APT Manila 2024 off to a hot start, Philippines National Cup draws 726-entry field

Asian Poker Tour’s highly anticipated return to the city of Manila, Philippines, has finally arrived with its opening day undoubtedly booking a grand entrance for the brand’s new era. The renowned tour has been a frequent visitor to the vibrant location over the past two decades, but has waited nearly two years since its return. This time around, APT Manila is back bigger than ever, bringing in a mammoth PHP 170 million (~USD 3 million) in prize pool guarantees. Series runs through November 7th at the luxurious City of Dreams Manila in partnership with Soul Poker Club, hosting an action-packed 101 trophy event lineup, headlined by a PHP 100 million (~USD 1.7M) guaranteed APT Main Event.

APT Manila 2024 - Schedule

Heejun Kim leads Philippines National Cup Final Day

The festival’s opening highlight, Philippines National Cup, ran through three starting flights across its first day of festivities and drew in a combined 726 entries, easily surpassing the PHP 4 million (~USD 68,775) guarantee. The smashing turnout generated a sizable PHP 7,436,563 (~USD 126,420)  prize pool, with PHP 1,387,563 (~USD 23,590) in prizes going to the eventual champion. Each returning contender won’t go home empty handed, with all Day 1 survivors guaranteed PHP 20,000 (~USD 340) in winnings.

Yesterday’s action played down to 14% of the field (ITM) with initial flight’s chip leader Heejun Kim stacking the highest across the overall pecking order. The South Korean runner bagged a hefty 336,000 chip count following seventeen levels of play and holds the lead to start today’s games. Flight B recorded the largest turnout of the three with 322 entries turning up for the second flight on schedule. The battle ensued for seven hours on the felt before the day closed with another 46 survivors advancing through. Ireland’s Frank Lillis stood atop the leaderboard with 281,000, yet ranks just below Flight A’s Kim across the overall Day 2 counts.

The final heat, Flight C, ran the fastest course with only 15 minute blind levels on the clock. Registration closed bringing in a further 162 entries added to the tally, 23 players of which due to return in the Final Day battle. Local runner Marco Espela capped the night with the lead at 278,000, stacking one big blind behind Lillis to round up the top three spots.

Philippines National Cup Review

• Date/s: October 28-29, 2024

• Buy-in: PHP 12,000 (~USD 205)

• Guarantee: PHP 4,000,000 (~USD 68,775)

• Entries: 726 (425 unique)

• Prize pool: PHP 7,436,563 (~USD 126,420) 

• ITM: 103 places

Top Ten Day 2 Chip Counts

Full List of Day 2 Chip Counts & Seat Draw

Upcoming APT Manila Key Events

Eight more key events are coming up within the next ten days including the widely anticipated APT Manila Main Event. Today runs two flights of the Mystery Bounty Hunter - Sponsored by Natural8 for a guaranteed prize pool of PHP 6 Million (~USD 105,500). Nonstop action continues throughout the week, with each day packing great value offerings backed by eye-catching guarantees.