imagine charging players more than the usual percentage while what they offer is not as aggressive as the competitors.

Yet they got away with it, why?

The power of a brand name

One poker room was able to use this to the fullest before the lockdown began. They pushed for high guarantees with the help of their online platform. they could make up the numbers.

Before the lockdown, most poker players know that because of their brand name. players will play. There is absolutely no question about that.

Yes, they too were once vulnerable when they first came here. At first, they tried to push their own culture as well.

Then they started pushing for big guarantees. Again, because of their online satellites. it was easy to make the numbers. 

Let us admit when it comes to guaranteed numbers and guarantees being smashed. one brand stood on top of this one. 

That was really the only thing good about them. The guarantees will be smashed so it is worth playing. 

The other side and Fast forward today

The truth is. that was the only asset they ever had. They were a one-trick pony.

How many are guilty of playing that brand even when you know these questions?

If we were to make a poll which organizer had the worst structure for a poker tournament, which one comes to mind? yes, you played it even knowing the truth?

If you have a problem with a certain ruling. Who will be the first person that comes to your mind? Yet, you would still go for a lesser team.

Let us say you get hungry for a tournament, will the food be accessible? yet you would still play it and just starve so you can play in that event.

Which poker room has the highest registration fee? You know it. Yet, you would re-enter as long as you can because of that chance to win. 

The new normal and the opportunity to rise above.

The world has changed a lot due to the pandemic. the dynamics have changed.

Two organizers understood that.

It could be their time to really shine. And they are making the most of it.

The two poker rooms are.

The Metro Card Club

A modest guarantee, but a real poker tournament.

Players’ health is important.

Yes, their next tournament is only 1.5 Million. The Metro summer event has a modest guarantee with a buy-in of somewhere from 5-7k PHP.

Some of their daily tournaments do not even have guarantees. but if still pushed through.

They are slowly building their brand. With the help of their daily tournaments. If they can keep smashing and doubling the guarantee. Their reputation will increase in value.

The Asian Poker tour

Being innovative – APT RWM Mystery bounty

The closest to a WSOP class tournament with a more Asian-friendly price.

The food and the models

They are pushing their brands

As the new normal begins. they are making sure players know who they are and what they are.

Coordinating with poker media (not only us) to make sure the message is sent across.

We definitely would write about this more in the next article.

It is a new era. things are changing.

Using the few tours that happened in the first quarter. it will be an exciting year for poker in Metro Manila.

So stay tuned!