Biggest APL Manila Main Event Hits the Scene with ₱55 Million (~US$ 1M) Guarantee

The Ace Poker League - APL Manila - festivities at Prime Poker Club in Pasay city, Manila, Philippines is in full swing with thirteen trophies out of its 34-event lineup already taken down on display. While several players have already achieved early successes, the grandest event is yet to come as today marks the beginning of the highly anticipated Main Event. With more than half of the festival's prize pool up for grabs, this season boasts a massive ₱55,000,000 (~USD 1 million) pot, sure to bring a feast for both local and international runners alike.

Established in South Korea, APL continues to make waves in the Asian poker scene with another captivating offering right at the bustling capital of the Philippines. Several prominent Korean players are expected to compete in the Main Event, including Won Gyu Kang, Eosoo Lee, Tommy Kim, and Soojo Kim. While the international flair will present some of its finest, local pros are already steaming up the felt with highly decorated Filipinos Marc Rivera, John Tech, Lester Edoc, and Vamerdino Magsakay, already in full battle gear.

APL Manila Main Event $1M GTD

The APL Manila Main Event qualifiers are up and a total of five will be taking place through Friday, February 28th, marking a busy week to come for those up to the challenge. For a buy-in of PH₱ 65,000 (~US$ 1,120), players will kick off the games with a starting stack of 40,000, 200 times the opening blinds.

Varying blind structures have been set for the Day 1 rounds, with the initial flight providing the most room for play while the latter two - Day 1D and Day 1E, will run in a turbo format. Best Stack Forward will be in play across all the Day 1 heats, allowing players to advance with their largest stack onto the next round. All international qualifiers will join in Day 2, where the money is expected to trickle in, and narrow the field down to 54 players remaining for the Day 3 charge.

The previous APL Manila festivities back in December 2023 left a lasting impression with local grinder Vivencio Nachor clinching the Main Event title for ₱3.2 million (~US$ 58K). Expect this season’s figures to be more than double in value with the stakes higher than ever. While the buy-in has also seen a significant increase, the upcoming games are poised to surpass its tour record by miles, with heightened competition and bigger action slated for its grand return.

APL Manila Main Event Schedule

• Dates: February 26 - March 3, 2025

• Buy in: PHP 65,000 (~USD 1,120)

• Guarantee: PHP 55,000,000 (~USD 1,000,000)

• Day 1A: Wednesday, February 26

• Day 1B: Thursday, February 27

• Day 1C: Thursday, February 27

• Day 1D: Friday, February 28

• Day 1E: Friday, February 28

• Day 2: Saturday, March 1

• Day 3: Sunday, March 2

• Final Day: Monday, March 3

While some runners may find the entry fee a bit too steep, a number of Main Event satellites remain available for as low as ₱6,500 (~US$ 110) up to the 27th. This gives recreational players and those with smaller bankrolls a chance to turn a modest investment into a potentially humongous profit.

APL Manila 2025 - Full Schedule

Early APL Manila Winners

Two key event winners have already been crowned, overcoming larger fields to secure seven-figure top prizes. Russia’s Sergei Korzhenko kicked off the festivities with a strong showing at the APL Kick Off, where he clocked in a ₱1,053,600 (~US$ 18,200) payday. 

Meanwhile, local grinder Jason Kyle Magbanua also emerged as one of the standout performers, claiming victory at the Prime Poker Mystery Bounty event. Magbanua matched his ₱650,000 (~US$ 11,230) top prize with an even bigger loot in bounty winnings, having captured the largest ticket on the list amounting to ₱1,000,000 (~US$ 17,265) right on his very first draw. With the season still far from over, more prizes are yet to be awarded as the festivities continue to unfold.

Other Highlights

High Roller Events Not to Miss

High tier buy-in enthusiasts will likewise have their hands full for the next seven days ahead, with several high roller key events - focusing on entries upwards of PHP 35,000 (~USD 605), still yet to play down. One of the standout events is the Super High Roller, which takes place from March 1st to 2nd. The ₱180,000 (~US$ 3,105) buy-in tournament boasts the largest side event guarantee, likely to draw in a crowd with at least ₱15,000,000 (~US$ 258,705) in prizes at stake.

Here’s the schedule:

Getting There

For those traveling from Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) to Prime Poker Club Manila, the most convenient option is via Grab, the most frequented ride-hailing service in the country. Taxis are also readily available at designated stands outside all three terminals at NAIA, making it easy to hop into one as soon as you exit the airport. Typically, the journey takes about 15 to 25 minutes, depending on traffic conditions, with fares ranging from PHP 200 to PHP 400 (~USD 3.50 to USD 7).

Accommodation

Nestled in a prime location, Prime Poker Club Manila is just a stone's throw away from several luxury five-star hotels, including Solaire Resort, City of Dreams, Okada Manila, and Conrad Manila. For those seeking more budget-friendly options, there are also several affordable hotels within the vicinity such as Hotel 101, Microtel by Wyndham, and Citadines Bay City Manila. All these are located within a ten minute ride, offering convenient and cost-effective lodging options without compromising comfort or accessibility.

With such a wide range of nearby hotels, players can easily find the ideal place to stay while enjoying the excitement of the APL festivities, giving both luxury and budget-conscious travelers nothing to worry about.

About Prime Poker Club Manila

Located in the heart of HK Sun Plaza in Parañaque, Prime Poker Club Manila offers poker enthusiasts a premier venue for exciting gameplay and unparalleled service. The venue is designed with players in mind, offering spacious poker tables and high-end facilities to enhance everyone’s overall gaming experience.

Serving as the host of Ace Poker League, Prime Poker Club (previously 2Ace Poker Club) has long been a hub for competitive poker in the country. In addition to local and international events, a variety of poker games are offered on a daily basis, from beginner-friendly cash games to private VIP sessions, keeping the action running 24/7.

Address: Diosdado Macapagal Blvd, Pasay, Metro Manila
Phone: 0917 165 3003