After two highly successful poker events in 2008, the Asian Poker Tour (APT) has announced the first event for its 2009 tournament schedule. Next year will kick off with the APT Philippines programmed from January 27^th to February 1^st at the Dusit Thani Manila Hotel in Makati, Philippines. The APT representatives informed that the buy-in for this event will be set at $2,500; however, players will have the chance to qualify through a series of qualifiers running online and that will be announced in the next few days.

“The APT has already held two major events this year, APT Philippines and APT Macau. After consultation with players, online partners, and sponsors, a comprehensive schedule is now being planned for 2009 to successfully meet the needs of all concerned. We are looking forward to enhancing poker’s presence in Asia.” said Chris Parker, Chief Executive Officer for the APT.

This 2008 APT Philippines event received a total of 316 entries and featured a $1,000,000 guaranteed prize pool and had several additional attractions such as Asia’s first 13-card poker tournament. The main event was won by Australian poker pro David Saab, who received a juicy $280,000 pay check for his victory. The successful APT Philippines was followed by the APT Macau tournament in August. The event held at the StarWorld Galaxy Hotel and Casino and featured a $1,500,000 guaranteed prize pool.

Chris Parker, CEO of the APT, said that the Tour has big plans and that they are already working in a new schedule that would include at least four major events in 2009. More information regarding the 2009 events will be made by the APT in the following weeks.