A big year ahead
DJ and producer Steve Aoki has taken one of his favorite pastimes to the next level, being named as an ambassador to the World Poker Tour (WPT). Thursday’s announcement comes amid a major revamp of the WPT, which enters its 20th season and will be getting help from Aoki to help build brand awareness.
Aoki will appear at numerous WPT special events
Aoki has already built numerous brands over the years and has a long history of playing poker. Most notably, he took part in last year’s WPT Heads-Up Poker Championship. He is also friends with some of the best poker players in the world. During the course of the 2022 season, Aoki will appear at numerous WPT special events as the organization looks to develop a new feel and look.
One such event in mid-2022 will be an invite-only charity event in Las Vegas to raise money for the Aoki Foundation, a charity that supports groups involved in brain-related research and science.
A good fit
Speaking about becoming an ambassador of the WPT, Aoki expressed thanks for joining the WPT team. He said: “I have watched and admired the WPT for many, many years and to now be part of the WPT family; it feels so surreal and I am incredibly grateful.”
WPT CEO Adam Pliska welcomed the Las Vegas-based DJ on board, speaking about how much passion and energy he brings to proceedings, making him an ideal fit for the new vision of WPT. Pliska said: “Steve’s love of poker and his dedication to inspiring others to live life to the fullest makes him the ideal WPT brand ambassador.”
The new season begins
WPT Season XX started on Thursday at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida with the WPT Lucky Hearts Poker Open. The WPT has released the schedule for the first half of the season, but could announce additional events in the future.
While it is usually poker professionals who become ambassadors of major poker tours, this is not the first time a high-profile celebrity has taken up the role. Actor Vince Vaughn, who announced “Shuffle Up and Deal” to begin the 2021 World Series of Poker (WSOP) Main Event final table, will also be the master of ceremonies for the WSOP this year when the event moves to Bally’s and Paris Las Vegas.