Norway’s Henrik Tollefsen Wins PokerStars Manila MegaStack 18 Main Event For $101k

The richest PokerStars Live Manila MegaStack has concluded and Norway’s Henrik Tollefsen emerged as the champion in the Main Event, taking home the prize money of $1001k. 

The main event of the series drew in an impressive 917 entries, building  a smashing PHP 36,034,345 (~USD 644,500). Following five days of Main Event action across the felt, Norway’s Henrik Tollefsen clinched the win, claiming prize money of PHP 5,651,000 (~USD 101,020) top prize, the PokerStars spade trophy, and the APPT Main Event Package of $2,145. Exactly one year ago, Henrik ended up at number 9 in the Manila Main Event, he was finally able to win the main event this time.  

Final Table Recap

From 917 entries, only 9 were able to play at the Manila MegaStack Final table. From the beginning of the Final table on the final day of the event, Henrik Tollefsen had an upper hand with 95 big blinds, other players had short stacks which resulted in their early elimination. 

Chen Jingliang and Landry Craig were the first two players to be eliminated, at number 9th and 8th place for $10,171 and $13,398, respectively. South Korean player Chang Jae Yi lost to Jeremy Catalig’s Full House and was eliminated at number 7th taking home $17,328. 

Marikawa Yuta’s short stack didn’t last longer and he lost in a three-way battle to John Paul Flores, Yuta was eliminated at 6th for $22,508. Henrik Tollefsen constantly put ICM (Independent Chip Model) pressure on his opponents. Catalig strikes clashing against Tollefsen went all in with 29 big blinds, unfortunately, he lost to Tollefsen’s pair of kings. Catalig was eliminated at 5th place for $29,386. 

Alvin Jeff was the 4th player to be eliminated from the final table; he lost against Flores. Alvin took $38,139 for his finish. The final table whittled down to three players Flores, Jose Cheung, and Tollefsen. Flores went all in with his ten-hearts and ten-spades. But Tollefsen was waiting for him with his ace of spades and jack of clubs. Community cards favored Tollefsen, earning him the pot. John Flores was eliminated in 3rd place for $49,572.

Now the battle came down to the heads-up between Norwegian and Philippines players to win the main event title. Tollefson had a 3:1 advantage against Cheung, and the two players finally agreed to an ICM Deal. Finally, it was Tollefsen who emerged victorious and walked away with ₱5,651,000*. Cheung Jose walked away with ₱4,369,000* for his runner-up finish. 

Final Table Payouts (PHP) 

Image Credit: SMP & PokerStars

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