Top Poker Players in the Philippines
Did you ever dream of getting WSOP bracelets as you watch poker greats? Did you ever see yourself owning as many as six WSOP bracelets? While it may be something you imagine as you play online poker, it might keep you inspired to see there are Filipino poker players who have made it possible.
Poker has seen a significant rise in popularity in the Philippines, producing many talented players who have made their mark in local and international tournaments.
So, who do you think are the Filipino poker players with the highest chance of winning the most WSOP bracelets?
Poker Players Dominating the Philippine Poker Hall
You’ve probably watched a World Series of Poker main event and got impressed with the strategies and bluffing techniques.
Here’s a look at some of the top Filipino poker players who have excelled in playing poker if you’re keen on understanding Philippine poker lore. If you’ve played poker or watched high-roller tournaments on WSOP final tables, you’re probably familiar with these names.
James Mendoza
James Mendoza is currently recognized as one of the best poker players in the Philippines. He holds a Global Poker Index (GPI) position of 99, and his highest ranking has been 65. Throughout his career, Mendoza has earned over $1.5 million. His notable performances include participating in prestigious tournaments such as the No Limit Hold’em Main EPT Main Event and the No Limit SHRPO Championship. Mendoza’s strategic prowess and consistent results make him a standout in the poker scene.
His journey in poker is marked by continuous improvement and dedication. His highest GPI ranking of 65 highlights his consistent performance over the years. Participating in local and international tournaments, Mendoza has earned the respect of poker fans and players. His story serves as an inspiration to many aspiring poker players in the Philippines, proving that with skill and determination, success is attainable.
While he is yet to have a World Series of Poker bracelet or play in any WSOP main event, his achievements deserve recognition.
Mike Takayama
Mike Takayama is another prominent figure in the Filipino poker scene. With nearly 1,888 points collected, he has earned over $2.9 million in his career. Among the poker players in the Philippines, he has made history as the first Filipino to win the Asia Poker Player of the Year award in 2018.
He won the No Limit Hold’em APPT Super High Roller tournament and secured second place at the No Limit Hold’em High Roller Event #26. He is also the first Filipino to win a WSOP bracelet. After his win, he included plans to play in the main event.
Takayama’s success can be attributed to his strategic approach and deep understanding of the game. He has demonstrated his ability to excel in cash games and tournaments, showcasing versatility and skill. His consistent performance in high-stakes poker events has earned him a loyal following and respect among his peers. His journey and WSOP bracelet are testaments to the potential of Filipino poker players on the international stage and in conquering the Poker Hall of Fame.
Lester Edoc
Lester Edoc is among the best poker players from the Philippines and is one of the most admired figures in the Asian poker circuit. His career, marked by notable career winnings and poker performances, began gaining traction in 2009 with a 3rd place finish at an APPT Cebu side event. Over the next few years, Edoc steadily accumulated four-figure cash, primarily on the Asian Poker Tour (APT).
In 2013, Edoc achieved a significant milestone by finishing 2nd at the APT Manila Main Event. This success propelled him to further victories, including a win at an APT Cebu cash game side event in 2014 and multiple wins in early 2015, culminating in his biggest score of $59,400 at the IPO3 Main Event.
2020 saw Edoc achieving his second-largest score by winning the Red Dragon Super High Roller at Red Dragon Manila for $102,210, pushing his live tournament winnings past the $1 million mark. His ability to adapt was evident when he transitioned to online poker during the COVID-19 pandemic, securing impressive results, including a 4th place finish in the WSOPC Big $500 for $159,979 and winning the GGPoker network $500 High Roller MILLION$ event for $285,646.40.
Currently, Edoc has won plenty of high stakes games and ranks 6th on the Philippines All-Time Money List with over $1.8 million in live earnings, a testament to his status as one of the world’s greatest poker players.
David Erquiaga
David Erquiaga, a member of the Action PH team, is another of the most recognizable players in the Philippines. He has accumulated around $1.6 million in career earnings. Erquiaga’s biggest win is $137,000, and he continues to be a strong competitor in the poker circuit. His recent victory was in the No Limit Hold’em World Poker Tour Opener event in Jeju, South Korea.
Although Erquiaga has yet to win a WSOP bracelet, his consistent performance keeps him on the radar of poker fans and enthusiasts. His journey through the poker world is reminiscent of legends like Doyle Brunson and Johnny Chan, who have left an indelible mark. As he continues participating in major tournaments, including the World Series and Full Tilt Poker, Erquiaga’s potential to add a prestigious bracelet to his accolades remains high. His presence exemplifies the excitement and competitiveness that define poker.
Florencio Campomanes
Another of the best poker players in the Philippines is Florencio Campomanes. He is also a member of the Action PH team and has total earnings of around $1.9 million. He recently won the No Limit WPT Prime Super High Roller Event in Taipei City, which significantly boosted his rankings. Campomanes continues to participate in tournaments, showcasing his skill and dedication to the game.
His WPT title is enough to place him on this list.
John Tech
John Tech has made a name for himself with impressive performances in the Asian poker circuit. His biggest cash prize to date is more than $1.8 million. Tech has consistently finished in top positions in tournaments such as the Asian Poker Tour (APT) Taipei Superstar Challenge, and the Asia Pacific Poker Tour (APPT) Manila.
Marc Rivera
Marc Rivera is currently one of the well-known poker players in the Philippines. Rivera has made significant strides in the poker world with a career that includes total earnings of over $3.1 million.
His most notable achievement was turning a Platinum Pass entry into a third-place finish at the PokerStars Players Championship (PSPC) in 2019, where he won over $2.1 million. This accomplishment has cemented his status as a leading figure in the Filipino poker community.
Enjoy Playing Poker With These Filipino Poker Players
The rise of these professional poker players highlights the growing prominence of the Philippines in the global poker community. Their achievements in both local and international poker tournaments have brought them fame and inspired many aspiring players in the country. With their continued participation in high-stakes cash games and live poker tournaments, these players are set to leave a lasting legacy in poker history.
For anyone interested in the world of poker, the stories of these players offer valuable insights and inspiration to pursue their own poker dreams.
Whether through live tournaments or online poker platforms, the opportunities for Filipino poker players continue to expand, promising a bright future for the poker scene in the Philippines.
While Filipino poker players have yet to be inducted into the Poker Hall of Fame, it’s still good to know that there are those who cemented their name in the industry.
So, what are you waiting for? Check out poker sites and practice. Who knows, you could be among the best players in the world next to Kid Poker Daniel Negreanu, Erik Seidel, Chris Moneymaker, and Howard Lederer, winning WPT titles and Aussie Millions and the most money at the highest stakes while playing Texas Hold’em.
Of course, we also hope to see female poker players on this list soon!
FAQs
Who is the famous Filipino poker player?
One of the most famous Filipino poker players is Mike Takayama. He has earned significant recognition both locally and internationally. A notable cash game player, he was the first Filipino to win the Asia Poker Player of the Year award in 2018. It won’t be surprising to see him play poker among the world’s greatest players like Phil Ivey and Phil Hellmuth, who both have dominated poker, have the most WSOP bracelets, and have played in prestigious casinos like the Monte Carlo.
He is among the most famous poker players who consistently performed in high-stakes tournaments.
Who is the richest poker gambler?
The richest poker player in the Philippines is Marc Rivera. With live tournament winnings exceeding $3.145 million, he has made a significant mark on the poker table.
Who is the greatest poker player of all time?
Aside from Mike Takayama and Marc Rivera, another prominent figure in the Filipino poker scene is Lester Edoc. Edoc has made significant contributions to the poker community and has an impressive track record.
Who is the best poker player right now?
The current best poker player in the Philippines is widely regarded as Mike Takayama, placing against the best players in the world.
Hristo (Christo to his friends) is a seasoned iGaming professional with 18 years experience building iGaming & Fintech products – Casino, Sportbook, Poker, Bingo, Social gaming and Fintech products gathered throughout his career in PokerStars, Winner.com, Playtech, Reflex Gaming. Strong knowledge and expertise in Marketing, Operations, Strategy building and business relationship management.
