nd, and at other side events, two players locked up two titles each – Christopher Mateo (Philippines) and Beh Kok Weng (Malaysia).
Another highlight was the legendary Tom Dwan making an appearance at the Main Event. Fans were thrilled to see the superstar in action. Also gracing the felt was Triple Crown Triton champion Wai Kin Yong.
Festival numbers
Festival prize pool: PHP 166,48,458 (~US$ 3,002,100)
Trophy events: 30
White Horse Cup prize pool: PH₱ 55,000,000 (~US$ 987,350)
Main Event prize pool: PH₱ 28,751,400 (~US$ 519,480)
Single biggest earner: Winfred Yu – White Horse Cup champion – PHP 18,700,000 (~US$ 335,000)
Main Event champion: Edwin Dela Cruz – PHP 5,510,000 (~US$ 99,400)
Multi winners: Christopher Mateo (Crazy Weekend & NLH Turbo), Beh Kok Weng (6-Handed & 300K NLH)
Trophy winners: Malaysia – 10, Philippines – 8, Korea – 4, China – 2, Japan – 2, Hong Kong – 1, Slovakia – 1, Neherlands – 1, Australia – 1
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Up next: Poker Dream Taiwan
With the series wrapped up, Poker Dream prepares for its next festival which takes place at the newly built CTP Asia Poker Arena in Taipei City, Taiwan. Games run from June 16 to 25, 2023. Make sure to save the dates!
*More details to follow.
Tricia David
Tricia David has long experience as a recreational poker player and has been covering poker events since 2010 for numerous outfits in Asia. She spent one year working part time with Poker Portal Asia then became editor and lead writer for all event coverage of the Philippine Poker Tour (PPT). Under the PPT, she overlooked content for their website, and produced live updates on all their events. In addition, she served as the live and online events website content writer for the Asian Poker Tour. Currently, she does live events reporting in Asia for online news site Somuchpoker and is also one of their news contributors.
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