Kai Cocklin is a poker journalist and live reporting manager who has worked with PokerNews at major festivals including the World Series of Poker and the European Poker Tour. He has managed multiple live reporting teams at the World Series of Poker and trained individual reporters to develop their skills. He now oversees Somuchpoker’s editorial and live coverage, ensuring consistent quality and engaging content across the Asian poker scene.

Updated: 2025.11.11

Kaoru Kishimoto is a Japanese live-tournament professional based in Osaka, Japan, whose career has steadily progressed across Asia. He has recorded total live earnings of approximately USD 520,000, with his best single cash standing at around USD 183,000, coming from a seventh-place finish at the inaugural Triton One Main Event.

Kishimoto competes regularly in high-level Asian series such as the Asian Poker Tour (APT) and the Asia Pacific Poker Tour (APPT), with results across Korea, Taiwan, and the Philippines. Among his notable achievements are a first-place finish in a mixed-game event in Taipei and several strong performances at APT Jeju and APPT Manila.

Having been active for several years, Kishimoto’s consistent form and results across multiple regions have made him one of Japan’s most respected and successful live tournament players on the Asian circuit.

Kaoru Kishimoto

APPT Manila: Kaoru Kishimoto Leads APPT National Final 9; Youngbae Kim, Danielle Noja, Jeffrey Pardales Among Winners

Manila Megastack 17: Jean Paul Berdejo and Daisuke Kanai emerge triumphant; Kaoru Kishimoto, Thomas Young, Jukka Jaervinen, and Anthony Castro share spotlight