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: 2025.12.24

Shigeji Kusakabe is a Japanese professional poker player who has become a prominent force on the Asian circuit, widely recognized for his historic victory in the largest-ever Korean edition of the APT Zodiac Classic in 2025.

Career Earnings & Biggest Results

With over $480,800 in total live earnings, Shigeji Kusakabe currently ranks 49th on the Japan All Time Money List. According to The Hendon Mob, his career-best live cash of KRW 198,470,000 (~$143,107) was achieved in the Zodiac Classic at APT Incheon , where he outlasted a record-breaking field of 400 entries to secure his maiden APT title.

The year 2025 has been a defining season for Kusakabe, yielding over $200,600 in tournament winnings alone. His recent records include a string of high-stakes results across South Korea and Taiwan:

Winner, APT Incheon Zodiac Classic for $143,107 (August 2025).
3rd Place, APT Championship Taipei High Roller – Last Chance for $26,937 (November 2025).
Winner, P1 Circuit Incheon High Roller for $19,001 (February 2025).
Winner, P1 Circuit Incheon 9-Game Championship and No Limit Super Hold’em events (March 2025).

Biography & Poker Background

Originally from Japan and currently residing there, Shigeji Kusakabe has transitioned from a regional standout to a regular on the major international circuits. While he is a staple of major Asian festivals like the Asian Poker Tour (APT) and the Japan Open Poker Tour (JOPT), his resume includes international experience with cashes at the World Series of Poker (WSOP) in Las Vegas and the WSOP Online series. His steady climb is reflected in his Global Poker Index (GPI) ranking, where he currently sits at 55th in Japan.

Play Style & Strategy

Shigeji Kusakabe is known for a resilient and high-pressure tournament strategy, often excelling in “High Roller” and “Zodiac Classic” formats. During his historic APT Incheon victory, live reporting noted his ability to “overcome hardships” and maintain a commanding lead throughout the final stages of the event. His tactical approach combines a disciplined understanding of mixed games, demonstrated by his multiple titles in P1 Circuit non-hold’em events, with the aggressive stack management required to dominate large-field No Limit Hold’em championships.

Recent Attendances