Ibuki Yamasaki

Ibuki Yamasaki, also known by the nickname "IB", is a Japanese poker player who first appeared in live tournaments around 2023. He competed in the Japan Open Poker Tour 2023 Tokyo, specifically in Event #25 NLH Turbo, part of the Jalumageddon series. This early exposure marked the beginning of his presence in the Asian poker scene.

Yamasaki has participated in several prestigious international tours:

• World Poker Tour (WPT): He played in the WPT Prime Taiwan championship, where during Level 18 (6,000-12,000 blinds) he was seen sweating a runout holding pocket aces against Martin Gonzales, eventually surviving with 158,000 chips.
• Asian Poker Tour (APT): In 2025, he entered the Hyper Turbo - NL - Triple Draw Mix event at APT Incheon, South Korea.
• Poker Dream: He attended Poker Dream 19 Malaysia, though specific results are not detailed.
• Gods of Poker (GOP): At The Prophecy Unfolds - GOP Incheon 2026, he finished 17th in the GOP Mini Main (buy-in 770,000 KRW), earning $1,300.
• Red Dragon Poker Tour (RDPT): In RDPT Plus 2026, he placed 3rd in an NLH Hyper Turbo event (buy-in 600,000 KRW) for $2,500.

According to The Hendon Mob, Yamasaki's total live earnings amount to $19,854, with his best live cash being $3,258. He ranks 818th on the Japan all-time money list and 114,018th globally. The Somuchpoker Poker Index (SPI) for 2026 ranks him 871st (#3,657 overall). Somuchpoker also lists a net worth in Asia-Pacific of $51,545 and a biggest win of $11,685, though these figures may include non-live or aggregate metrics. Notably, he has cashed in all 18 events he has attended, demonstrating remarkable consistency.

While detailed style analysis is lacking, one hand from WPT Prime Taiwan illustrates his approach: Yamasaki held pocket aces and got all-in against Martin Gonzales. The board ran out favorably, allowing him to double up to 158,000 chips. This suggests a willingness to commit with premium hands and a solid understanding of tournament dynamics.

Yamasaki's live tournament earnings are modest but growing. The Hendon Mob reports $19,854 in live earnings, while Somuchpoker estimates a broader net worth of $51,545 in the Asia-Pacific region. His progression through various tours indicates a steady accumulation of experience and bankroll.

As a Japanese player actively competing in multiple Asian circuits, Yamasaki is poised to increase his live earnings and rankings. His high in-the-money rate (100% in recorded events) suggests a disciplined tournament strategy. With continued participation in tours like the World Poker Tour and Asian Poker Tour, he may become a more recognized figure in the global poker community.