Hey poker fans!
Every summer, when the desert heat of Las Vegas starts to simmer, my excitement truly boils over. Why? Because it’s time for the World Series of Poker (WSOP)! It’s more than just a tournament series; it’s a pilgrimage for poker enthusiasts worldwide, a place where dreams are chased, legends are made, and countless stories unfold. As a dedicated observer and an ardent admirer of the game, I always find myself drawn to specific narratives each year. And in 2019, one of the most compelling stories for me was the ever-growing, vibrant presence of players hailing from the Land of the Rising Sun – Japan.
Stepping into the Rio Convention Center during the WSOP 2019 was an experience in itself. The air buzzed with a unique blend of nervous energy, focused concentration, and an almost palpable sense of shared purpose. Thousands of players, speaking dozens of languages, all united by 52 cards and a desire to hoist that coveted gold bracelet. It’s a truly global spectacle, and amidst the diverse tapestry of faces, I couldn’t help but notice the increasing number of Japanese players, each carrying their hopes and dreams, ready to make their mark.
The Rising Tide: Japan’s Growing Presence on the Felt
For years, poker in Japan has been steadily gaining traction. While live poker rooms as we know them in the West aren’t widespread, an incredibly passionate and dedicated community has blossomed through home games, online play, and a growing number of social poker clubs. This grassroots movement has been nurturing talent, honing skills, and building a desire for international competition. The WSOP, being the pinnacle of poker, naturally became the ultimate goal for many.
I remember chatting with a young Japanese player, Hiroki, during a break in a daily deepstack. He told me, “Coming here, to Vegas, for the WSOP – it’s something I’ve dreamed about since I first learned to play poker. It’s not just about the money or the bracelet, though those are amazing. It’s about testing myself against the best, representing my country, and being part of this incredible history.” His eyes sparkled with a mix of awe and determination, a sentiment I heard echoed by many of his countrymen. This passion is precisely what makes watching the Japanese contingent so exciting. They bring a unique blend of strategic thinking, patience, and often, an unexpected flair to the tables.
Key Japanese Performances at WSOP 2019
While winning a bracelet is a monumental achievement, simply cashing in a WSOP event is an accomplishment in itself, given the massive field sizes. But beyond just cashing, a number of Japanese players made some truly impressive deep runs in 2019, showcasing their skill on the world stage. It felt like every other day I was checking the results, eager to see who was still in contention, and more often than not, a Japanese flag was still flying high.
Here’s a look at some of the notable performances by Japanese players at the 2019 WSOP that particularly caught my eye:
Event Number Event Name Player Name Finish Position Payout (USD)
Event #6 $600 NLHE Deepstack Shota Nakano 12th $23,454
Event #14 $1,500 NLHE Go Masuda 20th $15,833
Event #21 $10,000 NLHE Heads-Up Championship Naoya Kihara 15th $31,010
Event #50 $1,500 NLHE Bounty Takahiro Nakai 16th $12,467
Event #60 $1,500 Pot-Limit Omaha Bounty Makoto Maejima 19th $5,557
Event #73 $10,000 NLHE Main Event Masato Yokosawa 148th $59,295
Event #73 $10,000 NLHE Main Event Takahiro Nakai 269th $45,800
Note: This table highlights some standout performances; many other Japanese players also achieved significant cashes across various events.
The deeper runs, especially in such massive fields, speak volumes about the quality of poker being played. Shota Nakano’s 12th-place finish in a $600 Deepstack event with over 6,000 entries was particularly commendable, demonstrating incredible endurance and skill. And of course, seeing multiple Japanese flags still in contention deep into the Main Event – poker’s ultimate test – filled me with pride for their dedication.
Beyond the Numbers: The Stories and Spirit
What truly resonates with me, however, isn’t just the numbers on a payout sheet, but the personal stories behind them. Naoya Kihara, a highly respected pro and a bracelet winner himself from 2012, continues to be a standard-bearer for Japanese poker. His deep run in the $10,000 Heads-Up Championship showed his continued mastery of the game’s most intense format. “Every year, the competition gets tougher, but also more exciting,” Kihara shared with me once. “It’s inspiring to see so many new Japanese faces, playing with such passion. It pushes all of us to do better.”
Then there’s the heartwarming camaraderie. I observed groups of Japanese players huddling together during breaks, sharing strategy, offering moral support, and celebrating each other’s successes, big or small. They are a true community within the broader WSOP melting pot. This supportive network is crucial, especially when facing the mental and physical grind of multi-day tournaments. It’s not just one person playing; it feels like the whole community is there, cheering them on.
The Future is Bright for Japanese Poker
The 2019 WSOP wasn’t just a collection of individual achievements; it was a clear indicator of a growing trend. The dedication, talent, and strategic acumen of Japanese players are undeniable. Each year, they arrive better prepared, more experienced, and hungrier for success. I truly believe we’re just scratching the surface of what Japanese poker players can achieve on the global stage. Their impact extends far beyond Vegas, inspiring a new generation of players back home to pick up the cards and pursue their own poker dreams.
For any aspiring Japanese poker player looking to follow in the footsteps of their heroes, here are a few tips I’ve gathered from watching the best:
Study, Study, Study: The game evolves constantly. Dedicate time to learning advanced strategies, game theory, and psychological aspects.
Practice Relentlessly: Play as many hands as possible – online, in local clubs, or with friends. Experience is invaluable.
Bankroll Management is Key: Understand how to manage your poker finances to ensure you can play within your means and sustain long sessions.
Physical & Mental Preparation: WSOP is a marathon. Maintain good physical health, manage stress, and ensure you’re mentally sharp for hours of play.
Embrace the Experience: While winning is the goal, enjoy the journey, learn from every hand, and connect with fellow players.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Japanese Players at WSOP
Q: How many Japanese players typically participate in the WSOP? A: While exact numbers fluctuate, the Japanese contingent has been steadily increasing year after year. Hundreds of players travel from Japan, with many more living abroad, making it a significant, and growing, international presence.
Q: Is poker legal in Japan? A: This is a common question! Operating traditional, for-profit poker rooms or casinos where players gamble for cash is generally restricted under Japan’s current anti-gambling laws. However, social gaming clubs where players compete for points, merchandise, or entries into other events (often with an associated “service fee” for the venue) are popular and operate within legal frameworks, allowing the community to thrive. Online poker is also accessible to players in Japan.
Q: What’s the biggest win by a Japanese player at the WSOP? A: The most significant win to date is Naoya Kihara’s bracelet victory in the 2012 Event #34: $5,000 Pot-Limit Omaha Six-Handed event, securing him over $512,000 and etching his name in poker history as Japan’s first WSOP bracelet winner.
Q: How can I follow Japanese players’ progress during the WSOP? A: Many Japanese poker media outlets and community sites provide dedicated coverage. You can also follow prominent players on social media (Twitter, Instagram) or through official WSOP updates and live reporting sites like PokerNews, which often flag nationalities in their coverage.
Q: Are there any specific trends in how Japanese players approach the game? A: While every player is unique, I’ve observed that many Japanese players tend to be patient, disciplined, and highly strategic. They often show a strong understanding of game theory and are less prone to emotional play, which serves them well in the high-pressure environment of the WSOP.
My Personal Takeaway
Witnessing the journey of Japanese players at the WSOP 2019 was truly inspiring for me. It underscored the universal appeal of poker and how a game played with cards can transcend language, culture, and geography. From the quiet determination of individuals to the collective spirit of their community, Japanese poker players are not just participating; they are making a significant, lasting impact on the global poker landscape.
I can’t wait to see what they achieve in the years to come. The future of poker, much like the game itself, is always evolving, and Japan is definitely a fascinating part of that exciting evolution.
Until next time, keep those chips shuffling!