Jun Obara 🇯🇵

Hailing from Morioka, Japan, Obara’s ascent to the top of the poker world has been described as a “breakout” in every sense of the word. Known to many in the online community by the moniker “misawa,” he transitioned from a respected online specialist to a live-circuit standout with extraordinary speed. Beyond his impressive bankroll, Obara is known for his infectious, humble, and joyful approach to the game—often laughing even under the immense pressure of high-stakes final tables. He has become a pioneer for the growing Japanese poker scene, openly aspiring to inspire a new generation of players from his home country to compete on the global stage.

Obara is characterized by a bold, creative, and hyper-aggressive playing style that often leaves opponents reeling. He is known for building and maintaining massive chip stacks early in tournaments, utilizing his chip lead to apply relentless pressure throughout the late stages. His game is less about rigid conservatism and more about proactive, high-level decision-making that capitalizes on his ability to out-maneuver rivals in complex multi-way pots. This “fearless” approach, combined with his natural aptitude for the game, has made him one of the most exciting and unpredictable players to watch in modern high-roller poker.

With total live tournament earnings exceeding $8,218,000 (according to The Hendon Mob), Jun Obara has become a centerpiece of the Japanese poker movement. His career-best live score is a remarkable $1,594,677 for a runner-up finish in the 2025 Wynn Summer Classic $10,400 Main Event. Obara gained international acclaim in September 2025 at the Triton Poker Series Jeju, where he not only won the $40,000 Mystery Bounty event for $699,000 but also pulled a staggering 17 bounties, adding over $1,000,000 in additional prize money. He is a consistent performer on the World Series of Poker circuit, including several notable deep runs in high-roller bracelet events during the 2025 WSOP Paradise series. Credit: Triton