Yuri Ishida is a professional poker player from Kobe City, in Japan. She has been taking poker seriously for the last 3-4 years. She currently has $252,444 in career live cashes, and is 16th on Japan’s all time money list.
SMP: When and why did you start playing poker?
Yuri: When I used to be a dealer, I used to play poker with friends and co-workers, just for fun, on our day off. After quitting my job and travelling back to Japan, I began to think about travelling all over the world, and the possibility of playing poker tournaments abroad while doing so.
SMP: What is your greatest memory as a poker player?
Yuri: My greatest memory is finishing 440th place at the WSOP Main Event. It had always been a dream of mine to cash in this event, and I managed to do that in my first year of travelling.
What is your worst memory?
Being the bubble girl! Every time it is a bad memory. I think I am probably the number one “bubblist in Asia!”
We have seen you mostly playing live tournaments. What about Live Cash Games or Online Poker?
I seldom play cash games in Asia, I usually only play in the USA during the WSOP. I never had a great interest in online play, because I couldn’t see the faces of the players and their physical habits. Now that I have a baby, this could change though, as I will be travelling abroad far less.
You are currently among the best players in Asia (Top 10 GPI japan). What are your goals as player for the upcoming years?
I would like to be the best poker playing mom in the world!
You are travelling a lot around Asia, What is your favorite poker destination?
New Caledonia is the best. I like the ocean, the beautiful view, clean air, nice people, poker. Everything that they have to offer is perfect for me. I’ve been sponsored by NCPO for 3 years. I want to offer my appreciation to Mel Judah and Grand Casino Noumea from the bottom of my heart. I’m happy to hear that the APT will be held there in November, and I hope the event will be a great success!
According to you, who is the most talented / impressive player on the Live Asian Poker Circuit?
Fortunately, I have many professional poker player friends around me. They always help and give me suggestions when I get stuck. Especially Tetsuya Tsuchikawa, and Yosuke Sekiya. They are my mentors.
Money talk: What is your biggest win in a tournament?
My biggest tourney score was when I finished 2nd in the HK15,000 NLH Event during the 2014 ACOP in Macau for USD 41,635
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