Hey, Poker Playas!
From the Pandemic to the Present — Poker’s Ongoing Journey
Back when the world was still recovering from the pandemic, and uncertainty loomed over every industry, poker rooms in the Philippines slowly began to reopen—cautiously, but with hope.
It was during that fragile time that we stepped out, braving the world outside to tell the story many were waiting to hear:
Poker in the Philippines is back.
Fast forward to today—while the world once again faces a wave of uncertainty, our mission remains the same:
To share the stories that matter.

After a full month in Cebu, covering two of its biggest events—The Chase Cup and the IVP Cup 2025—and helping Voyager Poker Club showcase not just their tournaments but their identity, we’re now back in Manila, ready to continue the journey.
And we’re kicking things off with something new:
A visit to one of the latest additions to the local scene—Fame Sport Poker Club in Antipolo.
This fresh new room offers a unique vibe, sitting slightly outside the chaos of Metro Manila, yet very much part of the evolving poker movement.
We’ll be sharing our firsthand experience, initial impressions, and more in the coming days.
Because whether it’s in Cebu, Manila, or Antipolo—poker isn’t just back. It’s growing.
And we’ll be right here to cover it.
Journey to fame
Fame Sport Poker Club — A Refreshing Approach in Today’s Poker Landscape
We first heard about Fame Sport Poker Club when they personally reached out to us—
and in today’s poker climate, that small gesture meant a lot.
In a time when many poker rooms act like gods on pedestals, expecting players to worship at their doors, it’s rare—and refreshing—to see a newly opened room take the initiative to connect with the community.
While some venues operate with a “build it and they will come” mentality—throwing up a guarantee, making a poster, and expecting a full house—Fame took a different route.
They reached out.
They listened.
They engaged with the people who actually matter: the players, the community, the storytellers.
While we were still in Cebu and unfortunately couldn’t attend their grand opening, we already sensed something different.
This isn’t just another room opening its doors.
This is a room trying to build something real.
And that alone makes it worth visiting.
A Rainy Day in Manila — Chasing Poker in Antipolo
Back in Manila—and welcomed by grey skies and steady rain.
Still carrying the momentum from Cebu, we had already decided: our first stop would be Fame Sport Poker Club. Curiosity and purpose aligned, and we knew this was a room we wanted to see up close.
Looking at the map, we opted for a more down-to-earth route—something that matched the grounded approach we’ve always believed in. No fancy rides or shortcuts. Instead, we took the LRT-2, watching the city blur past the rain-streaked windows, and got off at Marikina–Pasig Station.
From there, it was a short trip deeper into Antipolo, letting the day unfold slowly as we made our way to this new chapter in Manila’s poker scene.
A rainy day. A quiet journey.
But for us, it’s always been about the road, the room, and the people we meet along the way
Finding Fame — Through Malls and Rain
It was a quick and easy ride, hopping off at Marikina–Pasig Station with the map telling us: just two blocks away. Simple enough.
We followed the route, entering Robinsons Metro East, then weaving our way into Sta. Lucia Mall, letting the rain fade behind the glass as we made our way through the connected walkways.
Eventually, we exited on the far side of Sta. Lucia—only to be greeted by something unexpected: a quiet row of residential houses.
It didn’t look like much at first—no bright neon signs or tournament posters—just a calm neighborhood street. But based on the photos and directions, this was it. Somewhere among those houses was Fame Sport Poker Club, quietly tucked into the local landscape.
A poker room hidden in plain sight.
Discreet. Local.
And waiting to be discovered.
Warm Welcome at Fame — A Hidden Gem in Antipolo
Located on the second floor, Fame Sport Poker Club wasn’t hard to find once we reached the right spot. With the rain easing and the neighborhood quiet, we made our way up the stairs—curious, but hopeful.
As we stepped inside, we were greeted by two warm and gracious receptionists, who welcomed us with genuine smiles and made us feel immediately at ease. There was no awkward tension, no stiff formality—just a comfortable, inviting energy.
When we asked if there was a marketing officer we could speak with, they kindly offered us a seat and drinks while they checked for us. That small gesture—hospitality without hesitation—already said a lot about the culture they were building here.
A game was underway in the background.
The players? Relaxed. Chatting. Laughing.
It didn’t feel like a brand-new room still finding its footing—it felt like a room that already knew its identity: friendly, low-pressure, and welcoming to both newcomers and regulars alike.
This wasn’t a room trying to impress with flashy banners or oversized guarantees.
This was a room trying to make you feel at home.
A Conversation with Fame Sport Poker Club — Building Community Over Hype
We had the chance to sit down with Fame’s marketing representative to better understand their story and vision. In a competitive industry where new rooms constantly pop up and disappear, we asked them the most important question:
In a very competitive industry, what made you decide to build your own poker room?
“We used to be a group of friends playing underground. Then one day, we decided to make it legal—give it structure—and try bringing those friends and fellow players to test it out.
We wanted them to experience what it’s like to play in a real poker room, without the pressure, without the politics. Just real poker, played right.”
It’s a humble yet powerful origin story. Built not from profit-first ambitions, but from community, camaraderie, and a love for the game.
We followed up with another important question:
What would you say is the identity of Fame? What sets you apart from all the other poker rooms?
“We’d like to focus on giving players a place they can call home. Whether you’re a VIP or a low-stakes grinder—we want every player who walks out the door to feel like they were treated well.
That they mattered.
And most importantly, that they’d want to come back.”
In a landscape where many rooms chase the biggest guarantees or flashiest promos, Fame is betting on something simpler but far more lasting—
hospitality, heart, and home.
On Tournaments — Step by Step, with Players in Mind
When asked about their current tournament plans, Fame Sport Poker Club remains grounded but optimistic:
“We’re starting with a satellite this week for the Philippines Poker Millions. We’re taking it step by step. As you can see, we have a small room—for now. But if everything goes well, we plan to expand on both sides of the building, which are available.”
Rather than rushing into massive events or overpromising, Fame is prioritizing what truly matters: the player experience.
“Right now, our key focus is getting players to come in and treating them well—so that they’ll want to keep coming back.”
It’s a simple, effective approach. Build trust, provide consistency, and let growth happen naturally.
No shortcuts. No hype. Just real poker, for real players.
Things are looking quite promising for the newly opened Fame Poker Club.
The foundation is solid, the vibe is genuine, and the vision is clear.
Definitely worth a second visit—sooner rather than later.