APPT Manila 2025: Everything You Need To Know

Brave the storm as this rainy season’s action is about to pour in, bringing massive fields and jaw-dropping prize pools right to your doorstep. PokerStars LIVE’s Asia Pacific Poker Tour (APPT) has long been a staple on the poker calendar, attracting a great mix of professionals and passionate grinders thanks to its well-structured events and exceptional value. For those skipping the summer circuits across the globe, all eyes now turn to the heart of the Philippines, Metro Manila. 

From July 23 to August 4, the prestigious APPT Manila returns to the luxurious Cove Manila at the five-star Okada Manila Resort, promising 13 action-packed days of high-level competition. This year’s edition raises the bar even higher with a massive PHP 141 million (~USD 2.4 million) guaranteed prize pool spread across a thrilling 70 trophy event lineup. 

From seasoned regulars to bold newcomers, players will need to bring their A-game, along with a padded bankroll, with buy-ins ranging from PHP 15,000 (~USD 260) to PHP 1 million (~USD 17,440). An unmissable highlight on the regional circuit, APPT Manila 2025 is poised to deliver another memorable chapter in the tour’s growing legacy.

For those eager to hit the felt ahead of the main festivities, a three-day pre-event warm-up runs from July 20 to 22, culminating in the highly anticipated APPT Super Qualifier, where 30 Main Event seats are guaranteed to be awarded.

APPT Manila 16 – Full Schedule
APPT Manila 2025 Player Guide

APPT Main Event Returns Bigger Than Ever

The crown jewel of the series, the APPT Manila Main Event, is poised to make history once again, with this year’s marquee event featuring its largest-ever guarantee of PHP 58,000,000 (~USD 1,011,420). With a similar buy-in of PHP 80,000 (~USD 1,395), the headlining tournament, running from July 31 to August 4, is pulling out all the stops in an attempt to surpass last year’s record-breaking run. In the previous APPT season, the Main Event shattered expectations with a staggering PHP 91 million (~USD 1.58 million) prize pool, much of which was claimed by champion Xiong Cheng.

What began back in 2007 with just 255 entries and a prize pool just under USD 600,000, has since grown into one of Asia’s largest and anticipated events. In the past three years alone, the Main Event guarantee has nearly tripled in value, from PHP 20 million in 2023, to PHP 55 million in 2024, and now reaching PHP 58 million. Each year, records were shattered, and this year is shaping up to be even bigger.

APPT Main Event Track Record Over the Last Decade

To accommodate growing demand, an additional turbo flight has been added to this season’s APPT Manila Main Event festivities, running alongside the regular Flight C games. With this extra heat in the mix, the field is expected to swell even further, bringing a PHP 100 million (~USD 1.7 million) prize pool well within reach.

Deep structure will be in play from start to finish, giving players plenty of room to maneuver. Day 1 flights feature 40-minute levels, while the turbo flight offers 20-minute levels for those craving faster-paced action. The structure deepens further as the tournament progresses, with 60-minute levels on Day 2 and 75-minute levels on the Final Day, ensuring that strategy and endurance are put first and foremost. Much like previous editions, this year’s Main Event promises a career-defining moment for one lucky champion, with last season’s title coming with a massive PHP 15 million (~USD 257,000) payday.

To sweeten the deal, the top two finishers will each receive an APPT Championship Package, valued at PHP 210,000, while third place earns a PHP 165,000 APPT Championship entry, all drawn from the prize pool.

APPT 16 Main Event Schedule

• Date/s: July 31 – August 4, 2025
• Buy in: PHP 80,000 (~USD 1,395)
• Guarantee: PHP 58,000,000 (~USD 1,011,420)
• ITM: 15% of the field
• Flight A: Thursday, July 31
• Flight B: Friday, August 1
• Flight C: Saturday, August 2
• Flight D [20 min]: Saturday, August 2
• Day 2: Sunday, August 3
• Final Table: Monday, August 4

Key Events

Beyond the esteemed Main Event, APPT Manila 2025 serves up a stacked schedule of flagship favorites, keeping everyone busy day in and out. Whether you’re chasing massive prizes or eyeing prestige titles like the APPT Super High Roller or One Million Challenge, there’s something for every player joining the fray. Kicking things off in style, opening day welcomes everyone to a grand start as the Okada Kickoff sets the tone, featuring a fiery PHP 3 million guaranteed prize pool to launch the festivities.

Here are the highlights:

Path to Glory: APPT Manila Super Qualifier

Warming up the felt just three days before the APPT Manila festivities officially kick off, players can dive straight into the action at Okada Manila, with a packed pre-festival lineup running from July 20 to 22. This three-day warm-up features a 13-event schedule loaded with milestone satellite feeders and low-stakes guaranteed events, all building up to the highly awaited APPT Manila Super Qualifier.

Taking center stage on Tuesday, July 22, the APPT Super Qualifier guarantees 30 seats into the PHP 58 Million Guaranteed Main Event, giving players plenty of chances to punch their ticket into the spotlight. Similar to its feeders, the mega offering follows a milestone format, with a direct buy-in setting players back just PHP 9,000 (~USD 155). Instead of grinding through final tables or sweating the bubble, players instantly win a Main Event seat upon reaching 100,000 in chips. 

In addition to the qualifiers, the three-day prelude also features three guaranteed side events, one per day, to get players in rhythm:

• APPT Mini Warm-up: July 20, ₱7,500 Buy-in, ₱500,000 Guarantee
• SuperDeep: July 21, ₱4,000 Buy-in, ₱300,000 Guarantee
• APPT Manila Warm-up: July 22, ₱7,500 Buy-in, ₱1,000,000 Guarantee

Ongoing Daily APPT Qualifiers

Just recently announced, players arriving early for the APPT Manila 2025 festivities can seize the opportunity to win big, right before the main games even begin. From now until July 19, daily qualifying tournaments will be held at Okada Manila, offering multiple seats each day into the bigger APPT Super Qualifier, and even direct APPT Main Event entries, at a fraction of the cost.

For those looking to stretch their bankroll even further, the Step 1 Qualifiers during this period offers the lowest cost gateway into the action, with the feeders priced at a modest PHP 1,500 (~USD 25).

Early Bird Promotions

With the action unfolding at one of the most luxurious venues in the region, there’s no better place to stay than right at Okada Manila. To help players maximize both convenience and value, PokerStars is rolling out a suite of early bird promotions, making it easier than ever to enjoy a five-star experience without the five-star price tag.

There are three early bird promo categories, each bundled with accommodation at the luxurious resort, designed to keep everyone’s APPT Manila experience smooth and unforgettable:

Targeted for those arriving right at the beginning of the series, the first Early Bird Promotion offers incredible value with five nights at the Okada resort posting discounted rates for players taking part in the festival’s opening trio of highlights: the Okada Kickoff, APPT National, and APPT Open. Priced at PHP 42,717 (~USD 772), this package gives players a chance to save up to PHP 25,000 (~USD 450), and even includes a PHP 3,200 (~USD 60) rebate. Keep in mind, the offer is only valid for a minimum four-night stay between July 22 to 28, with only 30 slots up for the taking.

APPT Main Event Promotion

Of course not to miss, this season’s Main Event Promotion likewise offers discounted room rates right at the source, priced similarly at PHP 42,717 (~USD 772). Players locking up this offer must take part in the headliner festivities, with the stay valid towards the latter half, from July 28 to August 5.

APPT High Roller Complimentary Room Promotion

With over a dozen high roller events on the schedule, those eyeing the upper tier of the festival will find plenty of added value. Players jumping into the high-stakes action can enjoy complimentary room stays bundled with their entries, making the most of their tournament investment.

The high roller rewards are structured into four tiers, with the top tier offering up to seven complimentary nights and a 50% discounted rate on extended stays for those who accumulate PHP 2 million (~USD 36,000) in total buy-ins. Do note that this top-tier offer is exclusive to players participating in both the One Million Challenge and the APPT Super High Roller. Only the first 30 players will be able to secure this grand promotion, so don’t miss your chance to lock in premium perks!

PokerStars LIVE APPT Manila App

Players can now easily access all PokerStars LIVE events worldwide through the PokerStars LIVE App. The app provides comprehensive event details, including schedules, structures, and key updates for tournaments across the globe.

For those attending APPT Manila, the app will serve as a real-time hub for fresh news, schedule, tournament results, and live updates throughout the series, ensuring players stay informed every step of the way.

Getting There

Located within the luxurious Okada Manila resort, Cove Manila serves as the vibrant home of this year’s APPT festivities, just steps away from the main casino floor. Easily accessible, being only 5 to 10 minutes from NAIA Terminals 1 and 2, and about 15 minutes from Terminal 3, the smoothest route is via Grab Car directly to Okada’s main entrance.

Once inside, players are welcomed into a professionally run poker arena, complete with a variety of games, and seamless service, all within a secure, comfortable environment. With all amenities under one roof, from world-class dining and shopping to entertainment and wellness facilities, PokerStars LIVE Manila lets you focus on your game without the distraction. Whether you’re flying in for the festival or just exploring live poker in the city, the journey from airport to action is smooth and hassle-free.

Cove Manila

Set against the stunning backdrop of Cove Manila, this year’s APPT Manila isn’t just about massive prize pools and record-breaking fields, it’s also about the overall experience. Located within the luxurious Okada Manila resort, this one-of-a-kind venue spans an impressive 9,000 sqm beneath a striking 30-meter-tall glass dome, offering panoramic views of the sky and Manila Bay.

By day, players can soak in the laid-back, tropical ambiance of the transformed beach club, evolving into a sleek destination by night. With world-class amenities and top-tier service, Cove Manila is set to give everyone something to talk about, whilst providing the perfect stage for one of Asia’s most prestigious poker festivals.

About Okada Manila

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

• Watch the Fountain Show at Okada Manila: Enjoy the world’s largest multicolor dancing fountain, with nightly music and light performances right at the resort.
• Ride the MOA Eye at SM by the Bay: Take in panoramic views of Manila Bay from this towering Ferris wheel — perfect at sunset or nighttime.
• Explore SM Mall of Asia: Shop, dine, catch a movie, go ice skating, or walk the scenic bayside boardwalk in one of Asia’s largest malls.
• Indulge in a Full Spa Day at Okada: Recharge at The Retreat Spa or The Sole Retreat with massages, facials, or a full wellness treatment.
• Try Filipino Street Food at Seaside Dampa: Pick your fresh seafood and have it cooked to order at this vibrant local food market along Macapagal Boulevard.
• Cruise Manila Bay: Book a relaxing sunset or evening cruise along the bay for beautiful city views and a peaceful escape from the tables.
• Take a Cultural Walk Through Intramuros: Stroll or bike through Manila’s historic walled city, filled with Spanish colonial landmarks, churches, and museums.
• Tour the National Museum Complex: Discover Filipino history, art, and science with free entry to the National Museum of Fine Arts, Anthropology, and Natural History.