Hey, Poker Playas!
Melchor Vasquez (JRV): A Cebuano’s Voice at the Final Table
One of the most respected figures in the Cebu poker community, Melchor Vasquez, known to many as JRV, once again proved his skill by finishing 7th in the incredibly stacked final table of the CHASE CUP 2025.
JRV is no stranger to competition beyond local borders. Just last year, he took down a side event in Taiwan, showing that Cebuano players can compete — and win — on the international stage. A native son of Cebu, he continues to serve as both competitor and quiet leader in the evolving poker scene of the South.
we sat down with JRV and ask him a few questions.
JRV’s answers, soon to follow, will give insight not only into the growth of Cebu poker but into the heart of a player who continues to inspire the community through consistency, humility, and quiet excellence.
On the deep end
How did you start playing poker?
“A friend introduced me to poker sometime around 2008, and from there, I was hooked. It started casually, but the game quickly became something I really enjoyed and stuck with ever since.” – Melchor Vasquez (JRV)
Was there a person who influenced you to play?
“Honestly, no one really influenced me to play. At the time, all I knew was that I could win money playing cash games — that was enough motivation for me.” – Melchor Vasquez (JRV)
3. While you were playing, did you have a mentor or were you self-taught?
“Nope, I didn’t have a mentor before. I just watched poker videos all day and learned on my own. But now, I’m into coaching—because if you’re not studying the game, you’ll get left behind. Lol.” – Melchor Vasquez (JRV)
4. Do you have a poker idol?
“Daniel Negreanu — DNegs has always been my favorite.”
5. You recently made the final table of the Chase Cup 2025. Who was your toughest opponent?
“I’d say three of the toughest were also the most successful local tournament players: John Matsuda, Christopher Mateo, and Kel Concepcion.”
6. Dream heads-up match?
“I’d love to go heads-up against someone with over $1M in tournament winnings — that would be an awesome challenge!”
7. What do you think is the most important trait or tactic for a poker player?
“For me, it’s all about the quality of games you’ve played. Experience is everything.”
8. What makes Cebu and Manila different?
“Honestly, it’s like day and night. But Cebu is definitely catching up — we’ve got big, regular tournaments now and the community’s growing fast.”
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9. Growing up in Cebu, what was it like playing poker?
“Oh, it was tough, man. If you don’t have strict bankroll management, especially in poker, it’s hard to survive.”
10. Who do you think is a future champion from Cebu?
“There are a lot of Cebu players now with real potential — myself included, haha! If they stay focused and keep studying the game, I wouldn’t be surprised to see some of us on the biggest stage soon. 😉😎”
