Florencio “Flo” Campomanes IV

Florencio Campomanes IV, commonly known as Flo, is a Filipino professional poker player from Paranaque, Philippines. With cumulative live earnings totaling $1.8 million and a highest single cash prize exceeding $270K, Flo stands as a notable figure in the poker scene. Remarkably, he achieved the distinction of being the first Filipino to secure a place at the final table of a Triton event. Currently occupying the 3rd position in the Philippines All Time Money List, Flo attributes some of his success to serendipity, having clinched the inaugural Platinum Pass in 2020 through a fortuitous draw.

Flo operates as a poker vlogger with the username @FLOthefishgoesLive. Through his YouTube channel, he provides insights into the daily life of a poker player. Since its inception in June 2013, he has accumulated 1.06K subscribers from six videos. It is worth noting, however, that his YouTube channel is presently inactive. To remain informed about his latest endeavors, you may choose to follow him on Facebook, where he can be found under the name Florencio IV Campomanes (Flo).

Florencio Campomanes: Early Life

Florencio Campomanes began his poker journey during his freshman year of college, partaking in games with classmates and friends in the village. The rules were somewhat unstructured during those early days. Even as a child, he engaged in “pusoy dos” with household staff, their driver, and his parents, fostering an early familiarity with card games. Viewing it as a mere pastime, his family didn’t take it seriously, but for him, it became a way to pass the time and develop strategic thinking skills. His casual engagement with poker continued during his time abroad, as he indulged in the game while awaiting airplanes, in hotel rooms, and notably, during bonding moments with his parents when he was a child. The activity remained recreational, and a serious career in poker never crossed his mind.

Before completing college, he had already identified poker as his desired career path, steering away from conventional 9-5 jobs. At the age of 18, with over a decade of experience, while at Ateneo de Manila University, he pursued a Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies with a focus on psychology and communication. Interestingly, despite the apparent disparity, his academic background in psychology shares some intriguing connections with the strategic aspects of poker. Expressing a preference for poker tournaments over cash games, he also explored online poker. Unfortunately, there were no Philippines-based online poker sites available yet. His online poker interest focused more on training than monetary gain, finding it a convenient means to refine his skills.

Cultural Influences and Strategic Wisdom: Unveiling the Poker Philosophy of Campomanes

Hailing from a conservative family and a predominantly Catholic country, he thinks that cultural background shaped Filipino perceptions of poker. Despite reservations, poker’s legality is acknowledged, as long as no harm is done. It’s a game that demands strategy, skill, and a bit of luck. Success, according to him, necessitates a blend of preparation and fortunate circumstances. Contrary to common belief, psychological aspects are not the sole determinants; understanding the technical aspects is crucial. His personal breakdown attributes 70% of success to skill and 30% to luck, emphasizing the significance of strategic decision-making. 

Flo’s journey involves ups and downs. He believes the 10,000 hours rule where dedication and time investment are essential. For him, poker mirrors life, with its highs and lows. Persevere when confident in your actions. The intense swings are akin to a roller coaster. Poker isn’t for everyone; it demands your utmost dedication or none at all. Survival in the industry hinges on giving your best.

Florencio Campomanes: Poker Career

Florencio Campomanes has established a notable presence in the poker world, marked by a series of remarkable performances in live tournaments. His journey began in November 2011 at the Asia Pacific Poker Tour in Macau. He participated in the HK$ 13,800 + 1,200 No Limit Hold’em II event, securing 16th place and a cash prize of $4,176. Over the years, Campomanes consistently demonstrated his poker prowess. In May 2015, he clinched 3rd place in the HK$ 23,000 + 2,000 No Limit Hold’em Main Event in Macau. He earned an impressive $119,444.

August 2019 proved to be a defining moment for Campomanes. He claimed the top spot in the ₱ 65,000 No Limit Hold’em Main Event at the Asia Pacific Poker Tour in Manila. Flo walked away with a substantial $218,166. The momentum persisted into the early months of 2020 as he clinched the 2nd place in the ₱485,000 + ₱15,000 No Limit Hold’em – Red Dragon Super High Roller event at Red Dragon Manila 2020, held in Manila. This victory earned him an additional $70,443. In the subsequent event, he emerged victorious in the ₱ 99,000 + 11,000 No Limit Hold’em event, adding $270,402 to his winnings.

Campomanes maintained his winning streak in May 2022 at the World Poker Tour Prime in Hanoi. He triumphed in the ₫ 200,000,000 + 10,000,000 No Limit Hold’em Super Star Challenge Invitational event. Campomanes took home the trophy and won a prize of $79,087. In August 2022, he secured 2nd place in the ₱ 250,000 No Limit Hold’em – APPT High Roller. It took place at the Asia Pacific Poker Tour in Manila. He earned $56,357.

Campomanes’ Unwavering Dominance in Live Poker Tournaments

The momentum continued into 2023 with notable performances. In March, at the World Poker Tour Prime High Roller in Cambodia, Phnom Penh, Campomanes secured 2nd place in the $5,300 No Limit Hold’em event. He cashed $54,417. Subsequently, in May, at the Triton Poker Super High Roller Series Cyprus in Kyrenia, he attained 8th place in the $40,000 No Limit Hold’em competition. He earned $167,500.

Campomanes continues to exhibit his poker expertise. In the A$ 1,800 + 200 No Limit Hold’em Mini Main Event at the World Poker Tour – WPT Australia, held in Gold Coast in September 2023, he secured 3rd place, earning $44,045.

Conclusion

In the realm of poker, Florencio Campomanes has not only carved out a distinguished niche for himself but has become a source of immense pride for the Filipino poker community. With impressive cumulative live earnings of $1.8 million and notable achievements such as being the first Filipino to grace the final table of a Triton event, Flo has undeniably made his mark on the global poker scene.

Beyond the statistics and cash prizes, Campomanes’ journey reflects the confluence of skill, strategy, and a touch of serendipity. Hailing from a conservative background in a predominantly Catholic country, he navigates the nuanced perception of poker. As he continues to climb the ranks, currently holding the 3rd position in the All-Time Money List in the Philippines, Florencio Campomanes stands not only as a testament to individual achievement but as a symbol of the burgeoning success of poker players on the international stage. His victories are not just personal triumphs but milestones that contribute to the growing recognition of his prowess in the world of poker.