5 More Players Secure Their Seats for the Chase Cup 2025!

With the Chase Cup 2025 kicking off on May 11, momentum continues to build as five more players successfully locked in their seats through the satellite events. These daily satellites, featuring guaranteed seats and affordable buy-ins, are making it easier for players to take their shot at one of Cebu’s most anticipated tournaments.

The steady turnout and strong participation in the satellites are a great sign of what’s to come. With excitement building, and players arriving from across the country, the Chase Cup 2 is shaping up to be another milestone event for Cebu’s growing poker scene.

A Glimpse Into the Cebu Poker Community

Like Manila, Cebu has its share of top-tier players—highly skilled, seasoned competitors who seem to navigate final tables with ease. In Manila, names like Mike Takayama, Lester Edoc, Marc Rivera, Peng Mendoza, Lemmor Patulot, and Chris Mateo often come to mind when we think of elite talent. Cebu is no different in that regard—there’s a strong core of players that consistently perform at a high level. But what truly sets Cebu apart is the diversity in playing styles and personalities within the broader community.

Poker in Cebu is known for being lively, unpredictable, and—at times—amusingly unconventional. One Davao player once joked, “Cebu players are fish in tournaments, not in cash games.” While perhaps a bit tongue-in-cheek, there’s some truth to this playful jab. Cebu tournament players are known for being call-heavy, often chasing draws and sticking to hands in ways that surprise even seasoned pros.

To illustrate, here’s a recent hand I played:

• I was on the button holding 9♠8♦, with blinds at 100/200.

• A middle-position player raised to 1,700, and five players called. It was a good spot for me to come along.

• The flop came Q♦10♣9♥—I had bottom pair and a gutshot draw. Everyone checked, and I led out for 2,500. All five players called.

• The turn was the 6♠, giving me a double gutshot draw. Again, checks all around, so I shoved all-in. To my surprise? Everyone called.

• The river was a 3♦, which didn’t help anyone. Cards were revealed:

  • One player showed 9♦2♣

  • Another had A♠K♠

  • One held J♦J♣

  • Two players mucked

The hand ended in stunned silence, followed by a bit of laughter. It was chaotic, unexpected, and oddly typical of Cebu tournament dynamics.

That’s part of the charm of the Cebu scene. You never know what’s coming next, and that unpredictability keeps the game both fun and challenging. While the city has its strategic heavyweights, many local players bring an enthusiastic, fearless approach to tournament play—a reminder that poker is as much about heart and reads as it is about GTO.

Cebu’s Rise: A New Era of Competitive Poker

One of the best things about the evolving Cebu poker scene is its growing focus on tournaments. There’s always something happening, and this consistent schedule has drawn in a wave of new players, keeping the energy alive and the competition fierce.

While Manila may boast larger guarantees, Cebu shines in other areas—particularly with its commitment to side events and lower-GTD tournaments that still deliver excitement and value.

Unfortunately, some poker rooms in Manila have developed a reputation for frequently canceling guaranteed events, often pointing fingers at player turnout. One poker room—well-known and located in a pink-themed casino—was even considered the top offender in this regard last year.

In contrast, Cebu takes pride in its reliability. Canceling a tournament here is virtually unheard of. Even in the face of overlays, organizers push forward. Reputation matters, and instead of shifting blame, Cebu poker rooms focus on creating value and finding ways to bring players in, not push them away.

As Cebu continues to grow, it’s clear: this city is fast becoming the true battleground for competitive poker in the Philippines.

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Satellites in Full Swing as Chase Cup 2025 Draws Closer

The road to Chase Cup 2025 officially began weeks ago, with satellite tournaments kicking off as early as a month ago—not only here at Voyager Poker Club, but also across various locations in Mindanao. As the main battleground, Voyager is now buzzing with activity, setting the stage for what’s expected to be a major poker showdown.

Players from Davao have already started arriving in Cebu, eager to get a feel for the local field and the competitive atmosphere that only Voyager can deliver. True to form, Voyager Poker Club continues to stoke the excitement, running a full slate of guaranteed seat satellites and promos to ensure every player gets a shot at glory.

Today, the action heats up with a 5-Seat GTD Satellite scheduled at 2 PM—just one of many opportunities for hopefuls to secure their spot in one of Cebu’s most anticipated events of the year.

Stay locked in as we continue our coverage leading up to the Chase Cup 2025 main event!