HomeAfter twelve days of nonstop poker, the APT Philippines Championships 2018 came to a close with two featured events and 19 side events all in the books. The festival ran from March 21 – April 2 at Resorts World Manila bringing in over 2300 entries, 600 unique players representing 42 countries around the world, and a grand total prize pool exceeding PHP56 million.
The largest prize money was awarded at the Main Event with 325 entries to easily surpass the 8 Million guarantee. The prize pool settled at Php15,762,500 with 55 players earning a cut. Lester Edoc won the event, capturing his first APT Main Event title and the Php2,674,900 first place cash. Additionally, the top 20 places received a Main Event Mega Satellite seat to the APT Macau Championships 2018 Main Event. You can read up on the Main Event action in the Live Updates section and as well in News section for the recaps.
After all the event trophies left the awards table, there were a few more awards to give out. Gracing the spotlight were the APT Player of the Series winners. These players were exemplary at the festival closing it out with multiple deep cashes.
Lester Edoc: APT Player of the Series – 1st place
Philippines pro Lester Edoc was the talk of the festival with his phenomenal performance. Edoc won the Main Event, finished runner-up at the Championships Event, and took 9th at the MSW Deep Stack Turbo. These were the only events he attended at the series with just one bullet fired at each one. There’s no other way to say it other than “he totally crushed it”. Due to his impressive achievements, he also won the APT Player of the Series. Below is a brief interview with Edoc after he captured the Main Event.
APT Championships Philippines Player of the Series, Lester Edoc
APT: How does it feel winning today?
Edoc: I feel very blessed now and thankful to our creator for continued guidance. I cannot believe this is happening, my third now for the last 3 major tourneys here in the Philippines. Wow. Like a grand slam. The feeling is indescribable. I’ve been aiming to win this years ago. Last 2013, I finished 2nd to a poker brother and it made me very hungry for this title. At heads up today, I suddenly I woke up and realized that I am closer and had a good chance of fulfilling one of my dreams- to finally win an APT Main Event. This victory is a memorable one.
APT: Can you tell us your strategy entering the final table?
Edoc: I maintain the same strategy, to observe, keep track of my opponents’ stacks and their style of play. I always adjust accordingly. Every final table is different. With a little luck, I am able to finish on top.
APT: Did you find any players challenging today?
Edoc: Heads up hahahahaha! First, congratulations to Japan and Hiroyuki! He played very very well. He is one tough competitor. I needed to change style and adapt to his style of play. He is very tricky. It was a roller coaster heads up but when I finally hit two pair with 95 on a 258 flop turn 9 and he had 68 that was the moment that changed it all. From there, I was careful and patient in order to win it. I dedicate this success to my father who became my inspiration “keep fighting and don’t ever give up dad” like what I always do in every tournament I play.
At the completion of the series, Edoc shipped in a total of Php4,293,800 in prize money, three trophies, two rings, an exclusive luxury watch, and another US$800.
Iori Yogo: APT Player of the Series – 2nd place
POS 2nd placer, Iori Yogo
Japanese pro Iori Yogo also had a fantastic run at the festival. He went deep in four events, 1st at the Championships Event, 1st at the NLH Two Day Event, 14th at the Main Event, and 6th at the MSW Turbo. This collection of achievements earned him 2nd place at the APT Player of the Series race. Yogo is also the second highest earner at the festival with a total of Php3,382,700.
Richard Nakila: APT Player of the Series – 3rd place
POS 3rd placer, Richard Nakila
Philippines player Richard Nakila may not have had an event title to brag about at the festival but he did claim the 3rd place APT Player of the Series trophy. Nakila cashed in five events: 2nd at the NLH One Day event, 3rd at the Super Deep Stack Turbo, 4th at the WeLoveSport.com Turbo, 15th at the MSW Turbo, and 10th at the 6 Handed event. These are highly impressive results for a newcomer to the APT circuit.
Congratulations to all the winners! You can click here for all of the festival’s results and payouts. For your enjoyment, we have daily highlights and featured table Final 8 uploads in the APT YouTube channel; we also have uploads in APT Twitch. So check those out!
The APT would like to thank everyone once again for coming out to support our event. It was a huge success and we look forward to seeing you at the next one which is just around the corner. We will be at the Macau Billionaire Poker on April 25 – May 6 for the twelve day APT Macau Championships 2018. The event falls on Japan’s Golden Week. This is going to be another big festival with the Main Event equipped with a HKD 2 Million Guarantee.
So start booking your trip and we’ll see you there!