APPT National Draws 599 Entries as Rafael Medel Claims the First Shard Trophy
The APPT National became the next major test at APPT Manila 2026, and it produced a significant result for the Philippine poker scene.
Rafael Medel defeated a field of 599 entries to win the ₱30,000 APPT National, collecting ₱2,525,000 and the first APPT Shard Trophy of the Manila festival.
The APPT National carried an ₱8 million guarantee, with players receiving a 25,000-chip starting stack and 30-minute levels during the opening stage.
Medel’s victory became one of the early highlights of the festival because the Shard Trophy represents a new trophy design introduced for APPT Manila’s major events.
While the National was progressing, other tournaments continued across the venue. The festival’s schedule included the ₱75,000 Megastack Mini High Roller, a ₱15,000 Knockout and multiple qualifying events.
The combination of major championship events and parallel tournaments has been one of the defining characteristics of the series.
With the APPT National decided, the festival moved toward its next major attraction: the PokerStars Red Dragon, which began on July 31 with a ₱15 million guarantee.
