The countdown has begun — it’s almost time to chase PokerStars glory, the iconic Shards and Spadies trophies that symbolize excellence in poker.
From October 16 to 27, 2025, the Asia Pacific Poker Tour (APPT) makes its grand return to the world-class Okada Manila, where the newly renovated Coral Lounge will host the second edition of the APPT Manila Championship.
With a staggering ₱155,000,000 guaranteed prize pool (approximately US$2.6 million), this is set to be one of the most prestigious and largest poker festivals in Philippine history.
As the event draws near, excitement across the Asian poker community continues to surge. Packages have long been sold out, and the player list keeps growing by the day.
Leading the charge is Vietnam’s Trong Hieu Ngo, the reigning champion who triumphed over a 416-player field in last year’s inaugural APPT Manila Main Event. Ngo captured his first-ever PokerStars trophy and a top prize of ₱11,610,000 (≈US$200,000). This year, he returns to Manila aiming for a back-to-back title defense.
Another name to watch is Justin Ong, one of the Philippines’ rising poker stars. Ong has been on a sensational run, winning both the 2025 APPT Manila Main Event and the PokerStars Red Dragon event, securing two APPT Championship Main Event seats in the process.
Also expected to compete are international standouts such as Youngtaek Lim, Tran Hai Ha, Ronald Haverkamp, and Gi Boum Kim, alongside local representatives Czardy Rivera, Benhur Ybarsabal, and Jason Kyle Magbanua.
This gathering of Asia’s finest poker talents is set to ignite Manila once again — a festival of skill, strategy, and prestige that will echo across the region.
APPT Manila Championship Highlights
2025 APPT Manila Championship
Looking back at last year’s success, the APPT Manila Championship attracted players from 50 different countries, awarding a total of ₱247,000,000 (~US$4.27 million) in prize money across 43 events.
This year, the scale is even bigger — featuring 81 tournaments, including 63 trophy events, promising more champions, more prestige, and even larger prize pools!
The buy-ins range from ₱2,500 (~US$43) up to ₱1,000,000 (~US$17,300), ensuring that both recreational and professional players can find the perfect event to suit their level and ambition.
🎯 Main Highlights
Event | Date | Buy-in | Guarantee |
|---|---|---|---|
Early Bird Special | Oct 16 | ₱2,500 | 🎁 Free ₱60,000 APPT Open seat |
Okada Kick-off | Oct 16–18 | ₱20,000 | ₱8,000,000 |
APPT Open | Oct 17–20 | ₱60,000 | ₱20,000,000 |
PokerStars Red Dragon | Oct 19–21 | ₱70,000 | ₱20,000,000 |
APPT National | Oct 21–24 | ₱35,000 | ₱10,000,000 |
APPT Super High Roller | Oct 22–23 | ₱500,000 | ₱10,000,000 |
Mystery Bounty | Oct 23–26 | ₱25,000 | ₱10,000,000 |
APPT Championship Main Event | Oct 23–27 | ₱165,000 | ₱60,000,000 |
APPT One Million Challenge | Oct 23–24 | ₱1,000,000 | – |
APPT Mini Championship | Oct 26 | ₱35,000 | ₱3,000,000 |
APPT Championship High Roller | Oct 26–27 | ₱300,000 | ₱10,000,000 |
❤️ Charity Event [R+A]
📅 Date: October 23
💰 Guarantee: ₱1,000,000
🏆 Prizes:
Top 5 finishers receive ₱24,000 APPT Main Event satellite tickets
Champion also wins a ₱25,000 Mystery Bounty entry. All rake and add-on funds will be donated to charity.
🏆 Main Event: APPT Championship
The crown jewel of the entire festival — the APPT Championship Main Event — boasts a massive ₱60,000,000 (~US$1.08 million) guaranteed prize pool, once again breaking records.
Event Details:
📅 Dates: October 23–27, 2025
💸 Buy-in: ₱165,000 (~US$2,900)
💰 Guarantee: ₱60,000,000 (~US$1,080,000)
Schedule:
Day 1A: October 23
Day 1B: October 24
Day 2: October 25
Day 3: October 26
Final Table: October 27
Structure Highlights:
Day 1 features 11 levels (60-minute blinds)
Late registration open through the first level of Day 2
Day 3 continues until the final table is reached
Final table uses a “fixed-hand format,” where blind levels increase after a set number of hands
🌏 Why the Philippines for APPT
If you’ve never experienced poker in the Philippines, the APPT Manila Championship is the perfect introduction.
Since the late 2000s, the Philippines has become Southeast Asia’s poker capital, hosting year-round tournaments and cash games for both casual and professional players.
PokerStars LIVE Manila, located in Okada Manila, has been awarded Inside Asian Gaming (IAG)’s “Best Poker Room in an Integrated Resort” for two consecutive years — a testament to its world-class quality and event standards.
🏖 Experience Okada Manila
Players will enjoy the heart of Entertainment City Manila, with access to five-star luxury accommodations, fine dining, and vibrant nightlife.
Beyond the felt, the festival combines high-level competition with resort leisure, making the Philippines a must-visit destination for traveling poker enthusiasts.
✈️ Travel & Entry Information
- Visa Policy: Most countries enjoy visa-free entry (length of stay varies by nationality)
- Taiwan: 14 days visa-free
- India: 30 days visa-free with valid US, Japan, Australia, Canada, Schengen, Singapore, or UK visa
- Airport Distance: Okada Manila is only 15–25 minutes from Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA)
- Entry Requirement: Complete the eTravel form online or via the eGOVPH App before arrival
- Transportation: Use Grab, InDrive, or JoyRide for safe, transparent, and convenient rides
🎉 With a ₱155,000,000 guaranteed prize pool, the 2025 APPT Manila Championship is set to make Manila the epicenter of Asian poker once again!
Red Dragon Poker APP Officially Launched
The long-established tournament brand Red Dragon Cup has now released its own app — “Red Dragon Poker.”
The Red Dragon Cup is a well-known Asian poker brand with a strong reputation across the region. Originating in Macau, it quickly became one of the most influential poker events in Asia. Red Dragon Poker tournaments regularly attract players from all over the world, offering massive fields and impressive prize pools.
For those interested, we highly recommend downloading the “Red Dragon Poker” app to join more exciting tournaments.