PokerStars LIVE’s PHP 152.5 Million (~US$ 2.7M) guaranteed APPT Manila Championship sets sail in a week

The poker calendar across the last quarter of 2024 has been filled with excitement as festivals armed with seven figure guarantees, line up one after the other. Amongst this year’s major stops is PokerStars LIVE’s highly awaited Asia Pacific Poker Tour (APPT) Manila Championship, set to run its course this coming October 18-27. The flagship tour of the well established brand, has had its hold on the scene as early as 2007, and has since bumped up its offerings to now a colossal PHP 152,500,000 (~USD 2.7 Million) in guaranteed prizes. 

A lineup of 47 trophy events awaits players looking to take part in the festivities, with each day of its ten-day schedule backed by a thrilling key event. A wide range of buy-ins also complement the list with entries set from as low as PHP 15,000 (~USD 260) to an astonishing PHP 1 Million (~USD 17,530). Out of the lineup, at least 16 tournaments list notable guarantees, all of which remain behind the shadow of the festival’s crown jewel, the PHP 55,000,000 (~USD 964K) guaranteed APPT Championship. 

“The APPT circuit was established in 2007 and quickly became the reference tour in Asia, thanks to the quality of organisation, and amazing venues. The 2024 APPT Manila will be one of the largest APPT ever. Held in a new conference space at Okada Casino it will be nothing but spectacular.”, stated PokerStars Associate Director Live Events, Cédric Billot.

APPT Manila Championship – Player eGuide

Those arriving early can test the waters right off the bat with an APPT Warm Up series slated to run four days prior. From Oct 14-17, cards will be in the air featuring a low stakes lineup, highlighted by a PHP 3,000,000 (~USD 70K) guaranteed Main Event.

APPT Championship

Due to kick off right on the series’ halfway mark, the inaugural APPT Championship to hit the city of Manila runs two flights on schedule with each entry setting players back PHP 165,000 (~USD 2,890). While it charges a steeper price than the customary, this season’s games boast an eye-catching PHP 55,000,000 (~USD 964,210) in guarantees, accompanied by deep stacks and great structure, allowing much room for play.

Unlimited re-entries are in the works for all Day 1’s, as each flight is geared to play through eleven levels of 60 minute gameplay. Day 2 remains open for registration through the end of the first level, and sees another ten hours of action right on the felt. Day 3 is where decisions really begin to matter with action set to conclude once the final table is set. Play sees an extended 90 minutes on the clock, all the way down to the Final Day where the top three winners will receive a PHP 175,000 (~USD 3,060) APPT Cambodia Package (seat and accommodation) entry taken from the prize pool, in addition to their winnings.

• Dates: October 23-27, 2024
• Buy-in: PHP 165,000 (~USD 2,890)
• Guarantee: PHP 55,000,000 (~USD 964,210)
• Flight A: Wednesday, October 23
• Flight B: Thursday, October 24
• Day 2: Friday, October 25
• Day 3: Saturday, October 26
• Final Day: Sunday, October 27

Key Events

Ten key events complete this season’s APPT Manila Championship festivities, once again playing host to its highly favored tournaments such as the APPT Open, APPT National, and PokerStars Red Dragon. The heat is on as early as opening day with the first highlight, Okada Kick Off, raising a PHP 10,000,000 (~USD 175K) banner as a warm welcome. Nonstop action continues through the next ten days, including high tier buy-ins APPT Super High Roller, APPT High Roller Turbo, APPT One Million Challenge Championship, and a final APPT High Roller, for those deep pocketed enthusiasts.

Top winners of key events Okada Kick Off, APPT Open, and APPT National will also claim an APPT Championship ticket for their podium finishes, while the top three who rack up an impressive performance at the PokerStars Red Dragon will claim an APPT Cambodia Package (seat and accommodation) valued at PHP 175,000 (~USD 3,060), for the upcoming games.

Other Guaranteed Events

Aside from the marquee events listed above, daily guaranteed tournaments are likewise in the works, beginning on the 18th down to the series’ concluding day on the 27th. An additional PHP 11,000,000 (~USD 192,840) in guarantees is in store, each expected to be easily breached across the anticipated games. Along with top prizes, eventual winners of events SuperStack, Deepstack, Knockout [₱5K Bounty], and Megastack, will likewise claim an APPT Championship entry for a chance to lock in the season’s biggest payout.

Win Your Seat Qualifiers

While buy-ins and travel expenses can take a toll on one’s bankroll, several Win Your Seat Qualifiers are available on schedule for a fraction of the costs. For those interested, only certain tournaments such as the APPT Championship, APPT Open, APPT Super High Roller, and PokerStars Red Dragon, are amongst the targeted events. Step qualifiers towards the APPT Championship games are also available for as low as PHP 2,800 (~USD 50) while a slightly higher PHP 19,500 (~USD 340) price tag is aimed for its direct satellites. 

APPT Manila Championship – Player eGuide

APPT Warm Up Schedule

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 Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. For NAIA 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.

Accommodation

Of course the best place to stay while attending the event is at Okada Manila. The resort is rated one of the best and most luxurious. Make sure to contact PokerStars LIVE Manila as special player rates may still be available. For those who would like to explore other options, there are a plethora of places to stay in the area and all are nearby.

Contact PokerStars LIVE Manila: +63-956-736-9676

About Okada Manila

“At Okada Manila, we are immensely proud to host APPT Manila, which stands as a monumental gathering of the world’s elite poker talents. This partnership underscores our position as one of Asia’s premier gaming and entertainment venues, and it is a testament to our ongoing initiatives aimed at transforming Manila into a leading destination for the most exciting entertainment.”, stated President and COO of Okada Manila, Byron Yip.

Okada Manila, a Forbes 5-star luxury destination in the Philippines, showcases unparalleled hospitality, gaming, and entertainment across 30 hectares. Home to the world-renowned The Fountain, a water choreography marvel, and Cove Manila, the world’s largest indoor beach club and nightclub, it leads in leisure and nightlife.

Offering the Philippines’ largest gaming floor with a vast array of table games and electronic gaming machines, Okada Manila is a hub for innovation in gaming, with exclusive clubs like Perlas, Maharlika, and the VIP Club providing elite experiences.Family entertainment options include PLAY and Thrillscape, catering to developmental and recreational needs.

The Forbes 5-star-rated The Retreat Spa and The Sole Retreat promote wellness, complemented by 25 dining venues and convenient shopping at Retail Boulevard. With 993 well-appointed accommodations and breathtaking event spaces, alongside digital innovations like the Okada Online Casino and Okada Manila App, Okada Manila is the ultimate destination for leisure and entertainment. 

Off the Felt Activities

• Explore the nearby Entertainment City – Located near Okada Manila, Entertainment City is a vibrant entertainment complex that offers a variety of attractions, including casinos, shopping malls, restaurants, and nightlife venues.
• Visit the Mall of Asia – One of the largest shopping malls in the Philippines, the Mall of Asia is a popular destination for shopping, dining, and entertainment.
• Relax at the Manila Baywalk – Take a leisurely stroll along the Manila Baywalk and enjoy stunning views of the sunset over Manila Bay. This waterfront promenade is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike to relax and unwind.
• Explore Intramuros – Step back in time and explore the historic walled city of Intramuros, which is home to well-preserved Spanish colonial architecture, churches, and museums. Take a guided tour to learn more about the area’s rich history.
• Visit the National Museum of the Philippines – Immerse yourself in Filipino culture and history by visiting the National Museum of the Philippines. Explore the museum’s collections of art, artifacts, and historical exhibits that showcase the country’s heritage.
• Take a food tour of Manila – Dive into the vibrant food scene of Manila by taking a food tour of the city. Sample local dishes and street food favorites while learning about Filipino cuisine and culture.
• Relax at a nearby beach – Escape the hustle and bustle of the city by visiting one of the nearby beaches, such as Manila Bay or nearby resorts in Cavite or Batangas. Enjoy a day of sun, sand, and sea while unwinding in a tropical paradise.