Wally Sombero to lead Filipino contingent in WPT Nations Challenge

Wally Sombrero ready to lead the Filipinos
in the WPT Nations Challenge

Retired Philippine National Police Chief Superintendent Col. Wally Sombrero has been tasked to lead the Filipino contingent in the first-ever Nations Challenge.

Sombrero is considered as the Godfather of Asian poker, and was the consensus pick to lead because of his enormous contributions to the sport, as well as his skills on the table.

He is credited with bringing poker to Asia, organizing the first poker tournament in the continent back in 2006, with the unbridled support of World Series of Poker founder Jack Binion and poker legend Doyle Brunson. He also helped establish the poker department within the Philippine Amusements and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), from which the private sector can own and operate their own poker room (once a license has been secured).

Nicknamed "The Dream," Sombrero also lobbied for the game to be part of the sports under the umbrella of the International Mind Sports Association (IMSA).

In a phone interview, he was very glad that his "dream of making the game a sport is now being realized, sharing that "The Nations Challenge now makes it like the Olympics."

He also acknowledged the efforts of Solaire Poker Room owner Mike Kim in bringing a world-class poker event to the country, noting that he shares his dream of bringing "poker to the next level in the Philippines."

Although the identities of the other nine members of Team Philippines have yet to be revealed, it is highly likely that former Asian Poker Tour champions Neil Arce and Vic de Guzman will be included, alongside two-time national winner Kent del Rosario, Mark Benasa, and the Rivera brothers.

China, Japan, Korea, and Malaysia are among those who will be a threat to the Philippines in securing the inaugural title, with organizers revealing the possibility of countries like Australia, Vietnam, and even the United States forming their own squad.

The Nations Challenge serves as the first of nineteen events for the World Poker Tour National Philippines, which kicks off on October 18 at the Solaire Resort and Casino in Parañaque City. Lasting eleven days, it is the biggest event on the WPT calendar, with the highly anticipated Main Event to take place starting October 23.