Batang Metro Poker Challenge Main Event ₱8M Starts Today; Lenart Ecarma, Anthony Castro Win Trophies

Get ready to become the next Metro champion! Starting today, August 14, 2024, the Metro Card Club proudly presents the Batang Metro Poker Challenge Main Event. In this fourth annual edition, the stakes are higher than ever, with the prize pool guarantee increased by several million to a whopping ₱8,000,000 (~$140,000). Five starting heats are scheduled with Day 1A kicking off at 2pm today. Buy in is ₱15,000 (~$265). All the info can be found just below.

Batang Metro Main Event

The Batang Metro Poker Challenge has become one of the most popular local poker events in the Philippines. Debuting in 2019, the event aimed to uncover the next generation of poker talent, the stage where aspiring players’ dreams take flight. However, the competition proved tough for rising stars, with the inaugural title going to seasoned American pro John Francis King.

After the pandemic, in 2022, another established player, Filipino pro Lester Edoc, claimed the second title. It wasn’t until last year did a promising Filipino player emerge as Marvin Cerbit0 secured his first-ever major Metro title. Cerbito outlasted a record 910 entries to take home a personal high payout of ₱1,438,589 (~$25,580).

The next one could be you!

As this year’s edition kicks off, players can expect the biggest names in the local poker scene to take their seats. Without a doubt, Metro Team Pros will be out in full force, joined by decorated Metro champions and regular international players throughout the five starting heats. Among those to expect are Marc Rivera, Mike Takayama, Vamerdino Magsakay, Moses Saquing, Maxwell Rosete, William Teoh, Jae Yi Chang including up and coming tournament players Vivencio Nachor, Jayvon Carreon, Tobias Fabech (recent Metro 700K GTD winner), and Lenart Ecarma who won the BMPC Pre-Event last night.

Batang Metro – Main Event Structure

Players start with 25,000 which is 250 times the opening blinds. For all Day 1 heats (except the Day 1E turbo flight), blinds increase every 30 minutes. Registration closes at the start of Level 11. This is Big Blind Ante – ante first – format until the final table where the Regular Ante will be in effect. All Day 1 flights play down to ITM of 14% of the field. From Day 2 onwards, blinds increase every 40 minutes.

BMPC Side Event Winners

The first BMPC side event winners were crowned last night with Lenart Ecarma crowned at the Pre-Event and Anthony Castro locking up the NLH Turbo.

The Pre-Event drew a large crowd to surpass the guarantee for a richer ₱524,546 (~$9,210) prize pool. The top 24 players shaved portions of that pot. Lenart Ecarma (pictured above) claimed the biggest piece of ₱104,496 (~$1,835) for his victory.

Buy in: ₱4,000 (~$70)
Entries: 166
Prize pool: ₱104,496 (~$1,835)
ITM: 24 places

At the NLH Turbo, Anthony Castro (pictured below) won his second ever Metro side event title after besting the 40 entry-field turning his ₱3,500 buy in into a sweet ₱41,920 (~$735) payout.

Buy in: ₱3,500 (~$61)
Entries: 40
Prize pool: ₱128,000 (~$2.250)
ITM: 6 places

Batang Metro – Schedule

Metro Tourney Most Valuable Player Leaderboard

Since the start of the year the Metro has introduced the Metro Most Valuable Player Leaderboard. Players can accumulate points via Metro Daily Tournaments and Metro Festivals such as the Batang Metro Poker Challenge. At the end of the year, the player with the most points accrued will be crowned the top Metro tournament player of 2024 and will win huge prizes – ₱100,000, 4D/3N at The District Boracay, and a 1 year contract as a Metro Team Pro. Read up on the mechanics below.