The Asian Poker Tour (APT) Manila 2024 has officially concluded, leaving in its wake an exciting and record-breaking celebration of poker. Spanning eleven exhilarating days, this grand festival set the stage for intense competition, showcasing some of the brightest talents from around the globe. For the fifth consecutive year, the APT Manila set new benchmarks for the Philippines’ largest poker series, making it the most lucrative event ever staged in the nation.
Venues and Attendance: A Grand Affair
Held in collaboration with Soul Poker, this remarkable series took over the luxurious Grand Ballroom at City of Dreams Manila. Marking its return to the Philippine capital after a two-year hiatus, this year’s event attracted a staggering 1,321 unique players from 53 different countries, leading to a colossal 8,102 total entries across 101 trophy events. The festival’s prize pool exceeded an astonishing ₱349,691,602 (approximately $5,944,757), proving to be a magnet for poker enthusiasts and professionals alike.
Unforgettable Performances by Indian Players
Following the conclusion of the PokerStars LIVE APPT Manila Championship in nearby Okada Manila, a small, determined cohort of Indian players made a significant impact at City of Dreams. The Indian delegation achieved impressive results with nine cash finishes, including five reaching the final table and two coveted titles.
Leon Menezes ignited the Indian success story by clinching victory in Event #75: ₱8K Turbo – Omaholic. The culmination of the eventful festival came on its final day with Rishi Mehra spectacularly winning Event #103: ₱100K High Roller – Last Chance, confirming India’s prowess in the competitive poker landscape.
Rishi Mehra
Rishi Mehra’s journey through the poker world this year has been nothing short of exceptional. After narrowly missing out on a title at the APT Taipei Poker Classic where he finished as the runner-up in the APT High Roller, he carried that momentum into Manila. His ambition led him to cash in the ₱85K APT Main Event, but he was just biding his time for a larger opportunity.
On the festival’s concluding day, Mehra showcased his skills, topping a competitive field to win the ₱100K High Roller. This remarkable achievement awarded him ₱1,603,900 (~₹23.17 Lakhs), marking his first live tournament title and propelling his total earnings for the festival to ₱1,825,900 (~₹26.37 Lakhs), making him the top Indian earner of the series.
A Thrilling Final Table
Mehra faced a formidable final table comprised of seasoned players, demonstrating his mettle in a high-stakes environment. Among his opponents were Yu Chung “Nevan” Chang, Li Ta “Leon” Hsu, and Tom Verbruggen, each with commendable poker careers. The heads-up finale saw Mehra and Verbruggen go head-to-head, culminating in a gripping victory for Mehra, who enhanced his reputation on the international poker stage.
Final Table Results (PHP)
- Rishi Mehra – ₱1,603,900
- Tom Verbruggen – ₱1,155,000
- Christopher Mateo – ₱751,000
- Abdulaziz Yousef – ₱566,000
- Seitaro Aso – ₱440,000
- Li Ta Hsu – ₱341,000
- Felix Favre – ₱269,000
- Wooseok Kim – ₱209,000
- Yu Chung Chang – ₱165,000
While Rishi’s astounding performance garnered much attention, Leon Menezes’ earlier win was also pivotal to India’s overall success at APT Manila 2024. Known not just for his poker strategy but also as the lead vocalist of a rock band and an entrepreneur, Menezes is indeed a versatile figure. He aimed for yet another accolade in the ₱12K PL Omaha High – Lazy Rivers, finishing third and further cementing his position as a top competitor.
Breaking Records: APT Manila 2024
The APT Manila 2024 festival shattered multiple records throughout its run, including seven unprecedented milestones for field sizes and prize pools. The highlight was undoubtedly the ₱85,000 APT Main Event, which drew an impressive 1,081 entries and culminated in a phenomenal ₱100 Million (~$1.70 Million) prize pool. American player Daniel Lee ultimately claimed the coveted trophy and a hefty ₱15.06 Million (~$256,850), after a heads-up deal with South Africa’s Edgar Antezana, who received ₱13.85 Million (~$235,450).
Several events also set new records, including the Philippines National Cup, Mystery Bounty Hunter, and the APT High Roller, which once again highlight the growing popularity and prestige of poker in the region.
Upcoming: APT Phu Quoc 2024
As APT Manila concludes this remarkable chapter, poker enthusiasts look ahead to the next exciting event, APT Phu Quoc 2024. Kicking off on November 8, this festival promises to deliver an extraordinary experience set against the backdrop of one of Vietnam’s picturesque islands. With 82 tournaments and a guarantee of VN₫ 44 Billion (~$1.70 Million), the excitement is palpable as players prepare for another round of thrilling poker action.
Vietnam has become a favored destination for Indian poker players, and with its easy visa process, APT Phu Quoc 2024 is anticipated to attract a strong Indian turnout, adding a new layer of excitement to the poker tables.
Conclusion
The APT Manila 2024 has solidified itself as a hallmark of the poker community, showcasing the best of skill, determination, and passion. As players continue to reveal their artistry at the tables, the journey forward into APT Phu Quoc promises to be equally enthralling, making it a season to remember in the world of poker.
Content and Images Courtesy: Asian Poker Tour
