Tomoya Tsubouchi Goes From First Live Cash to APT Champion

One of the most remarkable stories of APT Incheon began with a player who had almost no international tournament experience.

Japan’s Tomoya Tsubouchi arrived in Incheon with five friends and only one recorded live poker result.

He left with an APT Lion Trophy.

Tsubouchi won the Korea National Cup, defeating a record 709-entry field representing 28 nations.

The tournament produced a KRW 409,459,411 prize pool, approximately US$290,400.

Tsubouchi collected KRW 78,109,411 for first place.

The victory was his first recorded live tournament cash and first tournament title.

It was also only his second international poker trip.

The Japanese player had originally combined the tournament with a vacation in Korea.

Instead of simply enjoying a trip, he ended up winning one of the festival’s opening marquee events.

His victory set the tone for APT Incheon.

The festival would go on to produce record fields, major high-roller victories and a historic Main Event.

But Tsubouchi’s story remained one of the most relatable.

Sometimes the biggest poker trip begins with nothing more than a vacation plan and a seat at the table.

photo credits to Asian Poker Tour