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| Kei Tanaka Shocks Fans: From Actor to Poker Star, Wins Over 115 Thousand Dollars at World Championship. |
In a surprising twist that has stunned both fans and media, Japanese actor Kei Tanaka—best known for his role in the hit drama "Ossan’s Love"—has made headlines by securing third place in the prestigious World Series of Poker (WSOP) held in Las Vegas, United States.
According to Japanese media reports, Tanaka entered the tournament under the English name "Kei Tanaka," keeping a low profile by wearing a cap and face mask throughout the event. Despite the discreet appearance, he managed to outplay over 1,900 participants, landing in the top three.
His impressive performance earned him prize money totaling 115,295 US dollars—equivalent to approximately 1.8 billion rupiah. Not bad for a tournament with just a 1,000-dollar (about 16 million rupiah) entry fee. Tanaka proved that his talent goes far beyond acting, showing off some serious skills at the poker table.
It’s no secret that Kei Tanaka has long been interested in gambling-related activities. Japanese tabloids have often linked him to various forms of betting, including horse racing, boat racing, pachinko machines, and even mahjong. Still, no one expected him to excel at an international poker event.
What makes this even more surprising is that the news comes at a time when Tanaka is facing personal controversy. Recently, he was rumored to be involved in an affair with actress Mei Nagano, known for her role in the anime-based drama "Cells at Work." Although both parties have denied the allegations, the scandal has somewhat affected his public image.
Yet, this victory may signal a new chapter for Tanaka—not just a comeback, but a complete reinvention. In the eyes of many, he’s no longer just an actor on screen. He’s now a real-life wildcard, capable of turning the tables—literally and figuratively.
Whether this was a one-time thrill or the start of a professional poker journey, one thing’s for sure: Kei Tanaka has proven he can shine in more than one spotlight.