PokerStars Live Starts the Year with Fan Favorite Manila Megastack

today at 3:20 AM

Live poker in the bustling Philippine capital of Metro Manila is ready to make a splash this 2025, beginning with one of PokerStars Live’s most popular events, Manila Megastack. In just under two weeks, the eight-day series hits the felt at Okada Manila, bringing over PHP 31 million (~$538K) in guarantees from January 20-27. A total of 36 trophy events fill the schedule, headlined by an eye-catching PHP 20 million (~$341K) guaranteed Main Event.

Manila Megastack 21 is the renowned brand’s opening series for the year with eight more festivals penned on the calendar. International runners flying in will find their travels worthwhile as another round of games begins just five days after the Megastack festivities conclude with Manila Super Series 21 slated from February 1-9.

Pokerstars Live Manila Megastack 21

Manila Megastack 21 Main Event

Back for another Manila Megastack showing, this season’s games feature a PHP 20,000,000 (~$342K) guaranteed Main Event yet again right as the weekend approaches. The headliner action kicks off on the 23rd, commanding a similar buy-in of PHP 45,000 (~$765), while also offering players multiple chances to qualify with four total heats lined up. Each flight is geared to play down to ITM at 15% of the field, running 40-minute blind levels through to Day 2. Only nine players are set to return for the Final Day battle, with 60 minutes on the clock giving more than enough room to showcase their skills.

A champion will be crowned just in time as the series concludes on Monday, January 27th, awarding not only a seven-figure worthy prize but also two 2025 APPT Manila Main Event packages valued at PHP 125,000 (~$2,000) to the top two winners.

Last year saw three Manila Megastack offerings play out, each one breaking its astounding PHP 20 million (~$341K) guarantee. 2024 Manila Megastack champions Henrik Tollefsen, William Ysmael, and Richard Marquez, claimed all the accolades, with Norwegian pro, Tollefsen bagging the biggest loot of all three. Tollefsen came out on top of the Manila Megastack 18th edition, which attracted the largest turnout to date at 917 entries. While the games closed with an ICM deal heads up, Tollefsen still walked away with a staggering PHP 5.6 million (~$97K) in winnings off of the richest Manila Megastack prize pool in history at PHP 36 million (~$643K).

The two latter Manila Megastack offerings drew in a smaller crowd, yet still awarded local champions Ysmael and Marquez, each a noteworthy first place prize of PHP 3.7 million (~$63K), laying out an idea of what this series is about to bring to the table.

Buy-in: PHP 45,000 (~$765)

Guarantee: PHP 20,000,000 (~$342K)

Flight A: Thursday, January 23
Flight B: Friday, January 24
Flight C: Saturday, January 25
Flight D (Turbo): Saturday, January 25
Day 2: Sunday, January 26
Final Day: Monday, January 27

Other Guaranteed Events

Aside from the Main Event festivities, seven more guaranteed events complement the schedule, giving players a full festival experience day in and out. Opening day sees two highlights – Super Stack and Kick-off, set off straight away, each featuring seven-figure (PHP) prize pools. Buy-ins for the side events range from as low as PHP 7,500 (~$125), reaching up to a PHP 100,000 (~$1,700) high, sure to attract its fair share of recreational players and pros alike.

In addition to the listed highlights, five high-tier buy-in tournaments will likewise be on offer, the most expensive of which, two-day High Roller, capping the games on the series’ tail end. Those who have a knack for milestone qualifiers will also find their schedules packed to the brim, with several available including step satellites to win APPT Manila packages for the mid-year celebration.

Date	Event	Guarantee	Buy-in
Jan 20	Super Stack	₱1,000,000	₱15,000
Jan 20-22	Kickoff	₱3,000,000	₱16,500
Jan 22-23	Mystery Bounty	₱2,000,000	₱20,000
Jan 23	Super Deep	₱1,000,000	₱15,000
Jan 24-25	Megastack Turbo	₱500,000	₱7,500
Jan 26	Survivor Knockout (₱50K Bounty)	₱2,000,000	₱25,000
Jan 27	Mini Main Event	₱1,000,000	₱15,000

For the full schedule, check out our Events Calendar here.

First Timers to PokerStars LIVE Manila

If you’re new to the scene, PokerStars LIVE Manila is one of the metropolis’ most popular poker hubs. Daily tournaments and cash tables are offered. The poker room is conveniently situated within Okada Manila making it easily accessible for guests staying on the premises. Additionally, guests can indulge in breathtaking views of Manila Bay and its captivating sunsets from the hotel, adding to the overall experience.

For international travelers, Okada Manila is within a 5-10-minute drive from NAIA Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. For NAIA Terminal 3, the trip to Okada is just 15 minutes. To avoid getting ripped off, the best way to get to the venue is by Grab Car.

Accommodation

Of course, the best place to stay while attending the event is at Okada Manila. The resort is rated one of the best and most luxurious. Make sure to contact PokerStars LIVE Manila as special player rates may still be available. For those who would like to explore other options, there are a plethora of places to stay in the area and all are nearby.

Contact PokerStars LIVE Manila: +63-956-736-9676

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

Explore the nearby Entertainment City: Located near Okada Manila, Entertainment City is a vibrant entertainment complex that offers a variety of attractions, including casinos, shopping malls, restaurants, and nightlife venues.
Visit the Mall of Asia: One of the largest shopping malls in the Philippines, the Mall of Asia is a popular destination for shopping, dining, and entertainment.
Relax at the Manila Baywalk: Take a leisurely stroll along the Manila Baywalk and enjoy stunning views of the sunset over Manila Bay. This waterfront promenade is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike to relax and unwind.
Explore Intramuros: Step back in time and explore the historic walled city of Intramuros, which is home to well-preserved Spanish colonial architecture, churches, and museums. Take a guided tour to learn more about the area’s rich history.
Visit the National Museum of the Philippines: Immerse yourself in Filipino culture and history by visiting the National Museum of the Philippines. Explore the museum’s collections of art, artifacts, and historical exhibits that showcase the country’s heritage.
Take a food tour of Manila: Dive into the vibrant food scene of Manila by taking a food tour of the city. Sample local dishes and street food favorites while learning about Filipino cuisine and culture.
Relax at a nearby beach: Escape the hustle and bustle of the city by visiting one of the nearby beaches, such as Manila Bay or nearby resorts in Cavite or Batangas. Enjoy a day of sun, sand, and sea while unwinding in a tropical paradise.