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William Ysmael is a veteran Filipino professional poker player who has long been a prominent figure in the Southeast Asian poker scene. A member of the Metro Card Club Team Pro, he is widely recognized as one of the most successful competitors in the Philippines, consistently performing at major festivals like the APPT, APT, and homegrown championships.
Career Earnings & Biggest Results
According to The Hendon Mob, his total live earnings stand at $582,811. His career-best score of PHP 5,400,000 (∼$96,607) came in August 2022 when he secured a historic victory in the Asia Poker Championship (APC) at the Metro Card Club. Ysmael has been exceptionally productive in 2024 and 2025, recording a 5th place finish in the APPT Manila Championship Main Event for PHP 3,060,000 (∼$52,960) and a runner-up finish in the 2025 Manila Megastack 22 Main Event for PHP 3,265,000 (∼$57,111). Other major results include a 1st place finish in the Manila Megastack 19 Main Event for PHP 3,740,000 (∼$66,750) and a 3rd place finish in the Manila Megastack 20 Main Event for PHP 1,660,000 (∼$28,364).
Biography & Poker Background
Originally from the Philippines, Ysmael is a “longtime pro” who has established himself as a dominant force at the Metro Card Club and other premier Manila venues like Okada Manila. He is currently ranked 20th on the Philippines All Time Money List, a testament to his longevity and consistency in one of Asia’s most competitive poker markets. His trajectory is marked by a deep-seated passion for the game, once describing himself as an “anorak” who loves the strategic similarities between poker and social deduction games. While most of his success is centered in the Philippines, he has successfully transitioned to international waters, recording deep runs in major festivals across Taiwan.
Play Style & Strategy
Ysmael is known for a highly confident and technical tournament strategy, often excelling in the high-stakes environments of major championship events. His victory in the Asia Poker Championship demonstrated a dominant heads-up game and the ability to maintain a chip lead through aggressive post-flop play and pressure. Whether he is navigating massive fields in the APPT Main Event or competing in specialized formats like “Mystery Bounty” and “Ultra Stack” championships, his ability to manage variance and capitalize on late-stage opportunities makes him a perennial threat. This analytical approach has earned him a top 25 national ranking in the Global Poker Index (GPI) for the Philippines.
