Latest Updates on Poker Scene in Asia (4th June, 2025)
Get the Lowdown on Asia's Poker Scene - Weekly News and Tournaments!
Ready to dive into the world of Asian poker action? Welcome to our weekly round-up, your one-stop shop for tournaments, rising stars, top-notch poker rooms, and the latest industry updates across the region.
June's Poker Extravaganza
- June 2-9: Unleash your skills at the Super Cup Busan, South Korea.
- June 7-16: Join the ACE POKER LEAGUE TAIPEI in Taiwan, featuring 70 events!
- June 13-15: Compete in the 17th Singapore Poker Championships, Singapore.
- June 16-25: AAPT Season I takes over Laos.
- June 17-23: Level up at the Korea Poker Cup Series 2, South Korea.
Asian Poker Up-and-Comers
We've spotted two Chinese players making waves at the World Series of Poker in Las Vegas:
Renji Mao (China)
Hot off a 4th place finish in Event #3: NLHE 8-handed, Renji Mao secured a cool $191,550 on May 28. His performance catapulted him to the 18th spot on the Chinese All-Time Money List, with total cashes amounting to $2,800,958.
Read more: 2025 WSOP: Antonio Galiana Wins Second Bracelet in 8-Handed No-Limit Hold'em ($582,008)**
Mengqi 'Flip Man' Chen (China)
Mengqi 'Flip Man' Chen also snagged an early WSOP victory, placing 5th in Event #6: $1,500 Limit Seven Card Stud on May 29. He pocketed $23,271 for his effort.
Read more: 2025 WSOP: Dan Heimiller Pockets $106,840 After Winning 3rd Bracelet in Event #6: $1,500 Seven Card Stud**
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Poker Rooms Worth Visiting: Okada Manila, Philippines
Situated in the heart of Entertainment City, Metro Manila, Okada Manila's poker room is the cream of the crop in the Philippines, boasting impressive luxury and high-quality gaming. Hosting the famous PokerStars LIVE Manila, it's the pulse of live poker activity in the country with cash games, tournaments, and an array of stakes and formats, appealing to both recreational players and seasoned pros alike.
The 2024 IAG Academy IR Awards named Okada Manila's poker room the "Best Poker Room in an Integrated Resort," underscoring its reputation throughout Asia.
Philippines: A Thriving and Poker-Friendly Scene
Thanks to its regulation under the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), the Philippines sports a poker-friendly environment - with both casinos and standalone card rooms licensed for play. Major international tours, like the Asian Poker Tour (APT) and World Poker Tour (WPT), frequently touch down, bolstering the country's vibrant poker scene that attracts a mix of local regulars, expats, and visiting players.
Though online poker is officially limited to licensed operators, live poker has become a thriving industry in the Philippines, with Manila being a prime destination for poker tourism in Southeast Asia.
Vietnam's Ambitious Casino Project in the Works
Vietnam could soon welcome a ground-breaking $2.16 billion casino and resort complex in Van Don, Quang Ninh province. The project spans 244 hectares and seeks to transform the region into an international tourism powerhouse. If approved by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, construction will commence, lasting nine years with a pilot program allowing Vietnamese citizens to gamble, signaling a notable shift in national policy.
Estimated to generate over $9.6 billion in tax revenue during its 70-year lifespan, the integrated resort would offer luxury hotels, entertainment venues, and a casino, and create jobs, attract foreign investment, and draw tourists to the region. Stay tuned for the final government approval decision!
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- Fuse your poker skills with top-notch entertainment at the Okada Manila's poker room in the Philippines, known for its luxurious atmosphere and diverse poker offerings, including cash games, tournaments, and various stakes and formats, making it a must-visit destination for both amateurs and veterans alike.
- Elevate your poker experience by exploring online poker platforms, where you can find numerous finance opportunities and exciting games, all while gaining access to the ever-evolving world of poker entertainment, such as the ACE POKER LEAGUE TAIPEI, the Super Cup Busan, and international poker tournaments like the Asian Poker Tour (APT) and World Poker Tour (WPT).