APPT Manila Championship Highlights: Repeat Victory for Leo Kamiya At APPT Open; Christian Cloutier, Dean Caing Among Winners

The second annual APPT Manila Championship is in full swing at the newly renovated Coral Lounge inside world-class Okada Manila, Philippines. Action kicked off on October 16, and after five days of games, five spadies had been claimed along with the first APPT shard trophy. With games running through October 27, there’s still plenty of action and fortune up for grabs. Here’s how the first wave of winners stacked up.

APPT Open: Leo Kamiya Goes Back-to-Back

Australia’s Leo Kamiya did the unthinkable - defending his title at the ₱20M GTD APPT Open for an incredible back-to-back victory. Outlasting a field of 362 entries, Kamiya entered the final table as chip leader then defeated Norway’s Birger Larsen at heads-up to become the first-ever two-time APPT Open champion. He pocketed an ICM deal payout of ₱3,230,000, hoisted the series’ first APPT shard trophy, and won a seat to the upcoming APPT Championship Main Event.

Christian Lortie-Cloutier Wins Spadie #9 at Okada Kick Off

The festival opener - Okada Kick Off - drew 525 across three entry flights with many new faces in the crowd. However, when it came down to the wire, PokerStars LIVE regulars dominated the final table with Canada’s Christian Lortie-Cloutier locking up the win after his commanding performance. On top of the cash winnings, the top three players also won a seat to the ₱165,000 APPT Championship Main Event.

Poker Neophyte Dean Caing In Shock After Early Bird Special Victory

Other APPT Manila Championship Winners

Links:

APPT MANILA CHAMPIONSHIP
RESULTS
LIVE REPORTS
PHOTOS

APPT Championship (Main Event)

The crown jewel of the festival is coming up! In just two days is the APPT Championship (Main Event), boasting a massive ₱60 Million guaranteed prize pool – equivalent to over US$ 1 million. This alone sets a new record for this event, surpassing last year’s payout.

• Dates: October 23-27, 2025

• Buy-in: ₱165,000 (~US$ 2,900)

• Guarantee: ₱60,000,000 (~US$ 1,080,000)

• Day 1A: October 23, 2025

• Day 1B: October 24, 2025

• Day 2: October 25, 2025

• Day 3: October 26, 2026

• Final Table: October 27, 2025

Daily Structure

• Day 1 plays 11 levels (60 mins per level)

• Late registration open for one final level at the start of Day 2

• Day 2 plays 10 levels (60 mins per level)

• Day 3 plays to the Final Table or TD discretion

• Final 9 – transition to a specified number of hands per level structure where a pre-determined number of hands will be played rather than a fixed time duration per level

Livestream Channels

The best way to stay on top of the action is through the official livestream. This year’s APPT Manila Championship will broadcast the Main Event Day 2, Day 3, and Final 6 on October 25, 26, and 27, available on PokerStars YouTube and Twitch channels. Streaming times will be announced soon so stay tuned!

• October 25 – APPT Championship Main Event Day 2

• October 26 – APPT Championship Main Event Day 3

• October 27 – APPT Championship Main Event Final 6

PokerStars App

When the festival is underway, players can keep informed on all of the events via the PokerStars APP. Players can also use the app to register to events.

• Download the app (scan qr code below)

• Create a profile (for first time users, tap upper right corner)

• Verify your identity

• Once approved, tap upper right corner to view your PokerStars Membership Card Number and QR Code

• Use the QR Code to register

• Visit the Okada Rewards Counter to sign-up for a casino membership card

PokerStars LIVE Manila – Cash Games

For the second year in a row, the PokerStars LIVE room at Okada Manila was awarded the Best Poker Room IR by IAG .  At APPT Manila Championship, it isn't just tournaments on offer. For players interested in cash games, the room offers both No Limit Hold’em and Pot Limit Omaha.

Limits:

₱25/50: Buy-in ₱1,000 – ₱5,000
₱50/100: Buy-in ₱5,000 – ₱30,000
₱100/200: Buy-in ₱10,000 – ₱100,000
₱100/200/500: Buy-in ₱20,000 – ₱200,000
₱200/500/1,000: Buy-in ₱50,000 – ₱500,000
₱500/1,000: Buy-in ₱50,000 with no max

• The rake is 10%, capped at varying amounts depending on the table limits.

• For short-handed tables (5 players or fewer), the rake is 5%​.

Okada Manila

Spanning 30 hectares of pure luxury, Okada Manila stands as the Philippines’ premier integrated resort — a Forbes Five-Star destination with 1,001 luxury rooms and suites, ranging from the spacious Deluxe Rooms to the opulent Villa Collection – some of the most lavish accommodations. There are also 25 restaurants scattered throughout the facility. For entertainment, guests can marvel at The Fountain, a stunning spectacle of light and water choreography, or dance the night away at Cove Manila, the world’s largest indoor beach club and nightclub.

Newcomer Tips

Travel is also made easy. Many nationalities enjoy visa-free entry, with lengths of stay varying by country, so be sure to confirm with your local embassy. Most recently, players from Taiwan and India were added to the list. Taiwanese nationals enjoy 14 days visa-free, while Indian nationals with valid visas from the U.S., Japan, Australia, Canada, Schengen, Singapore, or the U.K. can extend up to 30 days.

For those flying in, Okada Manila is just 15-25 minutes from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA). You must present an eTravel form which is best accomplished electronically online, or even through the eGOVPH App prior to arrival. To get to the venue, rideshare apps such as Grab, InDrive, or JoyRide offer more reliable service and better rates compared to airport taxis.