HomeMark your calendars! The biggest Asian Poker Tour event of the year is just around the corner! Happening from April 27 to May 8 is APT Philippines 2022 at world-class venue Resorts World Manila. Year after year, this event has proven to be the brand’s most beloved stop with players flocking in from around the globe. Like previous installments, the series coincides with Japan’s Golden Week celebration. Here is everything you need to know about the upcoming event and all the reasons why it should not be missed.
Let us start you off with what’s on everyone’s mind… international entry and regulations. We are happy to share that after a two year ban, the Philippines is now open to foreign travelers. To enter the country, all you need is proof of full vaccination plus an RT-PCR test negative result taken within 48 hours of arrival or laboratory-based antigen test negative result taken within 24 hours of arrival. Quarantine measures have also been lifted. Once in the country, to enter RWM, full vaccination is required and masks are mandatory.
And now for some great news.. with APT live events back on track, this year marks the 12th year partnership between the brand and RWM. For this momentous occasion, APT Philippines 2022 promises to be more lucrative than ever. The Main Event guaranteed prize pool has been bumped up to a whopping Php 15 Million (~US$ 290,900), that’s an added Php 5M from previous!
In 2019, the Main Event pulled in an APT Philippines record attendance of 503 entries, then later in the year, it surpassed it at the second installment with 515 entries. In terms of overall prize pools, at its peak the series amassed over US$ 1.7 Million.
If past editions are a testament to its trending popularity, then players can expect another smashing turnout. And speaking of turnout, with the series taking place during Japan’s most celebrated Golden Week holiday, the APT expects a large influx of 100+ Japanese players making the trip.
Without fail, every time APT Philippines comes around, cash game tables are roaring! If you didn’t know this already, Resorts World Manila has the lowest rake in the country of just 5%. Based on past stats, the tables during the series are so lucrative that the average house rake consistently triples. Table stakes start at Php 50 – 100 up to Php 100 – 200 – 500. Higher stakes are available upon demand.
Aside from poker, a large part of why APT Philippines should not be missed is the chance to explore what this beautiful country has to offer. Since it is summertime, and Covdi-19 cases are at a low, the metropolis is buzzing 24/7. Shops and restaurants are back in business and the nightlife is swinging. A short flight away from the big city are islands lined with stunning beaches. Boracay is popular among locals and foreigners. Its powdery white sand and clear waters are absolutely mesmerizing. El Nido in Palawan is another gem especially for snorkeling, scuba diving, and nature tripping. Overall, the choices are endless.
An overview of the schedule
The APT takes pride in crafting the best schedule and tournament structures which is why our customer base continuously grows. For the first time, APT Philippines will guarantee a towering Php 25 Million (~US$ 485,000). As mentioned above, the bulk is reserved for the Main Event which features a first time high Php 15 Million guarantee. Buy in is Php 55,000 (~US$ 1,050). Other events highlighting the big bucks are series opener Mystery Bounty Php 2 Million (~US$ 39,000) guaranteed and APT Championships Php 8 Million (~US$ 155,000) guaranteed. Here’s a brief look at those events.
The Main Event is one of the most sought after tournaments in the region. Its deep structure allows for ample playing time. Get there early and you start with a stack of 250x the opening big blind. Blinds increase at a very slow 60 minute pace. Signing up is also quite generous with late registration closing one hour into Day 2.
The APT Championships extends a similar deep stack structure, however its high buy in of Php 82,500 (~US$ 1,600) tends to attract a tight field of mostly top notch players. Often, the prize pool is close to that of the Main Event or higher but with less payouts. This event is viewed as the APT Main Event for high rollers.
Have you ever played a Mystery Bounty tournament? If not, this is your chance. Popularized in the states, the APT introduced this new bounty format in the Philippines last March and it was nothing short of a thriller. Unlike traditional bounty events, bounty rewards only kick in once the money round is reached. Bounty amounts remain secret until they are drawn and revealed. This makes for plenty of dramatic moments as players hunt down the biggest mystery prizes. Buy in is Php 16,500 (~US$ 320), Php 5K of each buy in goes to the bounty pool.
Value alert! As early as now, players can win a Main Event seat for very cheap via ClubGG. Every Saturday leading up to the event, two APT Philippines Main Event seats will be given away. Each seat is worth US$ 1,050. All you need to do is download the ClubGG app, purchase a membership at just US$ 50 per month, and immediately have access to the world’s biggest events for free! On April 9, the first two seats were won by players nicknamed “Pelicans” (Australia) and “McGanja” (USA). The next two seats were won by OILCAN and P7955-7667, both from the USA.
The upcoming APT Philippines features 23 events with buy ins from Php 5,500 (~US$ 107) to Php 107,500 (~US$ 2,085). In addition to a wide variety of Texas No Limit Hold’em games are two Pot Limit Omaha events and one Short Deck.
Tourist information and Accommodations
The most convenient airport to fly into for APT Philippines is the NAIA Terminal 3. Resorts World Manila is directly across and can be reached via the fully airconditioned pedestrian bridge – Runway Manila – which is two floors up from baggage claim area. The short 5-10 minute walk leads you to free shuttle buses that can take you to the venue and to any of the hotels in the immediate area.
If you are seeking accommodations, there are plenty of choices walking distance to RWM. As early as now, players can avail of Casino Rates at these hotels. To make a reservation, send your request to christianmichaeljohn.javierto@theasianpokertour.com.
Belmont Hotel
Superior Room
Php 11,700/night
Sheraton Hotel
Deluxe Room (44 sqm)
Php 11,120.03/night
Php 11,790.21/night with breakfast for 1
Php 12,460.39/night with breakfast for 2
Marriott Hotel
Deluxe Room
Php 11,038.72/night
Php 11,704/night with breakfast for 1
Php `1,369.28/night with breakfast for 2
Hilton Hotel
Guest Room (40 sqm)
Php 8,598.10/night
Php 9,580.74/night with breakfast for 1
Php 10,563.38/night with breakfast for 2
Holiday Inn Express
Superior Room
Php 3,700/night with breakfast