Zoe has covered major poker series across Asia, including APT and the Players Series. With solid experience as a live reporter, she now joins SoMuchPoker to deliver in-depth coverage and share her insights from the tables.

Updated: 2026.02.15

Naoki Ota is a Japanese poker player who has rapidly climbed the Asian poker rankings following a series of elite performances in major festivals across South Korea and Taiwan.

Career Earnings & Biggest Results

Naoki Ota has accumulated total live earnings of nearly $70,000. His breakout year in 2025 established him as a serious contender on the international circuit, characterized by deep runs in some of the region’s most prestigious events.

His career-best live cash of all time occurred in August 2025 at the Asian Poker Tour (APT) Incheon . Ota outlasted the vast majority of a competitive field in the APT Main Event, finishing in 6th place for KRW 85,390,000 (~ USD 61,507). More recently, he has maintained his momentum into 2026, recording a cash in the massive 8,066-entry TMT 19 Main Event in Taipei, where he finished 606th for TWD 22,500 (~USD 710). His consistent performance in large-field events has earned him a top-400 ranking on the Japan All Time Money List.

For a full breakdown of his tournament history, you can view the Naoki Ota Hendon Mob Profile.

Biography & Poker Background

Based in Japan, Naoki Ota is a regular in the Asia-Pacific tournament circuit. He built his reputation through the Japan Open Poker Tour (JOPT), where he secured a victory in a Tag Team event in May 2023. Since then, he has expanded his reach internationally, frequently competing in South Korea and Taiwan. His transition from local Japanese tournaments to high-stakes APT and TMT events highlights his rapid development into a professional-caliber player.

Play Style & Strategy

Naoki Ota is recognized for his adaptability and focus in high-pressure Main Event structures. His success in the APT Incheon Main Event demonstrates a strong understanding of deep-stack play and the patience required to navigate elite-level fields. His statistical profile shows a versatile approach, as he has recorded wins and final table finishes in formats ranging from Tag Team and Mystery Bounty to standard No Limit Hold’em tournaments. This tactical flexibility allows him to exploit various table dynamics across different regional player pools.

Recent Attendances