Poker Dream underway in Manila, Philippines featuring over $1.7 Million in guarantees; here’s what to know
Cards are flying at opening day of Poker Dream in Manila, Philippines! The twelve day series boasts an impressive lineup of 30 trophy events and an ambitious PH₱ 95 Million (~US$ 1.7M) in guaranteed prize pools. This is the largest festival guarantee ever presented by the young brand. The festival is set to run from April 26 to May 7, 2023 at the Grand Wing of Newport World Resorts.
This is the fourth Poker Dream festival since its inception in 2022. Two were held in Malaysia and one in Vietnam. The Vietnam leg in October amassed a festival prize pool of ~$3.8 Million, making it the richest prize pool in the region (excluding China) for the year.
As players make their way to Poker Dream Manila, here are key events certain to attract the biggest crowds. Make sure to mark these in your calendars.
| Event | Guarantee (PHP) | Dates | Buy in (PHP) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Event 1: Warm Up | PHP 3,000,000 | April 26 to 27 | PHP 15,000 |
| Event 5: Crazy Weekend | PHP 4,000,000 | April 28 to 30 | PHP 25,000 |
| Event 10: SHORT DECK SUPER HIGH ROLLER | PHP 55,000,000 | April 30-May 1 | PHP 1,380,000 |
| Event 13: Mystery Bounty | PHP 5,000,000 | May 1 to 3 | PHP 36,000 |
| Event 22: MAIN EVENT | PHP 20,000,000 | May 4 to 7 | PHP 66,000 |
| Event 26: High Roller | PHP 6,000,000 | May 6 to 7 | PHP 130,000 |
| Event 27: Monster Stack | PHP 2,000,000 | May 6 to 7 | PHP 30,000 |
The Warm Up Event has already begun. It features a juicy PH₱ 3 Million (~US$ 53,940) guarantee. Three entry flights are offered, all taking place today. The first two will see blinds increase every 25 minutes and the last flight is a turbo with blinds increasing every 15 minutes. The field plays down to ITM of 15%. Among those getting an early start is Poker Dream Vietnam runner up Brandon Koh.
Short Deck Super High Roller Ante Only – White Horse Cup
Setting Poker Dream apart from other poker organizers in the region is its ability to draw players of differing leanings and bankrolls all to one festival. From recreational players to top tiered Super High Rollers, all skill levels are covered. Another distinguishable offering is the popularity of variant Short Deck at Poker Dream events.
For this festival, four are scheduled with buy ins starting at an affordable US$ 275 to a jaw dropping PH₱ 1,380,000 (~US$ 25,320) for the Short Deck Super High Roller Ante Only – White Horse Cup. This pricey event is highlighted by its US$ 1,000,000 guarantee. It runs on April 30 to May 1. Expect some of Asia’s biggest names in attendance. In addition, other high roller events have ben scheduled. See the image below.
Welcome Party – 5 Dice Trophy Event
Adding more thrill to the festival is the 5 Dice Tournament which will run at the Welcome Party. This fun dice game is free and has a 32-player cap. The winner will receive a side event trophy and a Poker Dream Taipei Main Event ticket.
Early Bird Packages
Good news! Player rates are still available at the Hilton Hotel and Holiday Inn Express. Discounts vary, check the pic below.
1. Main Event pre-registration
- Hotel discount up to 25% off
- Lucky Draw to win one of two Main Event seat rebate
- Bubble protection to all entries in Main Event
2. High Roller pre-registration (applicable to events of PHP 66,000 buy in and higher)
- Hotel discount up to 25% off
3. Key Events pre-registration (Warm Up, Crazy Weekend, Mystery Bounty, Monster Stack)
- Pre-register to any 1 Key Event: hotel discount up to 10% off
- Pre-register to any 2 Key Events: hotel discount up to 20% off
4. Short Deck Super High Roller pre-registration
- 4 nights free accommodation at Hilton or equivalent hotel
Merchandise + New PD product (sold out)
Poker Dream merchandise are some of the coolest to add your collection. For sale at the series are custom jackets and sweats, t-shirts, caps and card protectors. A new product has been added- the 30 second shot clock – however, this fun souvenir has been snatched up! Every single piece! Players will have to wait until Poker Dream Taiwan in June for the next batch.
