PokerStars Okada Manila: Asia’s Best Poker Room Again

The celebrations are still going strong in the Philippines! For the second consecutive year, PokerStars LIVE at Okada Manila has won the prestigious “Best Poker Room in an Integrated Resort” title at the annual Inside Asian Gaming (IAG) Academy IR Awards.

This “back-to-back” victory proves that the venue isn’t just a leader in the region—it’s setting the gold standard for poker excellence across Asia.

A Winning Streak in Manila

Okada Manila managed to beat out some very tough competition this year, including the MGM COTAI Poker Room, Newport World Resorts, and The Venetian Macao.

Winning this award twice in a row isn’t luck. It is the result of years of hard work and a team dedicated to delivering unparalleled service to players. The venue is renowned for its 24/7 cash games and major events such as the Asia Pacific Poker Tour (APPT), making it a favorite among locals and travelers alike.

What Makes Okada Manila Special?

According to Lorie Torre, Senior Manager of PokerStars Live Asia, the secret is that the venue offers a complete experience. She exclusively told PokerNews:

“PokerStars at Okada Manila stands out because it offers far more than just a poker room—it’s a true all-in-one destination. Its unique setting, very different from a traditional poker room, allows us to create a distinct atmosphere for every event.”

She also highlighted that the success comes down to the people behind the scenes:

“The venue provides a large creative canvas to shape the look, feel, and energy of each festival. Most importantly, it’s the people. The collaborative teamwork between PokerStars and Okada, aligned with the same goal, ensures events run seamlessly. The team is consistently warm, professional, and attentive, delivering top-tier service across the property. This combination of venue, atmosphere, and people is what sets Okada Manila apart, which is why it has been awarded Best Poker Room in Asia two years in a row.”

Trust and Innovation in a Growing Market

As Asia becomes a massive hub for global poker, these awards help players feel confident in where they choose to play. Torre explained the importance of this recognition:

“This recognition is highly meaningful for us, particularly at a time when Asia Pacific continues to emerge as one of the most dynamic and competitive live poker markets globally. Being acknowledged alongside other outstanding poker rooms in the region reinforces the strength of what we are building and further strengthens player trust in the PokerStars live experience.”

However, the team isn’t resting on its laurels. They see this win as a reason to keep improving:

“At the same time, we see this recognition as both validation and responsibility. It is a shared achievement across our partners and teams, and it challenges us to keep raising the bar. Asia never stands still, and neither can we. This recognition reminds us to continually innovate, introduce fresh ideas, and ensure that every event delivers a memorable and best-in-class experience.”

The Ultimate Player Destination

The partnership between PokerStars and Okada Manila has truly elevated the APPT experience. Players love having everything—luxury rooms, great food, and world-class poker—all under one roof.

“Okada Manila has been an exceptional partner for the Asia Pacific Poker Tour and has played a key role in elevating the overall player experience. From the players’ perspective, it offers a truly integrated destination: a world-class poker venue, premium accommodations just steps from the action, and a diverse range of dining and leisure options all under one roof. We consistently receive outstanding feedback from players, many of whom describe it as one of—if not the—most beautiful poker rooms they have ever played in.”

Torre added that the “magic” happens because the various teams at Okada work so well together:

“That kind of feedback is incredibly important, as it reflects the lasting impression our events leave on players. Equally important is the strong operational collaboration behind the scenes. The seamless coordination across teams—particularly table games, hospitality, security, and culinary—allows us to deliver events smoothly and consistently at a very high standard. This collective effort is a major reason we are able to meet, and often exceed, the expectations players have of a PokerStars live event.”

Meeting Global Expectations

Even though PokerStars is successful in Europe, it recognizes that Asian players have distinct needs. To keep everyone happy, they focus on a holistic approach:

“Today’s live poker audience in Asia is truly global, and player expectations are higher than ever. Players value a world-class experience built on game integrity, fairness, professionalism, and high-quality event management—while still keeping the game fun and engaging.”

“PokerStars meets these expectations by delivering strong tournament structures, clear and consistent rules, and strict security and media protocols to ensure a fair and well-run environment. At venues like Okada Manila, advanced security systems, comprehensive CCTV coverage, and a highly trained floor and security team help safeguard gameplay and tournament operations. Beyond the tables, we take a holistic approach.”

“Consistent staff training, excellent customer service, premium amenities, and curated entertainment all shape the overall experience. Players don’t just come to compete—they come for the full journey. Our goal is to make every PokerStars event in Asia memorable and worth returning to.”

Looking Forward to 2026

The APPT has evolved significantly over the years, and the team’s biggest lesson is to always listen to the players.

“The APPT has evolved significantly in recent years, reflecting both the changing expectations of players and the continued growth of live poker in Asia. We’ve refined tournament structures, strengthened operational consistency, enhanced player communications, and invested across all aspects of event delivery—from staffing and technology to security and customer service.”

“A key lesson from this evolution has been the importance of listening closely to player feedback and working with strong local partners to deliver a seamless, end-to-end experience. This approach has helped establish Okada Manila as a benchmark venue and contributed to being recognized as a two-time awardee for Best Poker Room in an Integrated Resort, delivering world-class and truly unique poker events. That recognition reinforces our player-first philosophy and reflects our ongoing commitment to raising standards across the industry.”

While we are still waiting for the full 2026 APPT schedule, Torre shared some exciting news about what is coming:

“Innovation has always been at the core of PokerStars, and that philosophy continues to guide the APPT. Looking ahead to 2026, our ambition is to further grow the tour across the Asia-Pacific region and ensure the APPT truly lives up to its name by delivering one of the best live poker experiences globally.”

“Players can expect enhanced flagship stops, improved schedules, and refined tournament structures designed to appeal to a wide range of bankrolls and playing styles. We’re also focused on creating more accessible pathways into the tour through qualifiers and packages linked to earlier events, allowing more players to be part of the APPT journey. Our aim is to keep the tour exciting, inclusive, and consistently rewarding—while staying at the forefront of live poker in Asia.”