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APT Manila Classic 2025 Set to Ignite the Asian Poker Scene

The poker spotlight is turning to Manila as the 2025 Asian Poker Tour (APT) season gets underway with the much-anticipated APT Manila Classic. From February 7 to February 16, the Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria will be packed with poker enthusiasts, all chasing their share of the massive ₱143 million ($2.4 million) in guaranteed prize pools across 100 tournaments.

A Grand Kickoff for the APT 2025 Season

Manila has long been a hub for poker in Asia, and the APT is making sure its opening event sets the tone for the year ahead. Last year’s Manila Classic, hosted at City of Dreams, shattered records, becoming the biggest and richest poker festival in Philippine history. Expectations are sky-high for 2025 as organizers bring the action to a new venue with an even more ambitious schedule.

The Main Event remains the crown jewel of the festival. In 2024, Daniel Lee bested a field of 1,081 entrants to take home ₱15.06 million ($258,645) after a heads-up deal with South Africa’s Edgar Antezana. This time, the buy-in has been reduced to ₱60,000 (around $1,000), making it more accessible to a wider pool of players, yet still boasting an impressive ₱60 million ($1 million) guarantee.

Asian Poker Tour Manila poker tournament

More Than Just the Main Event

Beyond the Main Event, APT Manila Classic 2025 offers an extensive lineup of tournaments catering to all types of poker enthusiasts. High rollers, mid-stakes grinders, and recreational players will find plenty of action.

  • The APT High Roller and APT Super High Roller events are set to draw elite competitors, each vying for the top prize and a coveted seat at the APT Championship in November.
  • The ₱12,000 NLHE Philippines National Cup, opening the festival, is expected to generate significant local and regional participation.
  • Mixed games lovers can look forward to the ₱12,000 Limit Triple Draw Mix, while Omaha fans have the ₱20,000 PLO Hi-Lo 5 Card Big O to test their skills.
  • Women players will have their moment in the ₱3,000 NLHE Women’s Event, promoting inclusivity and competition among female poker enthusiasts.

A Look at the Full Schedule

Here’s a glance at some of the key events scheduled for the opening day:

Date Time Event
Fri, Feb 7 11:00 a.m. ₱12,000 NLHE Philippines National Cup Flight A
Fri, Feb 7 11:30 a.m. ₱20,000 PLO Hi-Lo 5 Card Big O
Fri, Feb 7 12:00 p.m. ₱100,000 NLHE Single Day High Roller Freezeout
Fri, Feb 7 3:30 p.m. ₱12,000 Limit Triple Draw Mix
Fri, Feb 7 3:45 p.m. ₱3,000 NLHE Women’s Event

With 100 tournaments packed into ten days, players will have no shortage of opportunities to win big and make a name for themselves on the APT circuit.

High-Stakes Thrills and Championship Perks

For those aiming to leave a lasting mark, the stakes have never been higher. The champions of the Main Event, APT High Roller, and APT Super High Roller won’t just walk away with hefty prize money—they’ll also earn a TWD 320,000 ($10,700) entry into the APT Championship in November, along with an extra $500 for travel expenses. This added incentive ensures that top-tier talent will be battling fiercely for the top spots.

Even for those who don’t make it to the biggest buy-ins, APT Manila Classic 2025 offers a wealth of side events and satellites, giving players from all backgrounds a chance to compete for life-changing sums.

Manila’s Poker Scene Set to Thrive

Hosting the APT Manila Classic at Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria signals continued growth for the local poker industry. With a strong history of hosting major tournaments, Manila has become a go-to destination for players in Asia and beyond. The success of past events, including last year’s record-breaking turnout, shows that the poker community here is thriving.

With the combination of prestige, massive guarantees, and a diverse tournament schedule, APT Manila Classic 2025 is shaping up to be another unforgettable stop on the poker calendar. Whether you’re a seasoned pro, an up-and-comer, or just a poker fan looking for the best action in Asia, this festival is where the big moments will happen.

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