Ace Poker League (formerly Asia Poker League), renowned the biggest poker brand in South Korea, is headed back to the Philippines! The last time APL roused up the Southeast Asian nation was in 2018 when local pro Lester Edoc took down the Main Event. The brand’s return is great news for the country that has seen a notable decline in international poker events this year.
What to expect
If you haven’t browsed the schedule, APL is set to deliver its richest offering in the country featuring 12 trophies and a substantial ₱25,000,000 (~$447,350) in guarantees. The exciting week-long festival takes place from November 27 to December 3 at 2Ace Poker Manila in Pasay City, Metro Manila.
Highlighting the series is the MAIN EVENT which comes loaded with a ₱20 Million (~$357,880) guarantee. This is the largest guarantee by the brand in the Philippines. It runs from November 29 to December 3 with four entry flights. Buy in is ₱57,000 (~$1,020).
Other events certain to generate hefty prize pools are the APL Tip Off and Mini Main Event. The games open with the APL Tip Off ₱2 Million (~$35,790) guarantee and to close it out is the Mini Main Event ₱3 Million (~$53,680) guarantee.
APL Manila – Schedule
About Ace Poker League
For those just hearing of APL, it is one of the most well established brands in Asia. During the pandemic, the brand focused all of its attention on South Korea, playing a pivotal role in the significant local boom. To display this in numbers, the Main Event prize pool escalated from KR₩ 380,000,000 (~$320K) at the start of the pandemic to a jaw dropping KR₩ 2,181,600,000 (~$1.6M) at their most recent event in Seoul.
Info for travelers
2Ace Poker Manila is located in HK Sun Plaza, Macapagal Blvd, in Pasay City. This is one of the busiest parts of Metro Manila with restaurants, malls, casinos, and many hotels nearby. For players flying in, NAIA Terminal 1, 2, 3, 4 are roughly 20-40 minutes away depending on which terminal you arrive in. To ensure a smooth and safe ride to the area, it is advisable to book Grab Car as taxis will most often overcharge. International travelers should also exchange some cash to local currency Philippine Piso as only casinos and select poker rooms accept foreign currency,