Japan, Dojima River ForumEVENT #1

2025.10.02Add to Calendar

U Series Of Poker

Blind level

Level 28: 600,000 / 1,200,000 ante: 1,200,000

Entries

1/761

Total Chips

19,025,000

Average

19,025,000

Callum JuryCallum Jury

10/3/2025, 1:55:50 PM

Watch the Welcome to USOP Final Table Here!

Level 25: 200,000 / 400,000 ante: 400,000

USOP Final Table Stream

Callum JuryCallum Jury

10/2/2025, 4:34:14 PM

Federico Faranda Wins the Welcome to USOP Event for JPY 450,000

Level 28: 600,000 / 1,200,000 ante: 1,200,000

Welcome to Osaka Champion Federico Faranda

With his wife cheering from the rail, Federico Faranda outlasted a 761-player field across 12 grueling hours of play to capture the opening title of USOP Osaka 2025. For his efforts, he collects ¥450,000 along with the coveted golden ticket to Gackt’s exclusive party later this week.

Stay tuned for the full event recap, including highlights from the final table and Federico’s reflections on his breakthrough win.

Derick ElominaDerick Elomina

10/2/2025, 4:05:47 PM

Yuta has been Eliminated in 2nd Place for JPY 270,000

Level 28: 600,000 / 1,200,000 ante: 1,200,000

Runner-Up Yuta

The very next hand, Yuta open-shoved from the button. Federico tanked, hoping to finish the game, then called.

Player	Hand	Chips
FF Federico FarandaGermany	Q♦8♣ BB	19,025,000(16 BB) 7,350,000(6 BB)
Y YutaJapan	K♦2♦ D	busted

Board:9♥8♥6♦5♦3♠

Federico hit a pair on the flop, but Yuta picked up a flush draw on the turn, needing a king or a diamond to stay alive. The river 3♠ gave him no help, and Federico secured the win and the ticket to Gackt's Party!

Derick ElominaDerick Elomina

10/2/2025, 3:55:40 PM

Yuta Stays Alive

Level 28: 600,000 / 1,200,000 ante: 1,200,000

Federico open-shoved from the button, and Yuta tanked before calling all in for 3,075,000.

Player	Hand	Chips
FF Federico FarandaGermany	A♦6♣ D	11,925,000(10 BB) -3,075,000(-3 BB)
Y YutaJapan	3♦4♦	7,350,000(6 BB) 3,075,000(3 BB)

Board:4♣3♣K♥7♠4♥

Yuta was behind preflop, but hit two pair on the flop and improved to a full house on the river, taking the massive pot.

Derick ElominaDerick Elomina

10/2/2025, 3:50:16 PM

Federico Doubles Up with Aces

Level 27: 400,000 / 800,000 ante: 800,000

Federico raised to 1,600,000 (2bb). Yuta tank and shoved all in, and Federico snap-called with pocket Aces.

Player	Hand	Chips
FF Federico FarandaGermany	A♥A♣ D	14,400,000(18 BB) 7,600,000(10 BB)
Y YutaJapan	Q♦T♣ BB	4,875,000(6 BB) -7,600,000(-9 BB)

Board:3♥K♦2♦5♠9♥

The board didn’t help Yuta, and Federico secured a much-needed double up.

Derick ElominaDerick Elomina

10/2/2025, 3:33:08 PM

Federico Holds Queen-High to Scoop River Pot

Level 26: 300,000 / 600,000 ante: 600,000

On the button, Yuta called with 4♣ 2♦ , and Federico holding Q♣ 5♣ checked from the big blind.

The flop came J♥ 7♠ 3♣ , and both players checked. The turn brought J♦ , and they checked again. On the river K♠ , Federico checked once more, and Yuta fired 600,000 (1bb). After a pause, Federico called with queen-high, securing the pot.

Player	Chips
Y YutaJapan	9,975,000(17 BB)
FF Federico FarandaGermany	9,300,000(16 BB)

Zoe ChangZoe Chang

10/2/2025, 3:20:30 PM

Heads-Up Chip Counts

Level 26: 300,000 / 600,000 ante: 600,000

Player	Chips	Table	Seat
Y YutaJapan	10,875,000(18 BB)		1
FF Federico FarandaGermany	8,400,000(14 BB)		2

Derick ElominaDerick Elomina

10/2/2025, 3:19:03 PM

Suzuki has been Eliminated in 3rd Place for JPY 200,000

Level 26: 300,000 / 600,000 ante: 600,000

Suzuki, Eliminated in 3rd

On the next hand, Suzuki opened from the button to 1,200,000 (2bb), and Federico Faranda moved all in for 5,150,000 from the big blind. Facing the shove, Suzuki committed his remaining chips.

Player	Hand	Chips
FF Federico FarandaGermany	K♥6♠ BB	10,900,000(18 BB) 5,150,000(9 BB)
S SuzukiJapan	Q♣J♥ D	busted

Board:A♦2♥5♥6♥7♦

Federico connected with a pair, holding strong to eliminate Suzuki from the tournament.

Derick ElominaDerick Elomina

10/2/2025, 3:05:17 PM

Yoitsao has been Eliminated in 4th Place for JPY 150,000

Level 26: 300,000 / 600,000 ante: 600,000

Yoitsao, Eliminated in 4th

After scoring two double ups to keep his tournament life intact, Yoitsao found himself all in once again, this time against Suzuki.

Player	Hand	Chips
S SuzukiJapan	Q♦J♥ SB	5,600,000(9 BB) 3,000,000(5 BB)
Y YoitsaoJapan	T♠8♥ BB	busted

Board:A♥3♠2♠6♣6♥

Yoitsao’s streak of luck finally ran out, and he was eliminated from the tournament.

Derick ElominaDerick Elomina

10/2/2025, 2:59:39 PM

Yoitsao Doubles Twice to Stay in the Hunt

Level 26: 300,000 / 600,000 ante: 600,000

Yoitsao found two double ups, boosting his stack and staying alive in the tournament.

Player	Chips	Progress
Y YoitsaoJapan	2,900,000(5 BB)	2,125,000

Derick ElominaDerick Elomina

10/2/2025, 2:49:54 PM

Yuki has been Eliminated in 5th Place for JPY 120,000

Level 25: 200,000 / 400,000 ante: 400,000

Yuki, Eliminated in 5th Place

From the cutoff, Yuki shoved his last 2,650,000 (6.6bb), and after getting a count, Federico Faranda made the call from the big blind.

Player	Hand	Chips
Y YukiJapan	K♣8♦ CO	busted
FF Federico FarandaGermany	8♥8♣ BB	6,250,000(16 BB) 2,850,000(7 BB)

Board:5♣T♠6♣9♦5♦

The board ran out without a king, dashing Yuki’s hopes and ending his run.

Derick ElominaDerick Elomina

10/2/2025, 2:40:11 PM

Yoyoyo has been Eliminated in 6th Place for JPY 100,000

Level 24: 150,000 / 300,000 ante: 300,000

Yoyoyo, Eliminated in 6th Place

On the very next hand, Yuta opened from the button to 600,000 (2bb), and Yoyoyo shoved from the small blind for 1,075,000 (3.6bb). Yuta made the quick call.

Player	Hand	Chips
Y YutaJapan	T♠T♥ D	7,725,000(26 BB) 1,675,000(6 BB)
Y Yoyoyo	A♠5♣ SB	busted

Board:8♦2♥5♦4♦9♣

The board offered no help for Yoyoyo, and Yuta scored the knockout.

Derick ElominaDerick Elomina

10/2/2025, 2:36:24 PM

Matsukuri has been Eliminated in 7th Place for JPY 100,000

Level 24: 150,000 / 300,000 ante: 300,000

Matsukuri, Eliminated in 7th

From the hijack, Yoitsao moved all in for his last 4 big blinds holding J♠ J♥ , and Matsukuri followed with a 2 big blind shove holding 3♥ 3♦ .

Player	Hand	Chips
Y YoitsaoJapan	J♠J♥	2,525,000(8 BB) 1,325,000(4 BB)
M MatsukuriJapan	3♥3♦	busted

Board:T♥5♣6♠6♦K♣

The board ran clean, keeping Yoitsao’s hooks ahead and sending Matsukuri to the rail.

Derick ElominaDerick Elomina

10/2/2025, 2:26:19 PM

Zihao Zhang has been Eliminated in 8th Place for JPY 80,000

Level 24: 150,000 / 300,000 ante: 300,000

Zihao Zhang, Eliminated in 8th

From UTG+1, Zihao Zhang limped with K♠ J♥ and called a raise from Suzuki, who held A♠ K♦ , for 950,000.

The flop landed A♦ 5♠ 2♦ , and after Zhang checked, Suzuki fired 300,000. With just 1,100,000 left behind, Zhang shoved with king-high, only to be snap-called by Suzuki’s top pair.

The 3♦ on the turn left Zhang drawing dead, and the river T♣ sealed the pot for Suzuki.

Player	Chips	Progress
S SuzukiJapan	5,525,000(18 BB)	2,800,000
ZZ Zihao ZhangChina	busted	-2,050,000

Derick ElominaDerick Elomina

10/2/2025, 2:07:42 PM

Perusha has been Eliminated in 9th Place for JPY 80,000

Level 23: 100,000 / 200,000 ante: 200,000

Perusha, Eliminated in 9th

It was a three-way all in pre-flop. Perusha shoved for 525,000, Suzuki pushed all in for 850,000, and both were covered by Yoyoyo.

Player	Hand	Chips
Y Yoyoyo	A♦Q♣	1,475,000(7 BB) -850,000(-4 BB)
S SuzukiJapan	A♥K♠	2,725,000(14 BB) 1,875,000(9 BB)
P Perusha	K♥Q♥	busted

Board:Q♠K♦7♥3♣A♠

On the flop, Perusha connected with two pair to take the lead, but the river brought an A♠ that gave Suzuki a higher two pair, securing the pot.

Callum JuryCallum Jury

10/2/2025, 1:32:33 PM

Final Table Chip Counts

Level 23: 100,000 / 200,000 ante: 200,000

The final table is officially set, with the remaining nine players securing their seats and keeping their tournament dreams alive.

The eventual champion will walk away with the JPY 450,000 top prize, along with an exclusive ticket to Gackt's Party.

Player	Chips	Table	Seat
M MatsukuriJapan	1,075,000(5 BB)	9	1
FF Federico FarandaGermany	1,450,000(7 BB)	9	2
Y YutaJapan	5,900,000(30 BB)	9	3
Y Yoyoyo	3,000,025(15 BB)	9	4
ZZ Zihao ZhangAustralia	1,750,000(9 BB)	9	5
P Perusha	1,025,000(5 BB)	9	6
Y YukiJapan	2,500,000(13 BB)	9	7
S SuzukiJapan	1,350,000(7 BB)	9	8
Y YoitsaoJapan	1,200,000(6 BB)	9	9

Callum JuryCallum Jury

10/2/2025, 1:20:13 PM

Riku Eliminated in 10th Place for JPY 60,000

Level 23: 100,000 / 200,000 ante: 200,000

In the final hand before the first official final table of the series, Yuki moved all in from the hijack with a covering stack of ~1,400,000. Riku made the call from the cutoff, and the cards went on their backs:

Riku: 7♦ 7♥

Yuki: 8♠ 6♠

The flop came K♠ 5♠ 7♠, giving Riku middle set but Yuki a flush. Lightning struck on the 4♠ turn, improving Yuki to a straight flush and leaving Riku drawing dead.

With no miracle possible on the river, Riku’s tournament came to a shocking end in 10th place, sending him to the payout desk and locking in the final table lineup.

Player	Chips	Progress
Y YukiJapan	2,300,000(12 BB)	900,000
R RikuJapan	busted

Callum JuryCallum Jury

10/2/2025, 1:15:36 PM

Ka-Zu Eliminated in 11th Place for JPY 60,000

Level 23: 100,000 / 200,000 ante: 200,000

Action folded around to the button where Yuta shoved his ~4,000,000 stack. After a brief tank, Ka-Zu called from the big blind for his remaining 1,200,000, and the cards were revealed:

Ka-Zu: A♥ 7♦

Yuta: A♣ K♠

Yuta dominated preflop, leaving Ka-Zu needing help to survive. The dealer spread T♥ 4♠ K♦, giving Yuta top pair and leaving his opponent drawing slim. The A♠ on the turn sealed Ka-Zu’s double-up, and by the time the Q♦ landed on the river, Yuta was already out of his seat.

He exited in 11th place, collecting ¥60,000 for his deep run in the Welcome to Osaka event.

Player	Chips	Progress
Y YutaJapan	5,900,000(30 BB)	1,200,000
K KA-ZUJapan	busted

Zoe ChangZoe Chang

10/2/2025, 12:55:05 PM

Lao Fai Eliminated in 12th Place for JPY 60,000; Se7en Eliminated in 13th Place for JPY 60,000

Level 22: 100,000 / 150,000 ante: 150,000

One wild three-way pot just played out, resulting in a double elimination as Yuta chipped up to over four million in chips.

Lao Fai shoved for around 700,000 from middle position and OPM Se7en also moved all in for 485,000 on the button. Yuta then dropped in the call from the big blind, putting his two opponents at risk.

Lao Fai: A♥ 9♦

Yuta: A♣ K♣

OPM Se7en: 7♥ 7♠

OPM Se7en picked up the lead with pocket sevens and looked primed to turn his tournament life around. But the dealer quickly spoiled the script, revealing a T♠ K♠ 5♣ flop to give Yuta top pair.

The runout of 8♥ 9♥ changed nothing, and just like that, Yuta scooped the massive pot while scoring a double knockout.

Player	Chips
Y Yuta	4,210,000(28 BB)
LF Lao FaiMacao	busted
OS OPM Se7en	busted

Zoe ChangZoe Chang

10/2/2025, 12:46:22 PM

Akimaru Eliminated in 14th Place for JPY 45,000

Level 22: 100,000 / 150,000 ante: 150,000

Yoyoyo raised to 300,000 from under the gun, only to be jammed by Akimaru on the button for around 850,000. Yoyoyo dropped in the call to put his opponent's tournament life on the line.

Yoyoyo: A♠ Q♠

Akimaru: Q♣ Q♦

Akimaru picked up the lead with pocket queens and looked set for a double-up; however, the dealer crushed his hopes right away as the flop revealed A♥ 4♣ J♥, improving Yoyoyo to top pair.

The runout came 7♣ 6♣, ending Yoyoyo’s tournament run in 14th place with a payout of JPY 45,000 for his efforts today.

Player	Chips
Y Yoyoyo	2,960,000(20 BB)
A AkimaruJapan	busted

Zoe ChangZoe Chang

10/2/2025, 12:35:36 PM

Yuta Eliminated in 15th Place for JPY 45,000

Level 21: 60,000 / 120,000 ante: 120,000

With around 360,000 chips in the middle, the dealer revealed a T♠ K♣ 8♣ flop. Ikeikehiropon led out for 120,000 from the small blind and Yuta called in the big blind.

The 6♦ hit on the turn, and Ikeikehiropon then moved all in for around 400,000. Yuta snap-called to put his opponent at risk.

Ikeikehiropon: J♠ 8♥

Yuta: K♥ 6♥

Yuta was far ahead with two pair against Ikeikehiropon's flopped pair of eights.

Much to Ikeikehiropon's dismay, the river didn't send any help as it showed a 3♣, sending him out in 15th place for a payout of JPY 45,000.

Player	Chips
Y YutaJapan	2,490,000(21 BB)
I IkeikehiroponJapan	busted

Callum JuryCallum Jury

10/2/2025, 12:21:08 PM

Akimaru Doubles with Nine-Five Offsuit

Level 19: 30,000 / 60,000 ante: 60,000

Akimaru shoved his ~750,000 stack from under the gun and was called by Federico Faranda in the small blind, who had him covered by about 200,000. The cards were revealed:

Akimaru: 9♦ 5♠

Federico Faranda: A♣ J♣

Faranda held the clear advantage, but the flop of 4♥ 9♣ 4♦ flipped the script, giving Akimaru trips. The 9♥ turn then sealed the deal with a full house, leaving Faranda shaking his head.

The river J♦ was far too little, too late, and Akimaru scored a full double-up, while Faranda was left clinging to a short stack.

Player	Chips	Progress
A AkimaruJapan	1,500,000(25 BB)	750,000
FF Federico FarandaGermany	190,000(3 BB)	-750,000

Zoe ChangZoe Chang

10/2/2025, 12:08:07 PM

Ho Heads to the Exit

Level 20: 40,000 / 80,000 ante: 80,000

Duy Manh Hao

Riku limped in on the button, as did Zihao Zhang from the small blind. Duy Manh Ho was forced to shove all in for 50,000 in the big blind.

On the 7♥ T♠ J♠ flop, Zhang checked to Riku, who bet 80,000. Zhang stepped aside.

Duy Manh Ho: 9♠ 5♦

Riku: J♣ 9♥

Riku picked up the lead with a flopped pair of jacks, while Ho got a gutshot. The 5♥ hit on the turn, pairing with Ho's five, but it was still not enough against Riku's pair.

The K♣ filled out the board and sent Ho out of the field in 18th place.

Player	Chips
ZZ Zihao Zhang	1,475,000(18 BB)
R Riku	455,000(6 BB)
DM Duy Manh HoUnited States Minor Outlying Islands	busted

Zoe ChangZoe Chang

10/2/2025, 11:40:38 AM

Yotsuao Holds Flopped Queens

Level 19: 30,000 / 60,000 ante: 60,000

(L) Duy Manh Ho; (R) Yotsuao

Duy Manh Ho made it 120,000 to go from the small blind and Yotsuao defended his big blind, leaving himself 60,000 behind.

On the K♣ 4♣ Q♥ flop, Ho continued with a bet of 60,000, and it didn't deter Yotsuao from making the call, putting himself at risk.

Duy Manh Ho: 6♣ 5♠

Yotsuao: Q♣ 2♠

Yatsuao picked up the lead with his flopped pair of queens, leaving Ho drawing thin.

The runout rolled off T♦ K♦, adding more ammunition to Yotsuao's stack.

Player	Chips
Y YotsuaoJapan	440,000(7 BB)
DM Duy Manh HoUnited States Minor Outlying Islands	410,000(7 BB)

Callum JuryCallum Jury

10/2/2025, 11:32:47 AM

Yama is USOP Osaka's First Bubble Boy

Level 18: 20,000 / 40,000 ante: 40,000

Down to just a single 5,000 chip and forced all in from the big blind, Yama looked destined to become the bubble boy of the opening event at USOP Osaka 2025.

Action folded to Ka-Zu on the button, who completed, with Ima checking from the small blind. Yama’s cards remained unseen as the trio went to the flop.

The board ran out 5♦ T♠ 2♥ Q♠, with both active players checking down to the river. When the K♥ appeared, Ima fired 80,000, quickly pushing Ka-Zu off the hand.

At showdown, Yama revealed A♦ 7♠ for ace-high, but Ima tabled J♦ 9♥ for a rivered straight, confirming Yama’s elimination on the money bubble.

Player	Chips
I ImaJapan	1,100,000(28 BB)
Y YamaJapan	busted

Zoe ChangZoe Chang

10/2/2025, 11:17:50 AM

Wong Walks Out

Level 18: 20,000 / 40,000 ante: 40,000

Pikachi opened to 80,000 from under the gun, only to be shoved by Yan Han Wong. Pikachi snap-called.

Pikachi: A♣ T♣

Yan Han Wong: 5♦ 5♠

Wong was ahead with pocket fives, but Pikachi took it over on the Q♦ T♥ A♦ flop. The dealer quickly revealed a runout of 8♦ 8♠, ending Wong's tournament life.

With Wong’s exit, the field is now down to 29 players.

Player	Chips
P PikachiJapan	1,200,000(30 BB)
YH Yan Han WongSingapore	busted

Callum JuryCallum Jury

10/2/2025, 11:05:15 AM

Yoitsao Doubles Through Asamalu as the Bubble Looms

Level 18: 20,000 / 40,000 ante: 40,000

Asamalu moved all in from the button for around 1,450,000 chips, and was called by Yositao on the button who was covered by around 10:1 chips, and cards went on their backs:

Yositao: A♣ K♠

Asamalu J♦ 2♥

The dealer spread out a board of 9♣ 6♣ 7♦ K♥ 5♦ and Yositao secured the double up to 260,000 chips, narrowly avoiding the money bubble.

Player	Chips	Progress
A AsamaluJapan	1,300,000(33 BB)	-130,000
Y YositaoJapan	260,000(7 BB)	130,000

Zoe ChangZoe Chang

10/2/2025, 10:49:17 AM

Yama Left Cripppled

Level 17: 15,000 / 30,000 ante: 30,000

Yama shoved the hijack for 355,000 and Matsukuri also moved all in for 350,000 on the button.

Yama: A♦ T♦

Matsukuri: K♦ K♣

Matsukuri's kings dominated the hand and held control on the 6♠ 6♥ 3♥ flop, while Yama was still looking for an ace to collect the pot.

Unfortunately for Yama, the runout of 8♥ 5♦ left him with a short stack of just 5,000.

Player	Chips
M MatsukuriJapan	970,000(32 BB)
Y YamaJapan	5,000(0 BB)

Zoe ChangZoe Chang

10/2/2025, 10:40:28 AM

Toshiki’s Pocket Nines Hold in Three-Way All-In Clash

Level 17: 15,000 / 30,000 ante: 30,000

Toshiki

One three-way all-in pot just unfolded between three Japanese players, resulting in one elimination.

Ackey open-shoved for around 262,000, and Ikeikehiropon moved all in for about 400,000. Toshiki then committed all his chips as well, approximately 275,000.

Ackey: A♦ K♥

Ikeikehiropon: 8♦ 8♠

Toshiki: 9♠ 9♦

Toshiki was well ahead with pocket nines and maintained his dominance strong as the board ran out 2♣ 6♣ 7♦ J♥ J♣, claiming the chunky pot together with one knockout.

Player	Chips
T ToshikiJapan	830,000(28 BB)
I IkeikehiroponJapan	149,000(5 BB)
A AckeyJapan	busted

Zoe ChangZoe Chang

10/2/2025, 10:20:55 AM

Yoonjae’s Draws Miss; Yuta Scores the Knockout

Level 16: 10,000 / 20,000 ante: 20,000

Yuta

Yuta opened to 40,000 from middle position, only to be jammed by Park Yoonjae for 199,000 in the small blind. After thinking for a while, Yuta dropped in the call to put the Korean player at risk.

Park Yoonjae: A♣ T♥

Yuta: A♦ Q♣

Yuta picked up the lead with a stronger queen kicker and improved to top pair on the 5♥ J♥ Q♥ flop, while Yoonjae had many outs to stay alive as he received both straight and flush draws from the dealer.

Unfortunately for Yoonjae, the runout rolled off 3♦ 2♣, sending him out of the field and shipping the pot Yuta's way.

Player	Chips
Y YutaJapan	582,000(29 BB)
PY Park YoonjaeSouth Korea	busted

Callum JuryCallum Jury

10/2/2025, 10:19:08 AM

Nut Flush Saves Adachi

Level 16: 10,000 / 20,000 ante: 20,000

Ikeikeihiropon moved all in for roughly 370,000 from the cutoff and found a lone caller in Adachi from the small blind, who had him covered. The cards were tabled:

Adachi: A♦ 8♥

Ikeikeihiropon: K♠ Q♥

The flop fell 9♦ K♦ 4♦, giving Ikeikeihiropon top pair but still leaving Adachi plenty of outs.

The turn brought the 4♦, completing Adachi’s flush and locking up the double, as well as cutting a significant portion from Ikeikeihiropon's stack.

Player	Chips	Progress
I IketkehtroponJapan	285,000(14 BB)	-90,000
A AdachiJapan	180,000(9 BB)	90,000

Zoe ChangZoe Chang

10/2/2025, 9:54:39 AM

Imu's Ace Scores a Double-Up

Level 15: 10,000 / 15,000 ante: 15,000

Imu open-shoved from under the gun for 135,000 and Park Yoonjae called from the big blind, putting his opponent at risk.

Park Yoonjae: K♥ Q♦

Imu: A♥ J♠

Imu was ahead with ace-high and held control on the 7♣ 2♦ 3♥ flop. The turn brought a 6♦, while Yoonjae was looking for a king or queen to collect one elimination.

Fortunately for Imu, the 4♥ landed on the river, locking up a much-needed double up for him.

Player	Chips
I Imu	326,500(22 BB)
PY Park YoonjaeSouth Korea	175,000(12 BB)

Callum JuryCallum Jury

10/2/2025, 9:50:42 AM

Leading Chip Counts

Level 15: 10,000 / 15,000 ante: 15,000

Here's a look at some of the leading stacks as the playing field continues to whittle down:

Player	Chips
P Pikachi	870,000(58 BB)
KT Ken Thanpisit ManomaiphibulThailand	850,000(57 BB)
M MatsukuriJapan	800,000(53 BB)
K KA-ZUJapan	760,000(51 BB)
A AsamaruJapan	440,000(29 BB)
FF Federico FarandaGermany	400,000(27 BB)

Zoe ChangZoe Chang

10/2/2025, 9:27:43 AM

Ninomae's Seven Gets the Job Done

Level 14: 6,000 / 12,000 ante: 12,000

Ninomae

Tsugu opened to 25,000 from under the gun and Ninomae called on the button.

Both players checked to the river on a board of 6♠ 5♣ Q♠ 6♠ 7♥, where Tsugu fired 12,000 and Ninomae instantly dropped in the call.

“Ace-high,” said Tsugu as he revealed A♣ 4♦.

“My kicker works,” replied Ninomae when he tabled A♦ 7♦ for a pair of sevens.

Player	Chips
T TsuguJapan	566,000(47 BB)
N NinomaeJapan	236,000(20 BB)

Callum JuryCallum Jury

10/2/2025, 9:27:24 AM

Tatsuya Takes It with Tens

Level 14: 6,000 / 12,000 ante: 12,000

Tako opened to 16,000 from middle position and picked up two callers in Tatsuya on the button and Amygo in the big blind, sending three players to the flop.

The dealer spread K♦ 5♥ 6♦, and action checked through to the T♥ turn. Amygo then led out for 40,000, forcing Tako out of the way. Tatsuya gave it some thought before sliding in the call.

The river came the 4♦ and both players checked. Amygo revealed A♥ 3♥ for a missed flush draw, but Tatsuya’s A♣ T♣ made a winning pair of tens to drag the pot.

Player	Chips	Progress
T TatsuyaJapan	350,000(29 BB)	75,000
A AmygoJapan	90,000(8 BB)	-56,000

Zoe ChangZoe Chang

10/2/2025, 9:04:19 AM

Pon's Two Pair Secures the Pot

Level 13: 4,000 / 8,000 ante: 8,000

Pon

With around 35,000 chips in the pot, a flop dealt 3♣ 5♣ T♦ and Pon checked from the big blind, as did Shino in the cutoff.

Pon then sent a bet of 10,000 on the 7♥ turn and Shino came along for the ride. When the river brought an A♥, Pon checked to Shino, who sent a bet of 60,000. Pon snap-called.

Pon tabled 7♦ 3♦ for two pair instantly to beat Shino's rivered pair of aces with A♦ 8♦.

Player	Chips
P Pon	302,500(38 BB)
S Shino	107,000(13 BB)

Callum JuryCallum Jury

10/2/2025, 8:57:30 AM

Chuanhao Keeps Climbing

Level 12: 3,000 / 6,000 ante: 6,000

Not long after losing an all-in clash against Yoonjae Park, Toriniku committed the last of his ~30,000 stack and found a quick caller in Chen Chunhao, who has been steadily climbing the leaderboard throughout the day.

Toriniku: J♦ 9♥

Chen Chunhao: A♠ T♥

The flop came 6♦ A♥ 8♣, giving Chunhao top pair and leaving Toriniku in rough shape. Hope arrived on the Q♠ turn, which opened up a gutshot straight draw, but the river brought the Q♦ instead, sealing his elimination and sending another healthy pot over to Chunhao, who continues his charge up the counts.

Player	Chips	Progress
CC Chen ChunhaoChina	210,000(35 BB)	30,000
T TorinikuJapan	busted

Zoe ChangZoe Chang

10/2/2025, 8:56:13 AM

Otas' River Fire Get Answered

Level 12: 3,000 / 6,000 ante: 6,000

Ackey

Ackey made it 22,000 to go from middle position and Otas defended in the big blind.

Otas check-called a bet of 7,000 from Ackey on the 8♣ 6♦ K♣ flop to see a J♥ fall on the turn, where it went check-check.

When a 2♣ filled out the board, Otas checked to Ackey, who sent a bet of 20,000, sending his compatriot into the tank. After mulling it over, Ackey eventually opted to call.

Ackey revealed A♦ 5♦ for ace-high, and it wasn't enough against a flopped pair of eights from Otas' 9♠ 8♥.

Player	Chips
O OtasJapan	109,000(18 BB)
A AckeyJapan	103,500(17 BB)

Zoe ChangZoe Chang

10/2/2025, 8:30:03 AM

Bosche Doubles Through Osuke

Level 11: 2,000 / 4,000 ante: 4,000

Jannik Bosche

Osuke raised to 6,500 from middle position, only to be jammed by Jannik Bosche from the big blind for 54,500. Osuke snap-called to put the German player at risk.

Osuke: A♠ 8♠

Jannik Bosche: 3♥ 3♠

Bosche picked up the lead with his pair of threes and held control on the 7♥ 2♣ K♥ flop, while Osuke was still looking for an ace or eight to collect one knockout.

The turn brought the Q♥, giving Bosche a flush draw. The river landed the 8♥, pairing Osuke’s eight while completing Bosche’s flush, forcing Osuke to cough up the chips to his tablemate.

Player	Chips
JB Jannik BoscheGermany	106,500(27 BB)
O OsukeJapan	35,000(9 BB)

Zoe ChangZoe Chang

10/2/2025, 7:36:33 AM

Mars Chan Eyes Maiden Trophy in USOP Osaka Debut

Taiwanese Influencer Mars Chan

This is Mars Chan’s first time participating in the USOP festival, and he even rearranged his schedule to join right after APT Jeju, which was still ongoing at the time.

In an interview, Chan shared that he has long been chasing his maiden USOP trophy, a goal he considers a key milestone in his poker career.

"Even without the additional bonus ‘Gackt’s Party’ ticket in the Welcome to USOP event, I still wanted to be part of it. Just like I’ve mentioned, I’ve been looking for opportunities to join any USOP festival, and that’s the main motivation for me to overcome any obstacles to be here in Osaka," he said.

“It feels like they’ve organized the event on quite a large scale,” he said when asked about his impression of the festival.

“Overall, my experience so far has been very good. I also see many familiar faces here, including dealers I know. I feel confident about this tournament. After all, I made a special trip to play here, so how could I not have confidence?” he added.

With his determination, confidence, and clear ambition, Mars Chan’s debut at the USOP Osaka is more than just another stop; it’s a statement of intent. While he battles through the field in search of his first USOP trophy, his journey will be one to watch closely throughout the festival.

Zoe ChangZoe Chang

10/2/2025, 7:18:21 AM

Yu Sees Mysoatsunohito Out

Level 8: 1,000 / 1,500 ante: 1,500

Mysoatsunohito shoved all in from the hijack for 3,000 and Seungmin Yu called on the button, as did Matsumoto Sayoko from the big blind.

Both players checked through the J♠ T♥ 3♥ flop to the K♣ turn, where Sayoko checked and Yu bet 2,000. The female player quickly folded, leaving Mysoatsunohito at risk against Yu.

Mysoatsunohito: Q♣ T♦

Seungmin Yu: A♦ K♠

Yu took the lead with a turned pair of kings against Mysoatsunohito’s pair of tens, but Mysoatsunohito still had multiple outs to stay alive with his straight draws.

Unfortunately for Mysoatsunohito, the river didn't cooperate as it bricked out a 7♠, sending him out of the field.

Player	Chips
MS Matsumoto SayokoJapan	38,000(25 BB)
SY Seungmin YuSouth Korea	35,000(23 BB)
M MysokatsunohitoJapan	busted

Callum JuryCallum Jury

10/2/2025, 6:55:52 AM

Chunhao Eliminates James with a Turned Straight

Level 6: 400 / 800 ante: 800

Pang-Wei "James" Tsao raised to 4,800 from middle position and received a call from Chen Chuanhao one seat to his right.

The dealer flipped over a flop of Q♥ 3♣ J♣, and Chunhao opted to check. James continued for 4,000, but was met with an 11,000 raise from Chunhao. After tanking for a short while James tossed in the call.

The dealer turned over the T♠, and Chunhao wasted no time moving a stack into the middle, announcing he was all in, sending James deep into the tank. The Poker influencer sat and weighed on the decision, asking for a count of Chunhao's stack. After establishing he was covered, he threw in the call and cards went on their backs:

Chen Chunhao: K♣ 9♣

James: A♦ Q♦

Chunhao had turned a straight and James would need a king in order to make a higher straight and save himself from elimination.

Unfortunately, no such help came and the dealer flipped over the A♠, knocking James out.

Player	Chips	Progress
CC Chen ChuanhaoChina	170,000(213 BB)	80,000
PT Pang-Wei TsaoTaiwan	busted

Zoe ChangZoe Chang

10/2/2025, 6:51:42 AM

Mars Chan Fires Big to Take the Pot

Level 5: 300 / 600 ante: 600

Influencer from Taiwan, Mars Chan, creator of the YouTube channel Marswinpoker, is making a strong run in the opening event, Welcome to USOP.

Kuma opened to 1,200 from middle position and picked up three callers: Fung Sam Lam on the button, Mars Chan in the small blind, and Kazusan in the big blind.

The flop came J♦ Q♥ A♥, and action checked to Kuma, who continued for 2,600. Lam folded, while the blinds called.

On the 6♥ turn, Chan shifted gears and led out for 3,500. Only Kuma dropped in the call to see the 5♥ fall on the river. Chan then fired another barrel of 25,000, which forced Kuma to muck and shipped the pot Chan’s way.

Player	Chips
MC Mars ChanTaiwan	58,000(97 BB)
K KazusanJapan	28,000(47 BB)
K KumaJapan	28,000(47 BB)

Zoe ChangZoe Chang

10/2/2025, 6:20:18 AM

Mysokatsunohito's Ace Working Well

Level 5: 300 / 600 ante: 600

Mysokatsunohito made it 2,000 to go from middle position and Take defended his big blind.

Take checked on the 3♦ A♦ 5♠ flop to Mysokatsunohito, who continued with a bet of 1,100. Take check-raised to 2,200. Mysokatsunohito made the call.

Mysokatsunohito then check-called a bet of 3,700 from Take on the board-pairing 5♥ turn. An 8♠ landed on the river, and it went check-check.

Mysokatsunohito quickly revealed A♥ 2♥ for top pair of aces and took down the pot as Take folded.

Player	Chips
T TakeJapan	74,000(123 BB)
M MysokatsunohitoJapan	42,500(71 BB)

Zoe ChangZoe Chang

10/2/2025, 5:54:41 AM

Break Time

Players are now on the first 10-minute break.

Zoe ChangZoe Chang

10/2/2025, 5:40:57 AM

Masaya Takes Aim at the Trophy

Level 4: 300 / 500 ante: 500

(L-R): Japanese Influencer Masaya & Ryoma

Influencer Masaya, a familiar face in the Japanese poker community, joined the star-studded battlefield in the Welcome to USOP. Masaya added extra buzz to the opening event as he took his seat among a packed field of contenders aiming for the first trophy of the series.

Ryoma opened to 1,500 from under the gun and Bowen Zhang called on the button, as did Masaya from the small blind.

On the K♣ 9♠ 7♣ flop, it checked to Ryoma, who continued for 1,500. Zhang folded and Masaya check-called.

The T♥ fell on the turn, where Masaya checked over and Ryoma sent another barrel of 4,200. Masaya then cranked it up to 13,000, sending Ryoma into a tough situation. After thinking for a while, Ryoma eventually let go of his cards.

Player	Chips
M MasayaJapan	37,500(75 BB)
BZ Bowen ZhangChina	34,500(69 BB)
R Ryoma	16,000(32 BB)

Zoe ChangZoe Chang

10/2/2025, 5:07:33 AM

Turned Flush Secures Pot for Pass over Degizuman

Level 3: 200 / 400 ante: 400

With around 13,500 chips in the pot, a flop revealed 3♠ K♦ Q♦, where it checked to Pass, who led out for 500 from the cutoff. Degizuman check-called in the small blind. Grmjw check-folded from the big blind.

Degizuman bet 1,000 when 5♦ landed on the turn, and Pass came along for the ride to the 7♠ river. Degizuman then fired out 15,000. Pass only took a few seconds before he made the call.

Degizuman flipped over 5♣ 5♥ for turned trip fives, but it was not enough for the pot as Pass showed a turned flush with 7♦ 4♦.

Player	Chips
G Grmjw	45,000(113 BB)
D DegizumanJapan	35,500(89 BB)
P Pass	30,500(76 BB)

Zoe ChangZoe Chang

10/2/2025, 4:56:57 AM

Manomaiphibul's King-High Works Well

Level 1: 100 / 200 ante: 200

Akkun limped in from the small blind and Ken Thanpisit Manomaiphibul checked over in the big blind.

A flop came 4♣ 6♣ A♠ and it checked to Manomaiphibul, who led out for 300. Akkun made the call to see a J♦ fall on the turn, where it went check-check.

Akkun check-called again, this time facing a bet of 500 from Manomaiphibul on the board-pairing A♥ river. Akkun revealed a Q♥ first, but Manomaiphibul quickly tabled king-high with K♣ 2♥, which was enough to make Akkun muck his other card.

Player	Chips
KT Ken Thanpisit ManomaiphibulThailand	29,000(145 BB)
A Akkun	24,500(123 BB)

Zoe ChangZoe Chang

10/2/2025, 4:16:49 AM

Twins Poker takes the seat in Welcome to USOP!

Level 1: 100 / 200 ante: 200

Influencers Thanpisit Manomaiphibul (Ken)

Influencers Thitisan Manomaiphibul (Shin) and Thanpisit Manomaiphibul (Ken) are twin brothers of Japanese–Thai heritage who have made a name for themselves both on and off the felt.

The creators behind the popular YouTube channel Twins Poker, they share a wide range of poker content with their growing audience. From tournament vlogs and industry news to beginner-friendly lessons, their channel has become a go-to spot for players looking to learn, improve, or simply enjoy the game through their unique perspective as twins in the poker scene.

This is their first time joining USOP, with Ken taking part in the iconic Welcome to USOP on Day 1 of USOP Osaka, while his brother will make his appearance tomorrow.

Zoe ChangZoe Chang

10/2/2025, 3:33:50 AM

Shuffle Up & Deal

Cards are in the air for Welcome to USOP, and players are now on their journey towards the trophy, along with an exclusive seat at Gackt's Party!

Callum JuryCallum Jury

10/2/2025, 3:31:00 AM

Welcome to USOP Opens the Series in Osaka

The opening event of USOP Osaka is underway with the “Welcome to USOP” tournament. The buy-in is 5,000, with the winner receiving the lion’s share of the 2,220,000 guaranteed prize pool and a golden ticket for the winner into GACKT’s invite-only party event later this week.

Players start with 25,000 chips, blinds at 100/200/200, and 25-minute levels throughout the day. Registration is open until 16:40 for those late-comers still looking to get involved and take the crown of the first event of the series.

Stay tuned for all the thrills, spills and all the insights throughout the day!