A global poker stage in Manila: Highlights from a record-breaking second edition 

That’s a wrap. All the cards have been dealt, and the SiGMA Poker Tour has officially concluded its successful second edition in Manila. Before we head to the next stop on the tour, here’s a look back at the moments that stood out at City of Dreams and Soul Poker.

Different journey’s, same stage

Following a record Day 1 start, the SPT recorded its largest Day 1 field to date. 220 players bought in to Day 1D of the Main Event as they battled for a share of a substantial guaranteed prize pool. By the end of the day this had been whittled down to just 47.

With 44 nationalities taking part, this has undoubtedly been one of the most international live poker events in the Philippines this year and an indication of the SPT’s growing global reach. Indeed, even home turf advantage couldn’t stop Indian national Gursimran Brar from knocking out local players to take on Korean challenger Hyunsik Nam during the Main Event. In a game built on steady consistency and early leads, he took home the largest slice of a PHP 15 million guarantee. 

While Gursiman was deep in the final table battle on the night of his flight home, another story from the same event unfolded in a very different way through Tsun Yin Wong, a cigar entrepreneur from Hong Kong who has been closely following the SiGMA Poker Tour since its early stages.

Wong had been waiting for the tour to come closer to his region, and as soon as Manila was announced on the schedule, he made a spontaneous decision – booking a flight specifically to take part in the Main Event. 

Embracing the full experience, he also entered the Cubeia Freeroll, where he put together a strong and competitive run. However, despite building momentum deep into the field, his campaign ultimately ended just short of the final table, narrowly missing out on the biggest stage of the event.

Two different flights, two different moments, but both capturing the intensity and unpredictability that defined the festival in Manila.

The 1-in-205 Million hand

The Cubeia Freeroll proved to be one of the highlights of the festival, drawing a strong turnout and delivering a vibrant, high-energy atmosphere at the tables. Players were welcomed with goodie bags, including the now-famous Swedish socks, adding a light-hearted touch to the competitive action.

The event also produced one of the most unbelievable hands of the entire festival – a bad beat with estimated odds of around 1 in 205 million. It unfolded in dramatic fashion with pocket tens facing pocket kings all-in preflop.

What began as flopped quads for one player turned into an extraordinary loss against a runner-runner royal flush, leaving the table in disbelief.

The player holding the royal flush, Jr Hao Jan, capitalised on the momentum from that unforgettable hand and carried it all the way to victory, ultimately going on to win the Cubeia Freeroll.

A strong double deep run

Another player making waves was Stefan Van Huyssteen, who flew in from Cape Town together with the amiable Sugendran Singh. Stefan had an incredible day on the felt, reaching not one but two final tables. First, he finished 5th in the SiGMA Bounty Tournament, where his AQ could not hold against a flush in a three-way all-in. The Bounty Tournament was eventually won by Christian Cloutier from Canada.

Stefan’s second final table came in the Cubeia Freeroll, where he finished 3rd, rounding off an excellent day of poker.

THM Asian Championship flies the flag for the Philippines

The lion’s share was taken by local player Anthony Castro, earning him PHP 679,600 in prize money. He was followed by Nicodemus Errol, Sumaoi David, and Monteverde Ethan, bringing the top four spots home for the Philippines. From the final thirty, 22 players to place were from the Philippines – a fitting result for the Hendon Mob’s first Asian Championship here in Manila.

For poker players and collectors, this is more than just another title. The phenomenon of chasing results across different countries is known throughout the poker community as flag hunting, and the new THM Asian flag carries special significance. As a brand-new and highly unique flag on The Hendon Mob database, it gives players and flag hunters a rare opportunity to add something truly distinctive to their poker résumé.

SiGMA Poker Tour Mexico

Join us in Mexico City for our North American debut. The five-night live poker festival promises to deliver more than just excitement – on the table is a 2 Million MXN guaranteed prize pool that is fast attracting some of the biggest players out there. Stay tuned for more details. To get ahead of the game, register now or upgrade to the VIP Package.