Mike Takayama: A Story of Rags to Riches Through Poker
Level 8
: Blinds 500/1,000, 1,000 ante
Started off as a professional billiards player, Mike Takayama is a classic story of rags to riches. Hailing from the Philippines, Takayama hustled in every billiards room he could find in Metro Manila to make ends meet.
Told that it was easier to make money playing poker, he learned the game and realized that it wasn't so. But he studied it, watched others, and in no time excelled in it. He is second in the Philippines’ All-Time Money List and one of the most respected players in the Asian poker scene.
On his very first visit to the World Series of Poker (WSOP) in 2018, he won himself a WSOP bracelet and has inspired numerous players in his country to chase the dream. He continues to chase his own as he inspires others to do the same.