Representing the Philippines in the global competitive mind sport circuit, a team of Filipino mind athletes made history by securing the country’s first-ever Asian Poker Tour (APT) Pewter Mega Lion trophy, and an all-time high score of USD 7 million mark in consolidated career winnings.
The winning mind athletes are led by Mike Takayama, who initially began his journey in the local billiards scene. During this period, he would often spend days without sleep to observe seasoned players and learn from their strategies. He would then use his earned tips to participate, overcoming a period of consistent losses that nearly drove him to quit.
“Walang nagturo sa akin, ‘yong sarili ko lang ang nag-guide sa akin,” Takayama reflected, highlighting the grit that led him to become the first Filipino to win a World Series of Poker bracelet.
With current career earnings of approximately USD 4 million, Takayama’s recent win in the APT as the first Filipino to hoist the Pewter Mega Lion trophy, cements his status as one of the country’s most accomplished competitive mind sport athletes.
Alongside Takayama is fellow player Lester Edoc, whose career serves as another blueprint for the evolution from local grassroots to international stardom. Edoc’s journey began with organizing small community matches in the mountains of Baguio, before transitioning to the professional mind sport.
Having over USD 2.7 million in career earnings, Edoc has become a respected veteran with a career highlight that includes becoming the first player to win the prestigious RVS Cup Philippine Poker Championship twice. This masterclass has seen him conquer tournaments across Taiwan, Vietnam, and Korea, proving that someone from the Philippine highlands can hold his own against the world’s formidable international pros.
Completing the trio is rising player, Elmer “Kalaquian” Abcede, with his nearly USD 300,000 earnings. Born in Bataan to a taxi driver, Abcede is a licensed professional teacher who initially sought a career in professional billiards before pivoting to the mind sport in 2010. Despite initial struggles to secure sponsorship, his refusal to quit reflects the grit inherent in Filipino talent.
“All the hardship and pain I experienced, built who I am today,” Abcede said, as he continues to strengthen his skills with his disciplined approach.
As poker continues to gain global recognition as a skill-based mind sport combining strategy, psychology, mathematics, and decision-making, Buenas PH, a Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR)-licensed gaming platform, is committed to helping Filipino players compete responsibly on the international stage through its dedicated grassroots support reflected in the team.
Through Buenas PH, the team received the logistical support necessary for their international campaigns, enabling them to focus on the tournaments and bring national pride.
“This monumental win is a testament to their extraordinary Filipino talent,” said Ellen Joy Almanza, Managing Consultant of Buenas PH. “We are proud to have played a part in their journey in becoming the country’s top-ranked players. It is our mission to ensure that the next generation of Filipino talent has the support needed to become world-ranked athletes. Their resilience on the global stage is an inspiration to the entire community, and Buenas is honored to stand behind Filipino gamers who carry that spirit forward.”
By fostering a strictly regulated ecosystem focused on responsible gaming and identity verification, the partnership between the country’s leading mind athletes and Buenas PH aims to elevate the local mind sports community, carrying forward a spirit of resilience.
Currently, Takayama is now in the US representing the Philippines at the World Series of Poker.