The Triton Poker Super High Roller Series in Jeju delivered a landmark moment as Japan’s Jun Obara became the tour’s first-ever champion from his country. The Morioka native lifted the $40,000 Mystery Bounty title, ending a nine-year drought for Japanese poker and completing a remarkable run that included an extraordinary haul of 17 bounties.
Obara’s Historic Breakthrough
Obara, also known as “misawa,” had already come close to glory earlier in the festival, finishing runner-up in the inaugural Triton One $5,000 Bounty Quattro. On this occasion, however, he went one step further, securing the title along with $699,000 in prize money and an additional $1,040,000 from bounty envelopes. His total winnings reached over $1.7 million.
In his post-tournament remarks to Triton media, Obara remained modest, stating, “Every time lucky. Lucky only!”
Cooler Flop at the Final Table
One of the defining hands of the final table came against Chinese-born New Yorker Ren “Tony” Lin. Lin shoved his last 205,000 with A♠K♦, and Obara instantly called with 10♥9♥ holding a dominant 4,690,000 stack. The rest of the table folded, setting the stage for a dramatic showdown.
The dealer revealed a brutal flop of 6♠8♠7♣, giving Obara the nut straight and leaving Lin nearly drawing dead. Lin reacted in anguish, burying his face in his hands, while others at the table expressed disbelief. Martin Kabrhel’s well-known phrase, “not like that!” could be heard across the table.
Lin’s only hope was running spades, but the turn brought the A♥, confirming his elimination. The Q♦ on the river completed the board, and Lin graciously fist-bumped Obara before heading to the rail. The pot of 305,000 and another bounty went Obara’s way.
A Record Haul of 17 Bounties
By the conclusion of the event, Obara had collected 17 mystery bounties — a rare and impressive figure even by Triton standards. His performance not only secured a major payday but also marked a significant moment for Japanese poker on the global stage.
Upcoming Triton Highlights in Jeju
Action at Landing Casino continues with the $50,000 Triton Bounty Quattro, an event expected to draw significant attention after Obara’s result. Meanwhile, the $150,000 NLH 8-Handed has reached Day 2, featuring a star-studded field with names such as Jason Koon, Alex Foxen, and Triton Player of the Year frontrunner Artur Martirosian. A massive $4,107,000 awaits the winner.
The Jeju stop of the Triton Super High Roller Series is proving to be one of the most thrilling yet, highlighted by Obara’s historic triumph.
