Welcome to Osaka: USOP’s Japanese Debut Kicks Off Today
The Dojima River Forum has seen its fair share of cultural milestones over the past two decades, hosting everything from world-renowned artists to landmark showcases by Japanese tech giant Nikon. But today, its stage belongs to poker. For the first time ever, the U Series of Poker has arrived in Japan, in partnership with Japan Gold Dragon, setting the tone for what looks to be a new era of professional poker in the country.
This week-long festival promises seven days of non-stop action with more than 50 events on the schedule and a staggering JPY220,000,000 (USD ~1.5 million) prize pool. From seasoned pros to first-timers taking their shot, there’s no shortage of opportunities to grab a share of the spotlight.
And with Japanese entertainment legend GACKT set to host his own invite-only event later in the series, the buzz surrounding USOP Osaka has spread far beyond the felt. One lucky winner from today’s opener, “Welcome to USOP”, will even earn a golden ticket into GACKT’s exclusive game, giving them a once-in-a-lifetime chance to sit across from Asia’s true high rollers.
Raising the Bar for Players
- If there’s one theme running through this debut, it’s that players come first. Influential poker figure @yusuke_trumpan has already given the series his stamp of approval, particularly singling out the High Roller Event. His highlights:
A 70-player cap, ensuring exclusivity and elite competition. - An 80% return rate on buy-ins, offering genuine value compared to most events in the region.
- A transparent 12% rake, a welcome figure in a market often criticised for its high costs.
For Japanese poker players, who’ve often dealt with restrictive regulations and limited opportunities to compete in professional conditions, these details aren’t just fine print — they’re a statement. USOP Osaka isn’t just another tournament stop; it’s proof that Japan can host poker festivals on par with the global stage, while still embracing its own culture and character.
A Truly Global Stage
USOP Osaka isn’t just about creating a more level playing field. It’s also debuting something entirely new: the SE7EN Dragon – Asia Championship. Slated for the penultimate day, this invite-only showcase will feature top talent from across Asia, each country represented by seven players. An on-site satellite qualifier ensures that hungry underdogs will have their chance to join the battle for JPY1,500,000 (USD ~8,180) and regional bragging rights.
But the heart of the schedule is still the Main Event. Stretching across four days, it carries a JPY77,000,000 guarantee and is expected to draw some of the strongest players from across the continent. For those who fall just short, the Mini Main kicks off immediately after the Main Event ends, extending the excitement deep into the week.
Closing the series in dramatic fashion, the Mystery Dragon event adds a uniquely Japanese twist to the bounty format. Players who open an envelope containing a golden dragon will step on stage, draw a genuine samurai sword, and reveal their prize in front of the crowd. It’s the kind of flair that makes this series feel unmistakably at home in Osaka.
Day 1: Welcome to USOP
The festival begins today with the “ Welcome to USOP ” event, a JPY5,000 buy-in with a JPY2,200,000 guarantee and that coveted golden ticket to GACKT’s exclusive table.
Players start with 25,000 chips, blinds opening at 100/200 with a 200 big blind ante. The structure features four 25-minute levels followed by a short break, then seven more levels before the next pause. Blinds continue to climb every 25 minutes across 28 total levels — or until one champion is crowned.
With a packed schedule, star-studded events, and the promise of a fairer, more professional playing environment, USOP Osaka is set to be a landmark moment for Japanese poker. For players, it’s a chance to etch their names into history. For fans, it’s a front-row seat to a new chapter of the game’s evolution in Asia.
The cards are on the table and the series is live. Keep up with the action all week.
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