Inside the Action: Poker Influencers Take On USOP Osaka 2025

Inside the Action: Poker Influencers Take On USOP Osaka 2025

The USOP Japan 2025 Osaka festival is officially underway, and the Dojima River Forum is buzzing with action. With 761 entries in the opening event, the room has been packed wall-to-wall with hopefuls eyeing more than just a trophy. At stake is the coveted golden ticket—an exclusive pass to GACKT’s private party later in the week. Registration has now closed, meaning every remaining hand counts.
Somuchpoker had the chance to sit down with several well-known influencers helping shape poker culture across Japan and the wider Asian scene. From seasoned vloggers to social media stars, each brought their own perspective on the game, the festival, and what lies ahead.

Maguriko

IG: @mauriko
Born and raised in Osaka, Maguriko is best known online as a cosplayer, boasting close to 50,000 Instagram followers. Away from the costume stage, however, she’s become a regular on the Japanese poker circuit.

I’ve been playing poker since I was 19,” she shared. “I lived in Canada for a little while and really learned how to play there.

Although she’s played in large domestic tournaments before, this is her first USOP appearance.

I was a little nervous because the dealers spoke English – it was new for me,” she admitted.

When talk turned to the golden ticket, her enthusiasm was clear.

I’m very interested in winning. I love GACKT and admire him a lot. I’m even considering re-entering to give myself another shot.

Pang-Wei “James” Tsao

James Tsao, a Taiwan-based vlogger and poker influencer, had a tougher start in Osaka. We caught up with him shortly after his exit from the opener, where he called an all-in holding a straight draw – only to run into a higher straight and bow out early.

The bust-out didn’t dampen his spirits, though. Fresh off a trip to Tokyo for the P1 Grand Prix, where his team secured wins in both the charity and tag-team events, James had high praise for the USOP structure.

The kickoff event structure is great. It’s the best series I’ve played in Japan so far,” he said. Asked about his plans for the rest of the festival, he smiled: “Of course the Main Event. Maybe the Mystery Bounty, and perhaps the Mini Main toward the end.”

Mars Chan

IG: @marswinpoker | YouTube: Marswinpoker
Professional player and content creator Mars Chan took a break from the action to share his thoughts on the Osaka debut. For him, the golden ticket wasn’t the main draw.

Even without the additional bonus of GACKT’s Party, I still wanted to be part of it,” he explained. “I’ve been looking for opportunities to join any USOP festival, and that was the main motivation for me to overcome obstacles and come here.”

He also spoke highly of the event’s organization.

It feels like they’ve put this together on a really large scale. Overall, my experience so far has been very good. I’ve even seen a lot of familiar faces here, including some dealers I know.”

Confidence was another recurring theme.

After all, I made a special trip to play here,” he said with a grin. “How could I not feel confident?”

With influencers like Maguriko, James Tsao, and Mars Chan in the mix, USOP Osaka is off to a lively start. Each brings not only skill to the tables but also a strong connection to poker fans across Asia, blending competition with content creation.
The opening event may have closed registration, but the stories are just beginning. As the festival builds toward its Main Event and beyond, all eyes will be on who survives, who thrives, and which familiar faces capture the spotlight in Osaka.