WSOP 2026: Daisuke Ogita Triumphs in Mini Main Event for a Million (Event #72)

Event #72: $1,000 Mini Main Event was a fantastic prelude to the highly anticipated Main Event. An impressive 12,560 entries participated, generating a massive prizepool of $11,052,800. Out of these, 935 players walked away with a financial reward.

The final day, featuring the last nine finalists, unfolded at a surprisingly fast pace. The entire final table concluded in just about two hours. Ogita, who started the day as fifth in chips, maintained his composure throughout the tournament, awaiting his moments strategically.

Heading into the heads-up against Canadian Jaehwa Son, Ogita held a commanding 4:1 chip lead. The bracelet-deciding battle ended in just a few hands. In the final hand, Son went all-in with K h J d, which Ogita called with A s T s. The board 6 c 7 s A h 7 d 3 h gave the Japanese player a pair, sealing his victory.

For Ogita, the win had special significance. “I felt I had to win for my family, whom I left in Japan for an entire month while competing at the WSOP,” the emotional champion shared.

When asked how he planned to celebrate his historic achievement, he responded candidly, “Alcohol. I love alcohol,” he declared with a smile after winning the bracelet.

Ogita’s victory marked the fourth title for Japan in this year’s series, with fellow countryman Naoya Kihara (a two-time WSOP 2026 winner) congratulating him at the final table.

Final Table Results of Event #72:

Source: WSOP, WSOP Live

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