Leo Kamiya, an Australian professional poker player, has distinguished himself as one of the most consistent and formidable competitors in the Asian poker circuit. He recently made headlines by successfully defending his APPT Open title at the Asia Pacific Poker Tour (APPT) Manila Championship 2025, a rare feat that solidified his reputation as a dominant force in the region.
Career Earnings & Biggest Results
According to The Hendon Mob, Leo Kamiya has total earnings of $586,938. His career trajectory reached new heights in 2025 following a series of high-profile victories in the Philippines. His biggest career cash occurred at the Poker Dream 11 Malaysia Main Event in 2024, where he finished in 4th place for MYR 326,000 (∼$73,711).
Kamiya is particularly celebrated for his back-to-back APPT Open triumphs. In August 2025, he outlasted a field of 356 entries to win the APPT Manila Open for PHP 2,999,000 (∼$52,430). Just two months later, he returned to Okada Manila to win the APPT Manila Championship Open for PHP 3,230,000 (∼$55,659). Other prestigious results include a 3rd place finish in the APPT Manila High Roller for PHP 2,000,000 (∼$36,000) and a 6th place finish in the USOP Hai Phong Main Event for VND 1,309,000,000 (∼$53,170). His versatility is further evidenced by a WPT Australia title in Pot Limit Omaha, where he earned AUD 29,914 (∼$20,111).

Biography & Poker Background
Originally from Sydney, Australia, Kamiya transitioned into the world of professional poker after life as a mathematics student. He began his full-time grind roughly seven years ago and has since evolved into a globetrotting professional with a heavy focus on major Asian festivals like the APT, APPT, and WPT Prime.
His background in mathematics provided a strong technical foundation that allowed him to rise through the stakes in both Australia and Southeast Asia. While he is a regular fixture at The Star Gold Coast and Sydney card rooms, his recent dominance in Manila has made him a household name in the Filipino poker community. He is currently ranked among the top 170 players on the Australian All Time Money List, a standing he continues to improve with high-volume participation in international high-roller events.
Play Style & Strategy
Kamiya utilizes a highly technical and math-driven approach, a direct result of his academic background. He is known for a resilient and aggressive play style that excels in navigating the complexities of large-field tournaments. During his APPT runs, he demonstrated elite mental stamina, often coming back from short stacks or surviving intense final table marathons.
His strategy is characterized by “brave calls” and a deep understanding of ICM pressure, particularly in short-handed and heads-up play. He is equally proficient in No Limit Hold’em and Pot Limit Omaha, often switching between formats during festivals to maximize his edge. His ability to maintain focus during high-variance heads-up battles, such as his victory over Gi Boum Kim, shows a blend of calculated aggression and technical precision that makes him a dangerous opponent at any final table.






















