Big news has broken on the eve of the 20th season of the World Poker Tour as legendary double Grammy award-winning musician and producer Steve Aoki has joined the WPT team as an ambassador. With a passion for poker, the former Poker After Dark player will bring dynamism and direction to one of the biggest brand names in the business as he looks set to kick an already stellar reputation into new space.
Aoki to Spin the Discs for WPT in 2022
Steve Aoki is, of course, a multi-award-winning DJ, and based in Las Vegas, has hosted many players parties over the years. With a revamp of the WPT taking place in this historic 20th year, the next 12 months look set to be very exciting as Aoki will be raising brand awareness across the globe while bringing music to millions.
“It’s such an honor to be joining the WPT family,” said Aoki in a press release from WPT. “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.”
The World Poker Tour are equally grateful to have nabbed a genuine global superstar such as Aoki to help promote their biggest season yet.
“The passion and energy in which Steve Aoki approaches every aspect of his life is both inspiring and very much in line with the new vision of the WPT,” Adam Pliska, World Poker Tour CEO, 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. We are honored to have him play an active role in our transformation and in the celebration of World Poker Tour’s 20th anniversary.”
What Will Aoki Bring to the World Poker Tour?
Aoki is at the forefront of brand development and as well as playing a lot of poker in the past. The DJ and music producer has shown that his ability to win new fans is something he can claim to be an expert at. He has over 35 million followers on his social media accounts and has spent some serious time at the felt on shows such as Poker After Dark.
Aoki also took part in the 2021 World Poker Tour Heads-Up Poker Championship, so he will be a huge draw when he sits down in the centerpiece of his year as WPT ambassador, the invite-only charity event this summer in Las Vegas.
The event will benefit the Aoki Foundation, which Aoki founded to support companies helping to develop brain science and research areas, focusing on regenerative medicine and brain preservation. Many prominent entrepreneurs and pioneers of other areas of science and commerce will be expected to attend as one of the must-play events of 2022.
A Multi-Directional Artist for a Multimedia Age
Steve Aoki can legitimately claim to be way more than an ambassador with just one industry from who to attract fans with ‘crossover appeal’. Poker and music are happy bedfellows, but they are not the only strings to Aoki’s considerable bow. Aoki made his name in the field of electronic music but has turned his hand to developing a fashion range, and has been big in business too.
Now a popular poker player in his own right, Aoki has broken the news to his fans on Twitter, saying that he was ‘excited to join the team as an ambassador to WPT!!’ Aoki also teased plenty of exciting developments, promising: ‘More news on the way so keep [your] eyes peeled!’
Now an entrepreneur and philanthropist in his own right, many players celebrated his arrival on the poker scene in more of a permanent fashion, with poker pro Xuan Liu saying ‘Proud of the teams that have been working hard to make this happen. Steve has the magic and vigor that can help bring poker into a fresh new era.’
Wholeheartedly future-oriented, Aoki is sure to be an exciting player to follow in 2022, with the NFT ‘futurist’ regularly interacting with his own fan base. Adding in millions of poker players and fans into the mix should make the WPT Main Event tour one to watch this year. The 20th season of the World Poker Tour kicks off this January in Hollywood, Florida as the Lucky Hearts Poker Open takes places at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.
