U Series Championship Osaka 2026 made its debut in Japan from February 27 to March 4, filling the Umeda Sky Building with nonstop poker battles and unforgettable moments. Poker in Japan has grown into a serious mind sport, and the tournament room showed just how much local players are competing at the highest levels.

Players lined up nonstop at registration from morning to night, and the tournament room stayed full every day. The turnout showed just how much interest the U Series Championship has built in Japan , with local players eager to compete for the titles and prizes.

Over the week, 49 trophies were awarded across the festival’s events, but the main highlight was the Main Event.

Takubon Overcomes The Swings To Take The Main Event

Takubon - U Series Championship Osaka 2026 Main Event Winner — Takubon – U Series Championship Osaka 2026 Main Event Winner

The Main Event of the U Series Championship Osaka 2026, a JPY 66,000 (~USD 420) buy-in with a JPY 33,000,000 (~USD 210,000) guaranteed prize pool, drew a massive turnout of 1,161 entries, mostly locals, and delivered several days of entertaining poker action.

The final table was packed with all Japanese players, and the battle for chips started immediately. Takubon began just behind Kumano Tomokatsu in chips and quickly got into the mix, surviving a tough stretch after Akihiro flopped trips and doubling up on crucial hands to stay in contention.

When it came down to heads-up, it only took one hand for Takubon to claim victory. His ace-eight held against Tomokatsu’s queen-five to take the championship. Takubon took home JPY 7,000,000 (~USD 44,500), capping a tense tournament and a memorable comeback, while Tomokatsu still took home JPY 5,000,000 (~USD 31,850).

U Series Championship Osaka Main Event Final Table Results

Place	Player	Flag	Prize (JPY)	Prize (~USD)
1	Takubon	Japan	7,000,000	44,500
2	Kumano Tomokatsu	Japan	5,000,000	31,850
3	Akihiro	Japan	3,200,000	20,400
4	Eleven	Japan	2,200,000	14,000
5	Ren	Japan	1,500,000	9,550
6	Ryoki	Japan	1,100,000	7,000
7	Bakala	Japan	900,000	5,730
8	SH	Japan	720,000	4,580
9	Takuya	Japan	600,000	3,820

Judy Comes From Behind To Take The Mini Main Event

Judy - Mini Main Event Winner — Judy – Mini Main Event Winner

Another highlight of the series was the Mini Main Event, a JPY 40,000 (~USD 250) buy-in with a JPY 10,000,000 (~USD 63,600) guaranteed prize pool. Judy from South Korea , the only woman at the final table and started with the shortest stack, battled her way back with determination. As the crowd favorite, she outlasted the rest and claimed the trophy along with JPY 1,500,000 (~USD 9,550).

Mini Main Event Final Table Results

Place	Player	Flag	Prize (JPY)	Prize (~USD)
1	Judy	South Korea	1,500,000	9,550
2	Fuji	Japan	1,000,000	6,370
3	Ko	Japan	800,000	5,100
4	Triple Barrell Ryo	Japan	650,000	4,140
5	Octo	Japan	500,000	3,190
6	Matsukuriiiii	Japan	400,000	2,550
7	Take	Japan	350,000	2,230
8	Niu Yuxin	China	300,000	1,910
9	N	Japan	300,000	1,910

Suu Shines Across Three Championship Wins

Suu - Wins Three Trophies — Suu – Wins Three Trophies

Across the festival, 49 trophies were awarded, and Suu stood out by claiming three championship titles, winning the Tag Match Light Version, Night Deep, and Single Day Mystery Hunter, standing out as one of the series’ top performers.

Festival Atmosphere & Daily Promotions

The festival was lively every day, on and off the tables. Beyond the poker action, U Series Championship (USC) treated players to daily promotions, including 50% off different merchandise each day, giving players a little extra to enjoy.

USC Osaka Debut A Hit, Bigger Main Event Ahead

This marked the first time USC hosted a series in Japan, and it was already clear that the U Series Championship Osaka had become a must-play event, drawing both local players and top international talent.

The next stop will also be in Osaka, this time at the Dojima River Forum from April 28 to May 6, 2026 for the U Series Championship Japan Q2 2026 , featuring an even bigger Main Event guarantee of JPY 55,000,000 (~USD 350,000). The next series promises even fun games and bigger prizes.

*The Player of the Series award is still too close to call, and the winner will be announced soon, so keep your eyes peeled for the final standings!

All photos used in this recap are courtesy of U Series Championship.