Hey, Poker Players!
Poker Today Is Brutal.
For many, it’s more than just a game — it’s a livelihood. With tournaments happening almost daily across the Philippines, a new champion is crowned every day. But in today’s poker landscape, it’s no longer just about winning once — it’s about winning consistently.
One player who has embodied that consistency is Michael Concepcion.
After taking down the prestigious Manila Poker Cup last year, Michael has now conquered one of the biggest tournaments in Cebu. And he’s not done yet — in the ongoing series, he’s currently the chip leader in another major event at Voyager Poker Club.
From Manila to Cebu, Michael Concepcion is proving he’s not just a one-time champion — he’s a force in Philippine poker.
THE MAN BEHIND THE POKER PLAYER
We sat down with Michael Concepcion for a series of questions — but midway through, we realized there was really only one question that mattered.
The same question that’s on everyone’s mind today.
So we asked him.
Your name is Michael Gabby Concepcion? Were you named after the famous actor?
“No, my father’s name is Miguel, my grandfather’s name is Gabino. It was just a coincidence!”
What started your path to making poker a career?
“I’ve been playing poker since 2008, but I only started taking it seriously in 2023 when I decided to go full-time.”
WHat was the big push to take poker seriously
“Before going pro, I was just playing Zynga Poker with my friends,” he said a hared Michael Concepcion. ” We Eventually, we tried out live cash games at Masters and Metrowalk.”
What started as casual fun quickly evolved into something more serious. From friendly digital matches to real-world stakes, that transition marked the beginning of his poker journey — one that would eventually take him to the top of major tournaments.
Did you have a mentor to guide you on your poker journey?
“I didn’t have a mentor,” Michael said. “I just learned from experience and self-study when I decided to play full-time.”
That decision to go all in — without a coach, a team, or backing — speaks volumes about his discipline and commitment. It’s a grind that only a few can endure, and even fewer can thrive in. But Michael did just that.
From grinding in some of the biggest rooms and tournaments in Manila, now your mostly in cebu any reason?
“I’m just here in Cebu to have a good time,” Michael adds with a calm smile. “The cash game action here is really good.”
Despite his recent tournament successes, Michael isn’t chasing the spotlight. For him, it’s about enjoying the game, finding the right spots, and staying grounded. That’s what makes him dangerous — he’s not just playing to win, he’s playing because he loves the grind.
who was your toughest opponent in the CHase cup?
“We Of course, two names stood out throughout the Chase Cup 2025:
John Matsuda — the prodigal son of Cebu, and
Christopher “Big Time the Devil” Mateo — a feared presence at any table.
These two didn’t just play; they commanded attention every time chips hit the felt.”
How do see poker in cebu as a growing poker community?
“To be honest, I feel like many Cebu players are still stuck on old strategies. I don’t mean to offend anyone — I’m just saying what I observe at the tables. The game’s evolving fast, and if we don’t adapt, we’ll be left behind.”
whose your idol in poker?
“When I started to play full time, Vam is whom I Idolize. Right now there are too many good players, so its hard to choose who to idolize today.”
what the biggest advice to become a good player?
“Just play your game. Learn from the mistakes you make, then adjust and adapt. That’s how you grow — not by trying to copy others, but by understanding your own game and evolving from experience.”
How do you see yourself years from now?
Hopefully to become one of the most successful players in Ph.
