ABEMA Launches First POKER Channel: Special Program on June 26, Exclusive Free Live Broadcast of WSOP the Next Day

Japanese streaming platform ABEMA recently announced that it will launch a dedicated "POKER Channel" for the first time, aiming to provide poker enthusiasts with more concentrated content. It is reported that the channel will air a special program on Friday, June 26, featuring celebrities such as Takashi Yoshimura, Ata Mary, and professional poker player Sekai no Yokozawa, covering poker strategy, celebrity showdowns, and other entertaining segments.

More notably, starting June 27, ABEMA will exclusively and freely live-stream the world's largest poker tournament, the World Series of Poker (WSOP), exclusively in Japan. The WSOP is held annually in Las Vegas, attracting top poker players from around the globe to compete for gold bracelet glory. This exclusive free streaming rights mean Japanese audiences can watch real-time coverage of the WSOP Main Event and other key tournaments on the "POKER Channel" without charge.

ABEMA stated that launching the POKER Channel is a response to Japan's growing interest in poker. In recent years, with the proliferation of international poker events and the active participation of Japanese players, poker's popularity in Japan has steadily risen. The special program will blend entertainment and competition, making it easy for beginners to get started. Guests like Takashi Yoshimura will bring a humorous touch, while Sekai no Yokozawa, as a professional poker player, will share practical techniques.

The WSOP live broadcast will cover the entire event, including key stages such as the Main Event final table. ABEMA emphasized it will provide multi-angle cameras, real-time odds, and possible commentary in Chinese. Currently, the POKER Channel also plans to later produce original poker instructional programs and online tournament replays.

For poker enthusiasts, this is undoubtedly good news: they can watch top-tier tournaments for free and enjoy the charm of poker through special programs. The launch of ABEMA's "POKER Channel" could mark a new milestone in the development of Japanese poker culture.