PokerStars LIVE Manila Megastack 22 Kicks Off With Strong Turnout At Okada Manila, Philippines

PokerStars LIVE continues its nonstop poker schedule across Asia with its third festival of the year now underway at world class Okada Manila in the Philippines. Cards went flying at noon local time with the first event of Manila Megastack 22 attracting a large crowd to easily breach the guarantee. While the tables are heavily stacked with local players, circuit regular international players are also in the mix battling for early momentum.

For players just making their way, there’s no shortage of events to jump into with a few more events lined up today and a packed schedule over the 11-day series running March 13 to 23, 2025. Let’s dive into the action and see what’s in store.

Manila Megastack 22 Underway

Now in its 22nd installment, the Manila Megastack is a low-stakes festival that has long been a crowd favorite with buy-ins very friendly to the pocket. The PokerStars spadie is one of the most iconic trophies in the world and with a chance at winning one anywhere from PHP 5,000 (~US$ 85) to PHP 100,000 (~US$ 1,725), this has further boosted the festival’s appeal.

Manila Megastack 22 – Schedule

Opening day lit up with the Warm Up event which featured a PHP 1,000,000 (~US$ 17,450) guarantee. With 117 entries across ten levels of registration, the prize pool surged to a larger PHP 1,248,390 (~US$ 21,800). Among the contenders were Alvir Inocentes, Christian Lortie, Joseph Magnotti, Rene Mar David, and Joseph Sia who boasts 11 spadies won throughout his career.

Following the opener, Pot Limit Omaha lovers can test their poker wits at the next trophy event on the schedule – PLO with a buy in of just PHP 8,000 (~US$ 140). Registration closes at 7:10pm so make sure to secure your seat. For evening players, the Turbo event gets on the felt at 7pm and only costs PHP 6,000 to participate.

Main Event

After a light opening day, the festival heats up with several phased events offering heftier prize pools. The top attraction is of course the Main Event and its PHP 20,000,000 (~US$ 350,000) guarantee. Already at the scene are past champions Terry Gonzaga and Richard Marquez.

Main Event Schedule

• Date: March 20-23, 2025
• Buy-in: PHP 45,000 (~US$ 775)
• Guarantee: PHP 20,000,000 (~US$ 350,000)
• Flight A: Thursday, March 20, 2025
• Flight B: Friday, March 21, 2025
• Flight C: Saturday, March 22, 2025
• Flight D [20/15]: Saturday, March 22, 2025
• Day 2/Final: Sunday, March 23, 2025

Other Highlights

While awaiting the festival headliner, leading up to it are festival highlights – Kick Off PHP 3,000,000 (~US$ 52,300) guarantee from March 14-16 with buy in at PHP 16,500 (~US$ 290), and Mystery Bounty PHP 2,000,000 (~US$ 35,000) guarantee from March 18-20, 2025 with a buy in of PHP 20,000 (~US$ 350. For players with thicker wallets, the High Roller events start from PHP 50,000 (~US$ 875) to PHP 100,000 (~US$ 1,750).

The festival schedule also includes an exciting Step Program, giving players a chance to qualify for the Asia Pacific Poker Tour – APPT Manila in July. For as little as PHP 2,000, players can work their way up to the Super Qualifier, where a PHP 125,000 package awaits the champion. This is the perfect opportunity to turn a small investment into an entry for one of Asia’s most prestigious poker events.

Manila Megastack 22 – Schedule

PokerStars LIVE Manila

PokerStars has been the longest running international brand in the Asian region with its PokerStars LIVE hub in Manila into its 12th year. The first Manila Megastack was in 2015 and has since been one of the most highly attended low-stakes festival by both locals and international players. Starting April 14, the brand will host daily tournaments and qualifiers every Sunday for the upcoming APPT Manila. Aside from tournaments, cash games are available with a variety of stakes offered around the clock.