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Tomoya Kakihara is a professional poker player from Japan who has established himself as a prominent competitor on the international circuit, particularly within the Asian and US markets. Residing in Japan, he has become a recognized figure in high-stakes festivals, moving seamlessly between the booming Asian poker hubs and the world’s most prestigious stages in Las Vegas.
Career Earnings & Biggest Results
According to The Hendon Mob, Tomoya Kakihara has amassed total live earnings of $38,156. His career-best live score was recorded in August 2024 at the P1-CIRCUIT in Incheon, South Korea, where he finished as the runner-up in the Mini Main Event for KRW 14,971,950 (∼$11,012).
Kakihara enjoyed a prolific 2025 season, highlighted by multiple deep runs at the Asia Pacific Poker Tour (APPT) Manila Championship. In October 2025, he secured a 23rd-place finish in the APPT Manila Championship for PHP 505,000 (∼$8,650) and a 2nd-place finish in the Last Chance High Roller Turbo for PHP 208,000 (∼$3,547). He also showcased his talent at the 56th World Series of Poker (WSOP) 2025 in Las Vegas, recording cashes in both the $1,500 No Limit Hold’em Freezeout ($4,012) and the $1,500 Monster Stack ($3,018). These consistent results have seen him climb to the 599th position on the Japan All Time Money List.
Biography & Poker Background
Originally from Japan, Kakihara has transitioned into a global professional, frequently traveling to major poker destinations including the Philippines, South Korea, and the United States. While he began making a name for himself in local and regional series like the Manila Megastack, his recent trajectory shows a focus on championship-level fields within the APPT and WSOP. He is part of a rising wave of Japanese talent making a significant impact on the international tournament scene, often competing in marquee events like the PokerStars Red Dragon.
Play Style & Strategy
Kakihara is recognized for a disciplined and resilient tournament approach, a strategy that has served him well in both large-field championships and high-variance turbo formats. His success in “Last Chance” High Roller events suggests a strong understanding of short-stack dynamics and the ability to apply pressure during critical late-game phases. Known for his calm table presence, his strategy often centers on outlasting elite international fields through calculated aggression and strong ICM awareness, making him a formidable opponent at any final table.
Derick Elomina discovered poker at 14, playing home games with his high school friends. What began as a pastime quickly grew into a passion that shaped his career. By 21, he entered the poker industry as a field reporter — just old enough to step foot inside the casino. Starting as a hand reporter, he steadily honed his craft, blending sharp observation with growing writing skills. Known for his dedication, he constantly roams the floor to capture the action, conduct interviews, and deliver live updates. With a strong commitment to the game and a passion for telling poker’s stories, Derick continues to build his path in the industry.
