Manila Megastack 24: PokerStars Live Returns to Okada Manila with ₱40 Million Guaranteed

Originally from the UK’s Lake District, Callum Jury has carved out a niche as a premier live reporter across the Southeast Asian poker circuit. Since 2025, he has delivered high-level coverage for major brands like the APT, PokerStars, and the WSOP, blending a background in business with a deep-rooted passion for storytelling. As a key member of the Somuchpoker team, Callum uses his sharp eye for photography and media to bridge the gap between technical hand histories and the raw human drama of a high-stakes deep run.

Updated: 2026.02.13

Manila Megastack 24

The pulse of Asian poker returns to the Philippines as Manila Megastack 24 prepares to take over the prestigious Okada Manila once again. Running from February 25 to March 9, 2026, this 13-day festival promises more than ₱40 Million in total guarantees, offering a massive platform for both local heroes and international grinders.

As a flagship stop for PokerStars Live , the series is renowned for its deep structures and high-value prize pools, set against the backdrop of one of the world’s most luxurious integrated resorts.

₱20 Million Main Event Headlines the Series

The undisputed centrepiece of the festival is the ₱45,000 buy-in Main Event, featuring a staggering ₱20 Million guarantee (~USD 335,000). To accommodate the massive field expected, the tournament offers four starting flights:

Flight A, B, and C: 40-minute levels for a deep, strategic experience.
Flight D: A “Turbo” 20-minute level format for those seeking fast-paced action.

In a prestigious twist, the winner won’t just walk away with a life-changing cash prize; they will also receive an APPT Championship Package valued at ₱210,000. Additionally, all players finishing in the top nine will receive various APPT Manila packages or seats, ensuring the road to the next big championship starts right here.

Satellites and the PS Live App

Players looking to turn a small investment into a Main Event seat can participate in daily Step 1 and Direct Qualifiers, with buy-ins starting as low as ₱1,200.

Pro Tip: To skip the queues and secure your seat, players are encouraged to download the PS Live App for tournament registration. (Android) (Apple)

Highlighted Events

Beyond the Main Event, the schedule is packed with high-guarantee tournaments designed to keep the adrenaline pumping:

The Kickoff (₱3M GTD): Starting February 26, this ₱16,500 buy-in event sets the tone for the series with three starting flights.
Mystery Bounty (₱2M GTD): A fan-favourite format where every elimination could lead to a massive “Mystery” prize. This event also includes an APPT Manila Main Event seat hidden within the bounty pool.
Sunday Millions (₱2M GTD): Bringing the iconic online brand to the live felt on March 8 with a ₱25,000 buy-in.
Survivor Knockout (₱2M GTD): A unique format where a ₱50,000 bounty is placed on every player once the field is reduced to the top 20%.

Elite Action for High Rollers

For the high-stakes community, the second week of the festival shifts into high gear with several premium events:

Single Day High Roller (₱2M GTD): A ₱75,000 buy-in test of skill on March 8.
Big Mystery Bounty: A ₱50,000 buy-in event featuring significant bounty prizes and elite competition.
High Roller Knockout: Combining the prestige of a high-stakes buy-in with the excitement of ₱25,000 bounties.

Past Champions & Rising Stars

The Manila Megastack has a long history of spotlighting both established pros and fresh talent from across the globe. The late 2025 series was no exception, delivering a mix of breakout wins and veteran dominance.

Jimin Lim’s First International Title: South Korea’s Jimin Lim secured a career milestone by winning the Mystery Bounty, marking his first international trophy after outlasting 290 entries.
Regional Powerhouses: Local favourite Edilberto Gopez kept the Main Event trophy in the Philippines, earning a massive ₱5,750,000 payday.
Big Names & High Rollers: Singapore ’s Mohamed Illyas Hashim added to his accolades by taking down the High Roller, while Peru ’s Jean Paul Berdejo showcased the event’s global reach with a win in the Megastack Turbo.

Full Tournament Variety

Manila Megastack 24 stands out for its incredible diversity. While No Limit Hold’em remains king, the schedule features over 75 trophy events, including:

Mixed Games: Pot Limit Omaha (including Bomb Pot and Double Board variants), Swap Hold’em, and Showtime Hold’em.
Fast-Paced Formats: Win The Button, Bubble Rush, and various Hyper Turbo events for non-stop action.

Players can access the full player guide here.

Travel and Venue Guide

Okada Manila is a destination in itself. Located in the heart of Entertainment City, players have access to luxury shopping, world-class dining, and the iconic multicolour dancing fountain. For the ultimate convenience, players are encouraged to stay within the Okada Manila complex.

Accommodation: Special hotel rates are available for players. For more information, players can message the organisers via WhatsApp at +63 969 127 1734.
Currency: All events are played in Philippine Pesos (₱).
Regulations: All players must be 21 years or older to enter the gaming areas.

While the tournament action at Okada Manila is self-contained within a massive integrated resort, the surrounding area offers plenty of iconic sights and luxury:

The Okada Fountain: Witness the world’s largest multicolour dancing fountain show right at the venue.
Intramuros: Visit the historic “Walled City” of Manila, a Spanish colonial-era landmark about 20-30 minutes away by taxi.
Mall of Asia: One of the globe’s largest shopping malls is just minutes from the casino floor.
Dining and Nightlife: Manila is a vibrant hub known for world-famous hospitality and a great value restaurant scene.