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POKERSTARS signs first sponsored team pros from india and japan Asian ambassadors highlights global expansion of the game
ONCHAN, Isle of Man – PokerStars today announced the signing of the site’s first Team Pros from India and Japan, highlighting the ongoing growth of poker around the world.
Aditya Agarwal is the first Indian Team Pro, having shown demonstrable success in PokerStars’ biggest online tournaments, while Kosei Ichinose is the first Japanese Team Pro, having previously become Japan’s first Supernova Elite player.
Kirsty Thompson, PokerStars’ Head of Pro & Celebrity Management, said: “The signing of these Team Pros from India and Japan is an important step in helping promote the game in countries where poker is only just coming to the fore. Both players are highly respected within the poker sphere, and their success and passion for the game will no doubt spread throughout their local and national communities.”
ADITYA AGARWAL The Indian poker player grew up in India but moved to the US to study Engineering and Marketing. While in university he caught the poker bug after watching it on TV, and by the time he graduated he was already a full-time pro.
Agarwal has enjoyed poker success in all formats, including a deep run in the World Series of Poker Main Event in 2008, finishing in the top 100 for $51,466, and a cash finish at EPT Barcelona in 2007 for $34,313. He has also won several tournaments and made final tables in events across India.
Adarwal said: “I’ve been playing at PokerStars since 2004, so this is a dream come true for me. As a poker ambassador I want to help promote the game in India, and inspire more players to play and enjoy the sport.”
Adarwal will play under the online username ‘Adi Agarwal’.
KOSEI ICHINOSE Kosei began playing poker in 2006 while studying in Canada and the English and Business student never looked back, with successful results in PokerStars SCOOP, WCOOP and Sunday Major events, and first-place finishes in APPT, Macau Millions and Red Dragon live events in Asia. He now competes in the toughest MTTs, Omaha and Mixed Games online at PokerStars.
Ichinose said: “I’m proud to be associated with PokerStars as I have achieved so much in the game by playing on the site. I now look forward to helping spread the popularity of poker in Asia and representing the brand at major international tournaments like the upcoming Aussie Millions later this month.”
Ichinose will play on PokerStars under the username ‘Kosei Ichinose’.
AUSSIE MILLIONS Both players will make their PokerStars-sponsored debut at the Aussie Millions festival, which is held in the Crown Casino, Melbourne, later this month, and are expected to take their seats in the AU $10,600 Main Event, which runs from January 25 to February 1.
