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Ryosuke Ikari, often competing under the moniker “YEBISU,” is a Japanese professional poker player who has become a prominent fixture in the Asian tournament circuit, particularly within the Asian Poker Tour (APT) and regional high-stakes events.
Career Earnings & Biggest Results
With over $340,700 in total live earnings, Ikari has established himself as a top-100 player on the Japan All Time Money List. His career reached new heights in 2025, driven by several major scores in large-field Asian festivals. His career-best live cash of $150,327 was recorded in November 2025 at the APT Championship , where he finished as the runner-up in a record-breaking field.
According to The Hendon Mob, Ikari has maintained a high level of consistency throughout 2025, yielding a substantial increase in his poker net worth. His recent triumphs include a 7th place finish at the 2025 APT Incheon for a significant prize, and a runner-up finish in the “Tick Tock Boom! High Roller” at the APT Manila Classic for $1,955. He also secured deep runs in various turbo and high-roller formats across Taiwan and South Korea.
Biography & Poker Background
Originally from Japan, Ryosuke Ikari has built a reputation as a “road warrior,” traveling extensively to compete in major international series. While he is most frequently spotted at Asian festivals like the Japan Open Poker Tour (JOPT) and the APT, his resume includes cashes at the European Poker Tour (EPT) in Prague and the World Series of Poker (WSOP) online. His steady ascent in the Global Poker Index (GPI) rankings reflects his transition from a regional enthusiast to a feared professional regular.
Play Style & Strategy
Ryosuke Ikari is known for an adaptable and aggressive tournament strategy, often excelling in fast-paced “Turbo” and “Hyper Turbo” formats. His ability to navigate large fields is evidenced by his top-tier finishes in events like the APT Mini Main Event and the Colossus. Analysis of his deep runs suggests a strong grasp of short-stack dynamics and pressure-based accumulation, making him a dangerous opponent at final tables.
My relationship with cards started thanks to my father. I was still in elementary school when he first taught me how to play Rummy, and I still remember the long evenings spent playing cards with my family. During the poker boom, I was still underage, but the televised tournaments immediately captured my attention. I became fascinated with the game and started learning different poker formats whenever I had the chance. Later in life, as an adult, I was fortunate enough to spend four years playing poker professionally. During that time, I mainly focused on Heads-Up Sit and Go games, where I found the format that suited me best. Even though my professional career was relatively short, poker remains something I’m grateful to have experienced as a major part of my life. Today, I play mostly as a hobby, while writing has become my main focus. That said, my enthusiasm for writing about poker is just as strong as my passion for playing the game once was.
