Getting to Know Natural8 Ambassador Tsugunari Toma

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Managing Editor
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Natural8 Ambassador Tsugunari Toma

Poker players around the world are awaiting the widescale return of live poker in Europe and Asia, including major live poker festivals such as the European Poker Tour.

One of the winners at the last EPT, held in Prague in December 2019, was Natural8 Ambassador Tsugunari Toma.

He took down two High Roller tournaments, and final-tabled another for combined cashes of over $750,000.


Related: Tsugunari Toma Wins Second High Roller Title in a Week


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Returning to Poker

Toma says he's been waiting for a long time to get back to the live circuit, and he tries to play online where possible.

"Since I work during the day, it’s difficult to play long games in online poker, so I’ll do my best to get my work done and take a break."

YearEventBuy-inPlacePayout
December 2019EPT Prague High Roller€10,3001st€523,100
August 2019EPT Barcelona Super High Roller€100,0005th€496,740
December 2018EPT Prague High Roller€25,0002nd€191,840
December 2019EPT Prague High Roller€10,2001st€135,220
November 2012APPT ACOP Main EventHK$100,0006thHK$952,000

Combining Business and Poker

Toma is unmissable at live poker tournaments, with a sharp fashion sense and silver-studded shoes. Away from the poker tables, he's a successful businessman, and is a prime example of enjoying the game of poker for what it is.

"I used to work in a bank," Toma told PokerNews. "My business is as a management consultant, so we were applying for subsidies and loans for our customers as a result of COVID-19."

With no legal casinos in Japan, Toma says that so-called "amusement casinos" are in fashion, so much so that Toma opted to buy one himself.

Tsugunari Toma

Poker in Japan

Poker was increasing in popularity prior to 2020, but COVID-19 gave the sport a real boost. In May 2021, the Japan Poker Tour broke an attendance record


Read More: Toma Aims to Keep Winning, Use Platform to Promote Poker in Japan


Toma himself organized a tournament called 'Top of Poker Championship in Japan' that he says was a great success.

"The tournament is held at amusement casinos nationwide with an entrance fee of 6,000 yen. I sponsored the tournament, which generated a prize pool of $140,000."

It's an amazing time in online poker so don't miss out on this opportunity. It's not too late to download the Natural8 app and start playing online. New players can enjoy a variety of bonuses, promotions and freerolls.

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Managing Editor

Based in the United Kingdom, Will started working for PokerNews as a freelance live reporter in 2015 and joined the full-time staff in 2019. He now works as Managing Editor. He graduated from the University of Kent in 2017 with a B.A. in German. He also holds an NCTJ Diploma in Sports Journalism.

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