KKPoker Live Event Recap
It's been an exciting few months for KKPoker live events, with tournaments across an amazing four continents recently wrapping up.
KKLIVE visted iconic locations! From the bustling streets of Tokyo, vibrant atmosphere of San José, laughs in Dublin, and the exciting debut of Brazil’s no-rake poker event in São Paulo, each event has contributed to KKPoker’s growing presence in the world of live poker.
Not only were new poker champions crowned awarding over $400,000 in prizes, but fun was had by all, as the KKPoker player community came together to take their online poker battles onto the live tables.
Here’s a look at some of the highlights from these four landmark events.
Table of Contents
KKLIVE TOKYO
KKLIVE SAN JOSE
KKLIVE SAO PAULO
AUTUMN SERIES 2024 DUBLIN
KKLIVE TOKYO 2024: A New Champion Emerges
The fourth year of KKLIVE Tokyo, held from August 9 to 13, set new attendance records, with 2,371 Main Event entries across online and live Day 1 flights. The event amassed an amazing total of over 9,000 entries across all events, reflecting poker's increasing popularity in Japan.
The Main Event boasted a $350,000 guaranteed prize pool and culminated in an exciting final table that featured a mix of seasoned players and newcomers.
After a nearly two-hour heads-up match, Ryohei, a rising star who started playing poker just a year ago, emerged victorious, taking home $43,000 and the title of KKLIVE Tokyo champion. His opponent, Fraser, a KKPoker employee from Canada, made an impressive run but fell short in the final hand.
The event also marked the first time international qualifying players from the Philippines, South Korea, Bulgaria, and Mexico joined the action, adding to the tournament’s global flavor. To celebrate the event and Fraser’s runner-up finish, KKPoker announced two special online freerolls—the $5K Celebration Freeroll—giving KKPoker Japanese players another chance to win big.
Beyond the Main Event, 40 side tournaments showcased various poker formats and crowned numerous champions.
In the much-anticipated Ladies' Championship, which was live-streamed and featured commentary from KK Pro Suzuki, KK Ambassador Manami Shindo, and analysts Takashi Ogura and Tamon Nakamura. The tournament also welcomed international players, including KKPoker online qualifier Elvira from Bulgaria.
The Ladies Championship final table was filled with top talent, including last year's Main Event top female finisher, Satsuki, who placed third in this event. Ultimately, the championship was decided in a heads-up battle between Sakuchan and Miiyan, with Miiyan emerging victorious.
The highlight of Day 2 was the KK Stream Special, an invite-only tournament featuring players from the poker world as well as celebrity guests. The ultimate winner was WSOP bracelet winner and 2023 KKPoker Vegas Dream qualifier Ryutaro Suzuki. He astonished everyone by securing his third consecutive victory in this event, further proving his prowess and reputation as a formidable player.
KKLIVE Tokyo 2024 was not just about poker but a celebration of the game’s growing diversity.
KKLIVE SAN JOSE: Boosted Prizes and a Champion’s Glory
Following the success of Tokyo, KKPoker returned to San José, Costa Rica, from August 10 to September 1. With a $175 buy-in Main Event and a boosted $25,000 guaranteed prize pool, the tournament attracted 244 entries, creating a total prize pool of $35,200.
After a competitive run, Costa Rican poker legend Alex Brenes was crowned the Main Event champion, pocketing $7,020. The tournament was a testament to the growing excitement around poker in Latin America. Day 2 saw 47 players return to the tables, including 10 online qualifiers, who collectively earned $7,530 from their performances.
The combination of online and live Day 1 flights offered players various paths to success, while the welcoming atmosphere and top-notch organization made the event a true celebration of poker in Costa Rica.
KKLIVE SAO PAULO: Record-Breaking No-Rake Event
KKPoker made history in São Paulo with Brazil’s first-ever no-rake poker event, held from September 12 to 15 at the Novotel Center Norte. Aimed at recreational players, this unique event attracted a huge turnout, starting with a Freeroll that drew over 400 entries. To accommodate the demand, KKPoker boosted the prize pool from R$30K to R$40K.
The Main Event was the centerpiece of the tournament, featuring a R$250 buy-in and a R$200K guarantee. And due to an astounding 1,195 entries, the prize pool was boosted to R$300K. The tournament was particularly memorable for two players who qualified for the Main Event via $3 online satellite tickets and made it all the way to the final table.
And after the final battles were concluded, Anderson Luiz was the ultimate champion, taking home R$39.850!
The Ladies Event was another highlight, with 92 participants joining the action. In addition, the Mystery Bounty Tournament added an extra layer of excitement, with over R$100K in prizes and individual bounties reaching R$10K. Players enjoyed the fun and anticipation of opening their bounty envelopes, making it a fan-favorite format.
Throughout the event, the KKLIVE Invitational brought together poker stars and celebrities for a lighthearted and entertaining tournament, while the Last Chance Tournament wrapped up the event in style, surpassing its guarantee and leaving players eager for the next edition.
KKLIVE São Paulo received widespread praise for its organization and structure, with players expressing excitement for future KKPoker events in Brazil.
AUTUMN SERIES 2024 DUBLIN
KKPoker ambassador Paul Carr produced a truly professional performance to win the inargural KKPoker Autumn Series 2024 Dublin for €7,500.
261 live entries combined with 35 online entries created a €50,320 total prize pool.
55 players, including six online qualifiers competed in Day 2, and when down to the final four, a deal was agreed.
Joe ONeill, Mark Doyle, and Luke Bryne all received €6,000 for their deep run, before Paul when on to take the overall victory.
The win marked Paul's 26th live recorded tournament cash in 2024, and this 3rd title.
LOOKING AHEAD
KKPoker’s 2024 live events have successfully connected poker communities across the globe, from the streets of Tokyo to the heart of São Paulo. As KKPoker continues to expand, players can look forward to more thrilling tournaments, exciting formats, and opportunities to win life-changing prizes. Whether online or live, KKPoker remains committed to providing the best poker experience possible.
Stay tuned for more information on upcoming events including KKLIVE Montreal. Follow @KKPOKERGLOBAL on social media for live event updates too.
