PokerStars announced last week that it has signed its first ever player from India to be a member of its “Team PokerStars” roster. The site also is bringing on a player from Japan, the company’s second sponsored player from that country.
From India (but now living in the United States), PokerStars has acquired the services of Aditya Agarwal, who has more than $2.5 million in lifetime tournament scores. His biggest scores have come on the Internet.
Kosei Ichinose, who hails from Japan, is an online grinder who plays tournaments and cash games. He has numerous tournament wins over in Asia.
“I’m proud to be associated with PokerStars as I have achieved so much in the game by playing on the site," Ichinose said in a statement. "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 (January).”
“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," Kirsty Thompson, PokerStars’ Head of Pro & Celebrity Management, said in a statement.
“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.”
PokerStars currently has 31 members of “Team PokerStars” and 21 members of “Team Online.”
In recent months, PokerStars has shaken up its list of sponsored pros to help it bolster its presence in emerging markets. Since the U.S. has been closed off, it isn’t a big focus for the company these days with regards to player sponsorship, though PokerStars does still sponsor Americans such as Vanessa Selbst, Jason Mercier and Chis Moneymaker. Last year, it parted with former main event champion Joe Cada, a Michigan native.
