He is the Philippines ‘ best poker influencer, Whether direct or indirect, he became the person that inspired players to take up poker, and those players achieve many great things in the last month of 2021 and the first quarter of 2022.

A lot of players have in their own words admitted that it was Mike Takayama that inspired them to start playing poker.

Is it safe to say that the final table players and even the champions of 2021 and 2022 were influenced by Mike Takayama, and there is a reason for that.

Undisputed

The only Filipino to have ever become an Asian player of the year and the only Filipino to have won a WSOP bracelet. And most Filipino would definitely tell you that if there was a Filipino that can ever win a WSOP main event. It is definitely Mike Takayama.

Because he is a great player.

In a recent tournament in Okada Manila. Mike Takayama once again proved he is a true champion.

It is too bad that not many could have seen his game, nor were their report on how he played.

It is sad really that most of the time reports come out on the hands we played. But here are some things that many people did not know.

In a situation where there are only 3 tables left and you are shortstack. Most pros would easily say “any ace is good, shove”

Mike folded a few aces with weak kickers because he was aware something was going to happen. he had an instinct of a killer and knew it was not time.

Yet he would attack at once when there was an opportunity to hit.

From 2BB he hit back hard and gain a big stack. only to be hit hard when his pocket queens were defeated by pocket 8 that hit a set on the turn.

He was back at a short stack. He entered the final table with the shortest stack. but undisturbed. He started hitting back again until he had enough chips to fight toe to toe with his opponents.

Until it was decided to chop it 6 ways.

The Man above kings!

Jessie Leonarez once said “If Mike Takayama was to only focused on poker. nobody in the Philippines and maybe the whole world can defeat Mike Takayama”

Jessie Leonarez may be absent from the tournament’s field but the guy already playing the high stakes games that would put any recent tournament champion purse ashame.

Yet, the high praise Jessie gives to Takayama is just a testament to his high respect for a fellow Billiard player who became a poker pro. 

Mike Takayama influenced a lot of billiard players to shift to poker. He sold the game and even supported them on their bankrolls.

He guided them and taught them a lot. Some players who became champions do believe they owe it to Mike Takayama that is why they have won. 

The Man on a solo quest but carries on his back a team

It is sad really that the poker industry is not ready for Mike Takayama. because if there was one player in the Philippines who could influence more players to take up poker and guide them to become champions.

It is definitely Mike Takayama.

And his reach far exceeds the Philippines. People from Singapore or Malaysia and even Korea, players love to play against him.

Undeniably, most poker sites really do not know how to use their talents. They take someone great but hope their greatness brings in people. They could use their talents more. but it is not yet time.

Give Mike Takayama a real team that can support him. this guy can influence the world over to play poker.

But even without that support. He now leads his team with a great partner to help carry them and guide them to become the next generation of champions.

WIth the world slowly becoming alive again and setting on a new normal.  Who knows. He might finally get a real sponsor.

But for now, Mike Takayama will just keep winning tournaments like it was a normal thing to do. Whether it be a small tournament or a major one. or even a WSOP event. It is just what Mike is destined for. 

Stay safe poker players!