Akihiro Kawaguchi 🇯🇵

Originally from Japan and currently residing in Navi City, Kawaguchi has established himself as a disciplined and highly traveled competitor on the global stage. He is currently ranked 278th on the Japan All Time Money List and holds an impressive 74th place ranking among Japanese players in the Global Poker Index (GPI). His trajectory has seen him transition from regional tournaments in Asia to prestigious international championships, frequently recording cashes at the WSOP in Las Vegas and premier venues like Okada Manila and The Wynn. His consistent performance across various poker variants has solidified his status as a versatile and elite member of the modern Japanese circuit.

Kawaguchi is known for a highly adaptable and aggressive tournament strategy, often described as a player who applies significant pressure to his opponents during critical stages of a hand. His ability to navigate massive, diverse fields is evidenced by his final table appearances in both high-leverage “Limit Razz” formats and fast-paced “Hyper Turbo” events. He is particularly dangerous in the late stages of major championships, where he effectively uses his stack to leverage chip leads and force difficult folds, as seen in high-profile hands against seasoned regional professionals at the APT. This tactical versatility, combined with strong situational awareness, makes him a formidable threat in both hold’em and mixed game fields globally.

According to The Hendon Mob, his total live earnings stand at $91,400. His career-best cash of $23,349 was achieved at the 2024 World Series of Poker (WSOP) in Las Vegas, where he secured a 6th place finish in the $1,500 Limit Razz (Event #40). Kawaguchi has also found significant success in the Philippines, notably finishing 2nd in the 2024 Asian Poker Tour (APT) Manila Hyper Turbo High Roller for PHP 211,000 (∼$3,621). Earlier that year, he recorded a 43rd place finish in the APT Manila Main Event for PHP 316,000 (∼$5,427) and a 9th place finish in the Manila Super Series 19 Main Event for PHP 189,728 (∼$3,414). In 2025, he claimed a victory in the Manila Megastack 21 Double Stack event for PHP 121,476 (∼$2,085). Akihiro Kawaguchi