Originally from the Lake District, UK, I’ve spent the last few years living and breathing the Southeast Asian poker circuit. Since 2025, I’ve been a fixture on the floor at the APT, PokerStars, and WSOP events, serving as a lead reporter and media specialist for Somuchpoker. My work is about more than just recording action; I manage the social media and digital content that brings action rail to the fans. By combining a business education and creative background, I aim to look past the technical hand histories to capture the actual human grit and drama that happens during a deep run.

Updated: 2026.02.14

Kei Okuda is a Japanese professional poker player who has become a breakout star of the early 2026 season. Known for his aggressive tournament strategy and a historic run at the APT Jeju Classic 2026, he has quickly transitioned from a regional competitor to a multiple-title winner on the Asian circuit.

Career Earnings & Recent Results

With total live tournament earnings now exceeding $42,000, Kei Okuda experienced a massive surge in February 2026, where he secured two titles in a single week. Before this breakout, his best results were primarily in high-stakes fields in Manila.

Recent Notable Performances:

$26,309 (₩37,490,000) for winning the NL Hold’em – Freezeout (Event #86) at the Asian Poker Tour (APT) Jeju Classic 2026.
$7,895 (₩11,241,600) for winning the Teams Event (shared with Tsuji Shugo) at the APT Jeju Classic 2026.
$9,090 (PHP 529,000) for a 7th-place finish in the Single Day High Roller at the APT Manila Classic 2025.
$2,298 for a deep run in the APPT Manila Main Event in August 2024.

These victories have significantly boosted his Global Poker Index (GPI) ranking and established him as one of the most productive Japanese players in the 2026 Player of the Year race. For a full breakdown of his statistics, you can view the Kei Okuda Global Poker Index Profile.

Biography & Poker Background

Originally from Japan, Kei Okuda has become a regular fixture at major Asian festivals including the APT, Asia Pacific Poker Tour (APPT), and Japan Open Poker Tour (JOPT). His career took a definitive leap forward in early 2026 when he navigated an elite field of 115 entries in Jeju to secure his second APT trophy of the series.

Okuda is recognized as a versatile team player, as evidenced by his victory in the Teams Event alongside fellow countryman Tsuji Shugo, where they outlasted a competitive field of 74 teams. He is part of a dominant wave of Japanese “new era” professionals who travel frequently to South Korea and the Philippines to follow the circuit.

Play Style & Strategy

Kei Okuda is recognized for a high-intensity, “front-runner” play style that excels in mid-field Freezeout and Teams formats. During his victory in the APT Jeju Freezeout, he was noted for his technical composure, successfully overcoming a final table heavily populated by aggressive Chinese professionals to double his lifetime earnings in a single night.

His strategy emphasizes a disciplined approach to stack management, particularly in one-day events where the levels move quickly. This ability to maintain peak technical performance across different structures—from standard Hold’em championships to unique collaborative team play—makes him one of the most dangerous and versatile Japanese regulars currently active on the 2026 circuit.

Recent Attendances