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Akira Takasugi is a Japanese professional poker player who made history in 2025 by winning the largest and richest Main Event in the history of the Asian Poker Tour (APT).
Career Earnings & Biggest Results
With over $705,000 in total live earnings, Akira Takasugi has surged into the top 35 of the Japan All Time Money List. According to The Hendon Mob, his career-defining achievement occurred in May 2025 at the APT Taipei Main Event, where he outlasted a record-breaking field of 2,547 entries to win a massive TWD 19,009,440 (~$586,710) top prize. This victory represented the largest first-place prize ever awarded in the region at the time.
Following his historic win, Takasugi has maintained an impressive run of form throughout the remainder of 2025. His recent records include a 3rd place finish in the APT Championship Taipei Freezeout Championship for $40,748 in November 2025, and a runner-up finish in the WPT Prime Taiwan 8-Max Championship for $30,913 in August. These high-stakes results have significantly elevated his status within the international poker community and bolstered his estimated net worth.
Biography & Poker Background
Originally from Japan, Akira Takasugi has transitioned from regional tournaments to becoming a dominant force on the global circuit. While he first appeared on the radar with a runner-up finish at the Japan Open Poker Tour (JOPT) in 2022, he has since focused his efforts on major festivals in Taiwan, South Korea, and Europe. His resume also includes international experience with deep runs at EPT Malta and cashes in the WSOP Online series.
Play Style & Strategy
Akira Takasugi is recognized for a relentless and high-pressure tournament strategy. During his record-breaking APT Main Event run, live reports noted his ability to "leverage his lead," using his big stack to apply maximum pressure on opponents at the final table. His tactical approach combines a disciplined understanding of tournament structures with an aggressive endgame, a style that has proven particularly effective in both large-field freezeouts and high-stakes championship events.
About the Editor
Attila Kendefi is Somuchpoker's Player Relations and Profiles Writer, covering live festivals in the USOP and Gods of Poker family of events across Asia. His background in client relations shapes his approach to live event coverage, with a focus on the players, partners and organizers behind each festival, not just the results.