Hey, Poker Playas!
We’ve been off the grid for a couple of days, taking a much-needed breather after a packed month of poker coverage — from Manila to Batangas, then back again. It’s been a thrilling but exhausting run, and we’re slowly recovering from the grind.
Up next on our radar: the ₱1.5 Million Guaranteed Tournament at 9D Poker, kicking off on October 27 at 3 PM.
For full details, the official poster is posted.
While we’re still recovering from a series of intense coverages, we’re gearing up for our next stop — the ₱1.5 Million Guaranteed Tournament at 9D Poker, kicking off on September 26.
See you there as we continue to follow the action on the felt! ♠️
Meanwhile, here are some of the things that happened last few weeks.
Main event
The Soul Poker Fest was held a few weeks ago at City of Dreams Manila, featuring multiple side events that drew some of the country’s best and most passionate players.
Amid the fierce competition, one man stood out — Gary Lantoria, who achieved a rare feat by taking home four trophies in a single festival! 🏆🏆🏆🏆
A remarkable run that’s seldom seen in today’s poker scene. Here’s a short interview to get to know more about the man behind the hot streak — Go Gary!
GARY LANTORIA
Gary Lantoria’s poker journey began years ago when he was still young, inspired by his father — a poker player himself. Watching his dad play sparked Gary’s curiosity and passion for the game, but life initially took him on a very different path.
In real life, Gary was a basketball coach, guiding university teams to victory on the hard court. The intense and physical nature of basketball kept him away from the poker felt for many years.
However, after stepping back from his coaching career, Gary found himself drawn once again to the strategic and mental challenge of poker. His natural competitive drive and analytical mindset from years of coaching translated perfectly into the game. What started as curiosity soon became a serious pursuit — one that would eventually earn him four trophies at the Soul Poker Fest.
“The Soul Poker Fest was led by a really good team,” Gary shared. “They always make sure to balance their events with a solid structure so that players can truly enjoy the game.”
Being a true competitor at heart, the Soul Poker Fest turned out to be the perfect battleground for Gary. After capturing his first victory, his hunger for success only grew stronger — and before the festival ended, he had impressively collected four trophies, a remarkable feat in today’s poker scene.
“After the first trophy,” Gary shared, “I started wondering if I could win more. So I waited, hoping for the right moment to enter other events — hunting for more trophies. Then suddenly, one became two, then three… and finally, four.”
whats next?
“I have to balance my life and poker — poker is just a game,” Gary shared. “I do hope I can play more as time permits and start hunting for bigger events and wins! As a kid, I always idolized poker pros like John Juanda, Joe Cada, and Peter Eastgate.
For the local scene, it’s Vic Catalan and, of course, my dad.
I hope someday I can follow in their footsteps and become a WSOP champion.”
he also shared
“Poker to me has always been a game of skill,” Gary shared. “There are many factors you must consider before jumping in. If you move at the opportune moment — with enough study and experience — you can win.”
Hopefully we can see more of gary in upcoming event.
