APT Manila Classic Kicks off the 2025 Asian Poker Tour Season
Table Of Contents
The Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria in Manila, Philippines, will be full to bursting between February 7 and February 16 when the Asian Poker Tour (APT) calls it home for its first festival of 2025. The APT Manila Classic 2025 schedule comprises 100 scheduled tournaments across several formats and disciplines and boasts ?143 million ($2.4 million) in combined guaranteed prize pools.
City of Dreams, Manila, hosted the 2024 edition of this festival and did so in record-breaking style. By the time the final champion was crowned, APT Manila Classic 2024 had written itself into the history books by becoming thelargest and richest Philippines-based poker series in tour history.
Last year's Main Event commanded an ?85,000 buy-in, which 1,081 entrants paid. Daniel Lee emerged victoriously after a heads-up deal with South African Edgar Antezana; he walked away with ?15,060,000 ($258,645) and the coveted APT Main Event trophy, while Antezana banked ?13,850,000 ($237,864).
The 2025 edition of the APT Manila Classic Main Event has a more affordable ?60,000 buy-in (approx. $1,000) and comes with a ?60 million ($1 million) guarantee in its prize pool.
Other eagerly anticipated events include the APT High Roller and the APT Super High Roller. Whoever comes out on top in the Main Event or those two other high-stakes tournaments will receive a TWD 320,000 ($10,700) seat in November's APTC Championship, plus an additional $500 to help with expenses.
APT Manila Classic 2025 Full Schedule
*approx. conversion rate of $1 to ?58
Cash game players are catered for throughout APT Manila Classic 2025, with No-Limit Hold'em and Pot-Limit Omaha games running with blinds from ?50/?100 ($1/$2) to ?2,000/?4,000 ($35/$70). The organizers are happy to run Open Face Chinese Poker and Badugi tables upon request.
Daniel Lee Triumphs in Main Event as APT Manila Achieves Unprecedented Success
Where to Stay for the APT Manila Classic 2025
As is usually the case, the APT has joined forces with DK Poker Tour Bookings to offer traveling players special deals on hotel accommodation and airport transfers. One-way transfers from Ninoy Aguino International Airport cost the equivalent of $60; depending on traffic conditions, it takes 30-60 minutes to get from the airport to the APT Manila Classic 2025 venue.
Among the DK Poker Tour Bookings offers are a $170 per night stay, including breakfast in the Crowne Plaza Hotel's standard room, of $300 per night for a one bedroom suite. Those prices increase slightly to $180 and $310 per night if you book for less than five nights.
Stopping at the Crowne Plaza means you should not incur additional travel costs because you are staying at the festival's venue.
The Hop Inn Hotel Ortigas Center is a more budget-friendly hotel, with room-only rates starting at $40 per night. It is located a 15-minute walk from the APT Manila Classic 2025 venue (1.3 kilometers away).
Go Hotels Ortigas Centre is priced between the two previously mentioned hotels. Its standard rooms with breakfast start at $65 per night. This hotel is a mere 220 meters from where you'll be grinding tournaments and cash games.
Where to Eat, Drink, and be Entertained
Foodies should be delighted to learn that Manila is packed full of restaurants and eateries of all descriptions; even the fussiest of eaters will find something. Mama Lou's Italian Kitchen at the Robinsons Galleria, which is attached to the tournament venue, is a popular haunt. So are Hainanese Delights , Ramen Nagi , and Crisostomo . Those three places are also located in the Robinsons Galleria.
Several Robinsons Galleria outlets have special offers for APT Manila Classic 2025 players and staff. Show your Asian Poker Tour Membership Card or Staff ID to the staff at the following places to receive these special offers:
| Venue | Offer |
|---|---|
| Nono's | Free chicken bites when you spend ?1,500 |
| Ramen Nagi | Buy 2 regular Butao Ramen and receive 3 Chicken Jarage and 3 Gyoa pieces for ?999 |
| Coco Ichibanya | Free mini salad and iced tea with every curry meal |
| The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf | Free upsize for any regular drink |
| Gerry's Grill | Free Shanghai when you spend ?1,000 |
| Go Bento | 10% of your bill |
| Palgakdo | One complimentary iced tea |
| Mangan | 10% discount when you spend ?1,500 |
| World Chicken | 15% off two siding platters |
| Aunti Anne's | Buy 1 get 1 free on Passion Fruit Cream Cheese pockets |
| Panaderro | 10% off regular priced food and drink |
| OD Café Express | Free 12oz coff with a ?300 food purchase |
| Kawaiice | Buy 1 get 1 free on Black Sesame Kawaiice |
In addition to the APT Manila Classic 2025 player's party on February 13, you may want to check out The Spirits Library in the heart of Makati, around a 20-minute ride from the festival venue. Expect expertly crafted cocktails, premium whiskey, and rare spirits in this 1930's 1930s-style speakeasy.
Mansion Sports Bar has three venues in one: M Bar, M Lounge, and M Dining. Located in Makati, It is open until 2:00 a.m. Sunday through Wednesday and until 3:00 a.m. Thursday through Saturday.
