Jun Obara is GPI Japan’s 2025 Player of the Year

My journey in the world of poker (and later online gambling) started more than 20 years ago, when I first attended a low-stakes live tournament. I’ve never looked back since, and have been active in several fields, including being a poker player, a live tournament director, writing online and offline articles about poker, and managing the localization of one of the world's largest online poker rooms. Poker is my home ground, I could never imagine doing a job that is not a part of it. I hope someday I’ll have more time to play live; that's something I've missed in the past few years. A game where luck meets skill - what would be more interesting?

Updated: 2026.01.17

Jun Obara Japan GPI Player of the Year in 2025

Jun Obara: The Smiling Champion Who Conquered the Poker World in 2025!

If you follow Japanese poker rankings, you probably know that the competition is getting fiercer every year. But in 2025, one name rose above the rest with a huge smile and even huger stacks of chips. We are thrilled to announce that Jun Obara has officially been named the Global Poker Index (GPI) Japan Player of the Year for 2025!

It wasn’t just a good year for Jun; it was a legendary one. Let’s dive into how “Misawa” (as his fans lovingly call him) crushed the tables and became the king of Japanese poker.

A Year for the History Books

Earning the title of Jun Obara GPI Japan 2025 Player of the Year was no walk in the park. He had to battle against some of the best players in the world. But Jun was on a mission. By the end of the season, he didn’t just top the charts in Japan – he climbed all the way to #31 in the global world rankings!

His performance was nothing short of spectacular, earning over $6.2 million in live tournaments in a single year. That is a lot of big blinds!

The Big Wins That Defined 2025

So, how did he do it? It was a mix of consistency and massive scores. Here are a few highlights from his blockbuster year:

The Million-Dollar Moment: Jun’s biggest splash came at the Wynn Summer Championship in Las Vegas, where he finished 2nd for a jaw-dropping $1.6 million.
Triton Glory: He proved he could hang with the super high rollers by taking down the Triton Mystery Bounty event in Jeju, South Korea. That victory alone netted him over $1 million (including bounties)!
WSOP Consistency: Whether in Las Vegas or at the WSOP Paradise in the Bahamas , Jun consistently made deep runs, cashing in major events like the $100k Triton Main Event.

More Than Just a Poker Face

What makes Jun special isn’t just his poker tournament news headlines; it’s his attitude. In a game that can sometimes be serious and quiet, Jun is famous for his friendly vibe and his trademark smile. Even when he loses a hand, he often does it with grace. He brings fun to the table, which is why fans and fellow players love him.

What’s Next?

After dominating the Japanese poker rankings in 2025, the poker world is watching to see what Jun “Misawa” Obara does next. Will he keep the crown in 2026? One thing is for sure: he will be doing it with a smile.

Congratulations, Jun Obara, on a fantastic year!