What a year it was! Every summer, the World Series of Poker (WSOP) transforms Las Vegas into the beating heart of the global poker community. But the 2022 series felt different. Moving to the iconic Strip—split between Bally’s and Paris—it was a series defined by massive turnout, incredible pressure, and, most importantly for us, unprecedented success for players hailing from Japan.
I’ve been following the journey of Japanese poker players for years, watching them battle against the best in the world. While we’ve always had talented representatives, 2022 wasn’t just about presence; it was about dominance. It was the year Team Japan didn’t just cash—they clinched.
Join me as I dive into the historic achievements of Nihonjin at the 2022 WSOP, celebrating the bracelets, the massive cashes, and the rising tide of Japanese poker talent!
Setting the Stage: A New Era of Competition
The pressure at the WSOP is immense. Thousands of entries flood every event, requiring days of focused strategy and mental endurance. For Japanese players, the challenge is often compounded by the long travel, time zone adjustment, and the sheer cultural difference of the American poker scene.
Yet, in 2022, our players didn’t just adapt; they thrived.
Looking back, the 2022 WSOP will forever be etched in history as the year Japan secured two highly coveted gold bracelets. This level of success in a single series showcases not only the dedication of the players but the maturation of the poker community back home.
The Bracelet Heroes: Masato Yokosawa and Shota Nakano
While every cash is a victory, the biggest defining moments of the summer came from two incredible individuals who brought home the hardware.
1. Masato Yokosawa: The Monster Stack Champion
If you followed the action, you know Masato Yokosawa’s win in Event #50: The $1,500 Monster Stack was nothing short of legendary. This event is a grueling test of patience, attracting thousands of runners looking for huge value. Masato navigated a field of over 6,500 entries, battling through multiple days of intense action to reach the final table.
His performance was precise, aggressive, and perfectly timed. When he finally lifted that bracelet, the energy and pride radiating across the community were palpable. Winning an event of this magnitude—in terms of field size and prestige—is a definitive statement about the quality of Japanese poker talent.
2. Shota Nakano: The Omaha Specialist
Just weeks later, Shota Nakano proved that Japan’s success wasn’t a fluke, securing a victory in Event #61: The $1,000 Pot-Limit Omaha (PLO) event. PLO is a different beast entirely, requiring advanced skills in reading board textures and managing variance.
Shota’s win, coming in such a competitive mixed-game format, underscored the versatility of our top players. It cemented 2022 as a genuinely historic year, marking the first time Japanese players secured two bracelets in a single WSOP summer.
Here is a summary of the two spectacular bracelet wins:
Player Event Number Event Title Buy-in (USD) Field Size Prize (USD)
Masato Yokosawa Event #50 $1,500 Monster Stack NLH $1,500 6,501 $685,298
Shota Nakano Event #61 $1,000 Pot-Limit Omaha $1,000 1,891 $177,882
Beyond the Bracelets: The Deep Runners
Success at the WSOP isn’t just measured in gold bracelets; it’s also measured by consistency and deep runs in massive fields. Team Japan showed up across the schedule, proving they could contend in everything from low buy-in events to high roller tournaments.
I was particularly impressed by the sheer number of final tables reached. Players were not just sneaking into the money; they were putting themselves in prime position to win.
Notable Deep Runs and Achievements:
Consistency in NLH: Several players consistently cashed in the Daily Deepstacks and crucial NLH bracelet events, building up impressive Player of the Year points.
Presence in the High Rollers: Japanese pros demonstrated their willingness to compete against the world’s elite in the major high-stakes tournaments—a testament to their improving bankroll management and confidence.
The Main Event Performance: While we didn’t see a Japanese champion in the $10,000 Main Event, many players made it deep into Day 3 and Day 4, showing impressive endurance against the 8,663 entries—one of the largest fields ever.
The Total Impact
When you look at the total prize money brought home, the numbers are staggering. Japanese players collectively amassed millions of dollars in winnings, solidifying their place as one of the most formidable forces in the Asian poker landscape.
To give you an idea of the widespread success, below are a few more notable cashes from 2022 (excluding the main two bracelet winners, who accounted for over $860,000 combined):
Player Event Series Place Prize (USD)
Kosei Ichinose $1,500 Freezeout NLH 18th $16,707
Kazuki Tanaka $1,000 NLH Event 6th $50,571
Tsugunari Toma $5,000 NLH Event 15th $30,076
Yuki Kimura Senior’s Event ($1k) 75th $6,000+
Total Cashes (Estimated) Across All Events — ~$2.5 Million+
The Community Vibe: Fueling the Fire
What truly elevates these achievements is the spirit and camaraderie of the Japanese poker community. Unlike in some places where poker is viewed purely as an individual sport, our players form a supportive network. They rail each other, offer advice, and celebrate every milestone.
I remember watching the coverage and seeing the huge Japanese contingent on the rail during Masato’s final table. That energy is infectious.
I managed to catch up (virtually, of course!) with a player who was deep in the action that summer, and their words perfectly summarized the mood:
“It was surreal. When Masato-san and Shota-san won, it felt like the entire community won. For years, we’ve worked hard to catch up to the standards of the US and Europe. 2022 proved we are there. We are no longer just participating; we are competing for the top spot. That feeling gave everyone confidence for the events that followed.”
This confidence is key. It’s what turns deep runs into final tables, and final tables into bracelets.
What 2022 Means for the Future of Japanese Poker
The 2022 WSOP wasn’t just a great year—it was a watershed moment. It achieved several critical things for the development of poker in Japan:
Increased Visibility: The large prize money and multiple bracelets generated significant media buzz back home, improving poker’s image and attracting new players.
Higher Standards: Seeing local heroes succeed confirms that winning is possible, encouraging aspiring players to work harder on their game theory and strategy.
Proof of Versatility: Wins in both massive, multi-day NLH tournaments and specialized mixed games (PLO) showcase the holistic skill development within the top tier.
Community Unity: The shared success strengthened the bonds between online grinders and live tournament specialists.
I truly believe the success we saw in 2022 is the foundation for even greater triumphs in the years to come. The era of Japanese poker has truly begun!
frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How many Japanese players won bracelets at the 2022 WSOP?
A: Two Japanese players won bracelets at the 2022 WSOP: Masato Yokosawa (Event #50: $1,500 Monster Stack) and Shota Nakano (Event #61: $1,000 PLO). This was a historic achievement for the nation.
Q: Where was the WSOP held in 2022?
A: The 2022 WSOP marked a major transition, moving from its longtime home at the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino to the Las Vegas Strip, specifically held within Bally’s and Paris Las Vegas.
Q: Were any Japanese players involved in the Main Event final table?
A: While several Japanese players made it deep into the Main Event (cashed in the money), none reached the final table of ten in 2022. However, deep runs into Day 4 and Day 5 were frequent, demonstrating strong endurance.
Q: Is poker growing in popularity in Japan?
A: Yes, significantly. Despite strict laws regarding cash gambling, the presence of social poker clubs and successful international tournament results (like those from WSOP 2022) are fueling massive growth in both strategy study and participation.