The long-time poker pro is getting ready for a tough schedule as the year draws to a close
The World Poker Tour (WPT) returns to Tokyo this November for the WPT Japan, co-sponsored by the Japan eSports Union. The WPT has confirmed the ¥5,000 ($34) buy-in event will have a ¥100,000,000 ($671,244) guarantee.
The WPT Japan will have a hybrid OnLive format, which means players can enter multiple WPT Global online Day 1s. The survivors will gather at the Shinjuku Sumitomo Building Triangle Square in Tokyo on November 23 for the live portion of the event, which will be played over three days. There’s also max late registration leading into the live phase.
WPT Ambassador Phil Ivey was one of the first players to sign up for direct live event entry as part of his ambassador duties, making this tournament one of the cheapest entries, giving players a chance to sit down with the legend who’s usually seen at high-stakes cash games and high-roller events.
Ivey said he is “looking forward to playing in WPT Japan,” adding that he thinks the “record prize pool” will bring in “solid competition.” The WPT also says several other celebrity players will join Ivey, but no names have yet been confirmed.
The WPT is partnered with the Japanese Esports Union (JeSU) for this event to help promote poker in Japan. JeSU was established in 2018 with the objective of professionalizing the Japanese esports industry while also growing the esports community. The top 15% of players from the Day 1 flights will carry over their chips into the live stage on Day 2.
The ¥5,000 buy-in applies for both online and live options. Online players can also gain entry through qualifiers for a ¥1,000 ($6.71) buy-in. These will run daily at 8:00 PM and 10:00 PM Japanese Standard Time, starting November 18.
Emma Rodriguez is the Proofreader at the Big Blind, with seven years of experience and five years in online gambling. She plays a crucial role in maintaining content quality by ensuring error-free, reader-friendly information about the gambling industry.
