PokerStars LIVE, anchored in Okada Manila, Philippines, has had a smashing first half of the year with record breaking results seen across its recently held locally geared offerings. Continuing its momentum, the esteemed tour is set on booking even bigger success with its largest annual showing, Asia Pacific Poker Tour, ready to take on the scene. From July 24 through August 5, a whirlwind of events will take place at Cove Manila, Okada, ringing an impressive PHP 144,000,000 (~USD 2,600,000) in guarantees across its 77 event lineup.
The highly anticipated festival features a mindblowing magnitude for all kinds of players with buy-ins slated at PHP 7,500 (~USD 128) to an exceptional PHP 1,000,000 (~USD 17,130) high for the thrilling single day APPT One Million Challenge. Players making the trek can expect an action packed gaming experience each day, with several trophy events boasting eye catching prize pools that’s sure to keep everyone busy. With a lot to look forward to, the APPT Manila 15 Main Event remains front and center with its PHP 55,000,000 (~USD 942,230) guarantee standing as the biggest highlight of the season.
APPT Manila 15 – Player Guide
APPT Manila 15 – Tournament Schedule
“At Okada Manila, we are immensely proud to host APPT Manila, which stands as a monumental gathering of the world’s elite poker talents. This partnership underscores our position as one of Asia’s premier gaming and entertainment venues, and it is a testament to our ongoing initiatives to transform Manila into a leading destination for the most exciting entertainment”, commented Byron Yip, President and COO of Okada Manila.
https://x.com/PSLiveManila/status/1797909812476543181
APPT Manila 15 Main Event
The awaited APPT Manila 15 Main Event is on its way to making a return in just two more weeks, this time hoisting a significantly larger guarantee at PHP 55,000,000 (~USD 942,230). While a price hike can be seen with the buy-in increased to PHP 80,000 (~USD 1,370), the guarantee itself has been more than doubled in value, giving players a chance to bank much larger paydays.
Kicking off on the first of August, the APPT Manila 15 headliner Main Event is geared to play through three starting flights, all running 40 minute blind levels throughout the qualifying rounds. Each entry buys runners a starting stack of 30,000, equivalent to 300 times the starting blinds with action deemed to wrap up once the field reaches ITM at 15% remaining on the felt. Day 2 sees a lengthier one hour blind duration and will play down to the final table where 75 minutes on the clock will be in effect. Up for the grind, the top two finishers will receive a ₱200,000 APPT Championship Package (seat and accommodation) entry taken from the prize pool, in preparation for the nearing APPT Manila Championship games this coming October.
Dates: August 1-5, 2024
Buy in: PHP 80,000 (~USD 1,370)
Guarantee: PHP 55,000,000 (~USD 942,230)
ITM: 15% of the field
Flight A: Thursday, August 1
Flight B: Friday, August 2
Flight C: Saturday, August 3
Day 2: Sunday, August 4
Final Day: Monday, August 5
APPT Manila History
Last season’s Main Event festivities hailed as a record breaking event for the tour (in terms of prizes) with the games having attracted a staggering 1,354 entries, ten short of its record. Only previously promised a PHP 20,000,000 (~USD 342K) prize pool, the impressive turnout generated an all-time high pot reaching over PHP 76.8 Million (~USD 1.38M). China’s Yuanning Wu topped the massive field and picked up a career best score of PHP 11.5 Million (~USD 207K) for his notable victory. Singapore’s Wilson Lim on the other hand, ranks as the biggest APPT winner, having emerged victorious across the record largest APPT field back in 2018.
“The APPT circuit was established in 2007 and quickly became the reference tour in Asia, thanks to the quality of organisation and amazing venues”, said Cedric Billot, Associate Director of Live Events at PokerStars. “The 2024 APPT Manila will be one of the largest APPT ever, held in a new conference space at Okada Casino will be nothing but spectacular“.
APPT Manila Previous Winners
| APPT Season | Champion | Flag | Prize (PHP) | Prize (USD) | Entries | Prize pool |
| 2023 | Yuanning Wu | China | ₱11,519,730 | $207,959 | 1,354 | ₱76,832,730 |
| 2022 | Lai Hua | Singapore | ₱5,973,000 | $107,281 | 801 | ₱45,452,745 |
| 2019 | Florencio Campomanes | Philippines | ₱11,092,500 | $218,166 | 1,135 | ₱64,405,575 |
| 2018 | Wilson Lim | Singapore | ₱12,970,000 | $244,815 | 1,364 | ₱65,492,460 |
| 2016 | Linh Tran | Vietnam | ₱6,135,000 | $130,191 | 577 | ₱25,186,050 |
Key Events
This season’s thirteen day lineup is filled with daily guaranteed events, at least five of them being seven figure prize pools. Action starts right on opening day with the first multiday highlight on schedule, APPT Open, hitting the felt. Following closely behind is the APPT National, and PokerStars Red Dragon’s return after a three year absence, both running just a couple days before the Main Event games begin. By the tail end of the series, players can gear up for the APPT Mystery Bounty and Mini Main Event, and snag the last few trophies up for grabs.
| Date/s | Event | Guarantee (PHP) | Buy-in (PHP) | |
| July 24-25 | 2 | Okada Kickoff | ₱3,000,000 | ₱16,500 |
| July 25-28 | 8 | APPT Open | ₱20,000,000 | ₱60,000 |
| July 27-31 | 20 | APPT National | ₱10,000,000 | ₱40,000 |
| July 27-29 | 23 | PokerStars Red Dragon | ₱25,000,000 | ₱70,000 |
| August 4-5 | 68 | APPT Mystery Bounty | ₱5,000,000 | ₱40,000 |
| August 5 | 73 | Mini Main Event | ₱2,000,000 | ₱30,000 |
- Event #2 – Okada Kickoff Winner receives ₱80,000 APPT Manila Main Event entry taken from the prize pool.
- Event #8 – APPT Open: Top 2 receives ₱200,000 APPT Championship Package (seat and accommodation) entry taken from the prize pool.
- Event #20 – APPT National Winner receives ₱200,000 APPT Championship Package (seat and accommodation) entry taken from the prize pool.
- Event #23 – PokerStars Red Dragon: Top 2 receives ₱200,000 APPT Championship Package (seat and accommodation) entry taken from the prize pool.
- Event #68 – Mystery Bounty One (1) ₱200,000 APPT Championship Package (seat and accommodation) will be included in the mystery bounty taken from the prize pool.
- Event #73 – Mini Main Event Winner receives ₱200,000 APPT Championship Package (seat and accommodation) entry taken from the prize pool.
High Roller Highlights
Players should get ready to have their bankrolls well padded with a lengthy lineup of events ahead, including at least eleven High Roller tournaments on schedule. While the majority of the high tiered highlights post no guarantee, high roller enthusiasts can enjoy competing across smaller fields and against undoubtedly skilled opponents for some unmatched glory.
The two-day APPT High Roller, slated for the festival’s last two days, joins the list of guaranteed events with a PHP 10,000,000 (~USD 171,310) banner up high for a price tag of PHP 250,000 (~USD 4,280). Debuting this fifteenth season is also the APPT One Million Challenge where buy-in is set at a jaw dropping PHP 1,000,000 (~USD 17,130). Not for the faint of heart, only single re-entry is allowed all the way through.
| Date/s | Event | Guarantee (PHP) | Buy-in (PHP) | |
| July 25 | 9 | Megastack High Roller | – | ₱165,000 |
| July 27 | 21 | High Roller Knockout [₱100K Bounty] | – | ₱220,000 |
| July 28 | 26 | PLO High Roller | – | ₱165,000 |
| July 29 | 31 | Six Handed High Roller | – | ₱220,000 |
| July 30-31 | 38 | Mini High Roller | – | ₱110,000 |
| July 31 – Aug 1 | 43 | APPT Super High Roller | – | ₱500,000 |
| July 31 | 46 | High Roller Hyper Turbo | – | ₱110,000 |
| Aug 1 | 50 | APPT One Million Challenge | – | ₱1,000,000 |
| Aug 2 | 57 | Single Day High Roller | – | ₱165,000 |
| Aug 4-5 | 71 | APPT High Roller | ₱10,000,000 | ₱250,000 |
| Aug 5 | 74 | Last Chance – High Roller Turbo | – | ₱110,000 |
APPT Manila 15 Full Schedule
First timers to PokerStars LIVE Manila
If you’re new to the scene, PokerStars LIVE Manila stands as one of the metropolis’s most popular poker hubs. Daily tournaments and cash tables are offered. The poker room is conveniently situated within Okada Manila making it easily accessible for guests staying in the premises. Additionally guests can indulge in breathtaking views of Manila Bay and its captivating sunsets from the hotel, adding to the overall experience.
For international travelers, Okada Manila is within 5-10 minutes drive from NAIA Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. For NAIA Terminal 3, the trip to Okada is just 15 minutes. To avoid getting ripped off , the best way to get to the venue is by Grab Car.
Accommodations
Of course the best place to stay while attending the event is at Okada Manila. The resort is rated one of the best and most luxurious. Make sure to contact PokerStars LIVE Manila as special player rates may still be available. For those who would like to explore other options, there are a plethora of places to stay in the area and all are nearby.
Contact PokerStars LIVE Manila: +63-956-736-9676
Off the Felt Activities
- Explore the nearby Entertainment City – Located near Okada Manila, Entertainment City is a vibrant entertainment complex that offers a variety of attractions, including casinos, shopping malls, restaurants, and nightlife venues.
- Visit the Mall of Asia – One of the largest shopping malls in the Philippines, the Mall of Asia is a popular destination for shopping, dining, and entertainment.
- Relax at the Manila Baywalk – Take a leisurely stroll along the Manila Baywalk and enjoy stunning views of the sunset over Manila Bay. This waterfront promenade is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike to relax and unwind.
- Explore Intramuros – Step back in time and explore the historic walled city of Intramuros, which is home to well-preserved Spanish colonial architecture, churches, and museums. Take a guided tour to learn more about the area’s rich history.
- Visit the National Museum of the Philippines – Immerse yourself in Filipino culture and history by visiting the National Museum of the Philippines. Explore the museum’s collections of art, artifacts, and historical exhibits that showcase the country’s heritage.
- Take a food tour of Manila – Dive into the vibrant food scene of Manila by taking a food tour of the city. Sample local dishes and street food favorites while learning about Filipino cuisine and culture.
- Relax at a nearby beach – Escape the hustle and bustle of the city by visiting one of the nearby beaches, such as Manila Bay or nearby resorts in Cavite or Batangas. Enjoy a day of sun, sand, and sea while unwinding in a tropical paradise.
