The Asia Pacific Poker Tour (APPT) Manila Championship 2025 isn’t just a poker festival — it’s a celebration of skill, culture, and the unyielding spirit of the game that connects players across the region. Scheduled from October 16–27, 2025, at PokerStars LIVE Manila at Okada Manila, the event is expected to attract competitors from around the globe for 12 days of high-stakes action, with ₱155 Million guaranteed prize pools across 81 tournaments.
This isn’t just another tournament series; it’s a sign that live poker in Asia is thriving, and the Philippines continues to establish itself as the central hub for poker excellence in the region.
APPT Manila’s Growth — From Regional Series to Asian Powerhouse
The Asia Pacific Poker Tour was founded by PokerStars in 2007 to promote professional poker in Asia in a way similar to its popularity in Europe and America. Over the years, stops in Macau, Seoul, and Manila helped transform the APPT into a tour that defined the poker landscape across the East.
Manila, in particular, has become the beating heart of the tour. Its combination of accessibility, entertainment, and high-quality gaming makes it a natural home for PokerStars LIVE. By 2024, APPT Manila had already become one of the most anticipated stops on the global poker calendar.
“The Manila leg has always felt like a second home for Asian grinders,” a PokerStars LIVE Manila spokesperson said. “It’s where passion meets precision. The energy in that room is unlike anywhere else in the region.”
With the APPT Manila Championship returning in 2025, the series is expected to build on that excitement, with ₱155 Million in guarantees positioning it as one of the richest poker festivals in Asia.
What to Expect in the 2025 Schedule — 81 Events for Every Player
The 2025 schedule is designed to accommodate players of all skill levels and bankrolls. With 81 events, including 63 trophy tournaments, buy-ins range from ₱2,500 to ₱1,000,000, making the festival approachable for recreational players while still challenging seasoned professionals.
Key Events Include:
- Okada Kick-Off (₱8 Million GTD, ₱20,000 Buy-in) — Oct 16–18
- APPT Open (₱20 Million GTD, ₱60,000 Buy-in) — Oct 17–20
- PokerStars Red Dragon (₱20 Million GTD, ₱70,000 Buy-in) — Oct 19–21
- APPT National (₱10 Million GTD, ₱35,000 Buy-in) — Oct 21–24
- APPT Super High Roller (₱10 Million GTD, ₱500,000 Buy-in) — Oct 22–23
- Mystery Bounty (₱10 Million GTD, ₱25,000 Buy-in) — Oct 23–26
- APPT Main Event (₱60 Million GTD, ₱165,000 Buy-in) — Oct 23–27
- One Million Challenge (₱1,000,000 Buy-in) — Oct 25–26
- APPT Mini Championship (₱3 Million GTD, ₱35,000 Buy-in) — Oct 26
- APPT Championship High Roller (₱10 Million GTD, ₱300,000 Buy-in) — Oct 26–27
Additionally, a ₱1 Million Charity Event (R+A) on October 23 will combine skill and generosity, with the top five players earning free entries into other high-stakes tournaments and proceeds going to local Manila charities.
“Charity games are a favorite tradition here,” said Rafael Fajardo, PokerStars Manila Tournament Director. “It’s a reminder that poker can create winners not only at the tables but also in the world.”
The Crown Jewel — APPT Championship Main Event
The centerpiece of the festival is the APPT Championship Main Event, boasting a ₱60 Million Guarantee (~US$1.08 Million). Scheduled for October 23–27 with a ₱165,000 buy-in (~US$2,900), it’s designed for the most dedicated grinders, featuring deep stacks, hour-long levels, and a final table played on a hands-per-level structure to encourage strategic, skillful play.
Last year’s champion, Vietnam’s Trong Hieu Ngo, captured the ₱11.6M top prize (~US$200K) and the coveted PokerStars Shard Trophy, setting the stage for a highly anticipated 2025 showdown.
“When I played in Manila last year, the players showed respect and fearlessness,” Ngo said. “There’s something magical about this city — I’m looking forward to returning and competing again.”
Players to Watch — Contenders and Local Heroes
The 2025 lineup promises to be highly competitive. Local standout Justin Ong has consistently made waves on the Asian circuit and secured two APPT Main Event packages earlier this year. International pros like Yuri Dzivielevski, Michael Soyza, and Danny Tang will also be vying for titles, alongside rising talents from Korea, Japan, and India.
“The field in Manila is always tough,” said Michael Soyza, a PokerStars live circuit regular. “Players here blend Asian creativity with GTO precision. You can’t underestimate anyone.”
This mix of experience, ambition, and local pride ensures the APPT Manila Championship 2025 will be one of the most thrilling in the tour’s history.
PokerStars LIVE Manila — Asia’s Premier Poker Destination
The PokerStars LIVE Manila Room at Okada Manila offers one of the most professional and luxurious poker experiences in Asia. Recognized as the Best Poker Room in an Integrated Resort by Inside Asia Gaming, it combines top-tier tournament operations, a stylish design, and exceptional service.
Players are steps away from world-class restaurants, lavish suites, and the stunning Okada Fountain, one of the world’s largest multicolor dancing fountains.
“It’s more than a poker room — it’s a community,” a staff member said. “Here, friendships, rivalries, and even proposals happen. Every hand has significance.”
The Philippine Poker Scene — Growth and Accessibility
The Philippines has emerged as a poker hub for Asia. Stable regulations, visa-friendly policies, and world-class infrastructure attract players from Taiwan, India, Hong Kong, and beyond.
With visa-free access for many nationalities and a short flight from major Southeast Asian cities, Manila is an ideal destination for live poker. Post-pandemic, the region has seen increased international participation, highlighting the growing prominence of Asian live poker.
Off-the-Felt Experiences — Parties, Food, and Entertainment
APPT Manila is about more than just cards. Players can enjoy:
- Players Welcome Night (Oct 18) — food, drinks, and networking
- APPT Players Party (Oct 24) — a festival celebration at the Okada Fountain
- Stars Lounge & Chairman’s Lounge — for relaxing, networking, and unwinding between events
“Poker is the main attraction, but the community makes it special,” said David Chen, a frequent APPT participant from Taiwan.
Travel and Accommodation — Your Guide to Okada Manila
Okada Manila is 15–25 minutes from Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) and offers 993 luxurious rooms, a 3,000-square-meter spa, and gourmet dining options. Players are encouraged to book early, as accommodations fill quickly during major events.
Nearby attractions include City of Dreams, Solaire Resort, and the Mall of Asia Arena, ensuring plenty of entertainment beyond the poker tables.
A Legacy of Excellence — APPT’s Impact on Asian Poker
Since its inception, the APPT has created poker legends and propelled careers across Asia. From Randy Lew to Michael Soyza, the tour has consistently been a stepping stone for talent in the region.
The APPT Manila Championship 2024 drew 416 entries with a total prize pool of ₱247 Million. In 2025, expectations are even higher, with anticipation building for an unforgettable festival.
“Poker is thriving in Asia, and Manila is leading the way,” said Trong Hieu Ngo.
Looking Ahead — The Future of Live Poker in Asia
The APPT Manila Championship is part of a broader resurgence of live poker in Asia. With upcoming events like WPT Cambodia and APT Jeju, and PokerStars LIVE’s continued expansion, 2025 promises to be a banner year for the region.
The Philippines’ combination of hospitality, luxury, and accessibility ensures it will remain central to this growth.
Final Thoughts
The APPT Manila Championship 2025 promises a festival that will define poker in Asia. With ₱155 Million in guarantees, luxurious facilities, and a competitive field, it’s a must-attend event for professionals, recreational players, and fans alike.
In poker, moments define careers. This October, many of those defining moments are set to happen at Okada Manila.
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FAQ — APPT Manila Championship 2025
Q1: When and where is the APPT Manila Championship 2025?
A: The APPT Manila Championship 2025 is scheduled from October 16–27, 2025 at PokerStars LIVE Manila, Okada Manila, Philippines.
Q2: How many tournaments will be held during the APPT Manila Championship 2025?
A: The festival features 81 tournaments, including 63 trophy events, catering to a variety of buy-ins and skill levels.
Q3: What is the total guaranteed prize pool for the festival?
A: The event boasts a total of ₱155 Million in guaranteed prize pools across all tournaments.
Q4: What is the buy-in for the APPT Main Event?
A: The APPT Main Event has a ₱165,000 buy-in (~US$2,900) with a ₱60 Million guarantee (~US$1.08 Million).
Q5: Who can participate in the tournament?
A: The festival is open to players of all skill levels — from recreational players to seasoned professionals. International players are welcome, with visa-free access for many nationalities.
Q6: Are there any special events besides the main tournaments?
A: Yes, there’s a ₱1 Million Charity Event on October 23, a Players Welcome Night on October 18, and the APPT Players Party on October 24 at the Okada Fountain.
Q7: How do I book accommodation for the event?
A: Okada Manila offers 993 luxury rooms and dedicated APPT accommodation packages. Players are encouraged to book early, as rooms tend to fill quickly during the series.
Q8: Which players are expected to participate?
A: Local stars like Justin Ong, and international pros such as Yuri Dzivielevski, Michael Soyza, and Danny Tang, are expected to compete, alongside rising talents from across Asia.
Q9: What makes PokerStars LIVE Manila special?
A: The venue combines luxury, professional tournament operations, and community spirit, with close proximity to restaurants, opulent suites, and the world-famous Okada Fountain.
Q10: How can I stay updated on the latest news from APPT Manila 2025?
A: Follow updates on BetterPokerNews and the official PokerStars LIVE Manila website, which will provide schedules, live updates, and results throughout the festival.
Sources:
- PokerStars LIVE Manila — APPT Manila Championship Official Page
https://www.pokerstarslive.com/appt/manilachampionship/ - So Much Poker — APPT Manila Championship ₱155M Guaranteed
https://somuchpoker.com/news/appt-manila-championship-%E2%82%B1155m-2-6m-gtd - Okada Manila Official Website — Hotel and Travel Information
https://www.okadamanila.com/ - Asia Pacific Poker Tour (APPT) History and Schedule
https://www.appt.com/ - Inside Asia Gaming — Best Poker Room in an Integrated Resort Award
https://www.insideasiagaming.com/