The Philippines reigned supreme in the international poker circuit after the country secured its first-ever Pewter Mega Lion trophy at the recent Asian Poker Tour (APT), a landmark win that has propelled the players to $7 million USD in consolidated career earnings.
(From L-R) Filipino poker players Edgar Asehan, Jan Jason Leoncio, Mike Takayama, Terry Gonzaga, and Lester Edoc.
Filipino poker legend Mike Takayama navigated a field of 136 elite international entries, at one point surviving with only three big blinds, to secure his 17th career APT title. The victory earned him a career-best TWD 9.76 million (approx. PHP 18 million) and the distinction of being the first-ever Filipino to hoist the Pewter Mega Lion. His rise began as a poker dealer in local billiards halls. After years of observing seasoned pros and overcoming early setbacks, he has amassed over $4 million in career earnings. With his latest win, he holds the distinction of being the only Filipino with a World Series of Poker (WSOP) bracelet and is currently closing in on the #1 spot for the Philippines’ all-time earnings.
“Walang nagturo sa akin, ‘yong sarili ko lang ang nag-guide sa akin (No one taught me; I guided myself),” Takayama shared, reflecting on the self-reliance that led to his historic APT win.
Other athletes include Lester Edoc and Elmer “Kalaquian” Abcede. A veteran from Baguio, Edoc rose from running modest home games to winning over $2.7 million on the international stage. As a two-time RVS Cup champion, he has proven his dominance across Taiwan, Vietnam, and Korea. Meanwhile, Abcede is a licensed professional teacher from Bataan and the son of a taxi driver who brings a disciplined, academic approach to the game. With nearly $300,000 in earnings, his journey from the Metro Card Club to international tournaments reflects the grit inherent in Filipino talent.
“All the hardship and pain I experienced built who I am today,” Abcede said as he recalled experiencing struggles to find stakers at the Metro Card Club. He shared that his refusal to quit led him to a successful partnership with Buenas PH.
The victory marks a turning point for the Philippines in the global competitive circuit, cementing the country’s status as a powerhouse in the world of skill-based mind sports. Supporting this international campaign is Buenas PH, a PAGCOR-licensed platform dedicated to professionalizing the sport. By providing the necessary logistical framework, the brand enables these athletes to represent the Philippines at the highest level of competition.
“This monumental win is a testament to extraordinary Filipino talent,” said Ellen Joy Almanza, Managing Consultant of Buenas. “We are proud to have played a part in their journey toward becoming the country’s top-ranked players. It is our mission to ensure that the next generation of talent has the support needed to become world-ranked athletes.”
By fostering a strictly regulated ecosystem focused on responsible gaming and identity verification, the partnership between the country’s leading poker players and Buenas PH aims to elevate the local poker community. As these athletes continue to break records, they carry forward a spirit of resilience that continues to inspire the global mind sports community.
Takayama is set to represent the Philippines at the upcoming World Series of Poker starting late May in the US.
