#Japan #AKIHABARA #GiGO POKER #Poker Tournament #GiGO EDGE

Unveiling the GiGO Poker FES: A Night of Thrills

On June 20-21, 2026, the GiGO EDGE company hosted its first major poker tournament, the GiGO POKER FES, at the B1F venue of Bellesalle Akihabara as part of the larger GiGO EXPO 2026. Initially met with inclement weather, the event nonetheless attracted a remarkable turnout of 318 players, who participated in a total of 535 entries for four different tournaments. The main event alone saw an impressive registration cap at 250 entries, far surpassing expectations and highlighting the rising interest in both the poker market and the GiGO POKER brand.

Event Overview

• - Event Name: GiGO POKER FES
• - Event Date: June 20-21, 2026
• - Venue: Bellesalle Akihabara B1F
• - Organizer: GiGO EDGE, Inc.
• - Major Sponsor: Waitinglist Co., Ltd.
• - Co-Sponsors: Citram Co., Ltd., Real Akiba Communications, Inc.
• - Participants: 318 unique attendees
• - Total Entries: 535 across four tournaments
• - Total Prize Pool: 1 million yen plus sponsorship items

The tournament featured acclaimed performers and professional players, including MC Nanachara (Nana Jikan) and ambassadors Yūka Nishio and Mayu Sagara, adding a star quality to the event.

Event Launch

The festivities kicked off with a special talk and live performance on the first-floor stage, increasing excitement amongst the attendees. The talk featured insights from the official ambassadors, who engaged the audience with anecdotes about maintaining focus during extended tournaments. Their discussions provided a glimpse into their dual lives as voice actors and poker players, showcasing a different side than the usual entertainment.

A Thrilling Tournament

Host Nanachara introduced the day's tournament components, explaining the various exciting events, catering to both novices and veterans. The lineup included the main event, the GEM tournament, a turbo tournament sponsored by Kliener Fighting, and a ring tournament. With the atmosphere palpable with anticipation, the main event commenced as an accessible entry format with a participation fee of 10,000 yen, concluding at a full capacity of 250 entries.

As the clock ticked from midnight to morning, the venue transformed into a hub of strategic play with chips clattering and players’ focused expressions. Despite the initial wild weather that almost deterred players, their enthusiasm didn't waver, leading to a few participants missing out during peak periods due to the overwhelming response.

Tournament Results

Each tournament had its victors, with a thrilling competition throughout:

• - NLH Main Event (250 entries):

1st: Bacara Shacho
2nd: CELIKA
3rd: SHIRO

• - and more!

Champion Comments: Bacara Shacho expressed immense excitement at becoming the inaugural champion, showcasing the potential for travel interspersed with poker in the future.

The other tournaments also showcased talent with results highlighting exciting plays and unexpected twists: 139 entries in the NLH GEM Event saw incredible competition, while varying outcomes in the turbo and ring events illustrated the diverse skill levels present.

Reflections from Participants

Yūka Nishio emphasized how the event exceeded expectations even in the rain, and she noted the potential for future large-scale developments with a growing poker community. Meanwhile, Mayu Sagara shared her joy at the vibrant atmosphere and anticipation for the next event, expressing a desire to improve in personal gameplay. Nanachara, for her part, reflected positively on the sheer number of players, considering the day an eye-opening experience to the poker's charm and community.

Looking Ahead

Wrap-up comments expressed deep gratitude towards everyone involved—from players to sponsors. Plans for future events are already underway, ensuring improvements in venue space and operational logistics to accommodate more participants comfortably. GiGO POKER FES aspires to enhance the poker experience for all enthusiasts and contribute significantly to Japan's poker culture.

Stay tuned for announcements regarding the next tournament date via GiGO EDGE's official social media channels!

Company Information: GiGO EDGE, founded by representative Shōhei Sugihara, focuses on developing vibrant night-time entertainment chasing the future of competitive socialization through games like darts, poker, billiards, and more—all aimed at invigorating nightlife. Their headquarters are located at Tokyo Shiodome Building, providing a base for innovative entertainment projects.