MANILA, Philippines - The man regarded as the Godfather of Asian poker has been named the unanimous choice to lead the local contingent in the first ever Nations Challenge; the opening event of the World Poker Tour (WPT) National Philippines, which begins on Saturday at the Solaire Resort and Casino in Parañaque City.
Wally Sombero, who retired with a rank of Chief Superintendent (one-star general) from the Philippine National Police (PNP), became the consensus pick of the Pinoy players not only because of his skills on the felt but because of his enormous contributions to the sport.
Nicknamed “The Dream”, Sombero is credited for bringing poker to Asia when he organized the continent’s first ever poker tournament in 2006—with unbridled support from the late Jack Binion (the founder of the World Series of Poker) and Doyle Brunson (considered as the living legend of the game).
Sombero also had a major hand in establishing the poker department of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) wherein private entities, upon obtaining a license, could open and operate a poker room. In 2010, Sombero lobbied for poker to be included in the roster of the International Mind Sports Association (IMSA) and is now considered a game of skill akin to chess and bridge.
“I’m very glad that my dream of making the game a sport is now being realized,” the 58-year-old national skipper said during a phone interview. “The Nations Challenge now makes it like the Olympics. It’s the fulfillment of a dream.”
Sombero acknowledges the efforts of Solaire Poker Room owner Mike Kim for finally bringing a world-class poker event to the country.
“Mike Kim is a Korean-American whose goal is also to bring poker to the next level in the Philippines,” Sombero said. “He shares my dream.”
While no names have been divulged on the other nine who will join Sombero in representing the Philippines, iconic names like former Asian Poker Tour (APT) champions Neil Arce and Vic de Guzman, as well as the only two-time national titlist Kent del Rosario and online phenom Mark Benasa are touted to be heavy favorites to make the line-up, as are the storied Rivera brothers who have all qualified for the WPT Main Event which begins on October 23.
The Philippines goes up against teams from China, Japan, Korea and Malaysia and organizers say there could still be other countries like Australia, Vietnam and even the United States forming their teams for the event.
The Nations Challenge kicks-off a nineteen event, eleven day schedule; the biggest in the WPT’s calendar this year.