PokerStars LIVE’s Manila Megastack 19 opens its curtains in two weeks
Having wrapped up its richest installment earlier this year, PokerStars LIVE is spicing up the gloomy weather with another edition of its fan-favorite Manila Megastack series this month of September. From 19th through 29th, players can head down to the luxurious Okada Manila, Philippines, and battle across the felt for a piece of the PHP 37,000,000 (~USD 655,810) guaranteed festival pot. Another round of 40 trophy events graces this season’s lineup with buy-ins remaining affordable at the range of PHP 10,000 (~USD 175) – PHP 150,000 (~USD 2,650).
The headlining Main Event stands front and center, hoisting a generous PHP 20,000,000 (~USD 354,500) guarantee sure to entice a strong force from the local player pool, along with its fair share of international runners. Aside from the Main Event games, festival attendees will find their schedules packed to the brim, with ten more events lined with guarantees, and at least one available daily. Scroll down below for more on these highlights.
Manila Megastack 19 – Player Guide
Manila Megastack 19 Main Event
The awaited Manila Megastack 19 Main Event kicks off at exactly twenty days, with is first of four flights slated to hit the felt on Wednesday, September 25th. Three more come in following through Friday, September 27th, each geared to play down to ITM at 15% of the field. Buy-in remains the same at PHP 45,000 (~USD 800), with unlimited re-entries allowed across all flights.
Entries start off with a 30,000 stack equivalent to 300x the opening blinds, where players will need to course through 40 minute blind levels through to Day 2. Final table sees an extended 60 minute gameplay, and a champion crowned by the series’ concluding day. In addition to the coveted podium prizes, the top two winners will also receive PHP 200,000 (~USD 3,540) valued 2024 APPT Championship packages taken from the prize pool.
There are many ways to join, more so for those who find the entry fee a bit too steep for their bankrolls, with a number of milestone qualifiers available throughout the schedule. For as low as PHP 6,700 (~USD 115), tournament runners can score Main Event tickets for a fraction of the price and potentially turn up a seven figure profit across this season’s games.
Date/s: September 25 – 29, 2024
Buy-in: PHP 45,000 (~USD 800)
Guarantee: PHP 20,000,000 (~USD 354,500)
Flight A: Wednesday, September 25
Flight B: Thursday, September 26
Flight C: Friday, September 27
Flight D (Turbo): Friday, September 27
Day 2: Saturday, September 28
Final Day: Sunday, September 29
Manila Megastack’s Roster of Champions
PokerStars LIVE has been shaking up the local scene since it doubled the Main Event guarantee earlier this February. That bold move paid off quite well with the festival reaching peak numbers over its latest edition. Manila Megastack 18 saw Norway’s Henrik Tollefsen clinch another PS title, earning him a worthy PHP 5,651,000 (~USD 100,948) score.
In just five recent showings, the Manila Megastack series has grown to more than double its attendance results, with 917 entries turning up across its 18th installment, generating a prize pool over PHP 36 Million (~USD 638K). Considering the trend, it won’t be surprising to see a four digit entry mark hit this season’s festivities, and double its listed PHP 20,000,000 (~USD 354,500) guarantee.
| Date | Manila Megastack Edition | Champion | Prize (PHP) | Prize (USD) | Entries | Prize pool |
| Februrary 2024 | 18 | Henrik Tollefsen | ₱5,651,000* | $100,948* | 917 | ₱36,034,345 |
| December 2023 | 17 | Masafumi Matsushita | ₱3,941,000* | $71,249* | 870 | ₱26,582,850 |
| February 2023 | 16 | Terry Gonzaga | ₱2,051,000* | $37,229* | 533 | ₱16,285,815 |
| November 2022 | 15 | Bell John Perez | ₱2,234,000 | $40,017 | 487 | ₱14,880,285 |
| September 2019 | 13 | Hiroshi Naito | ₱2,840,000 | $54,824 | 435 | ₱12,531,915 |
Other Guaranteed Events
Ten more guaranteed events complement the Manila Megastack 19 schedule, adding up another PHP 17,000,000 (~USD 301,320) in prizes across the festival tally. Opening day sees the single day Super Stack event play down to completion, followed by the PHP 3 Million (~USD 53K) guaranteed Kickoff event. Each day packs a ton of action with at least one guaranteed event offered all the way through the series’ concluding day. On average, buy-ins for the listed side events hover around the PHP 15,000 (~USD 265) mark, allowing even recreational players to join the fray.
- Kickoff, Megastack Turbo, Survivor Knockout, and Mini Main Event winners receive a ₱200,000 2024 APPT Championship Main Event package taken from the prize pool.
- One ₱165,000 APPT Championship entry will be added to the Mystery Bounty and will be taken from the prize pool.
- Event #1, #9, #14, #18 and #23 winners receive ₱45,000 Main Event entry taken from the prize pool.
| Date/s | # | Event | Guarantee (PHP) | Buy-in (PHP) |
| September 19 | 1 | Super Stack | ₱1,000,000 | ₱12,000 |
| September 19-21 | 3 | Kickoff | ₱3,000,000 | ₱16,500 |
| September 21 | 9 | Deepstack | ₱1,000,000 | ₱12,000 |
| September 21-23 | 11 | Mystery Bounty | ₱2,000,000 | ₱20,000 |
| September 22 | 14 | Double Stack | ₱1,000,000 | ₱12,000 |
| September 23 | 18 | Super Deep | ₱1,000,000 | ₱12,000 |
| September 24 | 23 | Megastack | ₱1,000,000 | ₱12,000 |
| September 24-27 | 26 | Megastack Turbo | ₱2,000,000 | ₱12,000 |
| September 28 | 44 | Survivor Knockout [₱50K Bounty] | ₱3,000,000 | ₱25,000 |
| September 29 | 48 | Mini Main Event | ₱2,000,000 | ₱20,000 |
High Roller Lineup
Just right before the Main Event festivities kick off, high roller enthusiasts will find a number of events on their plate, beginning with a Mini High Roller on Monday, September 23rd. Four more six figure (PHP) buy-in events join the schedule, capped by the series’ highest priced High Roller at its tail end.
The two-day tournament charges an entry fee of PHP 150,000 (~USD 2,650) with Day 2 entry allowed through the final day, Sunday, September 29th. Interestingly, those who fall short of running deep can jump over to the ₱100K NLH Turbo slated for later in the evening as the last few spade trophies stand to be awarded.
| Date/s | # | Event | Buy-in (PHP) |
| September 23 | 19 | Mini High Roller | ₱50,000 |
| September 24 | 24 | Single Day High Roller | ₱100,000 |
| September 25 | 32 | Six Handed High Roller | ₱100,000 |
| September 26 | 37 | High Roller Knockout [₱25K Bounty] | ₱100,000 |
| September 28-29 | 46 | High Roller | ₱150,000 |
Up Next: APPT Manila Championship
The highly awaited Asia Pacific Poker Tour (APPT) Manila Championship is arriving this October 18-27, 2024 at the Coral Lounge, Okada Manila, where the festival boasts an epic PHP 152,500,000 (~USD 2.7 Million) in guarantees. The largest PokerStars event to hit the scene comes with at least seven guaranteed highlights, the biggest of which stands to be the APPT Main Event Championship with a PHP 55 Million (~USD 974K) minimum prize pool. Buy-ins for the upcoming festivities are priced across a higher tier with the Main Event alone setting players back PHP 165,000 (~USD 2,920).
Fortunately, those emerging victorious over the Manila Megastack 19 games can likewise claim entries in addition to their top prizes, with at least six packages valued at PHP 200,000 (~USD 3,540) available for the taking.
First timers to PokerStars LIVE Manila
If you’re new to the scene, PokerStars LIVE Manila stands as 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 in 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 5-10 minutes 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.
About Okada Manila
Okada Manila, a Forbes 5-star destination in the Philippines, seamlessly blends unmatched hospitality, gaming, and entertainment across 30 breathtaking hectares. Known for its unique service philosophy, Okada Manila combines the warmth of Filipino hospitality with the precision of Japanese excellence, ensuring every guest feels truly special.
Guests can marvel at The Fountain, a world-renowned water choreography masterpiece, or dance the night away at Cove Manila, the world’s largest indoor beach club and nightclub, setting the standard for leisure and nightlife. The expansive gaming floor, the largest in the Philippines, features a wide array of table games and electronic gaming machines. Exclusive clubs like Perlas, Maharlika, and the VIP Club offer elite gaming experiences for discerning guests.
For families, PLAY and Thrillscape provide exciting and engaging entertainment options designed to cater to both developmental and recreational needs. The Sole Retreat and the Forbes 5-star-rated The Retreat Spa offer sanctuaries promoting wellness and relaxation. Culinary delights await at over 40 dining venues, and a variety of shopping options ensure convenience and luxury at your fingertips.
Guests can stay in one of 993 luxurious accommodations, each designed for comfort and sophistication. Digital innovations, including the Okada Online Casino and the Okada Manila App, make it easier than ever to enjoy the offerings.
