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Elmer Kalaquian is a Filipino professional poker player who has established himself as a consistent grinder in the Asian circuit, known particularly for his expertise in fast-structure tournaments and his regular deep runs in Manila-based festivals.
Career Earnings & Biggest Results
With over $188,000 in total live earnings (according to The Hendon Mob), Elmer Kalaquian ranks 82nd on the Philippines All Time Money List. His career is marked by high volume and consistency, frequently cashing in regional tours like the Asian Poker Tour (APT) , Asia Pacific Poker Tour (APPT), and the Manila Megastack.
His breakout performance in terms of single-event payouts occurred in March 2025 at the Ace Poker League (APL) Manila. Kalaquian finished 2nd in the ₱5,500 No Limit Hold’em event, securing a career-best live cash of ₱1,134,600 (~$19,661).
The 2025 season also saw him capture international hardware. In November 2025, he triumphed at the APT Championship Taipei, winning the NT$ 8,000 Super Hyper Turbo (Event #97) for NT$ 207,741 (~$6,622). This was part of a successful series where he also final-tabled another Hyper Turbo event. Earlier in his career, he made headlines by winning the “Power Button” event at the Asia Poker Championship in 2022, snapping a three-year title drought at the time.
Biography & Poker Background
Hailing from the Philippines, Elmer Kalaquian is a staple of the local poker community, often found competing at the Metro Card Club and major casino venues across Manila. He has built a reputation as a dedicated tournament grinder who supports the local ecosystem while increasingly traveling for major Asian stops like Taipei.
His ability to consistently cash in events ranging from the Manila Super Series to the WSOP Online demonstrates a player who is active across multiple formats and buy-in levels.
Play Style & Strategy
Kalaquian’s results indicate a specific proficiency in Turbo and Hyper Turbo formats. His recent victory in a “Super Hyper Turbo” at APT Taipei and a win in a “Last Chance Super Hyper Turbo” at Manila Megastack 23 highlight his mastery of short-stack mathematics and push-fold ranges.
This “speed poker” specialization suggests an aggressive play style that thrives on high-variance spots, allowing him to close out tournaments quickly when holding a chip lead.
