Editor
Poker continues to grow in popularity in Asian markets, attracting younger players to the game, much like the Moneymaker boom in the US.
The Japan Open Poker Tour (JOPT) concluded its 2025 Grand Final in Tokyo earlier this month, hosting a structured poker tournament for minors aged six to 15.
While these players can’t participate in any events on the 2025 WSOP schedule, they were able to compete in an event otherwise inaccessible to them until they reached the age of 18 or 21.
This move is seen by many as controversial. While poker is officially classified as a mind sport (like chess, bridge, go, and esports), exposing children to a game involving gambling aspects has its obvious downsides.
The event didn’t have a monetary buy-in, but players competed for prizes that included Disney passes, a Nintendo Switch, and an iPad for the winner. The event encouraged strategy, emotional control, and decision-making while their parents stood close by.
The tournament attracted 70 players, with the top three players earning prizes, and the winner took home a JOPT green clover trophy.
There were a lot of raw emotions from young players learning what it’s like to lose at an early age.
Players could play individually or with help from a parent. Each player received five time banks to talk with their adult about poker tournament strategy, but the game encouraged players to make their own decisions.
The World Poker Federation endorses poker as a mind sport and highlighted the event as a chance for minors to compete.
