Welcome to the Asia Poker Round-Up — your weekly snapshot of major tournaments, breakout players, featured poker rooms, and the latest industry news across the region.
Current/Upcoming events in June
- 2-9 June: Super Cup Busan, South Korea
- 7-16 June: Ace Poker League Taipei, Taiwan
- 13-15 June: Singapore Poker Championships XVII, Singapore
- 16-25 June: AAPT Season I, Laos
- 17-23 June: Korea Poker Cup Series 2, South Korea
Asia Player Spotlight
In this section, we use the poker results database The Hendon Mob, to highlight big recent wins by Asian players. This week we have two players that are playing under non-Asian flags:
Renji Mao (China)
Renji Mao delivered one of the few final table results at the World Series of Poker in Las Vegas so far. He finished 4th on May 28 in Event #3: $5,000 NLHE 8-handed for $191,550. This cash moved him to rank 18 in the Chinese All-Time Money List ($2,800,958 total cashes).
Mengqi ‘Flip Man’ Chen (China)
Another player with an early WSOP success is Mengqi ‘Flip Man’ Chen from China. He is proving allrounder knowledge with a 5th place finish in Event #6: $1,500 Limit Seven Card Stud on May 29 for $23,271.
Poker Room Spotlight – Okada Manila, Philippines
If you’re looking to play poker in the Philippines, Okada Manila is the top venue — both in terms of luxury and game quality. Located in Entertainment City in Metro Manila, this world-class resort is home to the PokerStars LIVE Manila poker room, which has quickly become the epicenter of live poker action in the country.
The poker room offers high-quality cash games and prestigious tournament series, including regular stops of the Asia Pacific Poker Tour (APPT) and the Okada Manila Millions. Players will find a wide range of stakes and formats, from No Limit Hold’em to Pot Limit Omaha, catering to recreational players and seasoned pros alike. With spacious tables, attentive staff, and the backing of the PokerStars brand, it provides a professional and secure environment for serious play.
In 2024, Okada Manila’s poker room was awarded “Best Poker Room in an Integrated Resort” at the IAG Academy IR Awards — a testament to its reputation across Asia.
Poker in the Philippines: A Legal and Growing Scene
The Philippines has one of the most poker-friendly legal environments in Asia. Thanks to regulation under PAGCOR (Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation), licensed venues are allowed to run poker games both in casinos and standalone card rooms like the Metro Card Club in Pasig.
This regulatory clarity has helped the country attract major international tours, including the Asian Poker Tour (APT) and World Poker Tour (WPT) events. The local scene is vibrant, with a mix of Filipino regulars, expats, and visiting players, and the country remains a key destination for poker tourism in Southeast Asia.
While online poker remains a gray area (and is officially restricted to licensed operators), live poker continues to flourish — especially in Manila.
Asia Legislation & Industry
Vietnam’s $2B Van Don Casino Project Nears Approval
Vietnam is on the verge of approving a massive $2.16 billion casino and resort complex in Van Don, Quang Ninh province. The project, covering 244 hectares, aims to transform the area into a high-end international tourism hub. If given the green light by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, construction would span nine years and include a pilot program allowing Vietnamese citizens to gamble — a significant shift in national policy.
The integrated resort would include luxury hotels, entertainment venues, and a casino, and is projected to generate over $9.6 billion in tax revenue during its 70-year lifespan. Authorities hope it will create jobs, attract foreign investment, and boost regional tourism. The proposal is currently awaiting final government approval, with provincial officials ready to move forward once the decision is made.
