P3 million at stake in Bravio Cup poker

CEBU - A minimum prize pool of P3 million awaits the champion of the 8th leg of the Filipino Poker Tour (FPT) - Bravio Cup, which opened yesterday at the Bravio Sports and Resto Lounge along A.S. Fortuna Street in Mandaue City.

Poker aficionados from the different parts of the Philippines flocked to become the eighth millionaire along with Mike Tyler of Cebu, Kirby Te of Davao, and Kent Del Rosario, Neil Arce, Joshua Rivera and Ramil Tandoc of Manila, who bested the earlier legs.

“Poker is 100% a game of skill more than luck. We would like to establish it as a mind sport changing the image of poker as a form of gambling,” said FPT founder Alan Escaño.

“We are bringing FPT here since we find Cebu as the next biggest market for poker plus the Bravio Sports had a good card room and aside from that the first champion in FPT was Mike Tyler, who’s from Cebu City,” Escaño said.

They are planning to have FPT here in Cebu once a year because they could see the positive reactions of the Cebuanos.

“I am so glad for the positive reactions that the Cebuanos have for FPT that’s why part of our plan is to have FPT here in Cebu once a year,” he said.

The versatile actor-model Troy Montero was also present during the press conference since he was the very first celebrity champion in the Poker All Stars category.

“I find playing Poker very interesting compared to other sports that I played before. This, indeed, requires a unique skill and you need to be very alert all the time and be keen if you really aim to win,” said Montero.

Along with Montero were his girlfriend Aubrey Miles, John Estrada and Alex Pagulayan, who will also be playing for the All-Stars Poker category in this event.

The FPT-Bravio Cup was supported by the Pokerstars.com and sanctioned by Philippine Amusements and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR).

The drama unfolds among the best of the best, amateur and professional alike at the Filipino Poker Tour-Bravio Cup to determine who will be the next poker millionaire as it culminates today. – Marigold P. Lebumfacil (THE FREEMAN)