A Filipino online poker player has secured a rare seat in one of Europe’s premier live tournaments after winning a PokerStars Gold Pass through an online satellite event on PokerStars, marking what organizers believe is a first for the Philippines.
Rommel Orbigo, an amateur poker player, topped a field of more than 640 players worldwide in a 4 a.m. online satellite tournament on December 22 to claim the $10,300 Gold Pass. The prize includes a buy-in to the European Poker Tour (EPT) Main Event in Paris, which begins on February 23, carrying a €5,300 entry fee.
Orbigo entered the satellite with a $55 Step 4 ticket, which he received through a raffle from the PokerStars Snowball Challenge — an online promotion that feeds players into higher-stakes qualifiers. From there, he navigated multiple stages of online play before sealing the Gold Pass.
According to the PokerStars Live Team, Orbigo’s win is likely unprecedented for a Filipino player. In an email response, the team said it could not recall another Filipino qualifying for an EPT Main Event using a Gold Pass, adding that while it cannot be stated with absolute certainty, it is “very likely” a first.
The Gold Pass allows Orbigo to compete in the EPT Paris Main Event, with options to use parts of the package for hotel accommodations or to apply it toward other EPT stops, including Monte Carlo later this year. Airfare, however, is not included.
While Orbigo has recorded modest live results in local tournaments in Metro Manila, his latest breakthrough came entirely through online poker — highlighting the growing role of digital platforms in giving players from emerging markets access to elite international events.
Preparing for the Paris event, Orbigo said he plans to invest in coaching and mental-game training as he eyes a deep run in the week-long tournament, where recent champions have earned seven-figure payouts. He and his team are also seeking sponsors to help cover travel and preparation costs.
“I hope to represent the Philippines well and make local poker fans proud,” Orbigo said, adding that he is relying on the same online momentum that turned a raffle entry into a career-defining opportunity.
