Manila Super Series 18: Main Event takes center stage; five winners awarded on Day 1 and Day 2

After two thrilling days of competition, the 18th  edition of the Manila Super Series has already witnessed five players hoist iconic PokerStars spade trophies. The newly minted were Taiwan’s Chang Chia Wei at the Warm Up event, Filipino Alvin Jeff Sembrano,  and three Japanese players Yuhei Ando, Yoshiyuki Matsumoto, and Munehiro Hachimine. 

Manila Super Series – Festival Results

Nonstop poker rages on at Okada Manila in Manila, Philippines with the PH₱ 3 Million guaranteed Main Event hitting the felt today at 1 pm, September 20, and continuing until the conclusion of the series on September 24.

Manila Super Series – SCHEDULE

Main Event – PHP 3 Million (~US$ 52,800) guaranteed

For those new to the MSS, this is the most affordable series offered by PokerStars LIVE Manila. And at every installment, its popularity surges. In June, MSS 17 amassed the largest Main Event turnout of 746 entries for a record prize pool of PH₱ 9.55 Million. Two days ago, the opening day’s Warm Up event nearly matched the Main Event guarantee.

With these indicators, there is no doubt, the PH₱ 3 Million guarantee will be crushed. A new record is on the horizon. Main Event buy in is an affordable PHP 15,000 (~$265) with unlimited re-entries.

Main Event – Day 1

Day 1A: Wednesday, September 20 at 1pm
Day 1B: Thursday, September 21 at 1pm
Day 1C: Friday, September 22, at 1pm

Starting stack: 30,000
Levels: 30 minute blinds
Bagging time: ITM of 15% of the field

Read up on the action via the Main Event -Live updates. 

Chang Chia Wei outduels Bryan Manalo at heads up of the Warm Up

Taiwan’s Chang Chia Wei defeated Filipino Bryan Manalo at heads up of the MSS 18 Warm Up event to win the PH₱ 515,000 (~US$ 9,065) top prize and his career fifth spade trophy. The heads up round lasted two hours with the chip lead bouncing multiple times. Chang closed it out with spiking the queen to dust .

The Warm Up event drew a stellar turnout of 525 entries for a smashing prize pool of PH₱ 2,688,840 (~US$ 47,330). 79 players reached ITM. You can read up on the action via the live updates.

Warm Up Event – Day 2 Live Updates

Alvin Jeff Sembrano calls out the bluff to win the Hyper Turbo

On Day 1, Alvin Jeff Sembrano was awarded the first side event spade trophy of the series for his victory at the Hyper Turbo. Sembrano topped the 48-entry field for a payout of PH₱ 70,950 (~US$ 1,250).

In a brief recap, at six-handed Sembrano zoomed from 9 bb to 20 bb with outdrawing Athonis Popotas on a board . He went on to eliminate Aaron Jacobs (4th), Yuu Taga (3rd), and Popotas in 2nd place by calling out the bluff. On a board that completed , Popotas shoved holding air, Sembrano called and won it with pair.

Buy in: PH₱ 5,500 (~US$ 96,80)
Entries: 48 (42 unique)
Prize pool: PH₱  225,350 (~US$ 3,966)
ITM: 7 places

Maiden live victory for Yuhei Ando at the Knockout

First recorded live title for Japan’s Yuhei Ando at the Knockout event. The event drew a strong field of 216 entries (163 unique) for a prize pool of PH₱ 1,630,454 (~US$ 28,700). The last three players struck a deal awarding Ando PH₱ 85,000 and the trophy. In addition, Ando earned PH₱ 8,000 in bounties.

Finishing in 2nd place was Benjamin Mangaliman for a payout deal of PH₱ 131,727 plus PH₱ 20,000 for his ten bounties. Claiming the most heads was Christopher Pasion with 11 bounties amounting to PH₱ 22,000. Pasion finished 3rd for a payout deal of PH₱ 131,727.

Buy in: PH₱ 6,500 (~US$ 114)
Entries: 216 (163 unique)
Prize pool: PH₱ 1,630,454 (~US$ 28,700)
ITM: 31 places

Yoshiyuki Matsumoto dominates the Turbo Re-Entry

PokerStars spade trophy #4 was claimed by Yoshiyuki Matsumoto after his dominating performance at the Turbo Re-Entry event. With no prior live stats to his name, this may well have been Matsumoto’s first live cash and title. Matsumoto outlasted the 72 entry field for a payout of PH₱ 92,826 (~US$ 1,634).

Buy in: PH₱ 5,500 (~US$ 96.80)
Entries: 72 (62 unique)
Prize pool: PH₱ 338,026 (~US$ 5,950)
ITM: 11 places

Munehiro Hachimine wins the Turbo Freezeout

Japan dominated the Day 2 games going three for three at the side events. Event #5 Turbo Freezeout was conquered by Munehiro Hachimine for a payout of PH₱ 116,140 (~US$ 2,044). He outlasted the 40 player field defeating decorated local Edwin Dela Cruz at heads up.

Buy in: PH₱ 10,000 (~US$ 176)
Players: 40
Prize pool: PH₱ 341,440 (~US$ 6,010)
ITM: 6 places

First timers to PokerStars LIVE Manila

If you’re new to the scene, PokerStars LIVE Manila stands as one of the metropolis’s most popular poker hubs. Daily tournaments and cash tables are offered. The poker room is conveniently situated within Okada Manila making it easily accessible for guests staying in the premises. Additionally guests can indulge in breathtaking views of Manila Bay and its captivating sunsets from the hotel, adding to the overall experience.

For international travelers, Okada Manila is within 5-10 minutes drive from NAIA Airport Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. For NAIA Airport Terminal 3, the trip to Okada is just 15 minutes. To avoid getting ripped off , the best way to get to the venue is by Grab Car.