Jessie Leonarez - SOMUCHPOKER

Filipino poker player Jessie Leonarez kicked off his career with a bang, placing first in his maiden run at APT Cebu’s 5th Cebu Open. He bagged a healthy PHP 356,000 (USD 8,011) but didn’t return to regular poker until 2015 when he placed third in the APPT Manila Main Event. Leonarez’s third-place run earned him his biggest cash to date—PHP 2,083,000 (USD 45,626).

Since then, Leonarez’s career has flourished. He nearly matched his biggest cash in 2016 at the same APPT Manila event, again placing third and cashing PHP 2,139,000 (USD 45,391). Leonarez’s other five-figure wins include the APT Manila Main Event in September 2018 where he placed fourth (winning PHP 965,500 / USD 17,898) and the RVS Cup Philippine Poker Championship Main Event in November 2023 where he placed fourth (winning PHP 1,344,435 / USD 24,068).

Leonarez made his international debut in Vietnam at APF Hanoi where he enjoyed a respectable run and a total cash of VND 114,000,000 (USD 4,686). To date, Leonarez has total live earnings of USD 238,236. He continues to be a force in Philippine poker and credits his inspiration to play to Philippine idols Martin Corpuz and Lester Edoc.

*Profile by Zoe Alcazaren