Japan Witnesses Record-breaking Attendance for Open Poker Tour

The most awaited Japan Open Poker Tour successfully concluded its live series this month at the Port Hall in Takenshiba, Tokyo. It witnessed record-breaking entries of 5,989 in all its events.

There were two events combined that were delayed because of Covid-19 restrictions. The event saw JOPT Season 19 and 20 joining together. There were two main events and 31 side events, including No-Limit, Hold’em, and Pot-limit Omaha.

Winners of JOPT

In both events, players were required to qualify through live satellites inside the Poker rooms spread over Japan through GGPoker’s sponsorship with JOPT. As a result, Yuta Aikawa became the Season 19: Grand Final champion with 396 entries and took back the contract worth over $21,860. In the Season 20 Event, Toshiya Ishikawa was above 507 players and took back a contract worth $31,020, the biggest prize.

The event also witnessed some victories from Kimura Keisuke. He became listed as the top player in NLH Megastack, even held on May 5th. Similarly, the Poker Players Championship, which took place on May 3, saw Shinoby-san as the winner and bagged the contract of $7.960.

Poker games in Japan

Japan has banned indulging in real money prizes for poker events. Poker players do their best to get the player contract of a different amount from JOPT. Japan, however, is witnessing a solid growth of online poker, thanks to YouTube and social media, where newbie players can learn skills and other aspects of the game. Japanese players with no choice need to compete in local tournaments since no live events in Asia have yet resumed.

The next JOPT games with season 20 will take place from July 21st to 24th, 2021.